Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 870: Chapter 114: Forget Worry, Yellow Springs (Part 2)

“Or rather, it’s almost inaudible.”

The handsome man concluded softly, “A normal adult male’s heartbeat should be 60-100 times per minute. Don’t you think yours is a bit low? Once, or twice?”

Luo Qiu glanced at the man and then suddenly turned to Gan Hong, “Can you get me a glass of water?”

“Okay.” Gan Hong nodded quickly, though puzzled, she obediently complied.

The handsome man watched Gan Hong leave, then said, “It seems this beautiful lady knows nothing.”

“For now,” Luo Qiu replied nonchalantly. “But perhaps there will be opportunities in the future.”

“My name is Xitacil, pleased to meet you, Mr. Non-Human.” Xitacil extended his hand.

“Luo Qiu.” Luo Qiu lightly shook the man’s hand… as the club’s owner, for someone like Luo Qiu who wasn’t fond of interacting with too many people before, he wasn’t the least bit nervous about shaking hands now. “So, you might be from the same type of people as Baron Fernandis.”

“To be precise, from the same family,” Xitacil said seriously. “My surname is Fernandis, and I am a descendant of the castle’s owner.”

“But the current owner of this castle is Mr. Tu?” Luo Qiu seemed more intrigued.

Slowly, Xitacil said, “Ever since my ancestor Baron Fernandis died, this castle was abandoned. In modern times, it became state property and was eventually bought by Tu Shenyi.”

“Are you… purposely approaching me?” Luo Qiu asked.

Xitacil naturally replied, “Like that scene earlier, where the Precious Sphere created a magnificent view, it was quite difficult not to notice you. The person holding that so-called Precious Sphere, we call him Long Ze, a professional fraudster skilled in using spiritual power to hypnotize others. Deception is his pastime. You disrupted his plans, so you’d best be careful.”

“I couldn’t just watch my companion be manipulated either.” Luo Qiu shook his head.

Perhaps before the leave, he wouldn’t take action, would only watch silently… but if now, even the slightest thought flashes through his mind, he would act upon it without hesitation, experiencing each moment of his thoughts.

“Regardless, I’ve already warned you,” Xitacil shrugged, then sighed, “You don’t seem like a bloodsucker, what kind of non-human creature are you?”

“I can’t quite say myself.” Luo Qiu shook his head. “This might be a question I need to work hard to find the answer to in the future.”

Xitacil didn’t mind such an answer, only nodding in agreement. “The world is vast, and many don’t understand why they are extraordinary. Some are innately so, some acquire it later, or perhaps it’s the continuation of a long-lost race, unbeknownst to themselves, not to mention those who achieved longevity through the fountain of immortality.”

“There are also those who live on blood,” Luo Qiu remarked, looking at Xitacil.

“Were you invited by Tu Shenyi, or another?” Xitacil asked curiously. “I can’t help but wonder because among the invited individuals, you are the only one unknown to me. The others, we are familiar with each other. Thus, I am quite curious about your purpose here.”

“Just a coincidence,” Luo Qiu replied truthfully—not hiding the fact that he was brought by Song Ying, with Elder Song’s involvement.

Though upon arriving at the estate, finding it more complex than expected… yet already accustomed to encountering unusual occurrences, Luo Qiu had long learned to go with the flow.

“I will tentatively believe your words,” Xitacil eyed Luo Qiu, then smiled, “You are fascinating, possessing a certain capability to make people believe in you… or perhaps, it’s charm?”

“I hope not to intrude,” Luo Qiu replied, feigning innocence.

“Perhaps leaving now would be best.”

Luo Qiu glanced at Song Ying, who was again caught up in social obligations, then shook his head at Xitacil.

With a disappointed and seemingly resigned expression, Xitacil finally said, “At least, I hope you can stay by my side… It’s not that I intend to watch over you, but if you’re with me, they won’t be hostile towards you without reason.”

Who wouldn’t be with whom?

Luo Qiu gladly agreed… Also, as Xitacil appeared to enjoy storytelling, and Luo Qiu loved listening to stories, there was no reason not to.

Xitacil smiled contentedly, “You seem to rarely appear… I mean, you rarely engage with our world.”

Luo Qiu looked at him, puzzled.

