Chapter 19 - 19

Chapter 181 BreakfastTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2289 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-05 17:30:07

Abel's eyes flickered slightly, and he understood what Bernadette meant. Whether it was the power struggle within the royal family or the undercurrent of the spiritual cult, it had nothing to do with him.

Bernadette sighed softly and suddenly said, "The New Year is coming soon." She paused, a complex emotion flashed across her eyes, "Although my father always likes to celebrate the 'New Year' again at some point in January or February."

Abel did not respond, but lowered his head and stared at his hands. At that moment, he seemed to hear the time passing quietly. He naturally knew what it meant for Roselle to celebrate the New Year again. Was the emperor really like he thought, never letting go of the past?

He struggled to get up, his eyes fell on Bernadette on the sofa opposite him, hesitating for a moment, but he didn't speak. He slowly moved his eyes away and turned to the window. The street in the distance seemed to have entered another time and space. The bustling crowds, the noisy shops, the occasional snowflakes - everything seemed to have nothing to do with him, but it existed so realistically.

He smiled slightly, with a hint of relief mixed in with the bitterness.

"Come to think of it, I've never really understood this world." He whispered to himself, his voice as light as a feather, with a long-lost sense of ease.

Bernadette followed closely, seeming to sense the change in Abel's heart, but remained silent. She understood that this was not just a topic about the New Year, but a choice made by Abel deep in his heart.

Abel stood up and adjusted his collar. His eyes gradually became clearer, with a long-lost calmness. He walked to the window, opened the curtains, and the cold sunlight poured into the room. People on the street walked hurriedly, as if they were carrying a heavy burden, but in his eyes, they were just insignificant passers-by. He felt a long-lost freedom, as if he had taken off the shackles of bondage and finally returned to this world.

He walked to the bookshelf, picked up a book at random, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and let the tranquility and comfort of the moment emerge in his mind. He no longer asked for answers to the future, nor was he obsessed with the past. He just wanted to live a happier and more comfortable life in this short time.

Bernadette stared at him quietly, with a hint of complex emotions in her eyes. She stood up and prepared to leave. When she reached the door, she suddenly stopped, looked back at Abel, raised the corners of her lips slightly, and said softly: "Backlund also has many good places, Klein Merchant."

Her words carried a hint of veiled meaning, as if they were not just simple suggestions, but more like silent encouragement. Her eyes revealed a subtle concern, as if to say that this world is still worth seeing and experiencing.

Abel opened his eyes slightly and watched Bernadette's figure gradually disappear at the door. He didn't say anything, but just nodded gently, with a gentle gratitude in his heart. Perhaps, the beauty of life is really right in front of him, and he is ready to discover it.

He sat quietly for a moment, and suddenly, a thought passed through his mind like a breeze: Maybe I should go out for breakfast.

Watching Bernadette's figure gradually disappear at the door, Abel turned his gaze to the window. The world outside was still busy and full of new possibilities. A long-lost impulse rose in his heart, as if at that moment, everything was no longer complicated - just live in the present and enjoy the life in front of you.

Abel got up gently, walked to the window, and stared at the people coming and going on the street. The winter sun shone on the streets of the East District, and the air was cool and fresh, as if it was a new beginning. The long-lost impulse, like a desire suddenly awakened, made him want to explore the world - to experience every ordinary and extraordinary moment.

He smiled slightly, stretched out his hand to adjust his collar, and secretly decided in his heart that today he would no longer be bound by the heavy past, nor would he be too demanding of himself. Perhaps this was another meaning of life that he had always ignored - there was no need to always pursue lofty goals or complicated plans. Sometimes, a simple breakfast was enough to make people feel the warmth of the world.

He walked out the door and stepped into the cold street, his steps relaxed and firm. The scene around him was as busy as ever, the creaking of wheels and the whispers of the crowd intertwined, adding a layer of noisy rhythm to the city. Abel walked through the crowded streets, his eyes occasionally lingering on those small shop windows, which were filled with a wide variety of goods. Those ordinary things, however, sparkled with a certain freshness in his eyes.

He had no particular destination, he just walked casually, without a clear route in mind, like a leaf moving in the wind, letting nature take its course. However, it was this sense of freedom without a plan that made him feel a long-lost sense of ease. In the past, he always carried a heavy sense of responsibility, as if he was being pulled by some invisible force, but today, he let it all go and just wanted to enjoy the present moment.

Finally, he stopped in front of an inconspicuous little restaurant. The sign on the door was a little faded, but it exuded a kind of friendly warmth. He pushed open the door and was greeted by the aroma of steaming food. The owner of the restaurant was an elderly woman. When she saw him come in, she smiled and nodded.

"Good morning, sir," she said gently, with a hint of warm intimacy in her voice.

Abel smiled and responded, "Good morning, a simple breakfast will be fine."

He sat by the window, looking at the busy street outside, and suddenly felt that everything in front of him was so real: the warm sunshine, the simple dining table, the hot food, and even the smile of the strange boss, all made him feel a long-lost peace.

Not long after, a simple meal was delivered to Abel's table. It was a bowl of steaming oatmeal porridge, and next to it were a few slices of freshly baked buttered bread, the surface still slightly radiant with golden luster. Although the food was not rich, it exuded a simple warmth that made people feel relaxed involuntarily.

Abel picked up the spoon and gently scooped a mouthful of oatmeal porridge. The warm liquid slid across the tip of his tongue, with a faint aroma of wheat and milk. He closed his eyes and felt the comfort coming from the food, as if all the complexity and troubles disappeared in this moment. This simple breakfast became a ritual for him to temporarily put aside the past and set aside his responsibilities.

The sunlight outside the window still gently sprinkled into the restaurant, reflecting on the spoon in his hand, as if this moment of tranquility had been gently accepted by the world. Abel no longer thought about those complicated things, nor was he in a hurry to make any decisions, but just quietly enjoyed the tranquility of this moment.

There were whispers of conversation in the restaurant and occasional laughter from the neighboring table. These subtle sounds merged into a warm melody in his ears, like the heartbeat of the city, intertwined with his own heartbeat.

He put down the spoon and looked out the window. The pedestrians on the street were still in a hurry, busy with their own affairs, but he felt a long-lost peace in this moment of tranquility. Although there were no earth-shattering events or conflicting plots here, it was the peace he had longed for - a peace that did not require any reason.

As if noticing this unusual guest, the restaurant owner came over and asked softly, "Sir, do you need anything else?"

Abel looked at her and smiled gently: "No, this is enough."Chapter 182 StrollTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2161 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-06 17:30:07

After finishing his breakfast, Abel felt much more relaxed. He stood up, paid for the meal, and pushed open the heavy wooden door of the restaurant. The chill in the air hit him, but at this moment, he felt that the cold seemed to have a hint of freshness. He walked onto the street, his eyes following everything around him - the small second-hand bookstore, the flower shop on the corner, the hurried footsteps of pedestrians. Everyone had their own goals, but he was free at the moment.

Abel strolled casually, feeling an unprecedented peace in his heart. After walking through several busy streets, his steps gradually slowed down. When he turned into an alley, a melodious violin sound came from the depths of the alley. Abel stopped and looked in the direction of the sound. Under the dim light, a young street artist was playing the violin. The melody was slightly sad, as if narrating some kind of unspeakable loneliness, and there was a hint of hope in the ending.

He stood there quietly, closed his eyes, and let the melody blend into his heart. The sound of the piano was in sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the street, but it was wonderfully in tune with the rhythm of the city, like a serenade that belonged exclusively to Backlund. When the music ended, Abel walked up and whispered, "Your performance was very moving."

The artist was slightly startled, then smiled shyly: "Thank you, sir. It's not some high-level skill, I just do it to make a living."

Abel smiled, took out a few copper pennies from his pocket and handed them to him: "These are my appreciation for your music. I hope it will bring you more inspiration."

The artist was stunned for a moment, then took the copper coin, with a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you so much, sir." His voice trembled a little, as if he was not used to such kindness.

