Chapter 47: The Visitor

Seeing Goethe finally admit it, Syra couldn't help but smile with self-satisfaction.

She, Syra, possessed both beauty and wisdom!

Although she relied on her mentor to truly establish the Hunter's Bar, she was no longer the same person she once was. She could now stand on her own!

Feeling quite pleased with herself, Syra continued speaking.

"After discovering the truth, you immediately chose to ally with the secret keeper, even joining their ranks. But you still underestimated the determination of that guy from the Pine Hotel."

"Or rather, that guy had already gone mad."

"He stopped caring long ago."

"So..."

"You need an ally."

As she spoke, Syra stepped closer to Goethe and extended her hand.

Her posture was perfect!

Her movements, elegant!

Her appearance, beautiful!

And combined with her unparalleled wisdom, Goethe must have already been awed by her.

Full of confidence, Syra looked at Goethe.

And then she noticed that Goethe was looking at her with a peculiar expression.

That look felt familiar.

It was like the time when, out of curiosity, she had wanted to taste pig feed, only to be chased by a pig for two blocks. Then, after climbing a tree to escape the pig, she accidentally disturbed a wasp's nest and had to jump into a well to avoid the wasps, nearly drowning in the process—when her mentor had rescued her and listened to her explanation, he'd given her that same look.

While Syra was lost in thought, Goethe stood up and shook her hand.

Goethe had no intention of letting the woman before him realize anything.

"Happy cooperation."

Syra said with a smile.

"Happy cooperation."

Goethe echoed.

"Since we’re allies now, partners in this, could you tell me something about the 'Mad King's Treasure'?"

Syra asked with hopeful anticipation.

She hoped that Goethe, overwhelmed by her charm, would reveal some of the things he shouldn't.

"No!"

Goethe responded firmly, like cutting through iron.

He felt a bit helpless, too.

Everything he knew about the "Mad King's Treasure" had come from Syra.

As for himself?

He didn’t know a thing.

"Stingy!"

"But don’t forget your promise."

"You won’t forget, right?"

Syra pouted, then became serious.

The woman before him, despite being a logical genius, was indeed powerful.

She was far more familiar with the "extraordinary world" than he was.

Moreover, even if she were a fool, she definitely wouldn’t trust others easily.

So...

Was it a contract?

Or some kind of power?

Or maybe she had something like a "truth-revealing pocket watch"?

Goethe speculated with his limited knowledge of the extraordinary, but outwardly, he remained just as serious.

"I haven’t."

"I, Goethe, will naturally not forget what I’ve promised."

Goethe emphasized.

"Good!"

"You’ve made a promise, and I will offer my help—in three days, I will help you find that guy!"

"Then, together, we’ll deliver a fatal blow!"

After speaking, Shira turned and walked out.

She could hardly wait to find the "Fog Killer."

And then?

Naturally, she would unlock the "Mad King's Treasure"!

Shira was convinced that the "Mad King's Treasure" was in Goethe's possession or that he held the key to unlocking it.

As for the "Fog Killer" that was found?

It was likely a decoy released by the Wayne family to confuse everyone.

As a descendant of the "Mad King," if she couldn't even handle this, how could she have nurtured someone like Goethe?

They would have been wiped out long ago!

Confident, Shira left.

Goethe didn't see her off; he watched her board the carriage and then got into his own carriage after seeing hers disappear into the distance.

As for thoroughly searching No. 1 Guta Street?

He had already done that earlier.

And, of course, found nothing.

Even if there had been something, during the days he was "away from home," No. 1 Guta Street would have been turned inside out.

Now?

Nothing would be left.

In the carriage, Goethe continued to think.

"Aside from the part related to me, Shira's information should be true."

"But because of my appearance, what she believes to be true has actually become false beyond a doubt."

"However, is the 'Mad King's Treasure' related to the 'Secret Realm'?"

Goethe frowned.

Lacking key information, there would be no conclusive results.

"I must learn more!"

"And also..."

"Strengthen my power."

Goethe reminded himself.

Coincidentally, the afternoon's class was temporarily canceled due to Mrs. Pence's health condition.

For the next three days, it would be the same.

Goethe immediately followed his plan: practicing shooting with the ammunition provided by Swart while trying to learn as much as possible about the extraordinary from Mrs. Pence during meal deliveries.

At the same time, he waited quietly for news from Shira and Morey.

Although Mrs. Pence was strict, she didn't mind sharing more with Goethe.

Three days wasn't a long time, but for Goethe, who was previously lacking in knowledge of the extraordinary, it was quite a fruitful period.

However, there was no news from Shira or Morey.

The lack of results from both made Goethe even more cautious.

Shira had access to the intelligence network of hunters.

Morey had official channels as a Keeper.

With these combined, they should have had smooth access in Roost.

But nothing had been found.

What does this mean?

The opposition had completely gone into hiding.

Both the "Fog Killer" and the owner of the Pinecone Hotel had done so.

And this kind of hiding wasn't out of fear or cowardice.

Nor was it a sign of giving up!

The "Flesh and Blood Church" had worked hard to draw the attention of the Keepers from surrounding cities, and the Keepers stationed in Roost were severely injured. They wouldn't miss such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

So, the two must be preparing to open the Secret Realm!

Once the preparations were complete, the dagger would be drawn!

A sense of impending doom, like the calm before a storm, made Goethe deeply uneasy.

In fact, Goethe wasn't the only one feeling this way.

Kyle was too.

Not because Kyle had sharp instincts.

But because of Morey's mission.

This kind of task left Kyle distracted, even when cooking.

However, the young man quickly adjusted.

"This is a gentleman's promise!"

"One should not be careless!"

"And besides, I'm sure Lord Morey can handle everything!"

The young man reminded himself, then began to fry the fish he had marinated that afternoon.

Sizzle!

In the unique sound of high-temperature oil, the fish quickly turned golden brown.

Kyle calmly prepared the sauce.

He had promised to make Goethe a lavish dinner over the weekend as an apology, so naturally, he had to give it his all.

Fish, lamb, steak.

And a whole chicken.

These were all purchased fresh that morning.

Then, they were marinated and further processed.

Kyle brought out his best dishes.

He knew about the incident with Puli, but he didn't know how to comfort Morey. All he could do was invite Morey to dinner, along with Mrs. Pence, who was gradually recovering—though, unfortunately, the lady declined.

Because Mrs. Pence's butler would be buried alongside Puli in four days.

So, the lady refused to leave her home.

No one wants to see such things.

Sadness and grief were in everyone's hearts.

And Kyle hoped that a delicious meal would lift everyone's spirits.

Moreover, he planned to make some small pastries to bring to Mrs. Pence.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Kyle, your smoked sausages!"

The knocking was followed by Old Henry's voice from the downstairs deli.

"Coming!"

Kyle wiped his hands and quickly headed to the door.

Old Henry made excellent sausages.

Especially the smoked ones—the blend of fruitwood and meat flavors had often left Kyle in awe.

Sadly, it was a family recipe of Old Henry's that Kyle could never learn.

But that didn't stop him from adding Old Henry's smoked sausages to tonight's menu.

But as soon as he opened the door, Kyle froze.

A figure in a hooded cloak stood outside, holding a freshly severed, blood-dripping head.

That head was...

Old Henry!

Kyle was shocked, instinctively stepping back to reach for his gun, but the person holding Old Henry's head remained calm, lifting the head high and shaking it before Kyle, letting the blood splatter as they mimicked Old Henry's voice—

"Hey, Kyle, good evening."

(End of chapter)