Chapter 830: Know What You're Doing
The ancient castle clearly held more secrets than just Mr. Dong, and although Xu Huo wasn't yet the true master in any real sense, he wasn't about to let this advantage go for free.
Bai Kou didn't seem in a hurry either. Having failed once, she didn't press the issue. Instead, she brought up the upcoming noble investiture ceremony.
This was also a cause for celebration in District 011, so propaganda was everywhere. The ceremony and banquet were being held with great pomp. For minor nobles like Xu Huo, if not for the Duchess bringing him along, he basically wouldn't have a seat.
"You're going too," Xu Huo said. "What identity are you using this time?"
Last time, it was the infamous Butterfly Lady.
"A core member of the New Wheel Cult," Bai Kou replied.
"The Butterfly Lady was also a member of the New Wheel Cult," Xu Huo pointed out. Just from that, he knew this was definitely not a good religious organization.
"Just a player organization a bunch of broke bastards cooked up to make money," Bai Kou said indifferently. "Most of them aren't good people. They made up a cult name and a set of doctrines to help certain people handle some inconvenient matters in exchange for payment."
"But after the organization grew, some people with ulterior motives dragged it back into the spotlight."
"Rongxin's Vinson Maney was promoting the New Wheel Cult before," Xu Huo said, remembering the scene of hunting traitors in the virtual game vividly. "He seems to be dead already."
Vinson Maney didn't seem like a fanatic, but the brainwashed people in the game were really hooked.
"He died on Matt's ship," Bai Kou said, gently rotating her teacup. "Internal strife among the nobles of District 011. Not only did several important noble players die, but Vinson Maney, Captain Matt, and some of their supporters were all killed."
Simply put, this banquet was also a celebration for the victors.
"Young members led by Ashis Werner gained greater power. They reject foreign religions, so the New Wheel Cult was suppressed too. Some cultists with dirty records have already been expelled," Bai Kou said lazily. "But as a cult organization, how could they easily give up their beliefs? Of course, they'll send people one after another to expand their territory."
Xu Huo raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a grudge against the New Wheel Cult?"
Last time, playing the Butterfly Lady and fighting the Eerie Sound Knights interrupted Rongxin's deal with them. District 011 would more or less hold that grudge against the New Wheel Cult.
Vinson Maney was dead, some New Wheel Cult members were driven away—clearly they weren't welcome. She didn't care if she was targeted or ostracized by District 011 people, but deliberately used the identity of a New Wheel Cult member to stand out. If there wasn't some grudge, it wouldn't make sense.
"Grudge?" Bai Kou let out a light laugh. "If I really had a grudge, I'd just wipe them out."
Her attitude boiled down to four words: Are they even worthy?
"Then it's a grudge against District 011," Xu Huo redirected.
"It's too peaceful here," Bai Kou said in a deep tone, her gaze distant as she stared at the glittering city in the distance. "Everyone else is living in misery. Why should they be so happy?"
Xu Huo paused before saying, "Should I make myself scarce?"
Bai Kou turned her head and smiled at him. "If you don't want to get involved, just say so."
Xu Huo didn't answer, but she continued, "It's not really my business anyway. I'm here on vacation. I'll play it by ear."
"I don't want to find another place to stay for now," Xu Huo stated clearly. "At least don't force me to move. Frequent school transfers aren't good for a kid's mental health."
"Does the kid you're raising even have mental health to speak of?" Bai Kou set down her teacup and tapped her fingertip on the rim. "Some people like to cultivate children, making them grow up their way. Kids raised like that are loyal and obedient."
"That kind of situation doesn't count as growing up normally," Xu Huo said. "Besides, only weak-hearted people need to demand loyalty from others."
Bai Kou gave him an unexpected look. "I didn't peg you as a good person."
Xu Huo just smiled. "You're pretty good too."
Otherwise, she wouldn't have specifically asked about Xiao Yuan.
Bai Kou rolled her eyes, stood up, and said, "I'm going to catch up on some sleep. Don't forget to have the butler prepare my gown."
Mr. Dong appeared silently behind Xu Huo and said gloomily, "Miss Bai hasn't prepaid for the gown."
"I'll cover the cost," Xu Huo said. "The garden lost quite a few flowers last night. The cost of buying new plants can be charged to my account too."
Mr. Dong didn't relax his expression at that. Instead, he said sternly, "Miss Kou Kou is very good at spending money. Can you afford it, sir?"
Xu Huo chuckled. "Just a few gowns."
Bai Kou had helped him a lot because of He Pu.
Mr. Dong's shoulders sank deeply. "Sir, do you know why the ancient castle is so poor?"
He didn't elaborate, but his expressionless face seemed to be etched with weariness.
Xu Huo reached out and patted his shoulder. "Go on, get to work. I know what I'm doing."
Only after Mr. Dong left did Xu Huo go to help Yan Jiayu. The two of them finished sweeping the garden together before sitting down to rest in the tea room.
Yan Jiayu had originally come along for fun, but as soon as she arrived, she was roped into sweeping with her tools.
"No problem. I used to do this a lot in the mountains," Yan Jiayu said nonchalantly. "Cleaning the room is like cleaning the mind. I still do housework every day when I have time."
She then brought up the topic of fun. She had already searched for nearby travel guides on her own. Base City was very bustling, but other neighboring cities were nice too. District 011 had no random instances, so going out was completely risk-free. She planned to rent an aircraft and explore on her own.
Xu Huo knew she was the type to act on impulse, so he said, "Your injuries aren't fully healed yet. Why not stay here for a couple of days? There's a noble ball coming up. Let's go together and broaden our horizons."
Yan Jiayu's eyes lit up at that. "Great! There'll definitely be a lot of advanced players there. Maybe we'll even run into some super players."
District 011 had a super instance, but it wasn't in the same sub-district as Base City.
"Having a super instance doesn't necessarily mean there are super players," Xu Huo said. The super players he had met all operated alone.
Since they had decided to go together, Xu Huo asked Mr. Dong to prepare a gown for Yan Jiayu as well. However, in District 011, long hair was considered beautiful for women. Yan Jiayu had finally grown her hair long again, only to have it cut short, so she simply got a wig to wear.
But she seemed very unaccustomed to having something on her head, reaching up to adjust it every now and then.
"Since it's so uncomfortable, don't wear it. Short hair looks good too," Xu Huo said.
"I'm wearing it for the thrill," Yan Jiayu said, looking at herself in the mirror with great interest.
"If you like it, why don't you just grow your hair long?" the Painting Woman asked, having chosen a gentle female voice for herself after learning how to use the communicator.
"Long hair is a disadvantage in a fight," Yan Jiayu said matter-of-factly.
The Painting Woman didn't understand, but she was more interested in the new clothes, and the two of them huddled together to chat about outfits.
On the day of the banquet, Bai Kou left early. Xu Huo, following noble etiquette, arrived at the hotel right on time with Yan Jiayu.
(Chapter End)