Chapter 158: Question Auston, Understand Auston, Become Auston
Auston left the study with the briefcase, his gait steady and his expression grave. An onlooker would assume he was marching onto the battlefield for justice!
Watching him go, Wayne couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The man knew that he was going on a suicide mission, yet he chose to risk his life for Little Auston. What an incredible devotion.
After wholeheartedly admiring Auston for 0.25 seconds, Wayne cackled, looking forward to the show that would soon begin. He had a feeling that tonight, someone would turn into a human cannonball and fly away. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, planning to go to the lawn downstairs to claim a VIP seat.
Unfortunately, the servants were all professionally trained, or he would make a fortune by setting up a food stand.
After taking two steps, Wayne looked at Megan and said bluntly, “Megan, you don’t have to follow me around. I’m not meeting your young lady tonight.”
As an objective observer, he approved of Megan’s commitment to surveil the pervert and protect the young lady. She was a good butler who was loyal and dedicated to her masters, second only to Veryl.
As the heir of the family, he believed that Megan’s caution was pointless. Keeping him away would only delay the birth of a future heir. Then, not only would Megan offend the young master and the young lady, but also go against the will of the master and the mistress.
Auston hadn’t talked about a son-in-law and never even mentioned a marriage. However, that was simply the one line he refused to cross for his sanity, which didn’t mean that it wasn’t real. He was only being stubborn.
From Wayne’s perspective, he was no saint, so he wasn’t going to devote himself to the Lando family while neglecting his own just because he was Silvia’s student. To make a horse run, one had to feed it hay!
From Auston’s perspective, he didn’t believe it was safe to have an outsider with no blood relation to them as the heir. Their great wealth would sooner or later be stolen. So, he decided to buy the horse! Let the outsider produce a child with one of their own to tie their interests together. They would each get what they needed.
Thus, Wayne becoming the heir was equal to Auston giving his daughter away.
Wayne glanced at Megan. Her master had sold the young lady, and the mistress was counting the earnings in full support. She better not get nosy, or Wayne would put her on guard duty at the front entrance.
“Young master, this is Mistress’s order,” Megan intoned with an expressionless face. “She said that you were in danger.”
“Huh?!” Wayne snorted. “What danger can I be in? Go away and come back after you’ve come up with a better excuse.”
“If that is your order, I’ll do as you say,” Megan said after a bemused pause, turning to leave.
“What’s that? Why would I be in dan—”
Huh? Killing intent!
Wayne straightened and got into a defensive stance, looking toward the end of the corridor where the killing intent came from. What contract killer would be bold enough to infiltrate the Lando Estate and assassinate its young master and heir?
But then he saw Veronica popping her head out and curling her finger at him with a smile.
|◡≖)و
She was smiling so sweetly.
Wayne stayed where he was without making a sound, a bead of cold sweat streaking down his forehead. He had never seen Veronica beam like this.
“Megan, Master is right. Please keep me company.”
“Megan?”
He turned around. Megan was nowhere to be seen.
“Come here, Wayne. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Just do it here.”
When Wayne resisted, Veronica emerged from the corner with a cold smile. “Then I will go over. Stay where you are and don’t move.”
Ha, why would I? Wayne turned on his heels and fled into the study, quickly striding toward the window to vault it.
“Stop, you bastard!”
“Only a bastard will stop!”
Wayne landed with his knees bent to break the fall, then he immediately rushed toward the grove on the other side of the lawn. However, he didn’t manage to sprint the hundred meters. Veronica grabbed him by the collar halfway.
“Seriously? You transformed for this?” He glanced over his shoulder and saw the dense white light covering her arm. He condemned her for using her cheat.
Veronica scoffed. Like an evil dragon kidnapping the princess and locking her up in its lair, she dragged Wayne by the collar to her mansion.
Clack!
The door was locked. Before Wayne could attempt to flee again, Veronica shoved him toward the wall and pinned him down.
He didn’t resist this time. Dragonblood was so incredibly strong that regular people stood no chance against one. He believed such interactions would be frequent in the future, so it was better to get used to the power starting now. The old man had done a pretty good job in that regard.
Question Auston, understand Auston, and finally become Auston!
“Speak. When and how did you become so chummy with damn Mr. Lando?” Veronica’s eyes blazed with fury. She couldn’t wait to break him into pieces. The heir? Her bastard of a father never considered anything but the interest of the family. Had he ever thought about her feelings?
She grew increasingly enraged the more she thought about the matter, which made her fist itch more and more. Before her was a particularly punchable face. She raised her fist... but didn’t swing it!
Remembering what Silvia had said, she refused to punch Wayne now.
“It’s a long story. It all started about seven months ago. That night, I was having a potato feast at home. A magical girl in a black robe barged into my detective agency...”
“Cut it out and get to the point.”
Veronica punched him in the face. She had tried to stop herself, but couldn’t.
Wayne covered his nose and said concisely, “It’s because of what I am. You know that scumbags attract each other. He appreciates my talent.”
