Chapter 349: Trembling

Chapter 349: Trembling

Joseph Wood District.

As a Wild Talent, Hugh and Fors lived in a rather remote apartment. Luke turned several corners before finally reaching the street, where the bustling city of Barkeland filled his ears with the lively voices of its people.

"It feels like a village within a big city," Luke remarked.

The district was filled with small companies and residential areas, making it a densely populated area for most residents and outsiders. The management was more relaxed compared to other places, and at first glance, it didn't seem too different from the morning market on Watercress Street in Tinggen. However, the stalls were more organized, the hawkers' voices were louder, and the foot traffic was even denser.

Luke was dressed in a better-quality tailcoat than before, complete with a delicate bow tie, pocket watch, half-high silk top hat, and cane. He was impeccably attired.

Most residents in this area, also known as the "City of Hope," valued their appearance. Middle-income families would dress up in formal wear to go to work, and even some fallen nobles, despite selling off their lands and unable to maintain their daily expenses or even feed themselves, would still hire a large number of servants.

The weather today was not too bad; the smog wasn't too severe, and visibility was better than usual. Luke made his way to a convenient avenue and hailed a well-decorated carriage.

"To the Queens District, please."

The driver wiped the sweat from his forehead and sneaked a glance at Luke, speaking with respect.

"Five Sollers, sir."

The price was not normal. It was close to the weekly salary of most low-income washerwomen who worked twelve hours a day, and two-thirds of the weekly salary of factory workers. Even the laborers in the dockyards could only afford this fare twice.

A typical case of charging based on the customer's appearance and destination, the driver adjusted the fare accordingly. However, the rental and parking of the carriage likely involved high commissions, leaving the driver with little profit.

Luke glanced at the driver, whose weathered face showed a humble and ingratiating smile, which quickly turned to unease and fear.

Luke slowly averted his gaze, like a true gentleman, and smiled politely as he paid the fare and gave an extra Soller as a tip.

"Please drive steadily, I'd like to enjoy the scenery along the way."

"Yes, sir."

The driver visibly relaxed and drove with extra caution, ensuring a smooth ride.

As the carriage moved on, the hawkers' voices faded, and the lively atmosphere gradually dissipated. The number of pedestrians thinned out, but the number of gentlemen in formal wear and ladies in various styles of long dresses increased.

They exchanged ideas on reducing smog and factory emissions, discussed the latest plays, and critiqued the performances of singers and musicians at concerts, all with a cheerful demeanor.

Luke drew the curtain and closed his eyes to rest.

The closer they got to the Queens District, the better the living conditions became. Or rather, only those with good living conditions, sufficient income, and decent jobs could afford to rent houses near the Queens District.

Located in the northwest of Barkeland, the Queens District, along with the West District, was the safest, most strictly guarded, and most promptly resolved areas for living issues in the entire city. Additionally, the Queens District was also close to the headquarters of the Night Goddess Church in the North District, St. Samuel's Cathedral.

It could be said that if anyone dared to cause a big disturbance in that area, even a half-god strongling might face the possibility of defeat. However, if the disturbance wasn't significant enough and didn't exhibit any abnormalities, there wouldn't be any major consequences.

Even in the Queens District, there wouldn't be high-sequence stronglings constantly monitoring the entire area, nor would there be patrols or investigations by Sequence 5 or Sequence 6 individuals everywhere.

The wealthy old nobles or new nobles would only choose to hire bodyguards to ensure their safety, while there were also many declining nobles who couldn't afford to hire Talents.

However, Luke didn't intend to cause much trouble today. Without divine power, creating a disturbance could easily lead to his current body's breakdown.

Sequence 4 was a significant turning point; a half-god strongling could slaughter Sequence 9 to Sequence 5 low-sequence individuals as easily as killing a chicken. Even though Luke was special, he could, at most, fight a Sequence 4 individual in a rush, and it would be difficult to replicate.

A temporary ritual might not provide enough power, and it could easily lead to the collapse of the body if the original body lacked self-control. Using old knowledge pollution directly wasn't a good idea either. While stronglings below the level of angels with divine power would be affected, they were more likely to go insane and attack indiscriminately rather than die on the spot.

