Chapter 101 StormTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2457 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-16 17:30:02
In the west district, Viscount Reinach's villa looked increasingly eerie and deserted as the sky darkened. The faint light leaked through the curtains, swaying in the darkness around the villa, like the eyes of a ghost.
Grellant leaned against the lamppost on the opposite corner of the street, letting the strong wind blow his hat brim slightly and the hem of his black windbreaker fluttering in the wind. He had changed into the familiar detective uniform, remained silent, and his eyes under the brim of his hat occasionally glanced in the direction of the villa, deep and cold, as if hiding an endless storm.
The wind blew the pedestrians on the street in a hurry, many of them wrapped their coats tightly, lowered their heads and walked forward eagerly. The carriages sped through the streets, the sound of the wheels rolling over the cobblestones and the driver's hurried shouts sounded particularly harsh in the wind.
The wind blew harder and harder, sweeping up fallen leaves and dust on the ground, rolling over the streets like a screaming ghost. The air was filled with a heavy dampness, as if a rainstorm was brewing in the wind, eager to engulf the city.
Greylint looked up at the sky. Dark clouds spread rapidly like a huge black curtain, pressing heavily over Backlund. The wind was getting stronger and stronger, as if foreshadowing the coming of a rainstorm.
The storm will wash away all traces, just as Grellint expected, all he needs is time.
The lights in the villa in the distance were bright and warm, but in Greylint's eyes, they were as glaring as a mockery. Although Viscount Lenasi was dead, the villa was still operating as usual without a pause.
Grellant knew that there was a person hiding here who had witnessed the truth - the coachman who saw him kill Reinasi with his own hands. That day, when he and Reinasi had a fierce confrontation, the coachman escaped in the chaos, and Grellant was too seriously injured to investigate further.
The wind blew his cloak and made it rustle, as if cheering for him secretly. He had never forgotten that scene, and was convinced that the driver did not dare to reveal the truth, but the hidden threat always existed. And tonight, perhaps this strong wind and the coming heavy rain would cover up all traces and let him completely get rid of the shadow of the past.
The sound of the wind in the west district became increasingly fierce, like an invisible sharp blade, tearing through the night sky with a piercing whistle, as if setting the stage for the coming rainstorm.
Grellint stood in the wind, the cold wind like a knife, cutting across his cheeks.
His eyes moved slightly, and he briefly looked into the distance, in the direction of Queens. However, this glance was only a moment of hesitation, and the next second his eyes became cold and ruthless again.
Reason took over everything and dispelled the last trace of hesitation. He was no longer a person moved by emotions, but a purely rational creature, an existence so calm that it was almost mechanical.
The raindrops finally fell, hitting the ground, splashing tiny water drops, and the dripping sound played the prelude to this night rain. The rain was swift and heavy, and soon it poured down, and the strong wind mixed with the rain raged across the entire street.
Grellint's cloak suddenly fluttered in the wind, like a crow flapping its wings and flying high. His dark figure looked particularly lonely and resolute in the rain.
He turned around and no longer looked back. All the past and all the memories would be completely washed away in this rainstorm.
The wind and rain covered his footsteps as he left, and also covered all his emotional fluctuations. Grallint walked forward in the rain, and his figure gradually disappeared into the darkness.
The storm poured down like a waterfall, and the wind was raging. The Reinashi family's villa seemed increasingly isolated and helpless in the rain. The trees in front of the door were shaking violently in the wind, and the branches and leaves were blown all over the place, as if they were twisted and distorted. Sometimes they bent, sometimes they danced.
Those sentinels who used to hide in the dark were now exposed by the heavy rain and stood out. It was as if this endless storm had stripped away their cover and exposed all their secrets.
For Grellint, this was a great opportunity bestowed by God and a blessing from the goddess of night who had quietly descended upon him.
The heavy rain hit the ground with a dense clattering sound, and the rain flowed along the eaves, quickly gathering into a muddy patch in the courtyard. The guards looked miserable in the rain, their cloaks had long been soaked, and the cold rain flowed down their necks, bringing unbearable chills.
Such heavy rain made the guards' concentration distracted. They huddled under the porch or leaned against the slippery walls, wiping their eyes blurred by the rain from time to time.
Everything was developing in the direction that Greylint had expected. The lax guards and the protective environment, everything seemed to be controlled by an invisible hand.
The strong wind, carrying rain, hit the windows violently. The sentinels became staggering and weak in the rain. Their whispers and footsteps were muffled by the heavy rain and seemed even smaller.
Grellant hid in the darkness of the street corner, calm and composed, his eyes became sharper, capturing every subtle change. He knew that wind and rain were his best allies, the sound of rain covered all his movements, and the strong wind covered his tracks, this was exactly the opportunity he was waiting for.
The heavy rain howled around him, opening up a secret path for him to the villa. Grellint walked into the wind and rain, his cloak fluttering behind him, like a crow flapping its wings to fly, determined and firm.
Two hours later, Grellant quietly walked out of the Reinashi family's villa under the cover of the storm. The rain was still pouring down like crazy, hitting his cloak, making a dull sound. The wind was whistling, and his figure was soon swallowed up by the rain curtain, as if he had never appeared. Grellant's expression was cold and calm, his steps were steady and silent, but his heart was full of doubts and thoughts.
He thought he would find something about the transaction of children, or some clues that were deliberately covered up, but everything was beyond his expectations.
There was absolutely no trace of any children here, and everything in the villa seemed to prove that Reinashi was just an ordinary viscount, a businessman engaged in material transportation with a military background, who maintained his wealth and status simply by making the difference.
Grellint walked through the exquisite rooms. The walls were covered with the viscount's medals of honor on the battlefield, and the bookshelves were filled with documents related to the military, as if to show Reinash's background of outstanding military achievements.
Of course, Grellint did not forget his other goal. The coachman was a hidden danger in his mind. He thought he would be able to find the familiar figure in Viscount Reinash's villa tonight, the witness who had witnessed his final confrontation with the Viscount.
However, under the cover of the storm, when he observed the guards and servants again, he found that the coachman in the villa was not the one who had escaped.
Although Grellint had anticipated this discovery, when he actually confirmed it, he felt an indescribable sense of doubt and uneasiness in his heart.
All this means that there is another person hiding in the shadows, someone who is unwilling to show up but holds the key secret.
Grellint knew that what he was facing now was not just an ordinary secret sentry or witness, but a more complicated situation, a puzzle that carefully hid all the clues.
Grellint's fingers clenched into fists unconsciously. Although he had expected that the opponent he faced might be more difficult than he thought, he couldn't help but feel deeply pressured.
Grellint understood that what he would face next was the darkness that existed in Reinash's last words, a shadow that could not be traced back to its source. The background of this darkness was unclear, yet extremely dangerous, like a huge net, covering Backlund's head.
However, the only thing that gave Grellint some comfort was that he was now alone.
Of course, Grallant, who was concentrating on his work, did not notice that there was a lady standing not far behind him. She was wearing a yellow cake skirt and a black bonnet, standing quietly in the storm.
The wind and rain seemed to have no effect on her. The raindrops seemed to slide down quietly when they approached her, and not a single drop really wet her dress. Her eyes passed through the rain curtain, silently watching the back of Grallint, with an elusive calmness and depth in her eyes, as if she was an untouchable phantom in this wind and rain.Chapter 102 New CommissionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2282 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-17 17:30:07
Cherwood, the Glint family home.
