by Feng Yue
173 Entrustment and Compensation
“It smells so bad…”
Ye Qingxuan held his nose and opened his eyes with difficulty. He could see blinding sunlight behind half a rotten leaf. The light was hot and it hurt his eyes. He lay in the foul odor and surrounding him was…oh, it was a pile of garbage. He was in a garbage pile?
Wait, why was he here?
He remembered that he had played the overture of Moonlight and sank into the melody. He did not even know to fight free. Then he became dizzy and the Professor…
Yes, he fell into the Professor’s clutches!
The thought gave him a headache. His head really did hurt. The blood loss and exhaustion gave him empty pain and uncontrollable hunger. He quickly felt around his body. Good, his equipment was still there. Jiu Xiao Huan Pei and Indra’s Eye were untouched too.
But…the Blood Path’s sign was gone.
In its place was a folded piece of paper. He opened it with difficulty and held it close to read the small words. The elegant and flowing script only wrote a few sparse words.
“Come find me.”
The somewhat familiar face appeared in his mind again. Ye Qingxuan could not help but sigh. His head began to hurt again. That d*mned woman threw him in a pile of trash!
He pulled himself up and stumbled out of the garbage, but he felt extremely weak. His head pounded, his body hurt and he was hungry. He could barely even stand up straight.
“Hey, friend,” he said to the beggar squatting beside the garbage. “Got any food?”
“…No!” The beggar froze before quickly hiding his bowl behind his back. He had half a bowl of leftover porridge!
“You have porridge! Why didn’t you tell me…”
Ye Qingxuan’s eyes brightened and snatched the bowl without hesitation, using his hands to eat. He did not feel anything was wrong until he saw the beggar’s hurt eyes.
“Ah, sorry. I’m too used to stealing food.” He chuckled awkwardly and coughed, trying to put on a serious face. “How about this? Go tell the Shaman’s men that Holmes wants to see their boss…If you’re lucky, in twenty minutes, you’ll be sitting in…sitting in…” Ye Qingxuan thought for a bit and pointed at a classy restaurant that had not opened yet. “I promise you’ll be sitting there eating steak!”
The beggar gaped at him in doubt.
Seeing him like that, Ye Qingxuan just shrugged instead of urging him. “Even if you don’t go, your porridge’s gone and you can’t beat me so…”
Hesitating a bit more, the beggar stomped his feet, grit his teeth and walked away with tears in his eyes.
-
-
Twenty minutes later, faint perfume filled the air, along with soft music.
A tidy server led the stinky beggar across the fine carpet to the best spot in the entire restaurant. The server pulled out the chair politely, gesturing for the beggar to sit. Then he gently offered the menu.
On the other side, another server brought over freshly-poured red wine and introduced softly, “Sir, today’s main course is Burgundian escargot. I also recommend you try the fried lobster and swan liver…”
The beggar sat on the chair in a daze. He felt dizzy, as if he was in a beautiful dream. The guy who stole his porridge was telling the truth? Was he dreaming?!
“I want this, this and this…and that!” He stared at the menu filled with delicacies and pointed randomly. In the end, he was completely dizzy. “I want everything on here! Uh…can I get take-out too?”
“It’s no problem, sir,” the server replied with a smile. “Please wait a moment. I will notify the head chef now.”
“Good! Hurry and go!”
The beggar was close to tears. They could even do take-out? Didn’t they say that there was a dress code here? Thank god…no, thank the mighty Sherlock Holmes!
-
Downtown, in an insignificant tavern, the Shaman stood before the bar and studied the youth beside him. After a long while, he nodded. “You look pretty good.”
“I smell horrible. Stop lying through your teeth.” Ye Qingxuan sighed. He stuffed rolls of paper up his nose but still could not block out the stench.
“Fine.” The Shaman sighed as well and moved to the side in disgust. “Can you go shower?”
“Sorry, but no.” Ye Qingxuan rolled his eyes.
“Then whatever.”
The Shaman shrugged and motioned for the bartender to leave. Soon, the tavern was empty save for the two before the bar. In the stillness, the Shaman pinched his nose and sipped from the cup of alcohol. He finally felt a bit better.