“Bah, you’re shameless. You’re both bastards!” Vexed, enraged, and furious, Veronica grabbed his elbow and threw him over her shoulder onto the sofa in one smooth motion. Then she pinned him down, straddling his lap.
She was wearing a white evening gown tonight, a dress.
That wasn’t the point, but the fact that she was towering over him and cursing the two scumbags in her life rapidly, sputtering the words like a machine gun.
Pinned to the sofa, Wayne looked up at the approaching face and opened his mouth.
“???”
Veronica was baffled. What was that? A new way of apology?
Wayne shut his mouth. Seeing her confused face, he said slowly, “Taste sweet. You’ve consumed too much sugar. I’ll advise against intense exercise right after dinner, though. It’s bad for you. Please control your sugar intake in the future.”
(꒪⌓꒪)
Veronica couldn’t believe it. “How are you even more scummy than I thought?”
“Yeah, ain’t I amazing?”
“...”
Bam!
Following the explosive noise, Wayne shot through the window like a cannonball, sliding across the lawn after landing. Lying on his back, he touched his face. He got careless. He turned out to be the spectacle tonight.
Bam!
There was another loud crash. Shattered glass rained down as another dark figure flew out of a window fast and furiously, shooting into the depths of the grove.
“Auston, is that you?”
Wayne sat up and looked at the grove, cackling. While both of them suffered the same fate tonight, Auston had flown much farther than he did.
***
Wayne’s Detective Agency, Commercial Street.
Mona opened the door to the office as always. She was surprised to see Wayne in his chair. “Boss, you came to work?”
“What, do I have to ask for your permission to come to work?” Wayne glanced at her before going back to writing, moving his pen furiously. He should be learning faith magic in the Lando Estate, but Silvia was irritated, and Veronica, too. Just in case, the lesson today was called off. It wouldn’t be too late for him to return to his lesson after Veronica came to terms with the reality.
Mona locked the door and set up a soundproofing barrier in case Kelly, the assistant, overheard them.
“What is it?” Wayne looked up at her in question. A man and his stockinged employee in an office? That was a familiar trope.
“There’s something I’d like to talk to you about, but I haven’t had the chance.”
Mona walked around the desk and came up to Wayne, unbuttoning her shirt and sitting on his lap like Gunther had instructed. Putting her arms around his neck, she pressed her chest to his and called him master in a sickly sweet voice.
Wayne almost laughed out loud. It wasn’t that Mona was lacking in her beauty, but that she wasn’t skilled enough in seduction. Laying it on so thick didn’t utilize her charm at all, achieving only a comedic effect.
He picked her up and placed her on the desk before walking to the window, saying bluntly, “Employees are forbidden from kissing their boss according to the rules of the detective agency. Don’t ever try something ridiculous like that again.”
“I understand.” Mona deflated. She had told the Archbishop that her master wouldn’t have fallen for the trick, but the Archbishop insisted that it would work. Now she had made Wayne hate her again.
“So, what’s going on? Did the church give you another mission?” Wayne waved at Mona to get off his desk. Her sitting posture was too provocative, which made the whole scene look even more like those films one shouldn’t watch in polite company.
“It’s related to the Papal State. After the Archbishop sent the information back, the Pope arranged envoys to meet with you.” Mona jumped off the desk and buttoned her shirt. “The Bishop knew that you didn’t want to expose yourself, so he hadn’t settled for a time and place for the meeting. He asked you to give him a response when you’re able.”
“I told him that I’m busy and don’t want to meet those people.”
Mona lowered her head. The Archbishop had relayed that response to the Papal State, but they insisted on a meeting. If one request failed, make another, and if the second request was rejected, too, perhaps the third time would be the charm. The Church of Heavenly Father and angels weren’t enemies. As long as they showed enough goodwill persistently, Wayne would say yes sooner or later.
Wayne could deduce from her silence what the church was planning. Just like a guy persistently pursuing a girl, the church was being shameless to win over an angel.
He raised an eyebrow. Perhaps this could be an opportunity.
Due to the agreement between the church and the royal family, the church could not assign a legendary mage to be the Archbishop of the Windsor diocese. Gunther was capable, but not a top talent. Since he was only a Gold-rank mage, it made sense that he didn’t notice the bug in the Sacred Tome of Golden Law.
The envoys sent by the Pope would be different. The Papal State had found a couple of the seven reincarnated angels. With their experience, they would surely prove Wayne innocent.
Although he welcomed more disguises he could put on, he wasn’t interested in disguising himself as an angel. Unlike the Death Knight, it was best to discard that identity, or he should vehemently deny it even if he couldn’t prove his innocence.
The fact that seven angels had reincarnated implied a great cause. Their combined power was enough to change the status quo of the Chosen Land.
With demons from hell getting increasingly bold and trying to descend to the human world in every way possible, even controlling the Death Knight and providing the Book of Seals to steal the stone tablet, the reincarnated angels were likely sent to face the demons.