It was raining heavily, and Grallant hurried into the house wearing a wet coat. As soon as he entered the living room, he saw Miss Bernadette sitting by the fireplace, the warm firelight reflected on her face, dispelling the cold outside.
Looking at her figure, Grallint suddenly realized that he seemed to have forgotten something - today, he promised to discuss in detail with Miss Bernadette the disappearance of her father, Mr. Nero.
As if she noticed someone coming in, Miss Bernadette raised her head and her eyes happened to meet Grallint's at the door. A look of surprise instantly appeared on her face, as if the sudden sunshine dispelled the haze of the rainy night.
"Mr. Greylint, you're back." Bernadette said with a smile, a hint of relief and anticipation in her tone.
Grellint looked at the smile on Bernadette's face and suddenly understood clearly in his heart that she had been waiting for him. The expectation and trust left him speechless for a moment, and he only felt a dull pain in his forehead.
Now he was deeply involved in the darkness and disputes of Backlund. If he got involved in Mr. Nero's disappearance case, would he also put the innocent lady in front of him in danger? Grallint knew clearly that he did not want to let his troubles implicate others, especially an innocent person like Bernadette.
But thinking back to the trust and anxiety in Bernadette's eyes yesterday, Grallint didn't know how to refuse her. As a detective, he always believed that he had to do what he promised.
"I'm sorry, Miss Bernadette, I kept you waiting." Grallint nodded slightly, with a hint of apology in his tone. He took off his soaked coat, trying not to look so disheveled, but still couldn't hide his exhaustion.
The firelight reflected on his calm face, which was cool after returning from a rainy night, and also revealed a bit of heaviness that could not be concealed. Facing Bernadette's gaze, he silently sorted out his thoughts in his heart, preparing to take on this conversation that was destined to be difficult.
"It's okay, Mr. Holmes," Bernadette said softly, her tone gentle and calm, "I don't have anywhere suitable to go on a rainy day like this." She smiled slightly, her eyes gentle, but she couldn't hide the worry hidden in her heart.
Her fingers gently stirred the hem of her skirt, as if seeking comfort for this wait. The firelight reflected on her face, reflecting a touch of helplessness and uneasiness, making people feel that this seemingly strong lady was more eager to find her father than anyone else.
Grellint sat down opposite Bernadette. The warmth of the fire dispelled some of the coldness, but it could not melt the heaviness in his heart. He stared at Bernadette calmly and took a deep breath, as if he was looking for the courage to speak.
"Ms. Bernadette, before we begin, I need to let you know something about me." His voice was low and serious, revealing a warning that could not be ignored. "I am currently involved in a huge darkness, and the situation is much more complicated than you think."
Although Grellint had made various preparations before becoming a detective—he changed his name, cleverly disguised his identity, and used ritual magic to create a fake Grellint at home to confuse people—he knew that these methods might work for ordinary people, but it would be difficult to escape the eyes of High-Sequence Beyonders.
Backlund's darkness is far more unfathomable than it appears on the surface, and he is always facing the threat of danger when he is in it.
"I don't want you to be dragged into this chaos because of my involvement," Graylint's voice was filled with a hint of helplessness, "but I also understand that since I promised you, I can't give up easily."
As Grellint spoke, his eyes were always fixed on Bernadette's. He keenly captured every change in her emotions. As long as she showed any hesitation, he was ready to do his best to persuade her to change a detective to avoid her being involved in this unfathomable danger.
However, what he saw was Bernadette's determined and persistent eyes. The firelight danced in her pupils, reflecting her unwavering determination. It seemed that no matter how rough the road ahead was, she was ready to face everything.
"Mr. Holmes," Bernadette said calmly, her voice soft but with an unshakable will, "Although I don't know your true identity, I have been in Backlund for half a year and tried various methods. I have seen the darkness here and I understand the dangers in the darkness. But no matter what, I don't want to give up any possible opportunity, even if it is just a faint hope."
Her eyes were fiery and clear, revealing an unshakable determination. It was this stubbornness and persistence that made Grallint realize that this matter had gone beyond the simple cooperation between the employer and the detective. Bernadette not only wanted to find her missing father, she placed deeper beliefs and desires in this exploration.
Facing her persistence, Grellint felt a complicated feeling in his heart. He knew that no matter how much he persuaded, it would be difficult to shake Bernadette's determination, and he himself could not easily extricate himself from this fateful interweaving.
At this moment, a strong urge surged in Grellint's heart. He wished he could tell the strong lady in front of him about the darkness he faced and his true identity. He wanted her to understand that Backlund's darkness was far more terrifying than what appeared on the surface, and what kind of danger he was facing.
But reason quickly suppressed his thoughts. He knew that Bernadette was just an ordinary person. Although she was brave, she had never really touched the edge of the extraordinary world, and she could not imagine the madness and danger hidden in the shadows.
The fog of Backlund not only shrouds the lives of ordinary people, but also conceals the struggles, secrets, and despair among the extraordinary people. All of this is beyond her ability to bear.
Grellint could not drag her into this chaos. He knew that the extraordinary world seemed full of miracles and power, but behind it was endless danger and madness, and even he himself often struggled in it.
To Bernadette, this world was not only strange but also extremely dangerous. He couldn't and shouldn't push her into this abyss.
So, Grellant just looked at her silently, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He suppressed all the words he wanted to say in his heart and chose to continue playing the role of an ordinary detective.
"I will try my best to help you find the truth,"
He only said this sentence in the end, without any further explanation, but it implied countless unfinished words.
"Then let's get started!" Bernadette didn't seem to understand the meaning of Greylint's words. Her voice was crisp and firm.
She straightened her back slightly, as if she was ready to face any difficulties. The firelight danced in her eyes, reflecting a fearless determination.
Grallint looked at her with mixed feelings. He knew that after taking this step, Bernadette would no longer be just the lady waiting by the stove, but a partner who took the initiative to participate in this investigation. No matter what he would encounter in the future, he could no longer retreat.
"Okay, let's get started." Graylin nodded, took a deep breath, sorted out his thoughts, and prepared to start this commission.
The two men sat facing each other, the light from the stove reflected on their faces, as if symbolizing the glimmer of light that would soon illuminate their way forward. Although it was faint, it was enough to allow them to continue moving forward in the darkness.Chapter 103 StoryTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2068 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-18 17:30:01
"My earliest memories of my father come from the endless supply of new and exciting toys during my childhood. That was the happiest time of my life."
"My father is a scientist full of fantastic ideas. His thoughts never seem to run dry."
Grallint listened attentively to Miss Bernadette's narration. As a detective, he knew that only by fully understanding the target object could he accurately analyze the other party's inner motives.
"His ambitions continued to expand, his ideas became bigger and bigger, and he wanted to change more and more things. Gradually, Ilfracombe could no longer accommodate his endless ambitions."
These words made Grellint keenly grasp the key information: such ambitious people are often the most favored targets of the evil god organization. They are obsessed with what they think is the right cause, but they go astray invisibly. Grellint has seen such examples in a large number of files - ambitious people are used by dark forces and eventually degenerate into pawns of the evil god.
Although he had doubts in his heart, Grellint remained silent and listened attentively to Miss Bernadette's narration, secretly noting down these details, intending to ask further questions at the appropriate time.
"So, he packed his bags and set out on a journey to Backlund, the city known as the 'Capital of All Cities' and the 'Land of Hope'."
"In fact, before this, father had also considered going to Intis, because it was the country created by Emperor Roselle."