The carriage came to a stop, and the driver's voice called from outside.

"We're here, sir."

Luke stepped down from the carriage and slightly raised his eyes, only to be surprised by the distant scenery.

The buildings bathed in the morning sun were exquisite, with Gothic spires piercing the dawn. Steam pipes wrapped around the arches like silver snakes, exhaling mother-of-pearl mist in the colored light cast by the rose windows. Each piece of stained glass, adorned with gear patterns, told the story of the marriage between industry and mysticism.

Anyone who witnessed this scenery would be convinced that this place was indeed the pearl of the Rune Kingdom, the City of Hope, and the capital of all capitals, just as it was portrayed.

Luke raised his staff, straightened his back, and donned a gentle, polite smile that subtly hinted at his superior status. He strolled into the Queens District.

Pretending to be a noble was no challenge for him. In several different worlds, Luke had already claimed the throne and ruled over empires, effortlessly exuding the demeanor of a ruler.

The security within the district was indeed impressive. At a glance, one could spot numerous disciplined and physically fit officers, each with a professional and alert demeanor. The luxurious mansions were spaced apart, ensuring both ample space and privacy.

The Queens District was also divided by class, with the most prestigious areas occupied by the most esteemed, wealthy, and titled nobility. The middle-class areas were inhabited by rich individuals without titles or with lower titles, while the lower-class areas were home to struggling minor nobles struggling to maintain their dignity.

Luke strolled leisurely towards a mansion that was slightly less well-maintained and located in a less desirable area. His gait was steady and calm, showing no signs of nervousness.

Along the way, he encountered a few officers, led by a young squad leader. With a wave of his hand, the squad leader signaled for his team to halt and stand at attention, offering a crisp salute to Luke.

"Good morning, Your Excellency," they greeted.

"Thank you for your hard work," Luke replied with a nonchalant nod, as if granting a favor. He continued on his way without further interaction.

Only after Luke's figure had faded into the distance did the young officer behind the squad leader dare to speak.

"Sir, that gentleman seemed unfamiliar. Shouldn't we have inquired about him?"

The squad leader chuckled softly, "You're still too young. In our line of work, we may choose not to engage with dangerous criminals or respond to perilous fires and gunfights, but we must have keen eyes."

"But, sir, can we really make those choices?"

"The key is in the last one."

The squad leader patted the young officer's head with a sigh, "That gentleman, despite his youthful appearance, clearly exudes the aura of a high-ranking figure. He's likely the eldest son of a marquis or duke, destined to inherit the title, perhaps even a member of the royal family."

"Is it that exaggerated?"

The officer scratched his head in confusion, "But don't such important figures usually travel with a large entourage?"

"There are times when they prefer to travel alone for various reasons."

The squad leader raised his eyebrows suggestively, offering a knowing smile that the officer couldn't refute.

...

As Luke approached the mansion, he noticed a sign at the entrance.

"Lari," he murmured, reading the surname of the unfortunate noble he had randomly selected. He knocked on the door.

After a brief moment, an elderly gentleman, impeccably dressed, opened the door with a polite yet puzzled expression.

"May I ask whom you seek?"

"I'm here to speak with the master of the house regarding an important matter."

Luke maintained his aloof demeanor, his voice deepening with a magnetic quality that seemed to carry an irresistible charm.

The old butler's mind went blank for a moment as he gazed at the dignified visitor. He discreetly observed the visitor's formal tailcoat, which was unsuitable for combat, and noted the absence of any weapon other than the staff. Only then did he step aside to let Luke pass.

"Are you a friend of Baron Lari? May I ask for your name? According to etiquette, visitors should send a calling card in advance and schedule an appointment."

The old butler inquired as he led the way.

Baron Lari...

It was only then that Luke learned of the title associated with "Lari." He feigned a cold and impatient expression, glancing at the butler with a stern tone.

"That's not something you should inquire about."

Many nobles had secrets they preferred to keep hidden—be it shameful desires, illegal activities, illicit business dealings, tax evasion, or even more serious matters.

Could he be an officer from Intelligence Nine?