Abel nodded and watched him put away his violin and disappear at the end of the alley. A faint warmth surged in his heart. The city was cold and noisy, but it was these unintentional moments that made him feel that there were still soft places in life worth cherishing.

Continuing his stroll, Abel found himself walking into an unfamiliar neighborhood. The frosted glass of a small teahouse on the street caught his eye. The dim light in the window was warm, and the air seemed to be filled with the faint fragrance of tea. He pushed open the wooden door of the teahouse, and the bell rang crisply. The warmth that came to his face quickly warmed his cheeks.

"Welcome." A kind waitress looked up from behind the counter and greeted him with a smile. Her voice was soft, like a cup of warm tea, which made people relax.

"A relaxing cup of hot tea." Abel responded with a smile.

The waitress nodded and took him to a seat by the window. Abel sat down and looked out the window at the street scene outside: the bustling crowds, the coachman driving the carriage, and the shouts of street vendors intertwined into a vivid picture. However, he felt a sense of tranquility enveloping him.

Soon after, a cup of steaming hot tea was brought to him. The light fragrance of the tea diffused in the air, and the warm liquid slid down his throat into his body, dispelling the remaining chill deep in his body. He put down the teacup, closed his eyes, and felt the tranquility of this moment, as if everything around him became slow and clear.

"Drinking tea alone?" A gentle voice sounded in his ears.

Abel opened his eyes and saw a young man in plain clothes standing beside the table. He had a gentle expression and a hint of curiosity.

"Yes." Abel smiled slightly, "It's a rare moment of relaxation."

The young man nodded, sat down at the next table, and said to the waitress, "Please give me a cup of tea too."

"I'm Li An, and I'm here on a business trip from the North District." He took the initiative to speak, his voice sounding casual.

"Abel." Abel responded, his eyes lingering on him for a moment, "It must be hard to be on a business trip, right?"

Li An shook his head and said with a smile: "Not really. It's just that sometimes I feel that I need to stop my busy life and find a place to be quiet. Only then do I feel that I am still alive."

The two chatted casually, from the atmosphere of the teahouse to the winter in Backlund, to some trivial matters in life. Li An's words were simple, but sincere, while Abel listened more and nodded in response occasionally.

"Sometimes I feel that life is all about chasing something, but every time I stop, I feel that those goals are not important." Ang Lee suddenly sighed.

Abel's eyes moved slightly. He picked up the teacup, took a sip, and whispered, "Perhaps the meaning of life is not in the destination, but in the scenery along the way."

Li An smiled and nodded thoughtfully. "You are right. This cup of tea is worth drinking."

The bell of the teahouse rang, and Li An stood up to leave. He nodded to Abel and said with a smile: "Thank you for your company, sir. Such a conversation makes people feel that life is not complicated."

Abel nodded slightly: "May you find your own peace."

Li An walked out of the teahouse and disappeared at the end of the street. Abel looked out the window and felt relieved. He picked up the teacup again and felt the warmth of the moment. The street outside the window was still noisy, but at this moment, he decided to slowly savor the ordinary and beautiful things in life.

When Abel left the teahouse, it was already completely dark. The street lights were lit in the mist, but the lights were swallowed by the mist, appearing dim and blurry. The air was filled with a pungent smell, like unburned coal ash, mixed with a little damp musty smell.

He strolled along the street and noticed that the gas lamps on the roadside were dimmer than usual, and the people around him seemed to be in a hurry than before. Almost everyone wrapped their scarves tightly and walked quickly with their heads down.

When he passed by a market, he stopped involuntarily. A group of people gathered in front of a stall, whispering about something. Abel approached and found that the stall owner was an old woman in tattered clothes. There were several strange objects on her table: some dark red candles, cloth bags with strange symbols, and several gray glass bottles.

"This is a talisman that can prevent illness." The old woman said in a low voice, her eyes scanning the onlookers.

"Will it really work?" a young man asked doubtfully, with hesitation in his tone.

"Of course," the old woman whispered, "there are more and more unclean things in the air recently. The fog is not just fog, it can get into your body and drag your soul away bit by bit."

There were a few surprised gasps from the crowd, followed by some whispering. Abel stood quietly by, his eyes sweeping over the items on the stalls, finally stopping at the candles. The surface of the candles was covered with fine symbols, which looked like some kind of ancient symbol.

"What are you still doing here? Hurry up and leave." At this time, a man who looked like an urban management officer came over, looking a little impatient, "Put away this superstitious thing quickly, or you will be caught again!"

The old woman glanced at him coldly, muttering an incomprehensible spell under her breath. She packed up her stall, put the items into a shabby wooden box, and slowly walked away.

Abel looked at her back thoughtfully, her unclear words echoing in his ears: "The fog is not just fog..."Chapter 183 SchoolTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2651 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-07 17:30:02

The night was getting darker, and the cold air was like an invisible tentacle, slowly seeping into his bones. Abel opened the door, and the silence and warmth came over him, making him feel a little relieved. However, when he lit the gas lamp, the faint flickering light seemed to tell of some unspeakable uneasiness. He turned the valve to the maximum, and the flame was slightly brighter, but still revealed a hint of dimness and weakness.

"The quality of the gas is getting worse and worse. It's the same old problem." Abel muttered to himself, his tired tone mixed with a hint of annoyance. He looked closer at the lampshade and found that it was covered with a thin layer of black ash, like soot deposited over the years, but strangely it suddenly appeared today. He took a cloth and wiped it a few times, then turned on the light again. The light was slightly brighter, but the shadows in the room were still thick, as if stubbornly clinging to every corner.

The fog outside the window was as thick as milky white, shrouding the entire street in a dull manner. The faint glow of the street lamps penetrated the thick fog, like a ghostly light, swaying in the air. The occasional footsteps and the rumbling of the wheels of the carriage sounded as if they were echoing from a distant time and space, carrying a suffocating sense of oppression.

Abel sat by the fireplace and picked up a book to dispel the inexplicable discomfort. He glanced at the cover and turned to the unfinished chapter, but the words in the book seemed to be covered with a layer of fog, making it difficult for him to concentrate. He always felt that there was an elusive heaviness in the air, as if some invisible existence was spying on him.

Suddenly, a slight scraping sound broke the silence in the room, like the sound of something sharp sliding across the glass. Abel looked up at the window alertly. There was a thin layer of mist on the glass, blurring the scene outside. He slowly stood up, walked to the window with light steps, and stared out.

Through the mist, he vaguely saw a tall and thin shadow standing across the street. The silhouette of the shadow was so distorted that it didn't look like a normal human being. It looked more like a silhouette eroded by the mist, blending into the surrounding thick fog. Abel frowned, his eyes sharper, trying to capture more details. Before he could see clearly, the shadow disappeared quietly with the surge of the mist, without a sound.

He opened the window, and the cold damp wind mixed with thick moisture hit him in the face, causing him to shiver. The streets were empty, and the thick fog was like an invisible net, swallowing up all possible traces.

"Illusion?" Abel murmured softly, but the uneasiness in his heart was quietly growing. When he closed the window, he noticed his reflection in the glass. His slightly tired eyes were intertwined with the swaying light of the gas lamp, which reminded him of the past.

"That night, I was still a viscount..." Abel's whisper faded into the air with the dim light. His eyes stayed on the gas lamp, and his thoughts returned to the cold winter when he first came into this world.

In the original owner's memory, the villa in Queens was always warm like spring. The aroma of hot tea wafted by the fireplace, books filled the soft armchairs, and the garden covered with light snow outside the window was quiet. However, these beautiful pictures were just illusions. It was in that season that he first came into contact with the truth of the extraordinary world and realized that it was not only a gift of power, but also an erosion of the mind and humanity.

In order to avoid losing himself, he chose to distance himself from the aristocratic circle and frequently went to Cherwood. This chaotic but lively neighborhood allowed him to temporarily break away from the shackles of his aristocratic identity and even regain some familiarity with "Jiang Yang".

"Maybe I should go check out the school in the East District tomorrow." He sighed and turned his eyes away from the gas lamp. He and a close friend co-founded that school, with the original intention of igniting a glimmer of hope for the children from the lower classes to change their fate. However, since he lost his viscount status, he has never set foot in person for various reasons.

