Chapter 370: Scarface Warlock
Chapter 370: Scarface Warlock
After his arm was grabbed, Sherlock initially didn't move.
However, upon seeing the warlock, his control field immediately dispersed. Though his hand seemed to be restrained, he could use a spell on the scarface warlock at any moment.
The warlock smiled at Sherlock.
The smile pulled at the long, narrow scar on his face, making his grin look grotesque.
At that moment, Sherlock narrowed his eyes.
"Do we know each other?"
Bloom was also taken aback. He looked at the warlock's strange behavior and initially thought Sherlock had encountered an acquaintance.
But the scarface warlock didn't answer Sherlock's question right away. Instead, he released Sherlock's hand and deliberately whispered,
"Don't leave yet. Come inside with me."
Upon hearing his voice, Sherlock's expression changed.
Contrary to the warlock's appearance, his voice clearly conveyed a sense of old age, not that of a middle-aged man, but rather someone in their twilight years.
The voice was familiar yet strange, as if the name was on the tip of Sherlock's tongue, but he couldn't quite recall it.
Sherlock looked suspicious. After saying this, the scarface warlock walked directly into the yard.
Bloom glanced at the warlock, then at Sherlock, and asked, puzzled,
"Do you two know each other?"
Sherlock shook his head, not answering, and walked back into the yard with Bloom.
"Let's see what's going on first."
The scarface warlock seemed to be acquainted with Mrs. Matthews. He walked through the garden path, sat down on the terrace, and without any hesitation, took a teacup from his pocket and poured himself a cup of hot tea.
"I heard everything that boy said to you just now", he said without any concern, his voice still incongruously old.
Surprisingly, Mrs. Matthews showed no sign of annoyance or dissatisfaction. Her tone, however, was filled with sarcasm.
"Given the current situation, when have you ever dared to show your face here?"
The scarface warlock, as if not hearing her, drank the tea in one gulp, then rested his hands on his stomach, leaning back in the chair. This posture made Sherlock feel even more familiar.
"It would be better if you added some sugar cubes to the tea", he muttered.
Then he cleared his throat and spoke in a slightly ingratiating and pleading tone,
"Just do me this favor. Dumbledore's actions were unfair, and it has nothing to do with Sherlock. You know how difficult it is for him now. Do him this favor."
Mrs. Matthews remained expressionless.
"Who knows if he came here on his own or to deliver a message from Dumbledore. I'm just an old woman with a small heart, and you still owe me a lot. Why should I give you any face?"
The scarface warlock still wore a smiling face, but paired with the scar, it was far from warm and welcoming. A child would likely be scared to tears.
"I know you're not really angry with Dumbledore over that incident. It's more about your dissatisfaction with his inaction in the 1970s, which cost you your job. I've explained it to you many times. That was my personal issue and had nothing to do with Dumbledore."
"You’re a bit too narcissistic, aren’t you? My dislike for Dumbledore isn’t purely because of you. Besides, I’ve already helped you more than enough times."
The warlock raised an eyebrow at Sherlock, as if to say, "See, no matter how old women get, they’re always the same."
"Well, it’s not like one or two more times will make a difference. Help me out, Denise. Of course, if you agree, I’ll return the favor. For instance, that potion you’ve been wanting—I can prepare it for you in advance."
As soon as he said this, Mrs. Matthews’ calm and composed expression changed.
She stared at the scar-faced warlock with a strange look, taking a long time before speaking.
"Just what is your relationship with this kid and Dumbledore that you’re putting so much effort into taking care of him? Or is he your illegitimate child? The age doesn’t match up, though."
"Ha!"
The warlock, who had just taken a sip of tea, spat it out immediately, wiping his wet chin.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Just say whether you’ll help or not!"
Mrs. Matthews didn’t prolong his suffering but instead turned her gaze back to Sherlock.
"Who are you trying to help extract the Time Shards that have fused with their body?"
If Sherlock hadn’t recognized the scar-faced warlock by now, he might as well find a block of tofu and bash his head against it.
Clearly, things were turning in his favor. He nodded and said,
"Yes, the Time Shards have entered her eye. I was hoping you could advise on how to remove them."
"Whether there’s a way depends on the specifics. I’ll be free the day after tomorrow morning. You can bring the person over, and I’ll take a look. But I want to make it clear that I’m only agreeing to examine the situation, not promising to solve every problem."
Sherlock was grateful for any hope.
"Thank you, Mrs. Matthews. And thank you, Sly."
"Cough, cough, cough."
The scar-faced warlock coughed violently, interrupting Sherlock, and then waved him off.
"What are you thanking me for? Just go if you’re done. I need to catch up with an old friend."
Sherlock chuckled. He hadn’t intended to call out the old man’s true identity anyway.
"Then, when you have the chance, please come to my house for a visit. I’ll cook you a honey-glazed ham."
"Oh ho ho, that sounds like a fine offer. I’ll consider it."
Sherlock didn’t linger any longer and walked out the door with Bloom.
Once they were outside, Bloom asked,
"Is that warlock a friend of yours?"
Sherlock smiled and shook his head.
"Not a friend, but a fine elder. Thank you very much for your help today, Bloom. I won’t keep you from your work. When I have the chance, I’ll invite Kingsley over, and we’ll have a big meal at my place as a thank you."
Bloom’s round face broke into a joyful smile.
"I’ll look forward to it, Mr. Forrest."
(End of Chapter)
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