"It was probably because of me that he gave up this plan."
This reminded Gralinte of the first time he met Miss Bernadette, which was at the Roselle Memorial Exhibition. The exhibition hall displayed all the achievements of Roselle's education of children: modified basic textbooks, chess, building blocks... Miss Bernadette stood in front of the exhibition hall, looking solemn, as if she was in deep thought.
Looking back now, she was probably missing her father.
Bernadette, this name is exactly the same as the name of Emperor Roselle's eldest daughter. Mr. Nero is really an avid admirer of Emperor Roselle.
This sudden thought gave Greylint some unusual feelings. He should have been able to connect Miss Bernadette with Emperor Roselle's eldest daughter a long time ago.
It should be that he has been distracted by other things recently. However, when he thought about this, he had already briefly explained his slowness in his mind.
"I don't remember the day we parted, but I remember that for a long time before that, my father was busy pursuing his ideals and rarely came to see me."
"I just remember that after he left, I realized that he had gone to a place that I could never reach at that time."
"Later, we could only communicate through letters. At first, he seemed very happy and felt that his ideals had finally found a place to go. Every once in a while, he would send me a letter and bring me some novel items that I couldn't find in the small town."
"I was very happy at that time, and I just hoped that such days could continue forever."
"Later, the frequency of the letters gradually decreased. My father also explained in the letter that he was in charge of a very important job and therefore had less and less time for himself."
"But I always feel that this is not the case. Although we are thousands of miles apart, I always believe in my intuition - he must be hiding something important from me, or he doesn't want me to know. I don't know why he did this, but I really can't understand his behavior."
Seeing Miss Bernadette getting more and more excited, Grallint couldn't help but think of his father. The man who had worked away from home to make a living smiled and waved goodbye to him, but he quietly shed tears after the train started.
"Ms. Bernadette, maybe Mr. Nero just wants you to grow up happily without worries." Grallint said softly.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes." Miss Bernadette adjusted her mood and continued.
"Later, I gradually adapted to the frequency of this communication and began to try to live my own life. But occasionally when I calm down, I still can't help but think of my father."
"Gradually, I stopped paying too much attention to his life. It was enough for me to read in his letters that he was happy."
"I thought this kind of life would continue in a dull manner until one day, my father got tired of the life over there and chose to return to the small town."
Miss Bernadette fell silent, and Grallint's heart sank. He understood - Miss Bernadette's father was missing, and in the end her expectations were shattered.
"Perhaps I should have noticed it earlier. At the end of every year, the most important moment of the year, my father would reply on time."
"But I didn't pay much attention to it until a long time later, when I realized something was wrong."
Seeing Miss Bernadette in deep self-blame, Grallint knew that it was time for him to speak up.
"Ms. Bernadette, this is not your fault. Everyone has full trust in their parents. This trust is given to us by our parents since childhood and there is no need to question it."
Hearing what Grallant said, Miss Bernadette turned her gaze from the fireplace to him, with a hint of surprise in her eyes, as if she didn't expect Grallant to say such touching words.
After meeting his gaze, Miss Bernadette nodded slightly and continued:
"After I sensed something was wrong, I waited for another month, but still didn't receive a letter from my father. So, I decided to go to Backlund to look for him myself."
"I started from Ilfracombe and followed my father's footsteps, taking the steam train all the way to Backlund."
"Backlund is very large. This city is completely different from other places. The air is filled with thick smog. The factories that can be seen everywhere are in sharp contrast to the beautiful and clean environment of Queens."
"This place is indeed very suitable for my father, but for me, it is like a maze. I am completely lost."
"I don't know what to do next, where to start, or where to go."
In Grellint's mind, there emerged a scene of a small town girl setting foot in the huge city of Backlund for the first time. This scene seemed to evoke some vague memories of his previous life.
He didn't say much, but just silently turned his eyes away from Miss Bernadette and fell into his own thoughts.
Miss Bernadette seemed to notice Grallint's actions, was slightly stunned, and did not continue speaking.
There was a brief silence between the two, each lost in their own thoughts.
This quiet moment is more powerful than words.Chapter 104 DetectiveTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2364 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-19 17:30:02
After an unknown amount of time, Grallint finally came back to his senses from his memories. He looked at the silent Miss Bernadette and said with a hint of apology:
"I'm sorry, Miss Bernadette, what you just said reminded me of some past events."
"Never mind, Mr. Holmes. I could not help thinking back to the time."
Grallint understood that Miss Bernadette was just being polite, but he did not dwell on it. He nodded slightly and said:
"Then let's continue."
"After arriving in Backlund, I felt extremely confused and didn't know where to go."
"That's when I realized that I actually knew nothing about my father. I didn't know where he lived in Backlund, and I didn't know where to look for him."
"I was at a loss and could only follow the flow of people at the station, imitate their pace and walk out of the station, and look for a place to stay according to their appearance."
Gralint didn't dare to think about how Miss Bernadette spent that lonely and confused time. He couldn't imagine her situation and feelings at that time.
"Next, I started living in Backlund, trying to piece together my father's former living environment and life trajectory from the few words in his letters."
"After I had a rough idea of where to go, I started looking for detectives, hoping someone could help me find my father."
After Bernadette finished speaking, she slowly turned her gaze to Grallant. The expectation in her eyes made Grallant instantly understand the result of her initial search for the detective - returning in vain.
The empty and silent answer seemed to be hidden behind her calm narration.
Grallint looked into those eyes and understood Miss Bernadette's silent request. However, as a detective, he did not think that he was better than others, especially in this world full of extraordinary people, many detectives have extraordinary abilities. Despite this, he said firmly:
"Ms. Bernadette, I can't give you any guarantees, but I promise you that I will do my best to find out everything."
At this moment, Grellint felt as if something in his heart was quietly breaking.
However, Gralint did not pay much attention to this feeling. At this moment, an unprecedented sense of responsibility surged in his heart, and the heavy pressure quietly descended with Miss Bernadette's expectations, making it impossible for him to stay out of it like he had done in previous commissions.
Perhaps this is what it means to truly play detective. To shoulder responsibility is not only to solve the mystery, but also to respond to the trust and expectations, even if the weight of this is enough to make people hesitate.
Grellant felt the potion in his body being gradually digested, and this feeling was completely different from before. He no longer felt the potion being digested after simply reasoning out the result, but from the moment he accepted the commission, he could sense the change. This is the core of being a true detective, not just solving the case, but taking responsibility and dealing with the unknown.
At this moment, for Greylint, this commission has become extremely important. This is a real commission, the commission that a detective should do most. In this case, he no longer thinks about it and starts asking questions quickly.
"Ms. Bernadette, I noticed that you specifically used the word 'ambition' when referring to your father. Could you please tell me in more detail what you really feel about your father?"
"Mr. Holmes, why do you ask this?" Bernadette was keenly aware of Grellint's special attention to the word "ambition". Coupled with the faint worry in his eyes, she couldn't help but have an uneasy premonition in her heart.
Grellint quickly caught Bernadette's worry, but under the current circumstances, it seemed that there was no need to hide it. He looked at her calmly, thought for a moment, and then slowly said:
"Ms. Bernadette, there are some things I have to consider. Ambition often leads to changes that we cannot predict. This may be related to your father's disappearance."
As if she had confirmed her uneasiness, Bernadette showed a calmness instead. She said calmly:
"My sense of my father is that he is no longer content with the status quo."
However, despite her calm tone, a hint of worry could be seen in her eyes.