As the night deepened, Abel closed the book in his hand and put it back on the bookshelf. The gas lamp was slowly turned off, and the room fell into darkness. The fog outside the window became thicker, like a huge curtain covering the entire city. The cold wind penetrated through the window cracks, mixed with moist water vapor, and a strange smell emerged in the air.

Abel closed his eyes while lying on the bed, but the uneasy feeling invaded his nerves like a tide. Just as he was falling asleep, a faint whisper suddenly sounded, lingering around like a whisper. The sound was vague but clear, intermittent, like some kind of ancient chant, but people could not understand its meaning.

Abel opened his eyes suddenly and listened attentively. The voice was intermittent, sometimes soft as the wind, sometimes deep as if it was coming out from the ground. He held the dagger on the bedside tightly, slowly got out of bed, quietly walked to the window, and gently pushed it open.

The cold mist hit him, chilling him to the bone. He stared into the thick fog in the distance, but the whispers had disappeared, leaving only a heavy silence. The street lights in the distance struggled to emit a weak light, as helpless as a drowning person.

"Is it an illusion, or..." Abel whispered to himself, and then stopped talking. His spirituality was not touched at all, which made him wonder if it was just his over-tension. After thinking fruitlessly, he finally lay back on the bed. That night, he slept soundly and peacefully.

In the early morning, the fog in the East District had dissipated a little. Abel stood in front of a low building, his eyes falling on a simple wooden sign with the words "East District School" written in neat handwriting. He stood there quietly for a moment, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, and then knocked on the school door.

There was a slight sound of footsteps from inside the door. After a moment, a middle-aged woman in a simple cloth skirt opened the door with a look of surprise on her face.

"Hello, who are you?" There was some hesitation in her tone, and her eyes stayed on Abel's face for a moment. It was obvious that she did not recognize the strange man in front of her.

Abel smiled slightly, bowed his head gently, and said calmly: "My name is Abel Klein, and I'm a businessman. I just came to Backlund, and I heard there is a school here, so I wanted to come and take a look."

The woman hesitated for a moment and then nodded: "Come in." There was a hint of inquiry in her tone, but it was quickly covered up by politeness.

Entering the school building, the simple environment hits you: the desks are neat but a little shabby, the walls are hung with children's handicrafts, and the air is filled with the smell of low-quality ink. Abel slowly glanced around, his mood a little complicated.

He asked quietly, "How is the school? Do you need any help?"

The woman hesitated for a moment before saying, "School is going well, thanks to Miss Audrey's help. But repairing the classrooms and buying textbooks are still a bit of a hassle."

Abel nodded thoughtfully, "If I can be of any help, I'll do my best." His tone was calm, yet full of irresistible sincerity.

After hearing this, the woman's defensiveness gradually disappeared, and her tone became more relaxed: "Thank you, Mr. Klein, we are very grateful for your kindness. The school does have some shortcomings, such as repairing classrooms and purchasing more textbooks, but these problems cannot be solved overnight."

Abel nodded calmly and wrote down the information silently. His eyes fell on the window. Through the light morning mist, the street seemed particularly quiet. With his hands behind his back, he spoke with a chatty tone: "The East District of Backlund is very different from where I used to be, but there are also some similarities - between hope and hardship, people can always find a little resilience in life."

The woman smiled and agreed softly, "Yes, that's how the children and their families here are. No matter how difficult the conditions are, they never give up the hope of learning."

Abel was silent for a moment before saying, "I wonder if it would be convenient for me to take a look at other places in this school? Perhaps I can understand more clearly what is most needed here."

The woman nodded and made a gesture of invitation: "Of course. Although the school is not big, you will definitely see the efforts of the children. Come with me."

The two walked slowly along the corridor, Abel's eyes swept over the words and simple decorations on the wall, as if he was carefully observing every detail. When they passed a classroom, they heard the sound of children reading and the teacher's explanation. Abel stopped at the door and looked through the crack of the door at the children who were studying hard in the classroom. There was an imperceptible softness in his eyes.

"These children..." He spoke softly, his voice filled with emotion, "Their desire for the future is stronger than I thought."

The woman smiled and said, "Yes, although they live in poverty, they always believe that knowledge can change their destiny. Seeing them work so hard every day, we feel that all the hard work is worth it."Chapter 184 Audrey HallTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2239 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-08 17:30:09

Abel was silent for a moment, his eyes wandering around the classroom, with an indescribable emotion in his heart. He provided new choices for these children, and these children never let him down. The silent persistence and hope seemed to be transmitted from every little figure, deeply touching him.

He did not respond to the woman's words, but nodded silently and continued to tour with her. The footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, and the air was filled with a subtle tension and expectation.

When they reached the door, Abel suddenly spoke, his voice low but full of determination: "I will do my best to solve your current problem. After all, as a businessman, I have traveled all over Backlund and met countless children, but the children like these - their innocence and hard work really moved me."

The woman was stunned for a moment, as if she had not expected Abel to express his feelings so frankly. After a moment, a grateful smile appeared on her face: "That's great, Mr. Klein. The children's future does need more help."

Abel's eyes stayed on the children who were concentrating on their studies for a moment, and his thoughts gradually settled. At that moment, the air seemed to be still, and every detail in the classroom was magnified. Then, he smiled slightly, and a soft light flashed in his eyes: "I will try my best." His tone was concise, but it revealed an unshakable determination.

At the same time, he silently added in his heart: "And you, Miss Nancy, you are no longer the same as before. I believe that you, who have experienced darkness, will be able to lead the children out of darkness." As one of the founders of the school, although Abel has not visited for two months, he is confident that he can recognize everyone in the school except the children. Nancy's changes have made him deeply touched.

Just as Abel said goodbye to Nancy, a carriage slowly stopped at the school gate. The gorgeous and familiar pattern was the Hall family's logo, which instantly evoked his deepest memories. He realized who the visitor was.

Miss Nancy seemed to have sensed the arrival of the carriage. A glimmer of understanding flashed across her eyes, and she whispered to Abel, "Miss Hall is here. Ever since Mr. Holmes took on a big case and went out to investigate, Miss Hall has been coming to school often to take over from Mr. Holmes and accompany the children."

Abel nodded, but his eyes unconsciously turned to Audrey who had just got off the carriage. Was it because of his "death" that she took over his unfinished work?

Audrey's eyes quickly swept over Nancy and herself, and when she saw a strange man standing next to them, her eyes naturally lingered for a moment. At that moment, Abel's eyes slightly dodged, and although he quickly regained his composure, this tiny movement immediately caught Audrey's attention.

Although she appeared calm on the surface, she had already noticed Abel's subtle reaction in her heart - as a "mind reader", she was extremely sensitive to people's emotional fluctuations, and Abel's unintentional dodge was enough to arouse her vigilance.

Of course, before Audrey could speak, Miss Nancy had already greeted her naturally. She smiled slightly, and her tone was friendly but polite: "Good morning, Miss Hall. I heard that Mr. Holmes has taken on a new case recently. You must have been very busy during this period."

Audrey's eyes turned from Abel to Nancy, her lips curled up slightly, her tone still gentle, "Miss Nancy, you are too kind. Mr. Holmes gave me this matter to deal with, but it is not hard at all. On the contrary, I often feel that the children here can give me more comfort and motivation."

Her voice was gentle, but with a deep warmth, as if these children were the real concern in her heart. Nancy smiled and nodded, turning to Abel politely: "Who is this gentleman...?"

Although Abel was silent, there was no panic in his eyes. He lowered his head and smiled slightly, his tone still gentle: "Klein, Abel Klein, just talked to Miss Nancy about something." He paused for a moment and turned his eyes to Audrey, "It's an honor to meet Miss Hall. I heard that you often come to the school in person to care for the children. Your efforts are admirable."

Audrey's gaze lingered for a moment, as if she was pondering Abel's tone and expression, but she soon retracted her thoughts and nodded with a smile: "Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Klein. The growth of every child is something worth paying attention to. I will do my best and hope to help them go further."