Broadly speaking, the matter could decide the fate of the Chosen Land, which was too great a burden for Wayne to shoulder; on an individual level, the matter could determine his fate. He could end up a social outcast or die without leaving behind a body.
When he knew full well that he was a fake angel, he would have to be a right fool to pretend that he was one for a little benefit.
He decided to seize this opportunity. With a sigh, he said, “Fine, your dedication swayed me. Tell Gunther to contact the envoys of the Papal State. I’m willing to meet them.”
“Really?” Mona exclaimed in surprise. The Archbishop had said that to convince the angel, she shouldn’t limit herself to showing her goodwill by being persistent, but offering actual benefits. Why had Wayne changed his mind before she could give him anything?
Realization dawned on her. The Archbishop had been too narrow-minded, trying to understand an angel from the perspective of a complex human mind. That was why he made the wrong conclusion.
She knew her master wouldn’t care about benefits. He was holy, fearless, and always willing to sacrifice himself. No matter where he went, he would be the model of integrity to all. At that moment, he looked like he was glowing in her eyes.
Well, since he was standing before the window, he was glowing from the sunlight. Mona ignored reality and convinced herself that it was her master’s aura.
“Tell Gunther that the church is under restrictions in every aspect in Windsor, so arrange a meeting in Luzerbourg City in the Grand Duchy of Luzerbourg at the end of this month. If they can’t make it, too bad. I won’t wait any longer.”
“Rest assured that I’ll relay your response to the Archbishop verbatim,” Mona said respectfully.
Wayne nodded. After some hesitation, he said, “You’re a clergywoman, not a tool. Don’t just believe everything the Archbishop tells you, and don’t follow every order I give you, either. If you don’t even respect yourself, why would I respect you?”
Mona felt warmth bloom in her chest. She gave him a sweet smile. “If it’s Master, I won’t feel wronged.”
That’s worse! You’ve become a pervert!
Wayne rolled his eyes. “I’ll give you an order now: whether we’re alone or not, you’re not going to call me ‘master’. Call me ‘boss’ instead, and don’t use honorifics. Do you understand?”
“That...” Mona blinked. She liked calling him ‘master’. It implied a master and servant relationship that was exclusive to them; no one could take that from her or imitate her. If she called him ‘boss’, she would be no different from the other employees of the detective agency. They would feel too distant.
“What, are you going to disobey me?” Wayne raised his voice.
“I’m not. I’ll follow Master... Boss’s order, even one as difficult as this.” Mona’s heart was bleeding. She tried to persuade him, “But won’t it be too offensive to you?”
“And you don’t think you’re offending me by sitting on my lap?” Wayne scoffed, waving at her dismissively. “That’s decided then. It’s your master’s order, so just follow it.”
Then I’ll do it!
Mona puffed out her chest, feeling better about the situation. When she noticed him sneaking a glance at her, she proudly lifted her chest further.
Incorrigible! Wayne huffed. His hand was itching to spank someone in punishment, but since she was a pervert, that would be a reward to her. He decided against that and pointed at the phone on the desk. “Do it now. Contact Gunther. I need to arrange my schedule since I have other missions to complete in Luzerbourg.”
“Banishing demons?” Mona’s eyes lit up.
Wayne stared at her impassively. What, do you think demons grow on trees? Do you wish for the world to fall into chaos?
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t ask so many questions.”
Mona called the cathedral. A few minutes later, Gunther called back. She told him the time and location. Then, thirty minutes later, Gunther called again to tell her that he had made the arrangement.
To prevent other factions from taking notice, the two Gold-rank mages of Saint Paul’s Cathedral wouldn’t be heading to Luzerbourg. Mona would serve as the liaison and make sure that the meeting between Wayne and the Pope’s envoys happened.
The angel shouldn’t have to worry about the details, given his status, or if the news reached heaven, they might think that the church wasn’t showing enough hospitality.
There was another reason Gunther had assigned Mona to be Wayne’s personal assistant. When there was a need, she could be his entertainment, which the Pope supported. They shouldn’t just let the seven reincarnated angels return to heaven after completing their missions without leaving anything behind; it would be wise to produce hostages.
“You as my secretary...” Wayne gestured at Mona to make a turn. Yes, her black stockings, glasses, pretty face, and alluring curves would make her a stand-out secretary, and she was a pervert! In this context, that trait of hers was suddenly a perk!
“Good, you’ll do.” He nodded with satisfaction. “I’ll give you a mission. You have ten days to study business finance, the metal industry, and coal mining. Also, look into Alberd Steel. It’ll be useful later.”
With a secretary taking on the work, he would have more free time to train. Perfect!
“Boss, I studied business management, economics, and law at university.” Mona adjusted her glasses seriously. Since her worth was finally being recognized, she swore to never let her master down.
“That’s the right expression. I’m starting to like you.”
Wayne nodded. Now that she was playing the role of a pervert secretary, she suddenly seemed more like a first love to him.
Mona didn’t say anything. The moment the word ‘like’ came out of Wayne’s mouth, her heart rate went out of control.