Bernadette tried to keep herself calm and continued:
"My father's behavior became more and more obvious. He has always been a visionary. At first, he just wanted to promote some changes, but later, his goals became bigger and bigger, and he seemed to never be satisfied with the status quo. Whether it was career or life, he was always pursuing more. It seemed that in his eyes, the world could no longer satisfy his ambitions."
She paused, and the uneasiness in her eyes reappeared:
"He started to become silent and seemed to be planning something. I could sense his changes, but he never revealed anything to me."
"After that, he chose to leave the town."
Bernadette's voice was low but steady. Her eyes became more distant, as if she was recalling those days.
"At that time, I could still feel that his heart was filled with an urgent desire, as if only a bigger world could accommodate his ambitions."
Grellint listened to Bernadette's story quietly, his face expressionless, without revealing any emotional fluctuations. He nodded slightly and continued to ask:
"I saw you at the Roselle Memorial Exhibition. What was your purpose in going to the Roselle Memorial Exhibition?"
Bernadette fell silent. Gralinte did not urge her, but waited quietly for her answer. Time passed little by little, and finally, in the silence, he heard her whisper:
"I miss my father."
Those two simple words reveal deep emotions and helplessness, as if they hide more untold stories.
Grellint remained silent, knowing that the last thing he should do at this moment was to show any emotion, which would affect Bernadette's answer. When facing the people closest to them, people always subconsciously want to beautify or avoid certain truths.
Without any pause, he continued to ask calmly:
"You mentioned that you intuitively believed that your father was hiding something important from you. Can you elaborate on how you came to this conclusion? What specific signs or details made you feel this way?"
Bernadette pondered for a moment, with a look of recollection and contemplation on her face. After about a quarter of an hour, she slowly spoke:
"From the frequency and content of the letters, it seems that my father is secretly happy about something. Although he didn't mention it explicitly, that emotion can always be conveyed between the lines."
She paused and continued:
"The letters became shorter and more general, but I could sense that he was excited about something that he couldn't explain to me, which made me wonder if he was hiding something from me."
"How did you infer your father's approximate range of activities?" Greylint continued to ask, maintaining a calm tone.
"He mentioned that he spent a lot of time doing experiments by the Tussock River and praying towards the south. He also complained that this place was too close to the Storm Church and it would be better if it was replaced by the Steam Church." Bernadette explained, her tone mixed with the unique light-hearted humor in her father's letters, but her eyes still revealed worry.
After listening to Bernadette's narration, Grellint gradually fell into deep thought. His mind began to work quickly, sorting out all the information he had obtained, trying to find clues and connections from it.
Bernadette noticed Grallint's silence. Although she was filled with uneasiness in her heart, she remained silent, only occasionally glancing at him with anxious eyes, expecting some kind of result.
There was an invisible tension in the air, as if the next sentence would reveal the truth hidden behind it.Chapter 105 Same KindTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2155 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-20 17:30:05
"Ms. Bernadette, I'm sorry, I made some bad guesses."
Detective Grallint looked at Bernadette and noticed that her eyes dimmed for a moment, then he decisively stopped talking.
"I'm sorry, Miss Bernadette," he said in a low but firm voice, "As a detective, I cannot share unconfirmed inferences with my employer."
"I know what you mean, Mr. Holmes."
Ms. Bernadette's tone was firm, and her eyes became clear and resolute again. "I am not an ordinary employer either. I can accept it."
She raised her chin slightly, and Grellant could feel her calmness and determination, which were completely different from those of ordinary people. It was as if she was telling Grellant that no matter how terrible the inference was, she had enough courage to face the truth.
Grallint stared at Miss Bernadette, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. He could see her firmness and determination, and it was this perseverance that made his heart heavier. Those who persevere are often the most likely to fall into the path they believe in, and become more and more obsessed with pursuing the hidden truth, even if the road ahead is full of thorns and dangers.
He understood this mentality too well. After all, he was also such a person. Even though he knew that the secret behind Oliver was extremely dangerous, he still walked towards the unknown abyss without regrets.
He was well aware that, for both him and Miss Bernadette, trying to uncover the hidden truth might bring consequences far beyond what they could bear.
Perhaps, after removing the veil, they will face a truth that is crueler than they imagined; perhaps, one day they will regret their original obsession. But Grellint understands that people like them will never give up easily, even if they know that the truth will bring harm.
He took a deep breath and tried his best to keep his voice low and gentle:
"Ms. Bernadette, I'm sorry, but it may be better for you to maintain the status quo for now."
He paused, staring at her, as if considering his next words. Then he continued:
"This not only allows you to maintain your subjective evaluation of your father, but is also crucial for our subsequent collection of clues."
He knew that the truth was like a sharp blade, once touched, there was no turning back. At this moment, he would rather she take a step back and stay away from those secrets that might put her in danger.
Grellint hoped that she could realize that the less she knew about some secrets, the safer she might be.
The price of knowing the truth is sometimes not just losing something, it may also change the face of the entire world and even shatter her beautiful perception of the past.
And as a detective, it is part of his job to consider his employer.
Bernadette's eyes did not waver at all as she met Grallant's determined gaze. She had realized that it would not be easy to get the answer she wanted from Grallant. But she still stared at him quietly, as if trying to see through his heart, or waiting for the moment when his emotions would fluctuate.
Grellant sensed the persistence in her eyes, but he remained calm and restrained, and did not let himself fall into that silent confrontation. After all, he was not a qualified detective. For him, long-term staring would cause emotional fluctuations and expose people, which was the weakness that detectives should avoid the most.
In the brief silence, he smiled slightly, with a little apology, breaking the invisible tension:
"Ms. Bernadette, I think we should stop here for today. I still have some ideas that need to be verified."
He stood up slightly, his eyes still gentle but firm:
"I'll probably leave early tomorrow to take care of some things. Hopefully there will be more clues for us to continue discussing by then."
He knew very well that this confrontation would not end here, but he also knew that Bernadette now needed some time to think.
Facing Miss Bernadette's silence, Grallint felt a subtle sense of oppression. Her eyes remained calm, as if she had not heard his words at all, nor did she react to his words. Her calmness almost made the air stagnant.
In this silent confrontation, Grallant realized that staying here would only make the atmosphere more tense. Although he knew it was not the most gentlemanly move, he still chose to leave decisively. He stood up from the chair and bowed gracefully to Miss Bernadette, maintaining the etiquette of a detective, but his words were casually relaxed.
"Ms. Bernadette, please forgive me for leaving early," he said with a smile, his eyes as gentle and polite as always, "It is really uncomfortable to get clothes wet by the rain."
Just as Grallint stepped onto the stairs, his footsteps echoed softly on the old wooden boards, and the air was still filled with the tension from before. At this moment, Miss Bernadette's voice suddenly came from behind, breaking the brief silence.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes," she said in a calm and clear voice, with a firmness that could not be ignored. "I don't think I can do what you want me to do."
Grellint stopped on the stairs, tilted his head slightly, and stared at the empty corridor. Bernadette's answer echoed in his ears, making him feel helpless and thoughtful.
He did not respond immediately, but remained silent for a moment, as if he was weighing how to deal with the situation. In the end, he just sighed softly, as if tacitly accepting the inevitability of all this.
There seemed to be an echo of the words "I can't do what you want me to do" lingering in the air, and there was an unshakable determination in that tone that forced him to admit that she was essentially the same person as him.