Xitacil explained, “Non-humans hide within human society and have many concerns. There are always those self-proclaimed righteous individuals, or those who inherit ancient traditions, who enjoy hunting non-humans. When you roam outside, it’s best to disguise yourself. For instance, keeping your heartbeat within a normal range.”

“For example?” Luo Qiu blinked.

Xitacil, quite enthusiastic, said, “Oh, Luo Qiu, my new friend, I’d be happy to offer you more advice, to help you navigate this dangerous world more adeptly. Come, let me teach you some survival tricks for non-humans, I’ll explain…”

With ease, Xitacil draped an arm over Luo Qiu’s shoulder, genuinely a very generous person.

…

In the distance, Song Ying, just freed from a group of older men, happened to encounter Gan Hong returning with a glass of water and called out to her, “Gan Hong, who is that person? They seem quite close with that guy?”

Gan Hong immediately distinguished the difference between the person Miss Ying referred to and ‘that guy,’ amused by Song Ying’s bluntness, but quickly replied, “No idea, he approached and introduced himself… They seem to be chatting quite openly now.”

Song Ying glanced dubiously, only feeling that the blonde, green-eyed man truly deserved the word handsome, a prime example of the so-called peak of beauty, according to popular terminology.

As for Luo Qiu… Luo Qiu was just average!

“I mean, Gan Hong,” Song Ying suddenly stared seriously at Gan Hong, “My grandfather gave you to Luo Qiu; I know his intentions… I’m well aware of what you learned in the village. I’m just curious—haven’t you made a move in recent days?”

Gan Hong, questioned, felt slightly awkward… actually, she had made a move, even before Young Master Luo Qiu arrived at the Han Residence, she had already made a move.

Gan Hong could only stammer, “Young Master Qiu is rather upright.”

Song Ying was taken aback, recalling Luo Qiu’s consistent behavior, and with a frown, watched Luo Qiu and the blond, green-eyed handsome man chatting cheerfully. She couldn’t help but murmur, “Could this guy… be GAY?”

Song Ying found the thought terrifying but increasingly plausible, wondering why any man would resist advancing on someone as enchanting as Gan Hong!

Moreover, last time in the middle of the night while driving, he sat next to her for over two hours, folding paper cranes… What a feminine demeanor!

…

…

Queen Elizabeth and Mr. Amonst did not directly enter the banquet hall where the guests were gathered; instead, they stayed in a separate, quiet room.

Because Queen Elizabeth’s appearance was quite distinctive, it was easy to attract attention from others — obviously, neither she nor the elderly Mr. Amonst was keen on witnessing such a scene.

Mr. Amonst appeared exceedingly aged, exceptionally thin, like a withered old tree, occasionally coughing.

He was looking at his pocket watch, silently calculating the time.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and Lady Eve entered. Having bathed and changed, she brought with her a faint floral fragrance.

Lady Eve smiled, looking at the only two people in the room, Queen Elizabeth and Mr. Amonst, and nodded politely: “Long time no see, Mr. Amonst, how is your health?”

“Thank you for your concern,” Mr. Amonst replied coldly.

Lady Eve came with a delicate little box in her hand, while holding a small folding fan in the other hand. She walked to the sofa, sat down, and opened the fan, leisurely fanning herself.

Lady Eve suddenly let out a gentle breath. Queen Elizabeth, sitting opposite, was startled, a flash of red passed over her pupils, and her expression turned somewhat uncomfortable.

She held the wooden box in her hands a little tighter.

“Lady Eve, bullying a junior, is this the behavior of the Aristocrats?” Mr. Amonst coldly glanced at Lady Eve, “You know this child has never drunk blood, so why use the scent of blood to provoke her.”

Lady Eve closed her fan, covering her lips, “Is that so? After so many years, is Queen Elizabeth still so pure? Truly, she is irresistible.”

Mr. Amonst coldly snorted, gently tapping the floor with his black umbrella, the elderly man unwilling to bicker with Lady Eve, stared straight ahead, and coldly said, “I once swore an oath that anyone who attempts to harm this child, no matter who they are, I will not spare.”

“How terrifying,” Lady Eve patted her chest, “Mr. Amonst, one of the descendants of the great Twelve Holy Knights of the Round Table… but, as aged as you are now, how much longer can you protect this child?”

Mr. Amonst, obviously a strong debater, coldly laughed upon hearing this, his murky eyes suddenly flashing fiercely, “For vampires beyond the tenth generation, I need only one sword.”

