*Chapter 79: The White Lion Club*

Goethe didn't elaborate further, but just a simple question was enough for the clever young Andy Nan.

In an instant, Andy Nan thought of more details.

"Are you saying that last night's attackers are connected to the 'White Lion Club'?"

The young man frowned as well.

Then, he began to mutter softly to himself—

"My arrangements weren't particularly conspicuous, and not many people knew about last night's gathering. Moreover, the attackers had better opportunities before but chose last night—because I came into contact with you at noon yesterday, and you, who concealed extraordinary information in the newspaper, are a true extraordinary person, not one of those frauds. So, they couldn't wait to make their move at night."

"But they didn't expect that you had made prior arrangements."

"A single failure didn't make them give up; they immediately launched a second attack."

"And then, they failed again."

As he 'reviewed' the entire event, the young man let out a long breath.

"Anyone who could keep such close watch on me, apart from those three bodyguards, there's no one else."

"The servants at home had no idea about my meeting with you."

"Moreover, they also took turns acting as coachmen..."

"Hiss!"

"I suddenly feel like I'm standing naked in the cold wind."

The young man gasped.

No one likes being watched, especially not 24/7 surveillance.

Of course, more importantly, those three bodyguards were dead!

In the first moments of the attack last night, those three bodyguards were shot to death.

Silencing witnesses!

Such ruthless tactics sent chills down the young man's spine.

"Lord Mapel, should we choose a different club?"

Andy Nan asked.

Even though the young man was eager to turn the carriage around and head to a safer place, he did not forget to consult Goethe.

"No need."

"We need to make them think we're under their surveillance."

"At least, let them believe we're within their control."

Goethe shook his head.

Compared to tracking down the extraordinary person who controlled the raven, the 'White Lion Club' right in front of him was much more tangible.

Since the other party dared to manipulate a raven to attack him, they must have thorough means to cover their tracks, so even though he had suggested having someone search for them, Goethe didn't hold out much hope for the outcome. He did it more out of habit.

But the 'White Lion Club' was different.

If the 'White Lion Club' truly was within the enemy's sphere of influence, then some flaws would appear as long as the enemy believed they were still in control.

And he?

As long as he could grasp that flaw, it would be enough to turn the situation around!

There might even be additional gains!

"Is that so?"

"I understand!"

Andy Nan nodded, then silently berated himself.

Andy Nan!

You just resolved to help Lord Mapel, but now you're thinking of running away—it's really inappropriate!

Are you going to forget your vow just like that?

Are you going to give up on investigating the murderer who killed your mother?

Phew!

After taking a deep breath, the young man's eyes became determined.

"I'll do my best!"

Andy Nan's voice was firm, with a tone of assurance.

"Don't reveal any flaws."

"Stay within my line of sight as much as possible."

Goethe reminded him once more.

"Understood."

Andy Nan nodded again.

For the rest of the journey, they didn't discuss anything about the 'White Lion Club' but instead engaged in casual conversation. Goethe hoped to learn more about the world from Andy Nan.

The young man, in turn, was happy to share interesting stories with someone he respected.

Half an hour later, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

"Mr. Mapel, we're here!"

The coachman Rick said, then opened the door for Goethe.

Goethe stepped out of the carriage, surveying the 'White Lion Club' before him.

There was no prominent sign, even the outer walls were a dull gray, making the place quite inconspicuous. It was located at the southern edge of Hesse, but it covered a vast area. Pine trees rose from within the walls, blocking any view from the outside. At the entrance stood two attendants who looked like guards.

Moreover, Goethe could keenly sense that as soon as he stepped out of the carriage, at least three pairs of eyes locked onto him, scrutinizing him.

Not the guards at the entrance.

But hidden sentries around the area.

A military camp!

That was the first impression Goethe had.

At this moment, Andy Nan approached with a smile.

"Hi, Bill, Bick."

The young man greeted them like old acquaintances.

"Good morning, young master Andy Nan."

The two stern guards responded with a smile.

"Is Colonel Chimock in?"

"I brought a friend who wants to join the club."

As the young man spoke, he stepped aside to introduce Goethe behind him.

Goethe raised his right hand to touch the brim of his hat, not fully removing it, but it was a polite gesture.

The two guards immediately nodded in response, with the one named Bill saying, "Young master Andy Nan, please follow me with your friend."

"The Colonel is in his office."

Colonel Chimock was the owner of the 'White Lion Club.'

