Chapter 133: Earl Hall’s Proposal

Chapter 133: Earl Hall’s Proposal

Ten thousand pounds…

Audrey blinked, revealing her surprise through the subtlest change in expression.

Without needing her to ask, Earl Hall noticed her confusion. Chuckling, he said, “This is a person with considerable insight. Some of his ideas inspired me and resonated with me a little. Moreover, we cannot ignore suffering simply because it objectively exists and is difficult to truly resolve for a very long time.”

Audrey vaguely understood her father’s words, yet felt that her understanding was still not especially clear. She nodded slightly, took her checkbook from the handbag matching her dress, and wrote down the amount of one thousand pounds.

This was a charity banquet, and it was being held in a side hall of the church. Therefore, there would be no dancing, no overly extravagant arrangements, and no male servants or maids accompanying guests at their sides. There would only be simple buffet-style refreshments and the matter of donating more or less. Naturally, the ladies would all bring their own handbags.

After the guests successively placed their checks into the donation box, they went to the long tables on either side to take wine, water, or simple food. Then they moved around the hall, conversing with others and no longer sitting down.

This had become closer to the form of a buffet reception.

As for Klein, he followed Bishop Elektra to Saint Anthony’s side and was introduced to this high-ranking member of the Evernight Church.

Saint Anthony responded to Dawn Dantes’s greeting with a smile. After examining him briefly, he said, “Very good. We are proud to have a believer like you.

“The Goddess teaches us that character is more important than status. Therefore, you are a sufficiently noble gentleman.”

Frankly speaking, when facing this saint, Klein felt rather uneasy. Any deity or Beyonder connected to the domain of fate might be able to see the gray fog aura on him—for example, all Beyonders of the Monster pathway, and for example the Evernight Goddess, who controlled misfortune. If Saint Anthony was a high-Sequence Beyonder of the Sleepless pathway and had already grasped Beyonder powers related to misfortune, then one had to admit there was indeed a certain possibility that he could see a problem with Dawn Dantes.

Because of this, before coming to the charity banquet, Klein had gone above the gray fog for divination and received the answer that there was no risk at all.

Since even the Goddess did not say anything, even if Her archbishop truly can discover a little problem, he will probably pretend not to see it…

Klein responded with a warm smile, “During this period, I have often come to the church to pray and listen to Bishop Elektra’s sermons. I feel as though my heart has undergone a baptism, and even my soul seems to have been purified to some extent. That is why I could follow the Goddess’s teachings and pass beauty and hope to others.”

Saint Anthony nodded and said, “Before the Goddess, all believers are distinguished only by character. Whether noble or commoner, whether man or woman, all are the same.

“May those who live in difficult places stay far from fear and obtain peace.

“Praise the Goddess.”

Klein and Bishop Elektra then tapped four points clockwise over their chests.

“Praise the Goddess!”

Seeing Archbishop Saint Anthony turn toward other believers, Klein prepared to head to the long table to fetch a glass of champagne and soothe his thirst.

Just then, he saw a gentleman approach.

This gentleman’s skin was already a little loose, and his belly protruded noticeably. Even so, one could still tell he had been rather handsome in youth. Even now, his smiling blue eyes and beautiful little mustache kept him far from unattractive.

Klein had already heard Councilman Macht introduce him earlier, so he knew this was Earl Hall, a member of the House of Lords and a great banker.

Of course, to him, this nobleman’s most important identity was that he was Miss Justice’s father. And Audrey just happened to be following beside him, her bright eyes focused and attentive as she looked at Dawn Dantes, waiting for the conversation between gentlemen that would follow.

This instantly made Klein feel a little uncomfortable again.

I must act in accordance with Dawn Dantes’s persona… A man of ordinary birth who is trying to squeeze into upper society would inevitably be a little nervous and constrained at such a moment. A gentleman who appreciates beauty, when facing the gaze of Backlund’s most dazzling gem, would likewise be unable to avoid nervousness and awkwardness. Yet he would also unconsciously display his own knowledge, display his charm, and have a desire to express himself. Mm. A wealthy man with rich experiences who has walked out of chaos must have hidden pride, confidence, and composure. No matter what he feels inside, outwardly he would strive to remain calm, respectful but not servile…

As Klein’s thoughts moved like lightning, a smile appeared on his face. He saluted the approaching Earl Hall and said, “Honorable Earl, I happened to see your check just now. Your kindness and benevolence truly fill me with admiration, yet you never flaunt these things or tell others how much you donated.”

Earl Hall chuckled.

“No, this does not compare with you. The price I bear is far smaller than yours.”

His hidden meaning was that fifteen thousand pounds might be one tenth, or even one fifth, of Dawn Dantes’s total assets. Ten thousand pounds to him, however, was only one thousandth, or even less. Clearly, the former bore a greater price and was more pure in his willingness to give.

