*Chapter 70: The Gathering! (Fourth Update)*

Sitting in the carriage, Goethe didn’t need to look out to guess what Sheriff Lanst was up to. It was intentional.

When Lanst immediately called out Antinan’s name, Goethe suspected that Lanst had a strong impression of him. Approaching him at this moment was naturally an attempt to probe.

Under normal circumstances, Goethe would have completely ignored him.

But at this moment? It was different! Because Goethe couldn’t be sure if everything Antinan said was true.

Yes, the person was indeed Antinan. Lanst confirmed that.

But what about the rest?

Could it really be true? What if the entire situation was a trap set by Antinan? From their first meeting to the conversation and finally the invitation, it could all be a setup to lure him into a trap.

This possibility couldn’t be ruled out.

Therefore, Goethe thought that adding another layer of "insurance" wouldn't be a bad idea.

Moreover, even though Antinan's identity had been confirmed, Goethe still had doubts.

Even if Antinan was well-known in Hesetings, that didn’t alleviate his concerns.

After all, even Poirot Mapple was well-known in Hesetings.

As long as the groundwork was laid thoroughly, everything could be made to seem real!

And Goethe was very aware of one thing: back home, the reason he managed to survive until retirement wasn’t because he was more capable than anyone else, but because he was more cautious than anyone else.

Now that he was in Rust, Goethe had no intention of changing that.

And since entering the "Mystic Realm," Goethe was even more determined not to change his cautious approach.

He didn’t want to die just like that.

At least, not before he had truly enjoyed his retirement.

And how would he enjoy retirement? Naturally, it would start with good food every day.

And also...

Sufficient retirement funds!

The latter would need to be accumulated bit by bit.

As for the former?

"Maria, I need lunch—something normal, simple will do."

After returning to 11 Kimmel Street, Goethe gave the instruction directly.

"Yes, Master."

Maria was quite surprised by Goethe’s sudden return, but as a competent maid, she didn’t ask questions and immediately began preparing the unexpected lunch.

The kitchen was well-stocked with food.

Not wanting her master to go hungry, Maria quickly prepared the lunch.

"Cold beef, steamed potatoes, tomato soup, and baked apples."

"The baked apples are a recipe I learned from a cook who once served in a noble household. It’s said that she could perfectly roast over a dozen types of fruit."

"Please give it a try!"

As she spoke, Maria looked at Goethe with anticipation.

The cold beef was similar to the braised beef Goethe had tasted before—perfectly seasoned, with the distinct texture of beef, paired with soft mashed potatoes and a sip of the sweet and sour tomato soup. It was truly satisfying. Goethe was quite pleased with how quickly Maria had prepared this meal.

Except for the baked apple.

Holding the slightly charred apple, Goethe hesitated, finding it hard to take a bite.

After two attempts, he quietly set the baked apple aside, focusing on the other dishes.

Once he had finished everything else, Goethe said with a regretful expression, "The food was delicious, but I really can’t eat another bite."

"I know wasting food is bad."

"But you can save it for Kay—he’ll wake up in the evening and will surely enjoy it."

As Goethe spoke, he started heading upstairs, thinking it would be best to rest for a while.

"Yes, Master."

Maria's voice sounded a bit disappointed.

She had put her heart into roasting that apple, hoping to receive praise from her master.

*Third Floor Bedroom*

Goethe lay in bed, still able to hear the sound of the maid tidying up the dishes. He couldn't quite understand why Maria was so keen on learning those strange and unusual recipes.

The food she made normally was already delicious.

Was she trying to perfect her skills?

But could she be heading in the wrong direction?

Goethe shook his head, unable to figure it out for the moment, and began to patiently wait.

He was waiting for Andy Nan.

About an hour later, there was a knock on the door of No. 11 Kimmel Street.

The young man arrived at the door with his three bodyguards.

Signaling the bodyguards to wait outside, the young man followed Maria's guidance and walked to the second-floor parlor.

“Would you like something to drink?” Goethe asked with a smile.

“Coffee, please,” Andy Nan replied.

“Maria, bring me a cup of tea and a cup of coffee,” Goethe instructed.

When the maid brought the drinks and left the parlor, Andy Nan didn’t hesitate. He immediately took out a charred notebook and placed it in front of Goethe.

“This is my mother’s relic,” the young man said.

Goethe picked up the charred notebook.

He couldn’t determine the original number of pages, but judging by the proportion of the remaining edges of the cover, the complete notebook should have been slightly larger than an adult male's palm. Now, only about one-third of it remained.

With this extent of damage, not only did Goethe lack the foundational knowledge of the "Glyphic Language," but even someone with a full mastery of it would struggle to decipher what was written.

However, this didn’t stop Goethe from saying, “I need to make a copy. Afterward, I’ll return it to you.”

“Of course,” the young man agreed.

If possible, he certainly didn’t want to lose his mother’s relic. Since Goethe only wanted to copy it, the young man was more than willing.

Goethe carefully copied the contents.

About half an hour later, he had transcribed the remaining thirteen pages into his own notebook, marking each with the corresponding page numbers from the original.

“Did you discover anything?” Andy Nan asked.

“It still needs time to be deciphered. What are your thoughts on tonight’s gathering?” Goethe subtly changed the subject.

“I’m planning to organize a small trade fair—of course, one led by us. We’ll host it and try to establish it as a regular event, from which we can get what we want.

“To achieve this, I’ve made some preliminary plans, but they’re not foolproof. Fortunately, with your involvement, we can accomplish our goals more smoothly.

“So, in the end, this small trade fair will revolve around ‘you.’ I just need to know the truth about my mother’s death—that’s what you need to guarantee,” Andy Nan said frankly, while also offering a commitment.

As Goethe had assessed, the young man before him was indeed very smart and knew exactly what he wanted.

“What’s your plan?” Goethe asked.

“To display my power and make them submit—I can use balloons and phosphorus to create ghost lights, and I can use lenses and light screens to create illusions…”

“There are too many flaws!” Goethe interrupted. “It’s hard to deceive someone who is truly observant! And…”

“Mere power alone won’t make them truly submit!” Goethe interrupted the young man’s words and then offered his own suggestion.

“Can you act?” Goethe asked.

“Act?” The young man was taken aback.

“Yes, act!” Goethe nodded and then, in a deep voice, continued—

“You need to make yourself seem like a…

“Madman!”

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end