Even so, her meaningful gaze never left Abel. At that moment, there seemed to be an invisible tension in the air, as if there was some unspoken temptation and tacit understanding.

Nancy seemed to sense something was wrong. After frowning slightly, she turned to Audrey, her tone still relaxed but with a hint of explanation: "Miss Hall, this Mr. Klein is a businessman. He heard that there is a school in the East District, so he came to visit and is willing to provide help." There was a gentle reminder in her tone, which seemed to invisibly dissolve the subtle tension just now.

Audrey's eyes stayed on Abel for a moment, and her perception in her heart instantly emerged. As a "mind reader", her ability is far more than just capturing the subtle changes in words, but more importantly, she can see through a person's emotional fluctuations and true inner thoughts. At that moment, Abel's subconscious avoidance of her eyes made her realize instantly that the "Mr. Klein" in front of her was actually her good friend, Grallint.

Audrey was shocked, but she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. She knew that Grellint was still alive after faking his death. She even met him in the same place last month and confirmed that he was alive - at that time, he had changed his identity.

She and Grellant have a deep and complex friendship, and they already know each other's feelings and secrets. However, the current situation is extremely complicated. If she rashly reveals Grellant's identity, it will not only put him in great danger, but also affect all the people related to him.

Her heartbeat quickened slightly, but soon returned to normal. Audrey knew that she could not break this delicate situation, especially without any safety guarantee. Her eyes were still gentle, with a perfect smile on her lips: "Thank you, Mr. Klein, your help means a lot to the school. The children in the East District need this kind of support."

Although she knew the secret between her and Greylint, Audrey remained calm on the surface. She knew that this was the only thing she could do, at least not to expose him for the time being.

Abel sensed the subtle change in Audrey's eyes, a familiar feeling that was not seen by outsiders. He knew that she saw through his disguise. Despite this, he still chose to maintain his fake identity, smiled slightly, and nodded: "It is my responsibility to make some contribution to the school."

Audrey nodded slightly, her tone still gentle: "Thank you so much, Mr. Klein. The children here really need people like you to pay attention and help them."

Nancy observed the interaction between the two, still not realizing the deep meaning behind it. She nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Indeed, Miss Hall, we are so lucky to have your help."Chapter 185 Face to FaceTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2294 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-09 17:30:10

As soon as she finished speaking, Audrey turned slightly to the side, her eyes fell on Abel again, and she smiled slightly. Her tone was gentle, but it revealed a hint of deep meaning: "I wonder if Mr. Klein is interested in chatting with me? About school matters, or some other topics that you are interested in."

Facing Audrey's invitation, Abel's heart tightened slightly. He knew very well that as a businessman, he could not easily refuse the invitation of the daughter of Backlund's largest banker. Moreover, he did not want to refuse. Facing this former friend and comrade who had fought side by side with him, the emotions and memories buried deep in his heart surged like a tide.

"Of course." Abel's tone was calm and polite, with a proper smile on his face. "It's my honor to talk to you."

Miss Nancy smiled and led the two to a simple room. The room was very simple, with a few wooden tables and chairs and a kerosene lamp, which barely added a bit of office atmosphere. The children's handicrafts on the wall added a touch of warmth to the whole room.

After Nancy led the two into the room and was about to close the door and leave, Audrey spoke softly, "Ms. Nancy, I hope to talk to Mr. Klein alone."

Her tone was gentle and polite, but with a firmness that would not be rejected. Nancy was slightly startled, but quickly nodded, and walked out with understanding, while gently closing the door. With the sound of the door closing, the room suddenly became quiet, leaving only the faint light of the kerosene lamp shining on the faces of the two people.

Abel stood in the middle of the room, his eyes gently sweeping across the furnishings in the room, and finally fell back on Audrey. He knew that the next conversation would probably not be limited to "school matters", especially at this moment when she invited him to talk alone.

Audrey did not speak immediately. After a moment of silence, she took out some small materials from her bag. Her movements were a little clumsy, but her inner determination was revealed. She carefully spread the materials on the table and arranged them in a specific order. Then she stood up and closed her eyes.

There seemed to be a subtle change in the air. The temperature in the room dropped slightly, and some invisible force could be vaguely seen flowing. Abel could feel that it was Audrey's spirituality, quietly spreading out with an almost imperceptible sense of oppression. Her face became extremely focused, calm and solemn. The runes and crystals she took out of her bag emitted a faint glow, as if the light swallowed up all the noise in the room in an instant, and the sounds from the outside world gradually became blurred, as if they were no longer in a small house in Backlund, but entered an independent space isolated from the outside world.

She put her hands together, ready to take the next step. At this moment, Abel instantly understood her intention - she was going to pray and use some kind of ritual to block out external interference. Although he had realized that he had been exposed, he still didn't want to let The Fool know this secret.

He slowly took out a peach petal that was shining with a strange light from his pocket, whispered a short spell, and injected spirituality into it. The strange fluctuations spread quickly, covering the entire room in an instant, as if an invisible barrier enveloped all breath and sound.

Audrey slowly opened her eyes, her gaze remained calm and resolute without a trace of hesitation. She could feel that she could now ensure that the following conversation would not be known by any outside eyes or ears.

Abel knew that he had been exposed, but he still chose to remain calm, and said in a calm and polite tone: "Miss Hall, although I don't fully understand what you are praying for, I am sorry that I have some secrets that I don't want to be noticed by outsiders, so I interrupted your ceremony."

Audrey's voice trembled slightly, and a trace of unconcealable fluctuation flashed in her eyes, which Abel noticed instantly. At this moment, his heart was shocked, and facing his former friend, his eyes also fluctuated for a moment. Although he tried his best to remain calm, there was still a trace of unconscious emotion revealed.

This brief fluctuation in her eyes did not escape Audrey's notice. She slowly raised her head, took a deep breath, and kept her eyes on Abel for a moment, as if she was making some difficult decision. Finally, she spoke softly, her tone calm but with a hint of relief and emotion: "Grelint, long time no see."

Abel was silent for a moment, sighed, and responded in a low voice: "Audrey...Miss, I didn't expect that we would meet in this way."

Hearing this, Audrey's eyes dimmed slightly. She subconsciously clenched her hands, her fingertips pinched into her palms, but she quickly loosened them, trying to regain a calm expression. However, the complex emotions deep in her heart surged like a tide, difficult to calm down. The person in front of her, wearing the body of her former friend, was no longer the former Greylint. She could not completely let it go, nor could she easily accept this fact.

She knew the truth she had learned from the Fool - the premise of this method was that the original owner was on the verge of death, or even confirmed dead. She tried to use reason to convince herself that it was not the fault of the person in front of her. But every time she thought of that once warm and proud friend, her heart still ached.

After all, he was holding up Greylint's body.

Facing such a person, Audrey felt confused and even a little resistant. She knew deep down that this person was no longer the Grallant she once knew. The smart, tough, and idealistic man no longer existed. However, when she learned of his death from official news, the uncontrollable grief quickly surged into her heart.

Fortunately, fortunately he hid it from the royal family, fortunately, fortunately he is still alive.

Although her heart was filled with mixed emotions, at least this gave her some comfort.

However, when she really stood in front of him, that emotion receded like a tide, replaced by a strange dullness and silence. When she last confirmed that he was still alive, countless questions and words flashed through her mind, but at this moment, when she really faced him, all the words seemed to be separated by some invisible barrier, and she found that she couldn't say a word.

Silence spread between the two of them, almost cutting through the air. Finally, Audrey took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down her emotions. She raised her eyes, her gaze gentle and complex, and fell on Abel's face, as if she was weighing something. Then, her voice trembled slightly, but it could not hide the deep emotions: "I... am glad that you are still alive."

Her voice seemed to carry multiple weights, with a sense of relief, as well as unspeakable sadness and entanglement. Those unspoken words, those lingering questions, seemed to be released in this sentence, but she knew that such emotions could not be fully expressed.

