Chapter 78: Completed One Task!

When Goethe looked at Andinan, the young man also turned to look at Goethe.

"Mr. Mapple, I hope to further cooperate with you."

"These things..."

"You understand!"

The smart young man spoke up proactively, not waiting for Goethe to say anything.

"I can offer all my wealth for you to protect me and help me investigate the truth about my mother's death!"

"I hope you will agree!"

After speaking, the young man stared at Goethe, his eyes full of anticipation.

"One-sixth!"

This was Goethe's reply.

Andinan was stunned, not quite understanding what Goethe meant.

"I only need one-sixth of all your wealth, 10,000 gold crowns—because I can't guarantee 100% that I can protect you and uncover the truth about your mother's death!"

"I can only promise to do my utmost to protect you and to help you investigate your mother's death to the best of my ability."

Goethe explained.

This explanation brought a smile to the young man's face.

"You are the most trustworthy person I have ever met!"

There's nothing more trustworthy than someone who isn't swayed by the prospect of more money.

Just moments ago, the young man was still feeling uneasy.

Andinan's intelligence was unquestionable, so he had quickly seen through the situation: he was being targeted by an organization of superhumans, and without the protection of another superhuman, he was as good as dead.

Moreover, he knew that rather than seeking out other superhumans, it was better to firmly grasp this opportunity with Mr. Mapple.

After all, finding another superhuman was uncertain, and whether or not they would be trustworthy was enough to cause Andinan anxiety; he didn't want to end up dead in his sleep.

But Mr. Mapple was different. The principles he displayed reassured the young man, at least he wouldn't have to worry about being "suicided" because of money.

"Meeting you is the best thing that's happened to me!"

With that, the young man bowed in respect.

"You get out what you put in."

"No more, no less."

Goethe instinctively said a saying from his hometown.

"I will gather the funds immediately and get them to you as quickly as possible."

Andinan promised.

Then, he continued to ask.

"What do we do now?"

"You need to hire 3-6 loyal bodyguards to ensure that you have at least 2 protecting you at all times."

"Then, you should hire more people to track down the source of those crows. You don't need to find the actual person controlling them, just a general direction. Of course, the more detailed, the better."

"And..."

"Is there a legitimate shooting club in Hesatins where you can practice, including but not limited to revolvers?"

Faced with the young man's inquiry, Goethe replied directly.

"A legitimate shooting club?"

The young man's gaze instinctively drifted to Goethe's waist.

He was well aware of the news surrounding this man.

But he quickly realized that such a gaze was impolite, so he cleared his throat and stood up straight.

Then, he looked at Goethe with a bit of concern.

When he saw that Goethe's face only showed slight embarrassment and no anger, he breathed a sigh of relief.

He had been worried that this potential cooperation might end before it even started.

"That was an accident!"

Goethe emphasized, then reorganized his thoughts.

"What I need is a shooting club where I can practice, including but not limited to revolvers."

"A shooting club?"

"I know a good one—my bodyguards are hired from there, and I also need to hire a few more bodyguards!"

"When do we leave?"

Andinan asked.

"After I deal with them!"

Goethe pointed outside to No. 6 Castle Street.

There, a group of reporters had gathered.

"Them?"

The young man looked at the reporters downstairs in confusion.

Some had appeared last night but had been driven away by Lancet's orders. Now they were gathering again, and it was clear that they were well-prepared.

Gunfights, crows, death.

These words combined were enough to excite these reporters to the point of ecstasy.

Even if it meant being detained or beaten, they had to find out the truth.

However, the worst-case scenario did not occur.

The door of No. 6 Castle Street opened, and their familiar acquaintance, Goethe, stepped out.

The reporters were stunned for a moment, then swarmed around Goethe, surrounding him completely.

"Mr. Mapple, can you tell us what happened here?"

"Mr. Mapple, why do you always appear at dangerous scenes?"

"Mr. Mapple, why did the crows suddenly fall?"

...

One question after another was thrown out. Goethe glanced at his reputation, which had now reached [30]. After several days, the previous news impact was gradually diminishing.

The growth rate of his reputation was slowing down. It was clear that within a few more days, it would lose its effect entirely.

But with today's news?

Goethe was confident that he could make his reputation skyrocket again!

The wealth from the main mission could already be considered complete.

As for the remaining reputation task, Goethe felt he needed to double his efforts—he always felt as if he was shackled by the main mission. Only by breaking free from these shackles could he truly act freely.

So, he gave the reporters in front of him a kind smile.

"Last night, I was invited by Andy Nan to attend a dinner—we met at a restaurant yesterday at noon and had a pleasant conversation, so I accepted the invitation."

"Who would have thought that last night there would be an attack? I did my best to protect Andy Nan, but the others..."

At this point, Goethe took off his hat, his voice choked, and his eyes slightly reddened.

This scene greatly moved the surrounding reporters.