With a flick of his wrist, the silver blade shot out halfway from the black umbrella, its reflected silver light directly stabbing into Lady Eve’s eyes.

Lady Eve fearfully dodged the reflected light, then smiled slightly and said, “Hmm, a very enjoyable conversation.”

“Grandfather, I’m alright now,” Queen Elizabeth softly said as her face regained some color.

Only then did Mr. Amonst retract the blade into the umbrella shaft, not looking at Lady Eve again.

Soon after, the door of the room opened again, and this time Tu Shenyi walked in. After scanning the room, he said, “Is it just the two of you?”

Queen Elizabeth said, “Mr. Tu, I encountered Mr. Long Ze; he should have arrived already, but has not yet come over.”

“Elizabeth,” Tu Shenyi smiled as he saw her, praising, “You are still as beautiful and charming.”

Queen Elizabeth lowered her head, appearing somewhat shy.

Tu Shenyi then greeted Mr. Amonst, who, in return, was somewhat polite, but not overly enthusiastic.

Not long after, even before Tu Shenyi had a chance to sit down, Mr. Long Ze, carrying an old leather bag, slowly pushed the door open and entered. He glanced at the gathering, then chuckled softly and said, “Hmm, it seems I’m not the last to arrive.”

Tu Shenyi said, “Long Ze, I heard you caused a little stir in the banquet hall.”

Mr. Long Ze laughed heartily, “Old friend, you know my interests. And, judging by the outcome, I didn’t cause any trouble, did I? Besides, if we’re talking about being uncouth, my old friend, I’d say it rather applies to you. It seems that besides us, you’ve invited others as well?”

Lady Eve also looked at Tu Shenyi and softly asked, “What is the background of that young man?”

Tu Shenyi replied indifferently, “I heard he came along with the Song Dynasty Group’s young lady… hmm, I roughly know Song Ying’s purpose, which is merely to invite me to come out of seclusion and oversee the Song family’s casino.”

“And what about that young man from the vineyard, what’s his background?” Lady Eve asked again.

Tu Shenyi shook his head, “I can’t figure him out either, he’s indeed somewhat mysterious, but I don’t sense any malice from him, nor does he seem like someone who would cause trouble.”

Lady Eve squinted her eyes, “These colossal entities at the peak of the human families, even we have to tread carefully around them… It’s rumored that this Song Family has a private army comparable to a regular military, not someone you want to mess with. And now there’s an additional unknown quantity… Tu Shenyi, aren’t you considering rescheduling?”

“The hunting day is our tradition, and changing it would tarnish our honor somewhat…”

Mr. Long Ze slyly laughed, “It seems that the person you encountered is the same one I met… What is certain is that he is not one of our kind, nor is he a member of our mortal enemy, the werewolf clan. I must say, it has been a long time since I’ve tasted blood from a non-human… I wonder what it tastes like.”

Unexpectedly, Mr. Amonst, sitting upright, suddenly mocked, “Hmph, how interesting, a group that can’t even walk in daylight for more than a few hours, only scheming in the shadows, yet talking as if they are so formidable… What honor? Just sewer rats.”

Mr. Long Ze was not angered, but instead retorted, “I wonder which Paladin is currently serving those sewer rats.”

“Elizabeth is different from you,” Mr. Amonst coldly stared at Takizawa.

Mr. Long Ze and Mr. Amonst seemed inherently at odds with each other, both appearing ready to draw their proverbial swords.

Seeing this, Lady Eve suddenly said, “Have any of you seen Xitacil? It’s past the appointed time, why hasn’t he gathered yet?”

Tu Shenyi said, “He’s already here, don’t worry about him, once we start, he’ll appear naturally.”

Lady Eve nodded, while Mr. Long Ze shrugged and said, “That guy, probably has his eyes on a new male companion again. There are quite a few handsome young men today, likely appealing to Xitacil’s taste.”

Mr. Amonst said, “Lady Eve, Long Ze, Xitacil, Elizabeth, and you Tu Shenyi, only one left. That woman, isn’t she coming today… the woman who gave you eternal life, Karen.”

Tu Shenyi, however, said indifferently, “Whether she comes or not, it makes no difference… Let’s set off.”

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PS: Additional update (1/7).