The old butler's heart raced with various speculations, but he dared not ask further. Instead, he silently led the way.

Despite appearing slightly less impressive than the other mansions in the district, this was still a mansion in the Queens District.

As Luke followed the old butler to the reception room, he caught glimpses of the spacious courtyard, a stable hand tending to horses in the stable, a gardener trimming the lush greenery, four chefs preparing meals in the kitchen, and six maids scurrying about, cleaning various areas.

What extravagance... and this was just a baron.

Luke was amazed, realizing that nobles were far superior to the likes of gang members. They belonged to entirely different leagues.

After escorting Luke to the reception room, the old butler politely inquired.

In the latest chapter, Luke, the protagonist, arrives at the mansion of Baron Larry, a titled noble. The old butler, Kotaro, is surprised to see Luke and offers him tea or coffee. Luke requests tea, and the butler promptly leaves to prepare it.

Soon, Baron Larry enters the reception room, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Luke. He doesn't recall having such a young friend, wondering if there's another reason for his visit. As he's about to speak, Luke raises his hand to stop him, glancing at the butler and maid, clearly hinting at something.

Larry is taken aback by Luke's serious demeanor, but he soon realizes what's happening. He sees the faint blue glow in Luke's eyes, which triggers a panic within him. He jumps up, his body trembling uncontrollably, his face contorting in fear. Just as he's about to scream for help, his trembling stops, and his features calm down. The fear in his eyes dissipates, and like a mirror, his eyes also reflect a faint blue glow.

Half an hour later, when the old butler returns to the reception room, he finds Baron Larry and Luke enjoying a rare vintage wine together, chatting happily in a harmonious atmosphere.

"Kotaro, this is Jenova, my distant cousin and a distinguished guest in the mansion," Larry introduces Luke to the butler. "Inform everyone that from now on, they should treat Jenova with the same respect as they would me."

"Yes, master," the old butler, Kotaro, replies, obeying his master's command despite his surprise.

Baron Larry nods and asks with genuine concern, "You must have had a hard time settling in Barkeland. Would you like to stay with me?"

Luke politely declines, "No need, I already have a place to stay."

"I understand," Larry says, showing no opposition. He nods slightly, his face regaining its usual sternness. Then, in an authoritative tone, he instructs the butler, "Transfer one million pounds from the account to Jenova as living expenses."

One million pounds! The old butler is stunned by the amount. He swallows hard, glancing at Luke with concern. "Master, withdrawing such a large sum will make it difficult to maintain the mansion's repairs, pay the servants' salaries, maintain the horses, and cover other expenses. It might also prevent you from hosting high-profile banquets or enjoying plays, music, and art in the front rows with other titled nobles."

Luke waves his hand dismissively, "Forget it then. How much money would be appropriate to maintain the current lifestyle in the mansion?"

"Around six thousand pounds, more or less."

"Take five thousand pounds, then."

Luke turns to Baron Larry, asking symbolically, "Is that okay?"

"No problem, whatever you say."

Baron Larry nods with a cheerful smile, urging the butler to quickly arrange the transfer. Only after seeing Luke receive the check and leave in a carriage does he nod in satisfaction, his expression gradually returning to normal.

"Master, are you really giving such a large sum to a distant relative?" the old butler asks with concern.

"Mind your own business and don't ask unnecessary questions," Baron Larry replies impatiently.

The old butler, with no choice, reluctantly leaves the room. As he's about to close the door, he hears his master's voice.

"Wait."

Baron Larry taps the table lightly, creating a rhythmic tapping sound. "Send a letter to Baron Griya, informing him that I will visit him in a few days."

"Yes, master," the old butler replies, bowing respectfully. He then asks, "Will you be going alone?"

Baron Larry lowers his head slightly, his expression hidden in the shadows, but his lips curve up slightly. "No, I'll be going with Jenova."

"Yes, master," the old butler says, slowly closing the door. He wonders if it's just his imagination, but he thinks he sees a fleeting flash of faint blue light in Baron Larry's eyes.

Click.

The door closes, and the old butler's murmur echoes outside. "It must have been my imagination..."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end