“Let’s talk about your work.” He gazed at Ye Qingxuan. “How did you do with what I entrusted you?”
“It was smoother than I’d expected. It was solved without any effort.” Ye Qingxuan arched an eyebrow and whistled. “Things happened as you wished, Mr. Shaman. From now on, the Professor won’t be an obstacle.”
“Really?” The Shaman fell silent and studied the smelly boy. As if he had been angered, metallic light reflected in his eyes, its edges sharp. “Ye Qingxuan, have I told you the rules of trading with me?” His voice was cold as he enunciated each word, “Never try to lie to me!”
“You think I’m lying?” Ye Qingxuan looked at those furious eyes and could not hold in his laughter. “But I feel like you already trust me.”
He paused and uttered the Shaman’s name.
The Shaman’s true name.
Silence.
Deathly silence.
The Shaman froze, as if he had turned to stone. He gaped at the youth. After a long time, he pulled out his pipe, lit it and took a deep breath before exhaling heavily. When he had almost finished the pipe, he finally asked, “When did you guess it?”
“Last night,” Ye Qingxuan replied lightly. “The Butcher’s actions confirmed my suspicions. At that time, I thought that you knew too much. Then this morning, when I stole a bowl of porridge and ate while squatting on the street, I suddenly had inspiration.”
“Inspiration?”
“Yes, inspiration.” Ye Qingxuan looked up at him. “It’s too coincidental, don’t you think? You’re really careful, but there are still too many coincidences. I read the files that the Avalon police department compiled about you. To be honest, you’re practically a legend and really impressive.
“A few minutes ago, I compared your tracks and the times you appeared and disappeared, and I suddenly thought of a name. I finally understand why you’ve always trusted me.”
“That’s it?” the Shaman asked coldly.
“That’s it.” Ye Qingxuan shrugged helplessly. “I have to say, it’s not your fault. The problem is that my father really didn’t know that many people in Avalon.”
“So it was Ye Lanzhou that messed up?” Stunned, the Shaman laughed at himself. “For all these years, I’ve gone through everything, trying to be mysterious. I thought that the secret was kept perfectly. But now, I’m old and you caught me…f*ck.” He could not help but curse.
“That’s how life is, isn’t it?” Ye Qingxuan raised his cup toward him. “Cheers to the Shaman’s victory.”
The Shaman did not reply. Ye Qingxuan shrugged and downed his cup. Then he rose to leave. “Thank you for everything you did for me, Mr. Shaman.” He put on his hunting hat and bid farewell. “Please take care of me in the future too.”
“It’s not over yet.” The Shaman’s voice stopped him. It was followed by the sound of wind.
Something flew over. Ye Qingxuan turned and caught it, realizing that the Shaman had thrown over a metallic plaque. The finger-sized plaque had a name on it. It looked like one could string a chain through it and wear it around one’s neck.
“What is this?”
“Since there’s an entrustment, there should also be compensation,” the Shaman replied lightly. “There’s an old guy called Dominic who guards the Jianlan Underground Palace at the Royal Academy of Music, right? He owes me. Take this to him and he’ll understand. You don’t have to reje
ct this. This is the compensation that you exchanged your life for, so of course it’s a bit more bountiful. Be prepared for the surprise.”
“Surprise?” Ye Qingxuan could not help but chuckle bitterly as he stuffed the plaque into his pocket. “Let’s talk about surprises tomorrow. I still need to go to class. I’ve been ditching a lot and even though the Professor won’t get mad, I still feel bad.”
“You’re a good student?” The Shaman gazed at him strangely. “That makes me pleased.”
“Your news is outdated, Mr. Shaman.” The youth walked through the door, only leaving behind a self-deprecating chuckle. “I’m the infamous disgrace of the Academy now.”
-
-
In the afternoon, sunlight poured from the sky. The busy streets were bathed in the warm glow.
It was the type of relaxed, long and warm afternoon that made one tired. Even the stray cat on the wall had lazily fallen asleep in the gentle sunshine.
