Chinese Novel

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Chapter 976 A Familiar Flavor

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How could I possibly do any harm to my father once I've mastered his strengths and weaknesses? This at least would have a negative impact on the initiatives he's been tirelessly promoting or opposing... Floating half-way between the realms of mind and spirit, Audrey observed the "islands of consciousness" below, her thoughts unexpectedly calm. Then, suddenly, she realized something: precisely what Herwin Lambis had been aiming for in orchestrating Caron's suicide. Audrey had long been concerned about this matter, gathering information from various angles and forming a reasonably clear picture of the overall situation—yet she had always remained puzzled as to the specific objective the hidden orchestrator had in mind. This trap appeared designed specifically against the Conservative Party's finances, targeting Baron Sindras. As long as any single link in the chain faltered, the prominent banker would likely reveal vulnerabilities and be dealt with by the official special task force. Yet, the execution lacked a well-crafted contingency plan befitting a masterful conspiracy. Once Daven Tantris deviated from the expected script, the carefully laid plans crumbled, and no effective countermeasures were organized—far from the hallmark of a high-tier "observer" strategist. As a more seasoned "observer," Audrey had sensed something amiss from the outset. Today, upon hearing Herwin Lambis's own words, she suddenly realized the true essence of the earlier accusation: Herwin Lambis didn't care whether he succeeded in unseating Baron Sindras—he had already achieved what he sought. As he had just stated, a significant rift now existed between the New Party and the Conservative Party within the kingdom itself. Hewen Lambis spoke of wanting to address this issue, yet in reality, his true intention was to deepen the divide and create rifts! Why was he doing this? Odile maintained control over the "Island of the Mind," ensuring it did not reveal any signs of doubt. She promptly responded to Hewen Lambis's earlier remarks: "I fully understand your concerns regarding the kingdom's situation, and I will strive to act accordingly." As soon as she finished speaking, the Hewen Lambis on the "Island of the Mind" lowered his right hand from his forehead, while the Hewen Lambis seated on the sofa beamed with satisfaction. "You truly are a noble lady full of compassion and empathy," he said. "As he said this, the elderly man, wearing striped blue-gray pants, lowered his right leg, slightly leaned forward, and his eyes deepened: 'Given your status and daily environment, you will forget me, remembering only Hilbert, Stephen, and Island, and will relay any messages through them... When something of utmost importance needs to be reported, you will instinctively visit me, citing academic inquiries as your reason... Upon entering my home, the memories you have lost will be restored.' At the same time, on Audrey's 'Island of the Mind,' the man repeated these words, and as he spoke, the corresponding 'rocks' transformed swiftly, sinking into the ground and entering the subconscious realm." At this moment, Audrey felt herself split into two: one formed from the "island of the mind," whose face and name she no longer remembered, only knowing that she had come to Stephen Hampreys' home, met a member of the Psychological Alchemy Council, received praise for her "role-playing" technique, and been given a new assignment; the other floating beneath the spiritual sky, vividly recalling everything that had happened, yet with fewer emotional shifts, more optimistic and less somber. Audrey was certain that the one in the middle was the most essential self-awareness, so she did not confuse them, and with "her" as the center, guided the other one, who remained dazed, to rise and say: "Yes, sir." Upon finishing the response, she quickly straightened up, as though manipulated by invisible threads, and stepped steadily toward the entrance, opening the door and stepping out. At that very moment, as she closed the door, the version of herself who had been half-empty in her inner world and the version corresponding to the "Consciousness Island" suddenly merged into one—no longer distinguishable from each other. Two distinct memories, momentarily blending, caused a few seconds of confusion in Audrey. Yet, with considerable experience in healing and hypnosis, she swiftly and skillfully clarified the sequence, distinguishing the authentic from the secondary, and reconstructed every detail of what had just unfolded. What an exceptional ability in reading minds and hypnosis… This influence was directly reaching into my mental and spiritual being, through the vast ocean of collective unconsciousness… Even with the blessing of the Angel of the Fool, Audrey recalled the events as though viewing faded, yellowed photographs—seemingly from a time long past. I can do this too! The blessing of the Angel of the Fool is truly remarkable! Hmph—I’ll only relay Dad’s opinions on less important matters. As her thoughts flickered, her mood began to improve. … Ah! A steam locomotive belching thick plumes of smoke pulled one carriage after another into Beckland Station. After several days of travel, Cline finally returned to the capital city of the world. Dressed in a formal suit, wearing a hat, and holding a gold-handled cane, he moved slowly from the first-class carriage, steadying himself on the platform. Behind him followed a young man of