Abel raised his head and his eyes met hers. At that moment, his eyes were complicated and heavy, as if carrying too much apology and helplessness. He knew that the woman in front of him had experienced a lot with him, and it was precisely because of those pasts that every look and every word of hers was full of profound meaning. There was pain, guilt, and an abyss that he didn't want to touch in his eyes, but in the end, everything gradually dissipated in silence.

He could feel her emotional fluctuations and understand her inner conflicts, but he still didn't dare to speak easily, because he knew that the complexity of all this had long gone beyond the scope of language.Chapter 186 ReturnTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2347 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-10 17:30:07

After walking out of the East District School, Abel's steps were a little heavy. The hustle and bustle of the street and the noise of the crowd poured into his ears, but they could not dispel the scene that kept appearing in his mind - the moment when he looked into Audrey's eyes just now.

Neither of them spoke, they just sat quietly, staring at each other. In that moment of silence, it seemed that countless emotions flowed in the air, but no one broke it. He could read the complexity in her eyes, which was both nostalgia for the past and struggle with the current situation.

Her eyes were like a mirror, reflecting his helplessness and guilt. No matter how he explained or apologized, he could not really smooth out the ripples in her heart, and might even make the estrangement worse.

"Perhaps, some things never need words." Abel sighed in his heart. Those unfinished words, unanswered questions, and unhealed scars seemed to be embraced by that moment of silence, and sealed forever by that silence.

The dusk at the end of the street gradually dyed the sky, and Abel's steps slowed down. He raised his head and looked up at the gray sky, with a trace of fatigue and relief in his eyes, and whispered to himself: "At least, she knows I'm still alive." The voice was as light as the breeze, accompanied by the hustle and bustle of the street, and instantly dissipated in the streets and alleys.

At the same time, at the school window, Audrey watched Abel's back as he left, her eyes gentle but complicated. She didn't speak, but silently added in her heart:

"Grail, I'm glad you're still alive."

These unspoken words were hidden in her heart, like a ray of warm light, illuminating those unspeakable contradictions and confusions.

Her eyes followed Abel's figure until he completely disappeared into the twilight, then she slowly closed her eyes, as if to seal all the complicated emotions deeply. At that moment, the silent regret and the long-lost relief intertwined, like a secret that could not be expressed in words, settled in the hearts of both of them.

On the other side, Abel's footsteps gradually faded away and merged into the diffuse mist. He did not look back, but a trace of indescribable emotion flashed in his eyes. He knew that the past was the past, and those unfinished words could only slowly settle in memory.

Everything was hidden in the mist raised by Backlund.

The mist was thick, enveloping their emotions and secrets. It was a hidden corner of the city, unknown forever.

At this moment, walking in the gradually rising fog, Abel couldn't help but cough lightly. The damp and cold air mixed with coal smoke and dust seemed to press the heaviness of the entire city on his chest. He stopped and looked up at the blurry sky, with a barely perceptible trace of fatigue in his eyes.

"Backlund's fog is still so familiar." Abel smiled bitterly in his heart and looked down at the slightly red back of his hand. Even though he had become a Sequence 7 detective and his body had been strengthened by potions, the dampness and coal-smoked fog of the city still had an effect on him.

He coughed lightly, raised his head, and looked at the end of the street shrouded in fog, with a trace of fatigue and helplessness in his eyes. The fog in this city not only covered the streets and the sky, but also seemed to cover up all the secrets and truths.

Abel took a deep breath, adjusted his pace, and continued to move forward. His figure gradually disappeared into the gray fog, blending into the mystery of the city and disappearing in the endless smoke and night.

In the early morning, the sun shone through the gaps in the curtains into the house. Abel moved his body slightly to carefully feel the recovery. He frowned, clenched his fist, and gently turned his wrist to make sure that except for not being able to perform strenuous movements, daily activities were no longer a problem.

"The recovery power of extraordinary abilities should not be underestimated." He nodded, sighed softly, and then began to tidy up the room. He put the sundries in place, wiped the dust off the table, and checked the details of the room again to make sure that nothing was left behind that might expose his identity.

When everything was packed, he picked up the coat hanging on the back of the chair, put it on neatly, and finally made sure that the doors and windows were locked. Abel stood at the door, looking around the simple but clean room, and smiled slightly.

"Next, it's time to go back to the trading house."

Before he finished speaking, Abel turned and left, closing the door gently, and walked steadily toward the street, heading for his destination. The streets in the early morning were not yet completely bustling, the mist had not yet dissipated, and there was a damp and cold smell in the air.

Inside the trading house, Henry, a shop assistant, pushed open the door as usual, placed the signboard skillfully, and then began to dust the shelves. The bright morning light shone through the window onto the shelves, reflecting a little light. Just as he was concentrating on organizing the items, the door was gently pushed open and Abel walked in.

"Excuse me, sir, please wait a moment while I put away the things I have on hand." Henry looked up after hearing the noise and saw that the person coming was a male customer, so he said politely.

Abel did not respond, but just stood aside and waited quietly, his eyes sweeping across the store, observing the neatly displayed items and the clean floor. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, with a hint of satisfaction.

After Henry put the items away and looked up at Abel again, he was stunned for a moment, and then showed a slightly embarrassed expression: "Mr. Klein, I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you at the first time."

Abel smiled slightly, his tone calm but with some approval: "It's okay, Henry. I'm very pleased to see you working so hard."

When Henry heard this, the embarrassment on his face turned into a hint of pride. He stood up straight, with a look of gratitude in his eyes: "Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Klein. I will continue to work hard."

Abel nodded, his eyes sweeping across the store softly. "Very good, you're doing great. Today will be a busy day, and I hope the store can keep up the good work."

Henry nodded solemnly: "Yes, sir, everything will be as you expect."

Abel smiled and nodded, but another thought emerged in his mind. He glanced at Henry's figure and secretly weighed his future plans.

"After a while, I should find a reason to leave." Abel thought silently in his heart, "For example, I will want to travel and go out to find more rare items, and then leave the store to Henry. I have seen the ambition in his eyes since the day I chose him."

He paused, his eyes flickering slightly, and continued to think: "This kind of ambition is just right for me. He wants more, but can only act within the rules. This store will need to be out of my control sooner or later. The royal family and the Spiritual Cult will eventually doubt my identity. Before that, I must plan ahead to ensure that my departure will not cause unnecessary trouble."

Abel's eyes fell on Henry, and a trace of calm calculation flashed across his eyes. He knew that Henry was just an ordinary person and had no access to deep secrets or extraordinary items. Abel was not worried that he would find out anything he shouldn't know. After all, Henry didn't have that kind of vision and couldn't be exposed to real danger.

"Be it the feather crown or the traces of the Spiritual Cult, they will all disappear completely with my departure." Abel thought silently in his heart, his eyes slightly solemn.

However, he knew that neither the royal family nor the Spiritual Cult were kind people, and they would inevitably seek revenge. No matter how careful he was, one day, all traces might be traced. In order to ensure that there would be no accidents in the future, Abel had to provide Henry with some stronger backing. "The church might be a good choice."Chapter 187 ArrangementTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2601 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-11 17:30:05

Images of several major churches flashed through Abel's mind. As the only organization that possessed gods, the church's influence in Backlund was almost everywhere, and it also maintained a delicate relationship with the royal family. Although the church preached tolerance and faith on the surface, it also needed to maintain its reputation and authority, especially for those "devout believers" who made regular donations, and it was duty-bound to provide protection.

"If Henry can get the support of the church, as long as they are sure it has nothing to do with him, the royal family and the spiritual church will not retaliate, but will only target me." Abel weighed the pros and cons in his heart. He knew that as long as he could bring Henry closer to the church, the store and Henry would be safe after he left.

He quickly made a decision - when the time was right, he would establish Henry's connection with the church through some donations and charity activities. The church would become Henry's umbrella of protection, and he himself would quietly disappear from the city's sight without leaving a trace.

Abel's lips curled up into a barely perceptible smile, and a hint of calm determination flashed across his eyes. "The shadow of the Feather Crown and the Spiritual Cult will eventually be forgotten." He muttered to himself, took a deep breath, and walked towards the center of the store, ready to start the next step of the layout.