After the rioting last night that was apparently terrifying, no one took the sunlight for granted. A few men sat in a café on the busy street, describing what had truly happened last night.
It was something about a Vengeful Spirit and the Professor dueling in the asylum. The Vengeful Spirit had turned into a giant bat and dropped from the sky. The Professor’s face was painted white. He opened his mouth and laughed crazily after seeing the Vengeful Spirit fall into his trap.
They described the scene as if they had witnessed it.
174 Nowhere to Return to
According to that man, the Vengeful Spirit and the Professor fought intensely for the key to the legendary Blood Path. In order to fight, the Professor hired the Butcher, but even the Butcher had been defeated by the Vengeful Spirit.
In the end, the formerly undefeated Professor miscalculated and died in the Vengeful Spirit’s hands. After Holmes killed the Professor, he offered the body to Satan. The entire Asylum was turned into demonic territory.
Even the Round Table Knights had been startled. The knights Lancelot and Galahad worked together to attack Holmes, but Holmes had fought back and played an ancient score from the East. It was called the Xuanyuan Sky-breaking Melody or something scary like that. He wanted to completely destroy Avalon. But god bless Avalon. The Royal Musicians activated the enchantment, called forth the pure white moon and purified him!
“Hey, I was there when it happened and I saw everything!” someone else said with exaggerated features. “You were wrong about the Vengeful Spirit. After he called up Satan’s power, he escaped!”
Everyone burst into laughter. Another witness revealed that this guy had been hiding in a doghouse and almost peed his pants. How could he have seen the Vengeful Spirit? As they laughed, no one noticed that the door was pushed open.
-
Outside, someone opened the door and entered. The sunlight outside the window shone on his white hair and prosthetic arm. He quietly passed through the hall and sat down in the corner. He put on an apologetic expression for the friend who had been waiting.
“Sorry, I’m late.” He sighed. “I haven’t gone out in a while and got lost…”
“It’s okay. I’ve just arrived too,” the muscular man across from him said. The man’s burliness was over the top. It seemed as if his entire body was covered in bulging muscles. Even his face was muscular and fierce, and he seemed unapproachable. The people around him all kept their distance subconsciously. They did not even dare to speak loudly, in fear of angering this guy and getting beaten up.
Seeing Abraham arrive, the giant man quickly put out his cigar. Rising, he raised his arm in salute. But when he raised his arm halfway, he finally realized what he was doing and sat back down awkwardly.
Relieved sighs sounded around them. Everyone was worried for the old man who sat before him.
“Is that guy going to hit him?”
“This place is regulated. He wouldn’t, right?” someone replied quietly. “It looks like the leader of a gang coming to extort money. Look how scared the other guy looks.”
“No, I think he looks respectful. Look, he laughed.”
“Of course he’d laugh if he got money! I think that old guy sold everything to get this money. Otherwise he’d get killed on the spot.”
“Yeah, I heard…”
“…” As if he had heard all the murmurs, the burly man’s expression darkened. He clenched his fists which were bigger than a jug of beer. His joints popped and cracked, scaring the onlookers and forcing them to look away.
Abraham cast a soundproof wall between them and the voices became unclear and distant. The corner was quiet again.
“Long time no see, Seton.” His expression was worried. “You haven’t contacted me in a long time. Did something happen?”
Seton shook his head quickly. He sat straight as a rod with his chest puffed and head up, like a studious little kid. Hearing Abraham’s words, he pulled a book from his pocket and offered it up with both hands.
“General, I finished reading this book. I can return it now.” In his hands was a thin pamphlet—Collection of Anglo Fairy Tales. It was obvious that the reader had treasured it. Even the corners of the pages had been flattened carefully and preserved its original state.
“Seton, you finally learned how to read? That’s great.” Abraham became happy. “I’ll get you some more books. Don’t worry, they won’t be too complicated. I’ll find ones that suit beginners. You’ll like them.”
“General, I…I don’t want to read anymore.”
“Why?” Abraham was stunned and a bit confused. “These are all good stories. Look how interesting they are.”