"I understand," he responded in a low voice, his tone calm but with a hint of emotion and helplessness, "We are all the same."
This sentence is just a few words, but it contains thousands of words.
He knew that both of them were so stubborn and were the type who would not give up their beliefs easily.
Whether it is his persistence in pursuing the truth as a detective, or Bernadette's obsession with an unknown goal, no matter what, they are walking a similar path - knowing that there are thorns ahead, but inevitably attracted, unable to stop their steps, and pushed into the abyss by irresistible forces.
Grellant turned around and stared at Miss Bernadette through the dim corridor. At this moment, he no longer tried to persuade her to wait for the results of his investigation, because he knew that such persuasion was meaningless. They understood each other tacitly, knowing that no matter how much persuasion or warning, they could not change each other's determination.
The corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a bitter smile.
"Maybe that's why we keep moving forward in this crazy world."
His voice seemed to be spoken to himself, and also like a whisper to this absurd world. This world is full of madness, unknowns and darkness, and people like them are destined to travel through it, pursuing answers that they know may bring destruction.Chapter 106 Out of ControlTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2178 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-21 17:30:06
The morning sun shone through the window into the room, slightly blinding, and Grellint woke up dazedly from a night of light sleep. He rubbed his forehead out of habit, trying to clear his mind that was filled with thoughts.
Looking through the window, he saw the hurried pedestrians on the street. Is today Friday? This thought flashed through his mind.
There were some pedestrians walking in groups of two or three on the street, chatting easily as they walked, and laughter could be heard from time to time. Grallint watched them quietly, and a new thought came to his mind: "That's great."
This sudden thought surprised him a little. He had been in this world for six months, and this was the first time he had such a feeling.
Maybe I should really interact with more people?
In the past, he felt that he was superior. Although he did not deliberately regard himself as the protagonist, his experiences in his previous life always made him feel superior in technology and culture, a sense of superiority in the face of the world.
However, he is still a human being after all, and everyone here is alive.
They have their own emotions, desires, fears and hopes, and even, like Miss Bernadette, are able to keenly perceive that he is not exactly the same as the original "Grillant".
He suddenly realized that these people were not cowardly, but the pressure of life made them like this.
They just don't dare to face the truth as bravely as Audrey.
Thinking of Audrey, Grallint was silent for a while.
At this time, he slowly felt that this body was gradually merging with his previous self, but he also realized that his control over his extraordinary abilities was no longer as handy as before.
This discovery interrupted his current thoughts and made him feel vaguely uneasy.
As a novice who had just entered the extraordinary field, he knew that his understanding of this world was far from enough, and he dared not be negligent about the abnormal situation before him.
He didn't think about it anymore, and Grallant quickly put on his clothes and almost rushed out of the room. On the way downstairs, he almost bumped into Miss Bernadette who was going upstairs, but he had no time to care about her reaction.
Before she could speak, Greylint had hurried past her, rushed out the door, got on the carriage, and headed for Professor Steve's residence.
The carriage was moving on the cobblestone road, and the rhythmic "click" sound of the wheels seemed to calm Grellant's anxiety. He leaned back on the carriage seat, looking at the slightly blurred street scene outside the window, and his mood gradually calmed down. At this moment, he suddenly realized that his behavior just now was a bit rude.
Miss Bernadette - he left in a hurry without leaving her any explanation, and didn't even have time to say sorry. Bernadette's usual calm and sharp expression appeared in Grallint's mind, and he couldn't help but sigh.
She was someone who was so good at capturing subtle changes in emotions that she might have already noticed the anxiety and uneasiness behind his actions.
But because of her sensitivity, Gralinte was worried that Bernadette would misunderstand and connect her anxiety and eagerness with her father's affairs. If she mistakenly thought that she was in a hurry to leave because of something related to her father, it might cause her unnecessary speculation and worry.
Thinking of this, Grallint felt even more depressed. Although he knew that Bernadette was calm and rational enough, facing her father's complicated situation, any slight abnormality could touch her emotions. He decided to find an opportunity to explain to her as soon as possible, apologize to her, and clarify his true motives.
"When I come back, I will definitely apologize to her," he decided secretly in his heart.
At this moment, his thoughts returned to the bumpy rhythm of the carriage. The most important thing at the moment was to figure out the abnormality of his own extraordinary ability. Only by understanding his own abnormality could he solve the mysteries hidden behind it.
The person who is most likely to know the reason and is willing to explain it to him is Professor Steve, the guide who brought him into this extraordinary world.
Thinking of Professor Steve, Grellant frowned slightly. He realized that he had forgotten to inform the professor in advance in his haste. The guide who had introduced him to the extraordinary world might not mind his sudden visit, but this impolite behavior always made him feel a little rude.
After thinking for a while, Grellant took out his pocket watch from his pocket, opened the cover, and looked down at the time. At this time, the morning sun was shining on the dial, and the pointer was moving slowly. Then he turned the pocket watch in his hand and waited for the messenger to arrive.
After a while, he sensed something spiritually strange, and after opening his spiritual vision, he saw the arrival of the messenger.
…
As the clatter of the wheels continued to echo on the cobblestone road, his gaze once again passed through the car window and fell on the street scene outside, his heart still filled with a mixture of uneasiness and anticipation.
In the North District, Professor Steve's house gradually appeared in Graylint's sight. As the carriage got closer, his heartbeat quickened, like an invisible drum beating in his chest. He tried hard to suppress the feeling of uneasiness, but as he approached his destination, the tension became stronger.
In his mind, a word that he tried to avoid thinking about repeatedly lingered - out of control. His grasp of extraordinary power gradually became dull, and the abnormalities of the past few days forced him to face this possibility.
Losing control is an outcome that every Extraordinary person fears greatly, because it not only means an imbalance of power, but is also likely to lead to the collapse of consciousness and even a complete loss of self.
He had thought that he could become stronger step by step, face the hidden darkness of Backlund, reveal the truth behind the scenes, and even finally face the mysterious owner of the palace - the one who seemed to have brought him here from another world.
However, the weakening of his extraordinary abilities made him feel vulnerable and helpless, and the fear brought by this sense of powerlessness even surpassed his worries about the future.
The carriage slowed down, the clattering of the wheels gradually diminished until it came to a complete stop.
Standing in front of Professor Steve's door, Greylint took a deep breath, trying to calm the surging emotions in his heart.
He had already been informed by messenger that the professor was waiting for him in the house. Everything had been arranged, but he still felt a little nervous when he was about to face the professor.
The air in front of the door seemed to freeze, silent, with only his breathing echoing faintly. Greylint raised his hand slightly, and when his knuckles touched the heavy wooden door, his fingers trembled slightly.
"Calm down." He said to himself, and then he knocked on the door gently.
"Knock, knock, knock." The knocking sound was particularly clear in the quiet environment.
There was no hesitation inside the door. After a few seconds, the door slowly opened and Professor Steve appeared inside. His eyes were calm and wise, as if he had seen through everything.
The professor's eyes met with Greylint's for a moment, and he nodded slightly, as if silently inviting him in.
Grellint nodded slightly, stepped over the threshold and walked into the house.
He knew the answer was just ahead.Chapter 107 GrowthTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2160 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-22 17:30:03
After listening to Graylint's self-description, Professor Steve's expression was obviously relaxed a little, with a hint of approval in his eyes. He said softly:
"Grelint, to be precise, you are now the real you."
"The real me?"