He sighed softly, collected his chaotic thoughts, and regained his calmness. Then, he turned to Henry, and said in a calm tone with a hint of deep meaning: "Henry, prepare well. In the coming days, I will make some adjustments to the operation of the store. I will tell you all the arrangements in advance."

Hearing this, Henry immediately straightened his back, with a solemn and confident look in his eyes, and answered firmly: "Yes, sir, I will do my best to complete the task."

Abel smiled slightly, nodded, and said no more. He turned and walked towards the stairs, his steps steady and unhurried, as if everything in this store was under his control.

Upstairs, in the spacious office, Abel walked to the window, stared at the gradually darkening street outside, and took a deep breath. He slowly turned around, leaned against the wooden table in the study, and his thoughts began to race. In his mind, he screened the next arrangements one by one - this was not only for Henry's safety, but also for his own future concealment and survival.

He had many things to consider. First, how to ensure that Henry established a relationship with the church as soon as possible was crucial to the success of the entire plan. Secondly, he had to arrange the operation of the store and try not to leave any abrupt traces to avoid arousing suspicion from the outside world.

"The church will become Henry's umbrella of protection, and I must completely disappear from this identity." Abel whispered to himself, and a clear blueprint gradually formed in his mind.

In addition to these, he also had to consider the delicate relationship with the royal family. Although he had no direct connection with the royal family on the surface, the betrayal in the past made him deeply aware of their coldness and ruthlessness. The shadow of the Spiritual Cult could not be ignored either. They had an unspeakable connection with the church. Once exposed, he might face a double threat.

However, the focus of all this is Henry. Although this young ordinary person seems ordinary, he has great potential and loyalty. As long as he is careful enough in the days to come, Henry will be able to gain a foothold in this city, and he will quietly disappear from everyone's sight.

Abel sat down quietly, with a few sheets of paper spread out on the table, on which were his plans and arrangements for the next few months. His eyes wandered between the handwriting, and suddenly, his eyes froze, as if he was thinking about something deeper. Then, he reached out and picked up the pen on the table and wrote a few lines.

"Once Henry has secured the support of the Church, immediately begin preparations for the transfer." He wrote this directive with a clear deadline and plan in mind.

The dusk outside the window grew darker. Abel gently put down his pen, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and felt the pulse of the city beside him. The fog spread from the street again, as if the secrets of the city were quietly brewing, and he was standing in it, ready to welcome the next changes.

The next morning, Abel and Henry walked into the branch of the Church of the Goddess of Night. The church's spire looked particularly solemn in the morning light. Through the stained glass dotted with starlight, the entire space still seemed a little dim. Only the faint light on the statue added a sense of mystery and solemnity to this sacred place.

The two knelt down silently and prayed for a while. The air was filled with the smell of incense and old wood, as if time had stopped at this moment. After the prayer, Abel took out the donation envelope he had prepared in advance and respectfully put it into the donation box. His movements were natural and calm, without the eagerness of quick success and instant benefits, nor the overly casual carelessness, as if this had become an indispensable part of his life.

After the donation was completed, he and Henry walked out of the church together, their footsteps sounding particularly silent in the church's echo. When they walked outside the church, Henry finally couldn't help but whispered, "Mr. Klein, you donated so much, why... are you suddenly so generous to the church?"

Abel smiled slightly, turned his head and looked at Henry, with a bit of self-mockery in his eyes: "Actually, this matter is related to my childhood." He paused, as if recalling that period of time, "My family was not well off at that time, and we were hungry almost every day. Once, I secretly took some money from the church's donation box and bought some bread. The strange thing is that even though I knew the lock was broken, the lock was never repaired every day when I went to steal money. Until one day, I realized that it was those old monks who condoned my actions. Otherwise, the lock should have been repaired long ago."

Abel lowered his head and was silent for a while. His eyes fell on the donation box not far away again and he continued, "Later, I grew up and was finally able to earn some money. I knew I owed the church a lot, so when I made money for the first time, I donated half of it. When I went to collect donations the second time, I found that the lock had been changed. I saw the old monk standing aside, smiling at me." He sighed softly, his eyes carrying a bitter smile, "I thought at the time that every step I took was arranged by the 'Goddess', and others just acquiesced."

Henry was stunned for a moment after hearing this, as if trying to digest the weight of this sentence, and finally nodded, with a hint of understanding in his eyes: "I see, sir. Perhaps this is a kind of reward."

Abel smiled slightly and looked towards the spire of the church again: "Yes, a reward." He said no more, and the two of them walked out of the church together and stepped into the rising sunlight outside.

The carriage was moving slowly. Abel looked at the ever-changing scenery outside the window. His eyes were calm and his tone was calm, but with a hint of thoughtfulness: "Henry, since you mentioned childhood, there is one thing I hope you can help me do."

Henry turned sideways, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes: "What is it, Mr. Klein?"

Abel was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I went to the East District school a few days ago. If I had a school like this when I was a kid, maybe my life would be completely different."

Henry frowned slightly, as if thinking: "I've heard of that school. It seems to be newly opened this year. I heard that it was built out of the 'kindness' of those noble gentlemen and ladies to help the children in the East District."

Abel nodded, his eyes drifting out the window, his low tone carrying a hint of helplessness: "Yes, maybe it's their 'kindness', but for the children in the East District, this is their only hope. The children there have far fewer opportunities than I did back then, and I... want to continue this hope for them."

Abel sighed softly, his eyes following the scenery outside the carriage, and his tone was a bit vicissitudes: "The current situation of the school is that the teaching staff is barely adequate, but the renovation of the classrooms and the purchase of textbooks have not been effectively solved. Although this school is in the East District, the hardware facilities are really unable to support the growth of children."

Henry was silent for a moment, as if thinking about the feasibility of Abel's plan, and asked softly, "Mr. Klein, what are you going to do?"

Abel turned his head and looked directly at Henry, his tone steady and powerful: "I plan to help this school and ensure that it can get more support. There is no shortage of funds, and the donations from the noble ladies are enough. But this school lacks effective management and more external attention, especially it needs someone who can promote change."Chapter 188 EndTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2196 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-12 17:30:02

He paused, his eyes gradually firmed up: "I will use all my collections to win more support from nobles and merchants and bring more extensive help. Repairing classrooms, adding textbooks, and strengthening teaching staff, these should not be a problem. The most important thing is to create a sustainable growth environment for children."

Henry frowned slightly, as if digesting Abel's plan, and asked hesitantly: "You hope to use your years of collection to get more people involved? But... won't it be too big? Moreover, will this attract resistance from other nobles, especially those vested interests who have benefited from the existing system?"

Abel's mouth curled up into a slight sneer, and his tone was calm but full of confidence: "Of course there will be resistance, Henry, but this is exactly what we need to do and what we must be good at. Although the nobles of Backlund have their own calculations in private, they need to maintain their image of 'kindness' and 'caring' in public. As long as their reputation can be linked to the future of this school, resistance will become less important."

He paused, his eyes flashing with a deep light. "Moreover, this is not only to help the school, but also to pave the way for ourselves. Through this plan, I can accumulate more social prestige and support, and further attract those truly influential people."

Henry nodded slightly thoughtfully, as if he finally understood Abel's intention: "So, you don't just want to do something for these children, but through this plan, create more opportunities for yourself."

Abel nodded gently, his eyes calm but with a hint of deep meaning: "That's right, Henry. There is no meaningless good deed in this world. Every step should pave the way for the next step. Will you help me realize this plan?"

Henry took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "I will, Mr. Klein. Don't worry, I will do my best to help you."

As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to hesitate for a moment, and finally couldn't help but speak: "Sir, are you really doing this just for yourself?"

Abel smiled slightly after hearing this, and turned to look at Henry with a look of honesty in his eyes: "Henry, I have never been a content person. At first, I thought that Backlund's prosperity and business opportunities were enough to make me stop, but now, I realize that I still want more. I want to explore the unknown and pursue things that can really bring me challenges."

