Hello

Rain had been falling since the middle of the night, and by morning it showed no sign of stopping. Holding an umbrella, Karen walked up to the gates of No. 128. He pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped toward the entryway, only for the front door to open from within. Ms. Molly stood inside. "Young Master." Karen shook the bag in his hand and asked, "Has Alfred arrived yet?" "Not yet, but he should be here shortly." "Mm." Karen stepped inside. The first floor was completely empty. "Young Master, let us head up to the second floor." Karen walked up to the second floor. The master bedroom had been furnished with quite a few pieces of furniture and cleaned spotless. Setting the bag on a cabinet, Karen walked over to an armchair by the floor-to-ceiling window and sat down. "Your coffee, Young Master." Ms. Molly placed a cup of coffee before him, apologizing softly, "There is no refrigerator here yet, so I could not prepare iced water." "It's fine." Karen picked up the cup and touched it to his lips. Back in his past life, throughout his years as a student and the early struggles of building a business, he had mistakenly believed he couldn't live without coffee. Only much later, when his income grew comfortable enough to pursue higher tastes—having coffee-connoisseur friends and clients introduce him to various premium blends—did he finally realize something: He had never been hooked on coffee; he was just used to Nescafé. Ms. Molly sat down carefully in the chair opposite Karen. She wore a skirt that reached past her knees, seemingly indifferent to the cold. On her feet were ordinary indoor cotton slippers rather than her classic red high heels. She kept her knees pressed tightly together, looking remarkably demure. Karen turned his head toward the street outside the window. His mind wandered back to when he had ridden in the hearse past 128 Mink Street. Uncle Mason had seen his first love, while Karen had seen Ms. Molly's red high heels—oozing an alluring yet eerie aura. Back then, she had tapped the tips of her heels against the sill, lightly swinging them back and forth. Who could have guessed that Ms. Molly would become so remarkably "well-behaved"? Deep down, he almost felt a faint sense of wistfulness. "Do you like this house?" Karen asked. "Yes, Young Master. In fact, this used to be my home." "Oh, is that so?" Ms. Molly offered a faint smile. "In the past, my husband, my son, and I lived right here. Later, during a family trip, a car accident tragically claimed both my husband and my son. As for myself... I actually died as well, but due to certain unusual circumstances, my death was never quite complete. "Eventually, Alfred arrived. He helped stabilize my condition, and at my desperate pleading, he settled me back into this house." "You and Alfred knew each other before that?" "Yes. I helped him once, so he owed me a favor, though at the time I merely thought he was an ordinary man. Still, Alfred truly is a good person. He might be a bit erratic at times, but he always keeps his promises. "After all, he could have lived quite comfortably on his own in Rojia City. There was no need for him to saddle himself with a burden like me, which forced him to take on so many extra risks." "Mm. And what about this house?" "After our family perished, the estate was inherited by my husband's nephew. He sold the place, and the buyer turned it into a rental." "Didn't that bother you?" Karen asked. "No. I wanted this house to have life in it. I enjoyed blending into the tenants' lives; it brought me great comfort. "Even though... I looked terrifying. "They could hardly ever see me anyway. "Whenever a tenant had small children playing alone on the bed, I would even help keep an eye on them from the side." "Jeff..." "I only meant to scare him away because he broke in while the family was out, but I didn't expect him to drop dead from fright. Before I could dispose of the body, a tenant discovered it, and the landlady brought in Mr. Mason to deal with the remains." Karen nodded. So for a long time, Ms. Molly had essentially functioned as a household spirit, protecting the hearth and home. "And what about the house now?" "Alfred rented it to serve as my proper residence. Now that I have a whole body, I can hardly share quarters with tenants anymore. Besides, I have to commute to work every day, so I needed a place near your home, Young Master. "When Alfred works late into the night, he also rests here." So this place was essentially the Inmerlais family's employee dormitory? "Why not just buy it?" Karen didn't know precisely how wealthy Alfred was, but he knew the man had money to burn. Buying a townhouse on Mink Street shouldn't have been an issue at all. "Because..." Ms. Molly searched for the right words. "Alfred said that if we only rent, the house can be leased to someone else after we leave. But if we buy it, once we're gone, the house will become completely deserted. "I don't want this place to sit cold and empty." "Leave?" Karen pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Ms. Molly asked tentatively, "Young Master, aren't you preparing to go to Wien?" Karen remained silent. Ms. Molly stayed still, maintaining her stiff posture. Certain matters could be kept from the rest of the family, but they couldn't be hidden from Alfred. In the eyes of Uncle Mason, Aunt Mary, and Aunt Winnie, dating Eunice was a courtship to bring a bride home. But Alfred had seen through it—it was preparation to marry into her family. Karen suddenly chuckled. He finally understood the old parable of the 'chicken ribs.' Having a subordinate who was too clever could indeed make things terribly awkward for his master. "Mm, yes, that is a possibility," Karen said. Ms. Molly let out a long sigh of relief. "Then, Young Master, will you be taking the two of us along with you?" "Do you two want to accompany