"Mr. Mapel, please don't be sad, you've done enough," a female reporter couldn't help but comfort him.

"Yes, it's not your fault!"

"That's right, it's the fault of those incompetent police officers!"

The surrounding reporters immediately echoed.

Goethe nodded, turned around, took out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes, and adjusted his clothes. The reporters around him patiently waited—this was the proper etiquette for a gentleman, and no one rushed him.

After about ten seconds, Goethe felt the atmosphere was just right and turned back.

"No one wants to face accidents, but no one knows whether an accident or tomorrow will come first."

"I often face accidents, just by sheer coincidence."

"It's like fate whispering in my ear, 'You cannot withstand the storm,' and I will loudly reply, 'I am the storm!'"

Goethe gradually raised his tone, almost shouting by the end.

The surrounding reporters were drawn in by his high-pitched voice, especially the female reporter who had just asked a question, who was so moved that she began to applaud. This obviously sentimental female reporter looked at Goethe with a different expression.

Like a domino effect.

When one person takes the lead, others will follow.

If you don't believe it, give it a try.

After all, human nature is to echo.

The applause lasted for half a minute, and Goethe slightly bowed to thank them.

Then, a look of difficulty appeared on his face.

"As for why the raven suddenly fell from the sky, to be honest, I really don't know—that's beyond my knowledge."

"However, trust me, I will consult an ornithologist on this matter."

"And then, I'll let you know."

"My friends, it was a pleasure and an honor to see you all again, but please forgive me, as an author who just went through an attack and had to stay up late writing, I need to catch up on sleep."

This slightly humorous response once again won the praise of the surrounding reporters.

Without any obstruction, Goethe returned to 6 Castle Street.

The reporters dispersed, satisfied.

Meanwhile, on the terrace, Andy Nan watched Goethe handle the interview with ease but couldn't help falling into deep thought.

"Why is Lord Mapel so keen on accepting interviews?"

"He should be quietly preparing his forces now, guarding against that mastermind... wait!"

"Could this be a show of force?!"

"Lord Mapel, in keeping with his promise, is actively drawing the attention of the mastermind to ensure my safety!"

The young man believed he had grasped the key point.

Instantly, he was deeply moved.

He looked at Goethe with even more respect.

Then, the young man clenched his fists in determination.

"I can't just sit back and do nothing!"

"I have to help!"

"After all, Lord Mapel is also being dragged into this because of me. He's merely pursuing extraordinary knowledge, but now he has to fight an unknown enemy!"

"So..."

"I can be the 'bait' to draw out those who are after me!"

"And then, Lord Mapel can deliver the fatal blow to them!"

With this thought, the young man's mind began to form a plan: he would use his advantages to the fullest!

But first, he had to—

"Lord Mapel, thank you."

The young man expressed his gratitude solemnly.

"You're welcome."

"Shall we depart?"

Goethe thought Andy Nan was thanking him for what had just happened. Goethe didn't take it to heart; he had been paid, so naturally, he would fulfill his responsibility.

"Alright."

"Your coachman is already waiting for you."

"And you are?"

Andy Nan inquired.

"Ride in my carriage."

Goethe replied.

After all, he had spent money on it.

Goethe and Andy Nan shared one carriage, while Andy Nan's carriage followed behind.

"To the 'White Lion Club.'"

Andy Nan gave Rick a destination.

Then, as the carriage moved, Andy Nan began to introduce the club to Goethe.

The White Lion Club, located in the southern part of the city of Hesse, has indoor and outdoor riding tracks, shooting ranges, and also provides dining and resting rooms. Inside, there are rooms for billiards, fencing, and hand-to-hand combat. The club's owner is a former colonel of the kingdom's elite 'White Lion Legion,' and most of the club's instructors also come from the military, while the members are mostly the children of wealthy families.

Why the children of wealthy families?

Because the annual membership fee for the White Lion Club is 10 gold crowns, which is just the basic fee. Horseback riding, shooting, fencing, and combat courses are charged separately.

Of course, there are also some military officer members.

These officer members are exempt from fees.

"That owner is a good person."

Finally, Andy Nan commented.

But Goethe frowned.

Because...

The more Andy Nan talked, the more Goethe felt that this 'White Lion Club' was similar to certain 'training camps' back in his hometown.

In his hometown, Goethe chose his former profession because he once accidentally entered a similar club.

He thought it was a professional club.

And then...

It was too professional.

It had become completely professionalized.

What could he do?

If he didn't join, he would be suicided.

If he joined, it was a slow suicide.

So, he had no choice but to pretend to join, and then let the other members of the club be suicided.

It was a dark chapter in Goethe's past.

Even now, thinking about it made him frown.

Andy Nan noticed this.

"What's wrong, Lord Mapel?"

The young man asked softly.

Goethe hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Is that club trustworthy?"

(End of chapter)