He paused, his eyes becoming increasingly profound: "I may never be able to settle down in this city. But during the time I stay here, I hope to make some changes, both for these children and for myself."

Henry was silent for a moment, with complex emotions in his eyes, and finally whispered: "I understand, sir. Perhaps this is the real life - always chasing, never settling for the status quo."

Abel smiled slightly, turned his head, and looked at the flowing scenery outside the window again: "Maybe, Henry. Maybe."

Henry was silent for a moment, then hesitantly asked, "Mr. Klein, when do you plan to leave?"

Abel's smile faded slightly, and his eyes became a little deeper. He sighed softly, "I will leave soon when everything is ready. I hope to take care of all the arrangements before I leave to ensure that this plan can go smoothly."

Henry frowned and asked in a low voice: "Then…who are you going to put in charge of this school? If you leave, I'm afraid it will be difficult to supervise it in person."

Abel turned his gaze back to Henry, with a hint of certainty in his eyes: "So, I need a reliable person to assist me. Henry, I believe you can do all this. You have keen insight and sufficient ability to carry out these tasks."

Henry was slightly startled, as if he didn't expect Abel to be so direct: "Me?"

Abel smiled slightly, his tone gentle but with a hint of power that could not be refused: "Yes, you. You have a good judgment of human nature and are willing to take responsibility. I will pave the way for you and win enough supporters. For the rest, you just need to follow the plan."

Seeing some confusion and uneasiness in Henry's eyes, Abel added with more certainty, "The first time I saw you, I saw the ambition in your eyes."

Henry shuddered slightly, a trace of panic flashed in his eyes, but he quickly lowered his head, not daring to look directly into Abel's eyes.

Abel smiled softly, his tone full of encouragement and insight: "Henry, ambition is not wrong, and there is no need to be afraid of others finding out. On the contrary, I would feel real fear when facing a person without ambition. Because only ambitious people know how to fight for it and understand how to protect it."

When Henry heard this, he raised his head, with a complex emotion in his eyes. He was silent for a moment, and finally nodded: "I will do my best and live up to your trust."

A trace of relief flashed in Abel's eyes, but his tone turned deep and firm: "Remember, Henry, no matter how difficult the road is, you must move forward steadily. This is not only for these children, but also for yourself. Take it as your opportunity, an opportunity to prove yourself."

Henry looked directly at Abel, his eyes gradually becoming firm: "Yes, sir. I understand."

The carriage continued to move forward, the wheels rolling over the cobblestone road, making a low sound. The carriage was silent, with only the street scene outside the window slowly flowing.

Abel turned his head and looked out the window again, his eyes fell on the moving scenes on the street. The mist gradually rose, blurring everything outside the car window. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, but soon disappeared, replaced by a deep calmness.

His gaze became deeper and deeper, as if he was looking through the street scene in front of him and into the more distant future. A sentence silently emerged in his mind, with a hint of emotion and determination:

"Abel Crane, this identity is over."

This was an end, but also a new beginning. He knew that when he boarded the train leaving Backlund, the businessman named "Abel Klein" would completely disappear. A new identity, a new plan, a new path - all of this had been laid out, waiting for him to take the first step.

But even so, Abel's right hand still clenched slightly involuntarily, and his fingertips felt the cold cloth on his cuffs. That was the only reality he could touch at the moment. At that moment, a long-lost sense of fatigue and confusion flashed through his heart. When would his disguise end? When would he be able to show his true appearance to others again?

These thoughts were quickly suppressed by him. He gently closed his eyes, sealing all the emotions deep in his heart. When he opened them again, his eyes had returned to calmness, as if everything had been predetermined and there was no need to waver.

The carriage slowly stopped, and Abel raised his head slightly and looked forward. The street outside the carriage was still noisy, and Backlund's fog was like a curtain covering everything, isolating him from the past.

He took a deep breath, straightened his coat, and got off the carriage with steady steps. He knew that the last step of "Abel Crane" was about to be completed, and the next journey of "him" was already on the way.Chapter 189 LeavingTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2268 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-13 17:30:06

He took a deep breath, straightened his coat, and got off the carriage with steady steps. He knew that the last step of "Abel Crane" was about to be completed, and the next journey of "him" was already on the way.

In the next few days, Abel and Henry began a series of precise visits. The targets they selected were all businessmen and nobles in the middle and upper classes of Backlund who had sufficient resources and were sensitive to social prestige. In each meeting, Abel behaved calmly and appropriately, handling every detail just right.

During each visit, Abel would first introduce the current situation and needs of the school, and then naturally introduce the benefits these people could gain from it. His words were full of rationality and temptation: "When you participate in this, you can not only help the children in the East District, but also associate your name with this good deed. Your social status and reputation will undoubtedly rise to a higher level."

These words are the best entry point for those who are eager for fame but unwilling to get involved in complicated affairs directly. Henry watched silently from the side. Although he did not fully understand Abel's far-reaching intentions, he gradually realized that all this was not just to help the school, but a bigger chess game.

After one visit, Henry couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Klein, do you really think these people will continue to support the school?"

Abel smiled slightly, his tone calm but with a hint of deep meaning: "Henry, human nature is complicated, especially these nobles and businessmen. They support the school not out of pure kindness, but because they see their own interests. But you have to remember that it doesn't matter. As long as the school gets help, the children's future will have a chance to change, and their motives will not change the result."

Henry nodded, thoughtfully.

After a few days of visiting, Henry gradually got used to this kind of communication and had a deeper understanding of Abel's methods. He found that no matter who he was facing, Abel could always accurately grasp their psychology and put forward reasons that they could not refuse. This was not only a skill, but also an ability to completely control the situation.

Finally, after completing his last visit, Abel took Henry back to the store. He stood in front of the window, watching the mist slowly rising outside, and whispered, "Henry, what have you learned these days?"

Henry stood behind him and answered hesitantly, "I learned how to grasp people's needs and weaknesses and make them willing to cooperate."

Abel nodded gently, with a faint smile on his face. "Very good. Remember, this is not only for the school, but also for yourself. The road ahead is still long."

Henry was silent for a moment, but he couldn't help but ask the question in his mind: "Mr. Klein, why me? You obviously have a better choice."

Abel stopped, turned around, and looked into Henry's eyes, with a look of insight and determination. He spoke slowly, his voice low and somewhat intriguing: "Henry, because you are the best candidate for me, not because you are the best, but because you are the most suitable."

Henry was slightly startled, as if he didn't expect such an answer: "Most suitable?"

Abel nodded, with a hint of calm smile in his eyes: "Whether a person is suitable or not does not depend on how much ability he has, but on whether he can understand the situation, seize the opportunity, and more importantly, whether he is willing to believe in and implement the plan I give."

He paused, and his tone was filled with a hint of calm strength: "Henry, you have your own ideas, but you also know when to listen to others. More importantly, you have enough patience, which is an extremely rare quality in this city."

Henry seemed to be still digesting these words, and there was a hint of hesitation in his tone: "But sir, I don't think I am as...special as you say."

Abel smiled gently and said calmly: "Henry, whether a person is special or not does not depend on how he sees himself, but on whether he can make the right decision at the right time. You may not see it now, but I believe you will become that kind of person."

He turned back to the window, his eyes cast towards the gradually foggy street, and said in a slow but meaningful voice: "I chose you not because you are perfect, but because you have the opportunity to rewrite your own destiny. This opportunity is not only for the school, but also for you."

Henry lowered his head and was silent for a while, with complex emotions flashing in his eyes. He finally looked up and nodded vigorously: "I understand, sir. I will do my best and never let you down."

Abel's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing that faint smile again: "Very good, Henry. The future will prove that you can do it. You will be famous in Backlund."

Henry was startled, with a flash of surprise and emotion in his eyes that was difficult to conceal, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded gently: "I will remember your words, Mr. Klein."

A few days later, at Backlund train station.

The morning light shone through the thick fog onto the cobblestone road of the station. Travelers were hurrying by, and train whistles occasionally sounded, accompanied by the noise of the crowd and the clatter of luggage. Abel stood on the platform, carrying a simple bag in his hand, looking calm and peaceful.