me?" Karen asked. "Alfred said that the only reason the master agreed to take both of us on as shop hands was to prepare for your eventual departure to Wien, Young Master." Karen continued smoking in silence. Right then, Alfred arrived, carrying a gas cylinder in one hand and lugging a massive pot strapped across his back. Stepping into the courtyard, he spotted Karen and Ms. Molly sitting behind the second-floor window and waved enthusiastically. "Young Master, I'm here!" Karen quietly flicked the ash from his cigarette. Unaware that his dream of making it onto the mural had just drifted further away, Alfred hurried upstairs with the gas cylinder and entered the master bedroom. "I'll go wash the pot and the vegetables." Sensing she had spoken out of turn earlier, Ms. Molly stood up on her own initiative to find something to do. "Just rinsing the pot will do. I already washed the vegetables before bringing them over, and the meatballs don't need washing." "Very well, Young Master. I will go clean the pot and the utensils." Alfred pulled out a handkerchief, wiped the raindrops from his brow, and asked curiously, "Young Master, how exactly do you eat this hot pot? I can hardly wait." Karen answered, "In a moment, I'll stir-fry the soup base, and then we can cook the ingredients in the broth. We'll eat them straight out of the pot as they cook. I even brought along the three pairs of silver chopsticks you gave me." "That sounds wonderful! Let me think... what should I boil first?" "There's one thing I suggest cooking first. It's very tender, takes only a moment to boil, and tastes delicious." "What is it?" "Your tongue." Alfred fell silent. ... Once they finished the hot pot, Ms. Molly stayed behind to tidy up while Karen and Alfred headed to the entryway. Opening the front door, Alfred raised an umbrella. Karen walked ahead, while Alfred held the umbrella half a step behind him. The rain still showed no sign of letting up, water gurgling steadily as it rushed into the street gutters. Returning to 13 Mink Street, Alfred shook out and collapsed the umbrella on the ground floor, while Karen headed up to the third floor. "Why did the atmosphere feel a bit strange during lunch today?" Alfred looked out into the rain curtain, slightly puzzled. ... Karen took a bath and changed into slightly more formal attire. As he adjusted his cuffs and collar before the mirror, Purr sat beside him on the vanity. "I think it would be more appropriate for me to wait at the bride's house," Purr remarked. "Or perhaps she should carry me over to the groom's house." "Bad luck," Karen said. "Bad luck?" "Strictly speaking, what's the difference between Eunice holding you and carrying a funeral portrait?" Hearing that, Purr's whiskers twitched. Once dressed, Karen walked downstairs. "Young Master, allow me to drive." Alfred eagerly hopped into the driver's seat and started the engine. Karen slid into the back. Today, the Inmerlais household had the day off. Not only were the shop hands excused from work, but Uncle Mason, Aunt Mary, and Aunt Winnie had taken the three children to the amusement park. Even though rain had been falling since morning, it hadn't dampened their enthusiasm in the slightest. All because Diss had personally given the word yesterday. This differed from what Karen had initially anticipated. Diss wanted a quiet environment to receive Eunice's formal visit, going so far as to send the rest of the family away. As he drove, Alfred glanced into the rearview mirror from time to time. Seeing that his young master had his eyes half-closed with no inclination to talk, he kept silent as well. Finally, the car pulled up outside Eunice's house. "What time is it?" Karen asked. Although he had received several wristwatches, he had never formed the habit of wearing one. "Five minutes to three." Karen nodded. Alfred opened the car door first, unfurled the umbrella, and saw his young master out of the vehicle. At that moment, an elderly maid around fifty years old appeared at the front entrance. Standing inside a small gazebo in the courtyard, her gaze locked firmly onto Alfred. Karen had never seen her on his previous visits to Eunice's house. "She must be something like a family bodyguard. That is hardly surprising—a mother bringing her daughter back to her hometown to visit relatives carries its fair share of danger. "Moreover, Young Master, she seems to have sensed what I am and is on her guard against me." Karen pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped inside. Across the yard, the maid opened a black umbrella, walked over, and thrust out a hand to block Alfred. Alfred looked to Karen. From beginning to end, the old maid hadn't spared Karen a single glance. Karen took a few steps forward on his own, stepping out from under Alfred's umbrella as raindrops began pattering against his clothes. A crimson light flared in Alfred's eyes. The maid's body trembled instantly. Staggering backward in haste, she dropped her umbrella and began praying: "Merciful Lord, bestow Your light of wisdom to dispel the gloom within my heart..." Alfred caught up to Karen with the umbrella, holding it over him once more. At the entryway, Karen rang the doorbell. Hurried footsteps sounded inside before the door swung open, revealing Madam Jenny dressed in an evening gown. "Good afternoon, Madam. I'm here to escort Eunice to my home for dinner." "Yes, yes, of course. Wait a moment while I brew you some tea. Eunice will be ready shortly, and then we can go together." *We?* Karen maintained an unruffled expression and smiled in response. "Certainly, there's no rush. I arrived early." "Arriving early is good." Madam Jenny took Karen's hand on her own initiative, gently patting the back of it like a fond elder. "Young men are always eager, and that is a sign of respect, is it not? "You have done well, truly well. "Come, come inside and have some tea. I specially prepared my specialty pastries for you." As she spoke, Madam Jenny noticed the old maid still praying in the courtyard. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she said nothing, continuing instead to warmly usher Karen inside. Outside, Alfred collapsed the umbrella, stood quietly by the doorway, and conveniently shut the door. Having finished her prayer to purge the lingering influence of the Succubus Eye, the maid moved toward the house, only for Alfred to raise his umbrella across her path. The maid harbored a trace of fear toward him. That was only natural. No matter how humble Alfred acted before Karen or Diss, one of them was an evil god, and the other was... Diss. Furthermore, among aberrant demons, Alfred had long since earned the standing to live unmolested, and he even had the power to shelter someone as prone to trouble as Ms. Molly. The maid said coldly, "This is my master's house." Alfred glanced at her sideways. "In the future, it will be your young master-in-law's house." "You—" A crimson gleam swirled in Alfred's eyes once more. The maid had no choice but to retreat to the gazebo in the courtyard. She dared not clash with the man before her again, well aware that this was an aberrant demon beyond her ability to handle. Inside the house, Karen was enduring Madam Jenny's overwhelming hospitality. Though she tried to restrain herself, her excessive warmth still made Karen feel slightly uncomfortable. She seemed entirely different from the noble lady who, at their first meeting, had held a cigarette in one hand while warning him with a clenched fist. Fortunately, Eunice came downstairs. She wore a black evening gown complemented by tasteful jewelry, giving her an understated, elegant grace. Taking the cue, Karen stood up, walked over, and extended his hand. Eunice glanced at her mother before placing her hand in Karen's. The two walked out of the house. Outside, Alfred handed the umbrella to his young master. Karen took it and walked down the steps with Eunice. Then, Alfred produced the black umbrella the maid had dropped earlier, opened it, and turned to Madam Jenny. "Madam, after you." "Mm." The old maid stepped out of the gazebo into the rain. Madam Jenny cast her a look and said coldly, "Watch the house." "Yes, Madam." Alfred took the wheel again, while Karen sat in the passenger seat. Eunice and Madam Jenny sat in the back. Because of the rain outside, the windows couldn't be opened, so any atmosphere had to be fostered by the passengers themselves; otherwise, the stagnant air would quickly sour the mood. "Karen, is your family all at home?" Madam Jenny asked. "My apologies." Karen turned back, speaking primarily to Eunice. "The rest of the family had to go out today for some business. It was not meant as a slight, but rather Grandfather's instructions. Grandfather wished to meet you alone." "It's quite all right, I understand," Eunice replied with a smile. Beside her, Madam Jenny's smile grew noticeably strained upon hearing that the "grandfather" was alone at home. From the driver's seat, Alfred chuckled. "Madam, Miss, please do not worry. Master Diss is an exceptionally gentle and kind man. Wherever he goes, it is like a spring breeze brushing past, imparting warmth and serenity." Alfred spoke words that even he didn't believe. The car arrived at 13 Mink Street. Karen held the umbrella, ushering Eunice inside. Eunice lifted the hem of her gown to keep it from getting splashed. Once in the parlor, she turned nervously in front of Karen. "Karen, could you check if anything about my appearance is improper?" "You're fine, don't worry. Grandfather doesn't care about such things." "Karen, check mine as well—is anything out of place?" Madam Jenny added. Karen wanted to remind her that she wasn't the one meeting the family elder today, but her daughter; still, he held back and said nothing. "Young Master, I shall remain downstairs. Call me if you have need of anything." Alfred pressed his right fist against his left breast. "Guarding the great Inmerlais is my duty." Having indulged in his own theatricality to bolster the Inmerlais family's prestige, Alfred stood straight at the parlor doorway, staring outside like a sentry on post. "Grandfather is on the third floor. Let's head up," Karen said to Eunice. "All right." Even though the young lady and her mother had arrived, it seemed somewhat improper for the sole elder remaining at home not to come down and greet them personally. But this was Diss, so Karen found it entirely normal. Reaching the third floor, Karen was about to knock on the study door. At that moment, Madam Jenny stepped ahead of him. "I feel that according to etiquette, I should be the first to greet your grandfather. What do you think?" Karen was taken aback for a second, but nodded. "Very well, Madam." Karen then turned to Eunice. "You seem a bit nervous. Would you like a glass of iced water to calm down?" "Yes, please." Karen led Eunice back down to the second floor. Outside the study, Madam Jenny took several deep breaths. At last, as if summoning all her courage, she raised a hand and tapped lightly on the study door. "Enter." Madam Jenny swallowed hard, opened the door, and stepped inside. Within the room, Diss sat behind the desk in a black suit. His expression was calm, yet he exuded a pressure as heavy as a mountain. Perched upon his shoulder was an elegant black cat, regarding the newcomer with an amused, scrutinizing gaze. Madam Jenny took a step forward, but beneath the gaze of the man and the cat, every step felt excruciatingly difficult. Diss spoke: "Hello." The next instant, Madam Jenny dropped to her knees. Once prostrate on the floor, an immediate sense of relief washed over her, as though she had finally found the proper place where she belonged all along. Her voice trembling, she replied: "Greetings, sir."