NOVEL WEB Chapter 615: It Became Like a Child...
What does that mean?
Pendragon looked at Arthur with confusion.
Arthur, on the other hand, nodded with a smile—
"Yes, that's the look!
Right, just a bit clearer!
Good, keep it up...
Pay attention to my cues later!"
With that, Arthur stepped forward and pushed the door open to leave.
By the time the young 'Spirit Medium' arrived inside No. 2 Cork Street, the carriage carrying Madam Susan had just stopped at the entrance to the courtyard.
The coachman opened the door for Madam Susan.
"Good evening, Arthur.
Take it slow, no need to rush."
The lady stepped out of the carriage and saw Arthur, who was about to step away from the door quickly.
Immediately, a smile spread across her face, and while reminding Arthur, she turned around to take out a food container from the carriage.
"This is a batch of snacks made by Lady Cullen—you can call Lady Cullen 'Granny Cullen' when you visit the Lord Count's Mansion.
She is in charge of the entire kitchen at the Count's Mansion.
Her culinary skills are unparalleled."
As she spoke, the lady raised the food container, gesturing to Arthur.
Even with the container blocking the way, an alluring sweet aroma still caused Arthur to repeatedly flare his nostrils.
One should know, Granny Cullen was recognized as the first-rate chef in South Los while The Old Earl was alive.
If it hadn't been for the favor she owed The Old Earl, with Granny Cullen's culinary expertise, her reputation would've been tenfold more illustrious than it is now.
At the very least, the Old Lion of Inner Bay was willing to grant this granny a noble title.
But she unequivocally refused.
She chose to look after the then-young Mother Tigress after The Old Earl passed away and then went on to care for Julie, Cathy, Valerie, and others.
Undoubtedly, she treated these children as her own descendants.
Moreover, Granny Cullen only wished to cook food for her family.
Therefore, it was impossible for outsiders to taste the food prepared by Granny Cullen. There was even a noble from Inner Bay who publicly declared he was willing to spend 500 gold coins for a serving of pastries baked personally by Granny Cullen.
Then, when that noble happened to pass by South Los on a ship...
He was struck by lightning.
After that incident, no one dared to bring up the matter again.
But, many food enthusiasts still coveted Granny Cullen's culinary skills.
Arthur was no exception.
He too was curious about Granny Cullen's craftsmanship.
However, from beginning to end, Arthur never let it show.
And quite obviously, Madam Susan noticed Arthur's love for food from their limited interactions.
Many have the talent for detailed observation.
But after observing, few are willing to offer help.
Let alone fulfil one's wishes, which is even rarer.
Undoubtedly, the idiom 'love me, love my dog' was fully embodied by this lady.
"I'm truly grateful.
Grandma Susan, when you return, you must thank Granny Cullen for me."
Arthur crossed the courtyard gate, one hand taking the food container, the other hand steadying Madam Susan.
Just like a real grandson.
Even though Madam Susan did not need any assistance, she did not refuse Arthur.
Or rather...
Madam Susan very much enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by her grandchildren.
"Where is Marinda?"
After entering No. 2 Cork Street, without seeing Marinda, Madam Susan asked outright.
"She has been very busy these past few days. She told me this afternoon that she won't be coming back for the next several days," Arthur replied with a smile, having hung up Madam Susan's coat.
"Is that so?"
Madam Susan frowned.
Not out of displeasure, but feeling that Marinda was overexerting herself.
This was about her great-grandchildren, after all.
Immediately, the lady felt it necessary to have another talk with Marinda.
However, the lady did not show it.
Instead, she put on a smile.
Ms. Anna was busy arranging plates filled with food on a tablecloth that was primarily silver-gray with checkered edges.
There was her favorite beef stew.
And she had made three different kinds.
Plain beef stew.
Potato beef stew.
And casserole beef stew.
Clearly, Ms. Anna had put her heart into it.
"Thank you, Anna,"
the lady formally expressed her gratitude.
The other party had been busy all afternoon; such thanks from her were necessary.
"It's all part of my duties, my lady,"
Ms. Anna revealed a happy smile.
Nothing was more joyful than having one's hard work praised.
With the food boxes set aside on the table, Arthur pulled out a chair for Madam Susan, while saying—
"Grandma Susan, I plan to close myself off until the 'Oriental' is launched, and then travel to Inner Bay aboard her.
Before that, I intend to seclude myself.
I need to get myself into the best condition to face the Old Lion's test."
The Oriental was Arthur's cruise ship, apart from the coastal freighters,
specifically used for carrying passengers.
Madam Susan knew this, but she was surprised that Arthur would go to Inner Bay so soon.
After all, the 'South County Swordsmanship Competition' in Inner Bay was scheduled to coincide with 'Pioneer Celebration Day', or to be more precise, starting from January 31st, 'Pioneer Celebration Day'.
As one of Inner Bay's most important holidays, celebrating the Old Lion's meritorious service, 'Pioneer Celebration Day' would last for five days.
From January 31st to February 4th.
And the 'South County Swordsmanship Competition' would begin on the third day of 'Pioneer Celebration Day', that is, February 2nd.
The 'Cold Winter Festival' had just passed; it was now January 2nd, and it would take roughly a week's time by boat from South Los to Inner Bay, sailing downstream – ample time by any measure.
Arthur, seeing the astonishment on Madam Susan's face, laughed and said,
"Facing the Old Lion, no amount of preparation is enough, it's better to head to Inner Bay early to get a lay of the land.
Moreover, I am leaving a week later, so there won't be much difference in timing.
I hope Inner Bay won't disappoint me."
Watching Arthur's smiling face, Madam Susan immediately instructed,
"You must be careful when facing the Old Lion.
If the situation becomes impossible, be sure to return to South Los right away.
Here, I can assure you that no one will be able to harm you."
The lady gave Arthur a promise.
Confronted with this promise, Arthur naturally believed it.
The young 'Spirit Medium' was very clear about the power wielded by the steward of South Los in the area.
"Of course.
I have no doubts!
Moreover, I am willing to contribute to your South Los!"
Arthur said, looking up towards the skylight as Wuni slipped through the window clutching a bundle.
Even with the lime, Madam Susan could smell a hint of the Scent of Blood.
And judging by the size of the package, the lady assumed it was a human head.
Whose head?
The lady speculated at the bottom of her heart.
Her gaze then fell on the package Wuni had placed on a side table.
Arthur, however, was rising to open the package and reveal the mystery.
But just at that moment, Pendragon jumped onto the table, grabbed the package, and ran off.
Arthur was taken aback, then reproached in a low voice,
"Pan, that item is not for playing with!"
Then, turning his head, the young 'Spirit Medium' spoke with a wry smile—
"Previously, in order to give Pan the ability to defend itself, I had it take a 'Griffin Physique Potion.' It has indeed grown and even gained the power to protect itself, but it seems its brain isn't very bright, and, like a child, it's quite mischievous."