apparent mixed heritage, standing about 1.75 meters tall, carrying two suitcases—Enzo, now renamed Enuny to reflect a more southern continental identity. From now on, he would serve as the point of contact between the newly minted wealthy and military entrepreneur, Doen Tanats, and his clients across the southern continent, handling less critical business matters and thus eliminating the need for Doen Tanats himself to travel back and forth between the eastern and western regions of the land. Of course, this was merely a public façade; in truth, it was still Cline who was tirelessly traveling. His initial plan was to send a few followers under the name of "Poseidon" Kavitova to the east and west of Valen, to handle future, potentially frequent, small-scale trade transactions. After all, Daniz had now become a well-known pirate with a substantial bounty, renowned across the Five Seas, and his close ties with Germán Sparrow made it increasingly suspicious that he would continue to assist Daven Tholos. Upon exiting the station, Caine took a carriage and returned to No. 160 Berkland Street. By now, it was late evening, and the gas streetlamps along the road were lit. The Daven Tholos residence shone brightly, its lights glowing steadily. The butler Walter and the housekeeper Tania led the male servants, female staff, gardeners, and coachmen out, standing on either side, awaiting their employer. — Upon arriving at the Dese Gulf, after purchasing a ticket for the steam train, Crane sent a telegraph back to Beckett to inform the housekeeper of his expected return time. However, he specifically instructed her not to send a carriage to the station to meet him, as delays with steam trains were the norm, and it was not uncommon for him to arrive the next morning. Glancing at the servants standing with impeccable posture and respectful demeanor, Crane nodded silently, passing through them, quietly reflecting: This does have a certain noble touch—when the employer is away, the housekeeper hasn’t slackened her duties at all. At the door, he gave a gentle nod to Walter and Tania: "Thank you both for your efforts during this time." "It is our duty," they replied in unison, bowing slightly. Crane then turned his gaze to the close male servant Richardson, noticing the well-dressed mixed-blood man appeared slightly pale, constantly glancing at the new male servant, Eunyin, who was following closely behind his employer. Klein chuckled and nodded. "You've done well so far, but some matters involve business on the southern continent and require Enyuni to handle them. 'Yes, I'll take on the role of assistant to Mr. Walter and work with him to gather information about the estates outside the city.'" Assistant... steward's assistant... Richardsen was momentarily stunned, then responded with enthusiasm: "Yes, sir!" Reaching this position meant he had truly broken free from the servant class and climbed one rung upward. Walter didn't ask specific questions about the estates, but instead carefully arranged for his employer's entry into the house, his cleaning, and his meal. Only after these tasks were completed, and after accompanying the new steward Enyuni to deliver Don Tanquetes back to the third floor, did he finally ask: "Mr. Tanquetes, are you planning to purchase one of the estates outside of Becland? Do you have any specific requirements?" "Not too expensive... who knows how long this status will last," Klein murmured to himself, then said carefully, "with a vineyard and a winery." After completing the military supplies transaction, he had already established himself within the upper circles of Beckland and amassed considerable wealth. Therefore, he now needed a country estate—otherwise, during autumn or winter, he would be unable to invite friends for weekend getaways or hunting trips, which would be a mark of poor standing and easily seen as beneath notice. Estates outside Beckland were quite costly; eight to ten thousand pounds could secure a large estate with ample land and rubber groves in the Dizzy Bay area. Here, however, he would have to settle for a vineyard, crop production, and an on-site winery. "I'll gather the information as soon as possible," the butler, Walter, replied respectfully. He knew the employer was weary from the journey, so after briefly updating him on recent developments, he left the third floor to attend to other matters. Meanwhile, Caine, with the help of his new personal servant, Enyuni, changed into his attire and attended to his personal hygiene. During this process, Caine—now beginning to acclimate to his divine nature—could not help but internally remark: "If the Seer's ability couldn't extend beyond one kilometer, I'd have no reason to replace my personal servant. I'm already a wealthy man, yet I still have to attend to my own needs. Oh well!" With a sigh, he sent "Winner" Enyuni to the adjacent room and walked to the window, gazing out at the city of Bekland, its lights shimmering like stars reflected in water, allowing his thoughts to drift. His next target: Major Deputy Director Chonas Colg of MI9. As for Lord Stafford, the Court Guard Commander, that could be left to the mage Tris—she had vanished for a long time, busy with unknown matters, uncertain of how to approach the nobleman. Previously, he had used her communication method to inform her that he had other commitments and couldn't spare time at the moment, and would need to return later to confirm her availability and reestablish their prior collaboration. On his first day back in Beckland, he was woken up again in the middle of the night.