Henry stood beside him, his eyes revealing a complex emotion, with both reluctance and longing for the future. He took a deep breath and whispered, "Mr. Klein, I will continue to donate to the church and invest in the school as you wish. I also hope that one day, when you are tired of traveling and are willing to return to Backlund, I believe that you will see a brand new trading company."

Abel smiled slightly, turned to look at Henry, and said with a firm and sincere tone: "Very good, Henry. I believe you can do it. What I leave behind is not a constraint, but an opportunity. Remember, your future is in your own hands."

Henry lowered his head, was silent for a moment, and then nodded heavily: "I understand, sir. I will do my best and live up to your trust."

Abel patted him on the shoulder gently without saying anything more. He turned and walked towards the train, his steps steady and calm as always. His figure gradually faded into the carriage and disappeared in the bustling crowd.

After boarding the train, Abel found his seat and put his bag away. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the platform through the window. Henry was still standing there, with his back straight, staring in the direction of the train. There was no more confusion in his eyes, but a rare firmness instead.

This scene reminded Abel of another reason why he chose Henry - from Cherwood to the East End, although Henry's life was not satisfactory, he always protected his sister and saved her from more suffering. This persistence and sense of responsibility made Abel believe that Henry was worth training and capable of taking on this responsibility.

The train whistle blew long, and a slight vibration was transmitted to the carriage. As the train started, the Backlund Train Station gradually blurred from sight. Abel closed his eyes, raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and whispered as if talking to himself: "'Abel Klein', so far."

The train passed through the thick fog and headed for an unknown distance. The scenery outside the window kept receding, and the towering spires and misty smoke gradually disappeared. The story of "Abel Crane" came to an end.Chapter 190 SummoningTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2226 wordsUpdate time: 2024-12-14 17:30:06

It was late at night when the train stopped at a small town in the north. The dim light sprinkled on the platform, adding a faint warmth to the cold air. Abel carried a simple bag and slowly got off the train with the crowd. His steps were brisk and calm, as if he was just an inconspicuous shadow in the crowd.

Walking out of the station, the cold wind blew in his face, bringing with it the breath of the countryside. Abel looked up at the sky, which was dotted with stars, making the night sky particularly deep. He did not stop or look back, but just adjusted the bag on his shoulders, stepped into the streets of the town, and his figure gradually disappeared into the dim alley.

This northern town was so quiet that it was almost deserted, with only the occasional barking of dogs breaking the silence of the night. The dim street lights made the cold fog hazy and illusory, and the shadows on the street were stretched out. Abel's figure moved slowly in this silence, gradually disappearing into the thick night, as if he had never existed.

The fog enveloped the streets and alleys, hiding all traces for him. After passing through several deep alleys, Abel stopped at a desolate square. There was no sign of anyone here, only the rustling sound of fallen leaves blown by the wind.

Soon, his eyes caught a familiar figure. Bernadette was wearing a dark blue robe, standing quietly in the mist, like a painting at night. Her expression was calm, and her hands were folded in front of her, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing Abel coming, Bernadette nodded slightly, her voice soft and calm: "You are on time, Abel."

Abel nodded slightly, glanced around, and confirmed that there was nothing unusual before he said in a deep voice, "The journey was smooth. Let's go."

Bernadette didn't say anything more, but just raised her hand slightly, and a faintly glowing spiritual world crack suddenly appeared in the air. Through the crack, you can see the twisted and mysterious scenery of the spiritual world. Abel stepped in without hesitation, and his figure was instantly swallowed up by the illusory light.

The journey through the spirit world was short and strange. The deep spirit storm surrounded the two people, but always kept a safe distance, as if deliberately avoiding them.

Soon, they appeared on a warship floating quietly on the sea. The moonlight enveloped the ship like a veil, and the faint light sprinkled on the deck, reflecting silver ripples. The sea surface was slightly undulating, bringing gusts of moist sea breeze, ruffling Abel's hair.

Abel stood on the deck, feeling the gentle caress of the sea breeze, his eyes sweeping across this familiar environment. The spirituality in his body unconsciously surged slightly, and as the spiritual power flowed, a subtle light flashed from the belt around his waist, and his figure changed subtly.

Abel looked down at his palms. They were slender and long, with a faint glow at the fingertips - this was his true appearance in this world, Greylint.

"Grelint." Bernadette said softly, her voice was like the wind in this sea area, calm but with a force that could not be ignored. There was no shock in her eyes, only understanding and respect.

Abel couldn't help but chuckle, looking down at his hands that had taken off their disguises. The familiar yet strange touch was clear and real, as if the truth that had been hidden under the disguise for some time had finally seen the light of day.

"Yes," he said in a low and magnetic voice, "sometimes, staying true to yourself is the most important thing."

Bernadette stood quietly beside him, staring at the distant horizon, with a deep insight in her eyes. As an extraordinary person who had been fighting against potions for many years, she understood better than anyone what was behind the disguise. It was a deep depression, a lonely self-consumption.

"Although disguise can protect you temporarily, it can never replace your true self," Bernadette said slowly, her voice calm and gentle, "No matter where you are, the most important thing is that you never forget who you are."

Abel's eyes moved slightly, as if he was thinking about her words. He was silent for a moment, and finally nodded slightly: "I understand."

Following these words, his gaze returned to the Dawn. Everything on the deck seemed so familiar, yet so far away. Perhaps on this huge ship, he could redefine his future. His past identity and disguise had long since become unimportant.

Seeing that he remained silent, Bernadette turned around and stepped onto the steps of the cabin. Before leaving, she looked back at him with a faint smile on her lips: "Next, take a good rest, Gralinte. Welcome your new chapter with a relaxed attitude."

Abel smiled and followed. The sea breeze blew across his face, bringing a hint of salty and wet air. His heart was calmer than ever before. All his past identities and disguises finally turned into smoke and dissipated with the wind at this moment.

The next morning, Grellint slept in for a rare late night. When he opened his eyes, judging from the sunlight shining through the cabin glass, it was already noon. He was stunned for a moment, as if he didn't expect to sleep so long. Then, he chuckled, shook his head, simply made up his bed, and got up and walked out of the cabin.

When he stepped onto the deck, the first thing he saw was Bernadette, standing by the railing, looking into the distance, the wind blowing her long hair and robe, looking quiet and profound.

Grellant approached silently, his steps slow. Bernadette seemed to sense his approach, and spoke with a faint voice: "Grellant, every time the Dawn sails to this sea, I can't help but look into the distance... but every time I look in a different direction, there is always nothing in the distance."

She still looked at the horizon, as if she wanted to see through the endless blue and touch some unspeakable existence. Her tone was calm, but she hid an emotion buried deep in her heart: "Every time I come here, I have this impulse... but every time, I don't know what I am expecting."

Grellint stood beside her, his eyes following her gaze into the distance. He responded in a low voice, his voice as gentle as the sea breeze: "Perhaps, some unknown secret is guiding you forward."

Bernadette slightly side-glanced at Greylint, a gentle smile flashing in her eyes. The corners of her mouth slightly lifted, as if the deep-seated emotions in her heart were relieved at this moment: "Maybe you are right. The distance may really be a call, a secret waiting for me to discover."

Her voice was as gentle as the sea breeze, floating in the air without any heaviness. After she finished speaking, the night returned to silence again.

The two did not speak again, but stood side by side on the deck, quietly gazing at the line between the sea and the sky. The sea breeze brushed across their faces, blowing their robes and hair, bringing a salty and wet smell. Their eyes stared deeply into the seemingly empty distance, as if trying to glimpse some hidden answer from it. That horizon, with nothing on it, seemed to carry some invisible hope and future.

The Dawn was moving slowly on this quiet sea. The sound of the ship hitting the waves was low and distant, like a whisper from afar. The moonlight was like a veil, sparkling, and made the whole world hazy and dreamy.

The wind rises, the night deepens, and the call between the sea and the sky never stops, but there may be some unresolved confusion.