Grellant keenly caught the professor's words, and although he felt strange, he felt a kind of comfort from the other's expression. This seemed to be a good thing, at least the professor had never lied to him, and at most it was just some harmless jokes.
The professor nodded, his voice steady and gentle: "Yes, Grallint. Have you ever thought about one thing - whether you have been promoted too quickly?"
Grellint was slightly stunned, and he felt a little confused when faced with this question. He had no clear reference and didn't know whether his speed was really abnormal.
However, he had Roselle's diary. As a high-level Beyonder, at least a demigod-level being, his experience undoubtedly helped him a lot in the early days. From this point of view, rapid promotion did not seem impossible.
As if seeing through Grellint's doubts, Professor Steve continued:
"Grelint, even within the church, which has a complete sequence system, an ordinary Beyonder starting from Sequence 9 usually takes at least two years to advance for the first time. And as the sequence increases, the time required will only increase exponentially."
He paused, observing Greylint's gradually relaxing expression, and continued, "Generally speaking, the team leader in a region is only Sequence 7 by the time he is around 30 years old."
Looking at Greylint's thoughtful expression, the professor smiled lightly, with a hint of meaning in his tone:
"You may be thinking that you have mastered the Acting Method, so you can quickly digest it and improve your strength. But have you ever seriously thought about why the church deliberately hides the true purpose of the Acting Method?"
He paused for a moment, as if waiting for Greylint's inner fluctuations, and then slowly said:
"Do you remember what I reminded you before? Excessive pursuit of power and acting will make you lose yourself and become a slave to your extraordinary abilities."
This made Grellant recall the scene of that day, and the figure of Mr. Leviev emerged in his mind - the kind and good old man. His mood gradually became heavy, and his expression became gloomy.
Professor Steve keenly caught this change, but did not break the silence immediately. He looked at Grallant quietly, as if giving him enough time and space to sort out his thoughts. The professor did not speak again, but just waited quietly.
After a while, Grellint finally spoke, with a hint of hesitation in his tone:
"Professor Steve, so, the risk of acting is very high and it is very easy to get lost. Have I been affected by it?"
Professor Steve's eyes flickered slightly, and he shook his head gently, and said slowly: "No, Greylint. In fact, from the first time I confirmed that you were half a 'Reader', I knew that you had begun to be controlled by extraordinary abilities."
He paused for a moment, his voice low but clear:
"Acting is indeed the best way to control extraordinary abilities, but the traps hidden behind it are equally unfathomable. But you are not lost because of acting, but because you have been extremely affected by extraordinary abilities from the beginning. It has already taken root in your subconscious, but you are not aware of it."
These words were like thunder, and Greylint's heart was shaken. He stared at Professor Steve in front of him, and for the first time he felt that this person was so strange. The familiar intimacy faded away in an instant, and was replaced by an elusive sense of distance.
Professor Steve was not surprised to see the change in Greylint. He sighed softly, his tone still calm: "Greylint, in your opinion, what kind of situation is considered as the loss of control of extraordinary ability?"
Grellant remained silent and did not respond immediately. Professor Steve did not wait for his answer, but continued:
"From our perspective, a person may have been affected by extraordinary forces, or even gradually lost control. But in his own eyes, he may just be following the path he believes is right and doing what he believes is right."
The professor paused for a moment, his eyes deep, as if guiding Greylint to think deeply: "When an Extraordinary loses control, only he himself can truly perceive it."
Gradually, Greylint understood the hidden meaning of Professor Steve's words. In the end, the Extraordinary's loss of control could only be detected and overcome by himself.
Any external reminders may trigger a rebellious mentality, prompting you to repeatedly verify in order to prove that you are "not out of control", but end up going further and further down the road of losing control.
He smiled bitterly and spoke with a hint of helplessness in his voice: "So now I realize that I have lost control?"
Professor Steve looked at him with a complicated expression in his eyes. He then shook his head and added slowly, "Of course, there is another possibility. If there is a high-sequence Beyonder from the Audience Pathway by your side, he is willing to see through everything for you when you are lost and guide you to regain clarity."
Greylint thought for a while, frowning slightly: "You mean, I got help from the High-Sequence Beyonders of the Audience Path?"
Professor Steve nodded slightly, but his tone was still cautious: "I don't think that just one or two conversations will allow you to discover your own abnormality. The emotions and nature of the Beyonder are sealed under the influence of the potion. Unsealing them requires deeper guidance and self-awareness."
Although the professor did not say it explicitly, Grellant had keenly grasped the hidden meaning. Indeed, there was an extraordinary person of the "audience" path beside him - Audrey.
But think about it carefully, Audrey has not been exposed to the Extraordinary world for a long time, even if she has mastered the method of acting, she is only Sequence 8. It is difficult for an Extraordinary of this sequence to deeply explore and guide him to realize the hidden danger of losing control deep in his heart.
Then, the only one who can truly help him and guide him to face all this is another person.
Grellint's thoughts quickly turned to the mysterious visitor who had come unexpectedly, the seemingly low-key but unfathomable presence - Miss Bernadette Debreck who had moved into his home.
Her appearance had been shrouded in mystery from the beginning, and now, Grallint finally realized, there might be more to this visitor than he had previously thought.
Grallint tried hard to recall the details of his encounter with Bernadette. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that everything was full of weirdness and unreasonableness. He was a hidden viscount of the kingdom, living in Cherwood District, acting under an alias, and carefully concealing his true background.
But he actually left Bernadette, a stranger whom he had only met a few times, in his home without any precautions. This behavior itself was too abnormal. Any careful person, if they paid a little attention, would have noticed his abnormality.
At this moment, Professor Steve's voice interrupted his thoughts in due time: "Yes, Greylint, the one in your family is undoubtedly a Beyonder, and her Sequence is much higher than yours."Chapter 108 PartnerTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2115 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-23 17:30:01
Facing Professor Steve's words, Grellant opened his mouth and tried to explain something, but he suddenly found that he had nothing to say. The confusion and anxiety in his heart made him lose the ability to speak: "Professor Steve, I..."
Professor Steve did not let him continue. He said calmly and firmly, "The only thing I can be sure of now is that she has no ill will towards you. Otherwise, with her ability, you would have been in danger long ago, instead of being able to sit here and discuss these things with me so calmly."
Grellint lowered his head and remained silent. He knew very well that facing a Beyonder who was higher in Sequence than himself and could even influence his subconscious, he had almost no ability to resist.
What's more, despite her mysterious behavior, Bernadette has not shown any direct malice so far.
But no matter what, her motives and true intentions are still shrouded in mystery and are difficult to understand.
Although she seemed harmless, and even friendly and well-intentioned at certain moments, this uncertainty made Greylint unable to completely let down his guard. What was her true intention for a High-Sequence Beyonder who could easily break through his carefully built defenses and live in his home?
Is she an ally, or a hidden threat?
Professor Steve looked at Graylint with a calm expression, but there was something profound and unfathomable in his expression. His tone was slow and steady, as if he was stating a fact that was already determined:
"Face it, Grellint. This may not be the predicament you imagine. Her appearance may be part of fate. Remember, she is not an enemy, but a partner whose destiny is intertwined with yours."
Greylint smiled bitterly, with undisguised doubt in his tone: "Are you trying to comfort me?"
Professor Steve smiled slightly, and a deep and elusive light flashed in his eyes, as if penetrating the mist of time and fate. He whispered: "No, this is not comfort, it is a prophecy."