“General, what’s the point of reading these things used for fooling kids?” Seton mumbled, avoiding Abraham’s eyes. “Stop forcing someone who can only kill to read those things.”
Abraham stared at him for a long time before finally understanding something and growing dejected. “Okay, I know. Some things don’t work even when forced.” After he took the book, he looked up and saw Seton’s dark eyes.
“Old George died a few days ago,” he said. “I went to his funeral.”
Abraham’s expression darkened and he nodded lightly. “…Becoming free after living so many miserable years is a good thing.”
“He was mocked until he died. Those people didn’t believe him. All his life, people thought he was a liar who could only fantasize.” Seton hung his head. “General, these years…these years, we’ve all been sad.”
“Everyone has a hard life.” Abraham’s eyes were dark. “Not many things are difficult, compared to living.”
“General, aren’t you the same?” Seton said in a hoarse voice, gazing at him. “We live in the cages that the country made for us every day. They draw the circle and don’t let us take a step out of line. Every breath we take has to be investigated. Every word we utter has to be harmless. Even if we want to buy a razor, we have to make a request and record it. What is this? How is it different from being a prisoner?”
“Seton…”
“I know, I shouldn’t think like this. I know!” Seton interrupted. “At least we’re all alive. At least we don’t have to go onto the battlefield and return to that dark world…but are we only living?
“No, we’re also humiliated and looked down upon. We’re like wild dogs in a cage for people to look at! Why is it like that? When Gaius defected, he dragged us all down!”
“Seton, enough,” Abraham ordered, raising his voice.
“General, do you still not understand?” Seton roared in anger. “That despicable old b*stard insulted our loyalty and belief. He’s the culprit for destroying our glory and breaking apart the Dragon Riders! Do you still believe that he’s going to save us? He didn’t appear when we were like dogs without a home. He didn’t come back when we were captured and killed one by one. It’s been ten years. Do we still have to believe that trai…”
Bang! The table was flipped over and a crude metal hand tightened around Seton’s neck. It lifted him up a
nd threw him against the wall in a cloud of dust. Dust fell from the ceiling into a furious eye.
“Seton,” Abraham uttered, emphasizing each word, “I said, enough.”
No one expected this old man to be so terrifying when angered. Seton was like a little kid before him. He did not even have the chance to react before he was rolling on the ground and hacking, trying to catch his breath.
But he still pulled himself up stubbornly. His eyes were forlorn. “General, are you really content?” he asked hoarsely. “We sacrificed so much for the country, put in so much, but this is how we’re treated. We…we were heroes!”
Abraham was stunned. After a long while, he dejectedly sat back into his chair. “Seton, that is all in the past,” he murmured, as if talking to himself. “It’s all in the past.”
“As long as we’re still alive, it’s not the past.” Seton held onto Abraham’s shoulder, his eyes full of anticipation. “General, the Dragon Riders haven’t died out. They can’t keep us caged. We can break free and take back what we’ve lost. Even if there’s no place for us in Anglo, it’s okay. Even if we go back to the Dark World as mercenaries, it’s okay! We just need your word, General! Just one word…”
But Abraham did not reply. He just lifted his hand to remove the hand on his shoulder and made Seton sit again.
He waved the terrified server over to clean up the mess, turn the table over and change the cups. Everything was returned to its original state.
“Seton, we were soldiers, obedient killing machines. We started learning the cruelties of this world since birth. They taught us how to use daggers, spears and poison and taught us how to kill people or monsters. But no one taught us how to live like a regular person.” He sighed dejectedly.
“To be honest, even now, I’m still confused by this world. I don’t understand their trendy jokes, and I don’t know what the mood of a room is. If someone speaks a little less than straightforward, it’s hard for me to comprehend it.
“Sometimes, when I sit in a banquet, I feel like I don’t belong there. When I sleep, I wake up with a start, thinking a beast will come in. I’m scared without a weapon. Sometimes, I want to return to the battlefield. That’s where I belong. But then I realize that even if I go back, it’s meaningless.