“In my view, so long as they can help those poor people who long to use knowledge to change their fates, all donations are kind enough and benevolent enough. From that perspective, the difference between ten thousand pounds and fifteen thousand pounds is only five thousand pounds.” Klein worked hard to make himself appear sincere, and deliberately, without leaving a trace, glanced at the blond young lady listening at the side.

He knew that a normal “without leaving a trace” translated to “extremely obvious” in the eyes of a Spectator.

Audrey held a faint smile and quietly listened to her father and Dawn Dantes converse. She did not seem to notice that gentleman’s stolen glance. This left Klein, who could not obtain feedback, lacking a little confidence in his “performance.”

Earl Hall smiled and said, “Then let us each keep our view. That is not a bad thing. At least we are both praising the other.

“I can tell that you once had difficult times and experienced the kind of life those poor people live.”

Klein nodded and said, “I do not avoid these past experiences. They are my precious wealth.”

“And that is precisely what my friends and I lack,” Earl Hall said with a smile, gently pointing this out. “Because of that, you possess unique wisdom and perspective. I hope there will be opportunities to cooperate with you in the future.”

“That is also what I look forward to.” Klein responded appropriately and sincerely.

Earl Hall pointed to the side.

“Some friends are waiting for me to go over. May your good deeds, and may your wealth, grow more and more.”

Klein did not continue speaking needlessly. He drew the crimson moon over his chest.

“Praise the Goddess.”

“Praise the Goddess.” Earl Hall and Audrey simultaneously tapped four points clockwise before their chests.

Watching them pass him and head elsewhere, Klein could not help secretly breathing out in relief.

Suddenly, he tensed again. Naturally, he swept his gaze across the hall, taking in the shadows by the entrance.

That golden retriever was still crouched there, quiet and soundless.

…

Inside the carriage returning to Queen Borough, Earl Hall, who had seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, suddenly turned his head and looked toward his daughter.

“Audrey, did you not previously say you wished to enter one of the Church’s charity organizations and do some work?

“Are you interested in joining this charity educational assistance fund?”

“Ah?” Audrey had already noticed at the church that her father might have such thoughts. At this moment, she appropriately displayed surprise and confusion.

“This is only a very small charity fund.” Audrey’s elder brother, Hibbert Hall, defended his sister.

Earl Hall smiled and shook his head.

“I asked several bishops. Tonight’s total donations have already reached one hundred thousand gold pounds.

“Why do you think there are so many?”

Hibbert Hall frowned slightly and said while thinking, “Buying favor?”

At the same time, Audrey gave her own view.

“The sinking of knowledge and voting qualifications?”

Earl Hall nodded and sighed.

“Nothing is bound to exist by necessity—including humanity itself, and including nobles.”

He looked again at Audrey and said with a smile, “You do not need to force yourself. I can find someone else to join this educational assistance fund. I only hope that, through it, you can see more things and not treat certain matters as inevitable and unchanging forever. Heh, if you miss this one, there are still other charity organizations.”

“Father, I will think about it.” Audrey replied seriously.

After listening to Dawn Dantes describe those stories of poor people, she actually already wanted to join the educational assistance fund and contribute to raising donations, contacting the government, and organizing activities. What made her hesitate was that she felt there was something a little wrong with that middle-aged gentleman.

After returning home, Audrey immediately summoned Susie and closed the door.

“What do you think of that Mr. Dawn Dantes?” Audrey asked directly.

The golden retriever crouched opposite her, thought for a while, and said, “He seems to know you, or something on you. Also, many times he is acting, and there are certain traces of it… He seems a little wary of me, and very sensitive…”

“Mm. I noticed that too. He may be a Beyonder. He acts very well, but it is still acting. However, that is also very normal. In social situations, when facing different people, we all play different roles and perform accordingly,” Audrey said thoughtfully. “The biggest question remains why he was surprised when he saw me—he was even somewhat startled. Also, he has actually been involved in two cases in succession. The matter with Baron Syndras, especially, seems to involve Beyonder factors and traces of guidance…”

Susie opened her mouth but could not find a sufficiently certain explanation, so she could only bark.

Audrey then shifted her train of thought.

Mm… I need to find someone to investigate Dawn Dantes. Once I confirm that there is no major problem, I can join that educational assistance fund… Ah, right. It will be Monday soon. I can entrust Fors and Mr. Moon at the Tarot Gathering. They are both in Backlund…

…

Monday afternoon, three o’clock sharp.

One crimson ray after another rose within the magnificent palace, solidifying into blurry figures.

Justice Audrey quickly looked around, then turned toward the head of the bronze long table. With a smile, she saluted.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~”