32: Chapter 31 Rise of the Dark Knight (Thanks to ‘P0cKy’ for the grand reward) 32: Chapter 31 Rise of the Dark Knight (Thanks to ‘P0cKy’ for the grand reward) “It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, I’m at my stop,” said Wayne.
At the entrance of the train station, Wayne, with his luggage in hand, spotted the driver arranged by Veronica, who was holding a large sign with his name on it—Wayne.
At the same time, he conveyed his goodbyes to Hefei in a subtle manner.
Hefei didn’t understand and said with a smile, “I missed my train and now I’m penniless.
As a gentleman, would you really have the heart to watch a lady be left out on the streets?”
Come on, big sister, do you even know what being penniless means?
Wayne rolled his eyes: “I’ll buy you a train ticket and give you three baskets of potatoes.”
Without saying a word, Hefei smiled and got into the same car as Wayne.
The driver, a young man, was surprised by Hefei’s appearance and showed envy toward Wayne.
Wayne fell silent again; anyone with eyes could see that his relationship with Hefei was just that of total strangers.
There was nothing to explain, so he didn’t bother.
Wayne puffed out his chest slightly, puzzled by the driver’s lack of reasoning—it had nothing to do with him.
Enrold Town was much more prosperous than Caforno Town.
Due to the industrial boom, a large rural population had migrated to the towns, and if not for the recent economic downturn, Enrold Town would have been even more thriving.
This had nothing to do with Wayne; Mister Lando’s estate was secluded from the town’s hustle, located on a low hill to the north of the town, with a commanding view of the entire town below.
This was a massive estate, a four-story villa with white walls and a blue roof, surrounded by lawns and a meticulously tended fountain garden, as well as a gazebo garden for the family to enjoy the natural fragrance.
The vehicle entered through the wrought-iron fence, and Wayne looked at the luxurious estate, thinking that his father-in-law was truly extravagant to have even an uninhabited property tended by dedicated gardeners.
Gazing at the familiar garden, Hefei’s eyes flashed with sweet memories, and she exclaimed, “Wayne, I had no idea you were so wealthy, owning property even in such remote towns.”
“You’re thinking too much.
This is my girlfriend’s house; her wealth doesn’t mean I’m wealthy.”
“Can you tell me about your girlfriend, how did you meet?” asked Hefei, genuinely interested.
Wayne believed she was trying to undermine Veronica and didn’t want to delve into this topic.
He replied dismissively, “Nothing much to say, she came to the Detective Agency looking for a job, and I happened to need an assistant.
Love grew over time.”
“She is so rich, can you afford to hire her?”
“The job comes with a salary; she pays me.”
What’s that supposed to mean, that her daughter is chasing you by paying up?
Seeing the confusion in Hefei’s face, Wayne shrugged.
“I’ve already given her a job, why would I pay her a salary?
Once other bosses realize this, it will become the norm in society.”
So cutting-edge, it confused Hefei.
Outside the villa, the butler waited neatly dressed for the young lady’s distinguished guests.
Since the house was a distance from Lundan, there were only four professional maids from Lundan responsible for security and cleanliness, ensuring the Lando Family could move in at any time.
Gardeners and servants were hired from the town and were not considered insiders, so they did not join the welcome party.
A middle-aged butler and four robust-looking maids left Wayne dumbfounded.
Are you sure they’re not disciples of the Sun Goddess?
Or is it the taste of my father-in-law?
Oh my, if that’s the case, wouldn’t my mother-in-law be just like fitness trainers!
It’s such a relief that Veronica didn’t turn out weird!
While Wayne was stunned, so was the butler, wearing a monocle.
Weren’t they expecting just one guest?
How come the lady of the house was here too?
Hefei smiled at the butler and shook her head, not wanting to assume the identity.
The butler, a true professional, quickly caught the hint and didn’t ask why.
He stepped forward and bowed, “Welcome, esteemed guests.
I am the butler, Philark, and on behalf of the Lando Family, I welcome you.”
“Uh, thank you, Butler.
My name is Wayne, and this lady here is Miss Valentine,” Wayne said apologetically.
“I was supposed to come alone, but there was a little accident on the way here, and this lady is now homeless.
I owe her a favor, so I’m afraid I have to trouble you to arrange another room for her.”
Kid, do you even listen to yourself!
“Thank you for your trouble, Butler,” said Hefei, bowing slightly.
The butler immediately reciprocated with a polite gesture.
It is my honour as the butler of the Lando Family to serve such an elegant lady.
Rest assured, I will arrange your accommodations as if you were family.”
