The Shadow of Great Britain

189: Chapter 132: First Social Goal is S-rank?

(4.8K) 189: Chapter 132: First Social Goal is S-rank?

(4.8K) Arthur gazed as Eld excitedly tucked the parchment bag into his pocket, his eyes sweeping over every person in the ballroom.

Suddenly, Eld’s eyes lit up, and with a snap of his fingers, he lowered his voice and said to Arthur.

“Anyway, I can’t make sense of all this; I’ll write down everything I know for you later.

You can choose what’s useful.

As for the payment, just pay me what you think is fair.

The money I earned from the last trip out to sea should keep me comfortable for a while.

By the time I’ve spent that, you should have determined the value of this information.”

Arthur unapologetically embraced Eld’s generosity, and he clinked glasses with Eld, who leaned on the sofa chair: “To our friendship.”

“To my friend Arthur, may you soon prove your significance.”

Eld grinned and gulped down his drink, then straightened his tailcoat and said: “I can’t stay with you any longer, today is a great opportunity to enter high society, I need to push on.

You’d better not just sit here either; it’d be wise to get acquainted with some of the ladies here, it will definitely benefit your future promotions.”

With those words, Eld stood up and walked toward Colonel Fitzroy, who was engaged in animated conversation with the ladies, planning to shamelessly ask the Colonel for introductions.

As soon as Eld walked away, the Red Devil immediately took over the sofa he had been seated on.

Agares, with his legs crossed, nestled in the chair, he muttered, “Arthur, did you hear that?

Don’t just sit here, go find some topics of conversation with the ladies.”

“Topics?”

Arthur sipped the whiskey with water in his glass, the spicy taste making him a bit uncomfortable: “What can I talk to them about?

Should I tell them how I’ve used cruel methods on the rat gang involved in a murder and body snatching case?

Or maybe how I just had my men break several thugs’ legs in the East End of London?

Agares, my stories are far less appealing than their exhilarating experiences.”

“Oh!

My dear Arthur, you must never underestimate yourself.”

Agares covered his mouth and snickered, “A nobody, a country bumpkin educated at the University of London, a man who once thought of fleeing to America out of desperation, has within just over half a year, with his own efforts, transformed from an unknown constable to the police superintendent of Greater London Police Department governing Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.

Arthur Hastings, there is only one meaning to that name – the legend of Scotland Yard.”

Arthur’s gaze swept across the hall, but it ultimately settled on Mrs.

Copper, who was surrounded by a throng of admirers at the center of the crowd.

He spoke softly, “Mrs.

Copper’s presence here today was your doing, wasn’t it?”

Red Devil, initially surprised, quickly transformed his astonishment into a more intense laughter.

“Arthur, like I said, don’t underestimate yourself.

You are among the rare villains who possess both a keen mind and extraordinary control.

We get along well, so don’t be too wary of me.

I don’t mean any harm in doing this.

I’m only trying to use her to better help you.

Once you gain her trust, it’s like having a ticket to Almack’s Club.

As one of the seven female patrons of the club, Mrs.

Copper has significant influence there.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur just slightly shook his head: “Agares, you are too paranoid, I didn’t mean to blame you.

On the contrary, I’m quite grateful to you.

Do you remember what you told me before?

You said I always want to make money standing up.”

At that, Agares clasped his hands together, and the Red Devil joyfully said: “So, you agree?”

“Yes, I agree with your viewpoint, but I reject your suggestion.

I am grateful to you for giving me the chance to make money standing up.

Not everyone in this world has the ability to make that choice.

Since you’ve given me this opportunity, why wouldn’t I cherish it?”

Upon hearing this, the Red Devil appeared stunned; he frowned and said: “Arthur, what are you trying to say?”

Arthur calmly replied: “Generally, opportunities seem very tempting, but in reality, too many unattainable delights are deceptive.

The best opportunities are often right beside you.

Starting off by challenging the lady who dazzles countless others may be too presumptuous.

So, I think the best approach might be to start with those around me.”

With that, Arthur suddenly stood up and walked toward a girl in a white dress who was sitting nearby, looking uneasy.

Agares was startled; he was about to get angry when the flame that had just sparked above his head quickly extinguished.

Smoke wafted above the Red Devil’s head as he stared at the young girl whom Arthur considered an easy target for a while.

After a long moment, Agares rubbed his chin, smacked his lips, and muttered with a mischievous grin: “Arthur, you scoundrel, did you really think that Professor Agares, the man with a plan for everything, wouldn’t have a backup plan?

This is the daughter of a parallelogram princess and a romantic poet; if you’re trying to strike up a conversation with her, I can only hope that you’ve really been improving your math while studying electromagnetism…”