However, unlike other owners, Colonel Chimock insisted that everyone who knew him call him 'Colonel,' not 'Sir,' 'Your Excellency,' or, worst of all, 'Manager.'

Even though the club required either two regular members or one senior member to recommend someone for membership, this rule didn't pose a problem. Andinan was undoubtedly a senior member here and quite popular as well. As they walked in, people would frequently stop to greet him, extending their cordial greetings to Goethe as well.

Following Bill, the two of them entered a building on one side of the club. Unlike the three-story main building, this one was a tent. Inside the tent, a map made of cowhide hung on the wall, marked with various symbols in red and blue ink. Apart from that, there was only a military cot standing in a corner of the tent. The entire space was clean, tidy, and exuded a sense of military precision.

This atmosphere mirrored the man standing in front of the map—a middle-aged man with a rugged face, sharp eyes, and meticulously combed hair. He was dressed in a military uniform without any insignia, and his boots were polished to a spotless shine, without a speck of dust.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, he turned his head, waved to Bill, and then looked directly at Andinan.

"Private Andinan, have you completed your mission?"

"I'm sorry, Colonel."

"My mission failed, and I need reinforcements."

"However, I have brought an ally!"

Andinan cooperatively introduced Goethe to Colonel Chimok.

"In my place, all friends are welcome!"

"Welcome to the White Lion Club, my friend!"

As Goethe contemplated whether to play along, Colonel Chimok returned to his normal demeanor, stepped forward, and extended his hand.

Goethe raised his hand to shake it. The colonel's fingers, palm, and the edge of his hand were all covered in calluses. His hand was broad and strong.

"An expert in combat and shooting," Goethe immediately assessed.

At the same time, Colonel Chimok made his own judgment.

"A truly excellent ally!"

After speaking, the colonel turned back to the map hanging inside the tent and pulled out a contract from behind it.

"Private Andinan, you know who to find."

"Of course!"

The young man saluted with a grin, and under Colonel Chimok's mock stern gaze, he led Goethe out of the tent.

After walking a short distance, Andinan discreetly glanced at Goethe, his eyes full of inquiry.

Goethe hesitated briefly, then subtly shook his head. He hadn't sensed any extraordinary aura from the colonel—at least, not the kind of superhuman aura he was familiar with. However, that didn't rule out the possibility that the colonel was a hidden superhuman.

The young man quickly understood Goethe's meaning and began to explain more about the White Lion Club.

What followed was a series of procedures, such as paying the membership fee. Nothing noteworthy happened; everything was normal.

In fact, the next two weeks passed without incident, making them some of the most comfortable days Goethe had recently experienced.

Each morning, he would have breakfast while reading historical books related to the former "Dark Dynasty." He'd have lunch at home, and in the afternoons, he would go to the White Lion Club to practice shooting. After dining at the club in the evening, he'd return to No. 11 Kinmel Street, where he would write late into the night before having a midnight snack and going to bed.

Andinan was present throughout, even staying at No. 11 Kinmel Street at night for safety reasons. To make things more convenient, Andinan had also brought along his own chef. Goethe welcomed this, but the one who was most delighted was the maid, Maria, who learned new dishes from Andinan's chef. She even promised Goethe that she would soon prepare new dishes for him.

After smiling and encouraging her, Goethe instructed Andinan to tell his chef to teach Maria how to cook normal, ordinary dishes.

After a moment of thought, the young man understood what Goethe meant. He believed that Mr. Mapple must come from an extraordinary background, so the "normal, ordinary dishes" Mr. Mapple referred to must be the legendary dishes only traditional nobility could enjoy. The reason Mr. Mapple emphasized "normal, ordinary" was surely due to his humility, not wanting to show any distinction.

Although Mr. Mapple didn't want to show a difference, Andinan couldn't ignore it! With this mindset, the young man began gathering recipes from traditional noble cuisine, instructing his chef to teach them to Maria diligently.

And it was already showing results.

"Mr. Mapple, tonight Maria will have a surprise for you!"

As they walked side by side toward the shooting range at the White Lion Club, Andinan said mysteriously.

"A surprise?"

"I'm looking forward to it!"

Goethe immediately guessed that Maria had mastered a new dish and smiled—he could hardly wait.

But the next moment, Goethe frowned.

There was someone inside the shooting range with the door closed.

Two weeks ago, Andinan had already booked this shooting range, so there shouldn't be anyone inside.

But now, there were clearly multiple breathing sounds coming from within.

Goethe's lips curved slightly.

"Finally couldn't resist, huh?"

(End of Chapter)