Wayne nodded repeatedly, admiring the butler’s professionalism.
The butler’s professionalism was maxed out, and his words were incredibly pleasing, especially the courteous manner.
To those in the know, it was the epitome of hospitality, but to others, it seemed as though the master of the house had returned!
With the butler being so courteous, Wayne felt a sense of pride and invited Hefei into the villa.
Ten seconds later, Wayne had tears in his eyes.
Poverty had limited his imagination, and he had tried his best to picture the opulence here, but still…
it wasn’t even worth mentioning in comparison.
Compared to this mansion, luxury trains were nothing but a woodshed, no, the woodshed of a maid’s house.
If mansions in a remote town are already so magnificent, Lundan’s ancestral home must be reaching for the skies,” Wayne mused maliciously.
“The maid and the gatekeeper of the Lando Family have broken up.
The reason, a long-distance relationship that didn’t end well.
The butler first arranged Wayne’s guest room and, after closing the door, he bowed deeply to Hefei to express his apology for the previous offense.
Hefei smiled faintly and pointed to the guest room opposite Wayne’s.
She would be staying here for the next while.
At the same time, she instructed the butler not to contact Lundan, as she didn’t want that certain someone to call and harass her.
The butler had just nodded when the phone in the living room rang, a call from Lundan, made by Austin Lando.
Mister Lando, having learned of his wife’s whereabouts, was furious, wishing he could immediately sink Wayne into the river, that’s how angry he was.
He’d only investigated Wayne for a short while before a leak from the subcontracted investigation business allowed Wayne to find out he was being watched by a big shot.
Fortunately, Wayne had sought help and, with a clever trick, sent the man packing from Lundan.
Looking at the result, everything turned out quite well.
The process, on the other hand, couldn’t bear scrutiny, it was a sore sight.
Because of this incident, his daughter, who hadn’t initiated a conversation with him for a long time, actually spoke up, her tone much kinder…
You bastard, deserve to die!
Mister Lando had made up his mind; he could never smooth things over with that high-ranking person and, for the same reason, Wayne could never return to Lundan.
Dream of winning over his sweetheart?
Ha, not even a chance!
Mister Lando was smug for only a short while, just one night.
The next day, a phone call wiped the smile off his face.
Wayne wasn’t courting his daughter but now his wife instead.
How could it be such a coincidence?
This kid definitely did it on purpose!
Mister Lando trusted his wife.
Given Hefei’s pride, she would neither look for a lover outside nor would she ever entertain such a notion, but the intelligence gathered was shocking.
Just to be safe, he decided to make a phone call and inquire.
Keep your cool, that punk named Wayne has something going on with your daughter!
Hefei didn’t answer the call, and scorned her good-for-nothing husband.
Her husband was not rushing over to commit murder, but merely making a phone call about rumors of his wife with another man.
Mister Lando hung up the phone that went unanswered, his entire face dark with anger.
Very well, you’ve piqued my curiosity…”
The scene shifts back to Enrold Town.
Lady Hefei found plenty of clothes and jewelry in the private dressing room of the mansion’s mistress.
The jewelry didn’t matter much, but the clothes were key; they fit her body as if they were tailored for her.
She hadn’t vacationed here for about four or five years, yet the mansion had always kept her wardrobe stocked…
“The bastard, people’s sizes change, all these clothes are of one size, clearly not considerate!”
Hefei huffed as she changed into an evening gown and twirled in front of the mirror.
She had the butler invite Wayne to dinner, intending to casually bring up the matter of magic.
The result wasn’t very good; Wayne declined the dinner invitation.
Hefei shook her head, then nodded.
Her previous actions were too aggressive, no doubt putting Wayne on his guard.
Good, avoiding women is a healthy habit; she hoped Wayne would always maintain it.
On the windowsill, a black owl landed, clutching a magic card in its beak.
Hefei took it in hand and read with a somber expression, “The Underground Great Tomb in Paris casts a shadow over Lundan… The Death Knight’s whereabouts are unknown, but someone in Lundan saw his sword, Shadowmare…”
“The Dark Knight rises, unstoppable; the alliance cannot spread its influence in Lundan due to his oppressive strength.”
“The minions of death and darkness are entrenched in Lundan…”
“The Misty Domain has taken deep root, nearly impossible to eradicate, a cataclysm could descend at any moment…”
Hefei sighed, being a Regional High Priest was indeed challenging; a high position brought heavy responsibilities, facing even stronger foes.
She pondered for a moment, realizing she could no longer delay.
She decided she would make a move on Wayne that very night, to take him as her disciple and return to Lundan to take charge.