…
Sitting in the carriage on the way home, Grellint looked calm and even looked through the window at the street slowly moving back as if nothing had happened.
But his heart seemed to be torn apart by some invisible force, and Professor Steve's words still echoed in his mind:
Partners with intertwined destinies?
Grellant couldn't help but fall into deep thought. Why did Professor Steve make such a prediction?
As a young man who grew up in a scientific culture, he did not believe in fate or prophecy. Reason told him that these were just coincidences or misleading.
However, in this world filled with extraordinary powers, his beliefs began to waver and a sense of confusion gradually set in.
Perhaps some high-sequence Beyonders can really predict the future, but the question is, why would a high-sequence powerhouse intersect with me?
What on earth is there about me, an ordinary viscount of a kingdom and a Sequence 7 detective that is worthy of her attention?
He thought about it carefully, his mind full of doubts.
The only thing that seems to be different from others is his identity as a time traveler.
Thinking of this, Greylint couldn't help but laugh at himself, but the smile quickly froze on his face, and then he was stunned.
Bernadette de Bruyck…if her last name was Gustave, then it would all make sense.
Suddenly, his thoughts were like being struck by lightning. Grellint suddenly realized that he might be the only person in the world who could understand Roselle's diary.
He paused, and another name came to mind: Charlotte. Then he added:
There are only two guys who can read Roselle's diary...
If Bernadette was really as he guessed, she was Bernadette Gustav, the daughter of Emperor Roselle, then it was perfectly reasonable for her to be interested in him.
Everything began to fall into place.
As this possibility was gradually confirmed, Grellint felt a sudden headache, as if the truth he understood was too huge to digest all at once.
He leaned back in the carriage seat and closed his eyes. The puzzle that had been bothering him in his mind seemed to become more and more complicated, but in some way, it also began to become clearer.
Bernadette's appearance was no accident. Perhaps she had always been looking for someone like herself...
So, what is her purpose? Is it really to find her father as she said?
Grellint felt his thoughts gradually becoming confused. Although Bernadette's words were full of sincerity, in this world full of secrets and treacherous things, the motives of the Beyonders were never as simple as they seemed. He could not help but fall into deep doubt.
He closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down and stop thinking too much about it. Just as Professor Steve said, facing a Beyonder whose Sequence was much higher than his, the choices he could make were actually very limited.
Escape?
This thought flashed through his mind, but he immediately denied it. Even if he really chose to escape, where could he escape to? In this world where extraordinary powers are everywhere, no place is absolutely safe. He knew very well that as long as his identity was exposed, any ritual could easily track him down. In the world of extraordinary people, there has never been such a thing as absolute escape.
He smiled bitterly and shook his head. Reality made him realize that escape was not an option. The only thing he could do was to face it bravely as Professor Steve suggested. After all, in this world full of unknowns and power, there were some things he could not control. Facing this fact might be the most important thing he should do next.
What exactly is Bernadette's purpose?
Perhaps the key to this game is how he will respond when the truth is gradually revealed. Whether she is really looking for her father or has a deeper plan, Grellint realizes that his fate is closely intertwined with hers and there is no escape.
Finally, Grellint opened his eyes and looked out the window at the bustling scene that was gradually receding. Surprisingly, the turmoil in his heart slowly subsided at this moment.
No matter what happens next, he knows that he can only face it bravely.
The carriage stopped in front of the townhouse in Cherwood. Grallint took a deep breath, got out of the car and opened the door.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Bernadette, who was sitting quietly by the fireplace, the fire in front of her reflected on her face, looking mysterious and peaceful.
Seeing Greylint coming in, Bernadette smiled slightly, that smile was calm and composed, as if everything was under control.
Greylint subconsciously tensed his expression, but Bernadette didn't seem to care about his solemnity at all, or rather, she had already seen through his inner turmoil.
"Lord Greylinte," her voice was soft and earnest, as if she had anticipated this moment. "I think you need to talk to me now."
Her words were calm and firm.
And he,
There is no other choice.Chapter 109 HometownTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2102 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-24 17:30:09
After hearing what Miss Bernadette said, Grailliant remained silent. Without saying a word, he walked silently to the fireplace and sat down opposite Bernadette.
He did not rush to speak, but stared at Bernadette quietly, as if seeking more answers from her behavior.
Bernadette remained calm in the face of his gaze. Her cold and mysterious temperament was like a layer of mist, hiding her true intentions without a trace.
She spoke casually, as if it was just a normal conversation: "I think, as a detective, you should have guessed my identity."
She smiled slightly, her voice calm but with a hint of power that could not be ignored: "Reintroduce yourself, Bernadette Gustave."
Although Grellint had already vaguely guessed her true identity in the carriage, when the name was actually spoken from Bernadette's mouth, his heart was still shocked. Bernadette Gustave, the most beloved child of Emperor Roselle, was regarded as a precious existence like a pearl. This name carried the weight of countless history.
The person in front of me turned out to be a figure from history.
Although he was mentally prepared, Grellint couldn't help but ask, with a tone of uncontrollable doubt:
"Why?"
Bernadette looked at him, her tone gentle but with a certain firmness:
"Because you are the one he is waiting for."
This sentence exploded in Grellint's mind like thunder. He was unable to respond for a moment, and his inner shock and doubts were intertwined.
he?
Russell?
wait?
All this made Grellint feel like he was caught up in a larger, more complicated chess game, and he didn't even understand his role in it.
He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down, but more and more mysteries were in his mind. What exactly did Bernadette mean? How should he face this sudden fate?
"Remember, she is not an enemy, but a partner whose destiny is intertwined with yours." Professor Steve's words exploded in Greylint's mind, as if they were a prophecy of the current situation.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and then asked:
"I'm curious, why do you think I'm the one Roselle is waiting for?"
Bernadette was silent for a while, her expression changed slightly, as if she was lost in some distant memories. After a long time, she slowly spoke: "I can feel that he has been waiting for someone, as if he wants to convey something to that person. Since my childhood, as I grew up, the frequency of his diary writing gradually decreased. But after he became more and more difficult for me to understand, the frequency of his diary writing became more frequent."
Her voice was soft but firm, and every word seemed to carry the secrets she had never revealed and the questions in her heart.
"He also specifically asked me to remember two symbols," Bernadette continued, with a subtle emotion in her tone, as if it contained longing and unsolved mysteries. She picked up the feather pen and wrote two Chinese characters that Grallint was very familiar with on the paper. Although the handwriting was crooked, it was almost exactly the same as the unique handwriting in Roselle's diary.
The two words were clearly written: Hometown.
Grellint's eyes were fixed on these two words, and a surge of irrepressible emotions and memories suddenly surged in his heart. These two words were not just two simple symbols to him, but also the most fundamental pursuit and desire in his heart. It was the bond that allowed him to maintain his sanity and core in this crazy world, and it was the goal that he had never wavered in since he came here.
Bernadette keenly sensed the change in Gralint's expression, and temporarily suppressed the words she was about to say. She quietly watched his facial expression, trying to read more clues from it, trying to figure out the true meaning of these two symbols in Roselle's mind.
"Just like my father." Bernadette's whisper was accompanied by the slight crackling of the wood burning in the fireplace, as if echoing in the room with the flames. Although her voice was soft, it still caught Grallint's attention.
He came back to his senses and looked at Bernadette in front of him. This mysterious lady had a rare fragility in her expression, as if a layer of strong mask was quietly falling off.
"Can you tell me the meaning of these two symbols?" Bernadette's eyes flashed with a hint of pleading, like a certain desire she had been pursuing all her life, a desire to solve the mystery that had troubled her for many years.
Grellint was silent for a moment. He understood what these two words meant to him - hometown. This was not only a riddle left by Roselle, but also a sense of belonging and yearning in his soul. For Bernadette, this might be the last clue for her to understand and get closer to her father.
He took a deep breath, stared at Bernadette, and said softly: "These two words mean 'the starting point of emotion'... It represents a place with deep emotions. It is a place where I, or... your father, carries countless emotions, memories, and identities."
Bernadette's eyes trembled slightly, as if some enlightenment was gradually ignited in her heart. However, that enlightenment also brought unspeakable loss and complex emotions. She gently repeated: "Hometown..." Her voice was gentle and light, as if she was savoring the word, trying to experience some emotion she had never truly felt.
"For me, is that childhood where my father lived, my hometown?" Bernadette asked softly, with a little confusion and expectation in her eyes.
Grellint looked at her, and his heart was moved. He knew that their fates were intertwined because of Roselle. He was a traveler from another world, carrying an endless desire for his real "homeland". Bernadette, Roselle's daughter, was looking for the last message left by her father, trying to find traces of her father from memories and symbols. Isn't this a way to find her "homeland"?
In this mysterious and extraordinary world, although their starting points are completely different, the concept of "hometown" has become the common pursuit of their destiny. It is not just a specific piece of land, but also a kind of spiritual belonging, a pursuit hidden in memory and emotion.
"Yes," Graylint whispered back, with a deep certainty in his tone.
At this moment, their eyes met, as if crossing the boundaries of time and space. At that moment, the gears of fate seemed to be turning slowly and silently, pushing them onto the same path.
No matter how different their pasts were, no matter where the future would go, at this moment, both of them were connected by some higher power, searching together for that hidden "homeland" and the destination of their respective souls.Chapter 110: Fellow TravelersTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2017 wordsUpdate time: 2024-09-25 17:30:09
The room was silent, with only the sound of wood burning in the fireplace occasionally breaking the stagnation of the air. Gralinte and Bernadette were each immersed in their memories, like two isolated islands, isolated from each other.
Compared to Greylint, Bernadette, as an extraordinary person who has lived for more than two hundred years, was the first to wake up from her memories.
She looked at Grellint who was lost in thought, her eyes revealing complex emotions, as if she was brewing something.
"I'm sorry, Miss Bernadette..." Grellint, who had just woken up from his memories, saw her expression and felt a little moved. He knew that Bernadette did not interrupt him, but just waited quietly.
"It doesn't matter. I also... remembered my past." Bernadette sighed softly, and after a moment, she seemed to have made up her mind and said:
"Grelint, I want to learn this kind of writing." Her eyes were blazing with a hint of anticipation.
But facing this sudden request, Grellint was full of resistance. He didn't know how many secrets Bernadette knew about Roselle, but he was sure that she should have Roselle's diary.
Even if it was only part of it, if she could understand the content, Roselle's identity as a time traveler would no longer be a secret. As someone who could understand Roselle's diary, this would undoubtedly expose him to greater danger.
Bernadette saw his concerns and said in a gentle but firm voice:
"In fact, I already know that you are no longer the original Viscount Greylint. Although I don't know your true identity, I have traveled all over the southern and northern continents over the years, and even explored many islands in the five seas, but I have never seen this kind of text. I can be sure that you come from a place beyond what we know - either the legendary western continent, or some other unknown place."
Grellint fell silent. He realized that Bernadette's intuition was terrifyingly accurate and seemed to have seen through the secret he had been hiding.
"I think he is just like you, you come from the same place," Bernadette continued, with a firm emotion in her voice;
"What kind of place is that that you can't forget? Even after going through so much, he still has such feelings for it?"
"Can you forget your childhood?" asked Grellint softly.
Bernadette was slightly startled, and a hint of vulnerability appeared in her expression. The memory of her childhood seemed to have touched a chord deep in her heart.
After a moment, she whispered back, "I can't forget... and that's why I want to understand him."
Her emotions were exposed before him without any cover, and Grellint's heart trembled, as if he saw Bernadette's past image, that desire for loss and determination to explore, surprisingly similar to his own. With an almost inaudible sigh, he lowered his head and spoke in a very low voice:
"Bernadette, are you really ready to face these secrets?"
"I do," she said without hesitation, her eyes fiery and determined.
Graylint's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Bernadette's identity as a demigod left him powerless to resist, but what shook him even more was the persistence and sincerity in her eyes.
Facing such an extraordinary person, he had no power to choose, and she had seen through his defenses.
As if sensing his struggle, Bernadette added softly:
"Grelint, I know what you are thinking. I have no ill will towards you. If I want, I can make sure you don't notice anything unusual."
"Why?" Grellint's voice was a little hoarse.
"Although I don't know what you've been through... I can see that the potion is changing you. It makes you calmer and calmer, and more and more like a machine that can only analyze." Bernadette's voice was soft and a little sad. "But you still have your own emotions. I can feel them."
Grellant was silent. After his emotions recovered, he knew she was right. The influence of the potion was becoming more and more profound, and reason and indifference gradually prevailed.
Bernadette's tone became more resolute: "No matter what you have been through, you are still the one he is waiting for, and I... am willing to help you."
Grelint's heart trembled. Bernadette's eyes were filled with irresistible sincerity, as if those eyes could see through his heart. He didn't dare to look at her, and lowered his head again, his thoughts surging like a tide.
Bernadette's voice echoed in my mind, yet it was full of power:
"You are the one he is waiting for. I am willing to help you."
Her obsession is not only about Roselle's secret, but also about her own pursuit - an obsession that has never faded over two hundred years.
That gaze was like a sharp blade, pointing directly at the deepest defenses in Greylint's heart. Faced with such determination, he knew he could no longer avoid it.
"You're right, Bernadette." He raised his head, his voice low and mixed with a hint of self-mockery, "The potion makes me more and more indifferent, more and more like a machine that can only analyze... But it also makes me realize that the deeper I go, the easier it is to get lost."
Bernadette looked at him quietly, her eyes showing understanding and sympathy: "That's why you need someone to help you, right? And I also need your help."
Grellint did not respond immediately, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes. He understood the risk he was about to face. Although Bernadette was already a demigod, or even higher, in front of the gods, she might not be much different from an ordinary person.
She still couldn't uncover the truth behind Russell's death, and couldn't find any definite clues to their hometown.
When facing Roselle's daughter, Grellint had a subtle feeling in his heart. Just like facing the offspring of a close friend, he naturally didn't want her to get involved in danger. Although those friends didn't have children when he traveled through time.
However, now that Bernadette already has Roselle's diary, will she really stop pursuing the truth?
Professor Steve's warning echoed in his mind again: "Remember, she is not an enemy, but a partner whose destiny is intertwined with yours."
Grellint was silent for a long time, and finally spoke slowly, his voice hoarse and low: "Are you really willing to take this risk?"
This was his last chance to give her a retreat.
"I am willing," Bernadette answered without hesitation, her eyes still fiery and determined, "Whether it is Roselle's secret or your own, I am willing to face it with you."
Grellint was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing her words, but in the end, he just nodded slightly in response. The flames in the fireplace flickered gently, reflecting the silent faces of the two people, and seemed to illuminate some unknown fate in the future.
The flames flickered quietly, as if witnessing an irreversible covenant.