Chapter 2253: Shard’s "Illness" and the Murder Trap

Chapter 2253: Chapter 2253: Shard’s "Illness" and the Murder Trap

Although Shard and Priest Augustus did not know how Mr. Taylor made it onto the stage, it was clear he hadn’t managed to convince everyone downstairs. Amidst the audience’s boos and laughter, three men rushed onto the stage from the side—the King and two Dwarves—attempting to drag the Hunter Apprentice away.

The four of them were almost wrestling together, yet the young Vincent Taylor managed to loudly declare while fending off three opponents:

"We do not wish for war; our only desire is peace. But those damned Southern countrymen are not worthy of our Compassion. The ugly nature of the Carsonrickians drives them to try to forcibly unify the World, while I... oh, don’t grab my **"

Screams of pain, crude boos, and laughter from the audience mixed together, combined with the costumes of the four fighting on stage, made the scene incredibly comical. People seemed to care little about the speech that wasn’t finished; most evidently believed that the amusing farce alone was worth the ticket price.

After all, operas happen every day, but a show featuring the King and Dwarves beating up a Hunter’s follower probably only happens once.

Vincent Taylor was ultimately dragged off the stage, followed by Lady Marian hastily taking the stage to apologize for the farce that just happened.

Most people here to watch the show were acquaintances, so everyone expressed that the preceding performance was quite enjoyable, and if such antics could happen once or twice on occasion, that would be even better.

Then the play continued, with a substitute actor replacing Vincent Taylor in what was actually an unimportant role.

As for Vincent Taylor himself, to prevent him from jumping on stage again, the troupe dragged him into a small house backstage on the second floor, where Shard and Priest Augustus voluntarily watched him, or rather conversed with him.

The meeting spot was still by the window on the second floor. After the troupe left, Vincent Taylor, who seemed roughly the same age as the Outlander in appearance, arrogantly tidied his collar and then slightly raised his head to size up Shard and Priest Augustus.

Vincent Taylor was not very tall, at least not as tall as Shard and Priest Augustus, who claimed to have shrunk with age. He had a mess of dark-brown hair, and even through the makeup, some freckles were still visible on his face. Of course, during the scuffle, his makeup was completely smudged, so while looking at his conceited face, Shard had to hold back the urge to laugh.

"I’m curious about what kind of image you have of us."

Priest Augustus asked with a kindly smile, a professionally grandfatherly image likely unmatched by the best actors in the Jasmine Opera Troupe.

The young man then said:

"You look like a stingy Librarian or a Clergy member of a church. With a happy family, plenty of children and grandchildren, and leisure at work, you assume, due to your age, you understand more truths than young people and enjoy preaching to others. This fulfillment and joy are the greatest pleasures in the few days you have left, a sense that offsets your anxiety and fear about growing old."

Shard glanced sideways at Priest Augustus and found him still wearing a cheerful expression.

"As for you."

Vincent Taylor then looked at Shard, sized him up, and continued matter-of-factly:

"Relying on your good looks, you mingle among a crowd of young women, never giving anyone definite answers, so you can take advantage of everyone. Your life must be smooth sailing; people are more willing to help you because of your looks. Internally, you believe you are chosen and proudly think most peers around you can’t surpass you; those younger are immature, while those older excel simply due to age and by exploiting social unfairness."

Shard thought he was finished, but he paused only briefly before continuing:

"You might have some abilities, but they fall far short of what you imagine. Occasionally, when alone, you ponder the meaning of your life, but quickly indulge in pleasures again. You probably suffer from kidney deficiency..."

Shard covered his stomach, then moved his hand to his kidneys amidst "her" laughter.

"And due to irregular living habits, you experience insomnia and vivid dreams, night sweats, and frequent trips to the bathroom."

Shard covered his head.

"Plus, I bet you have deeply hidden psychological issues, involving loneliness and self-doubt, among others..."

"Alright, alright."

Priest Augustus interrupted him with a smile, preventing Shard from accumulating more ailments:

"I’m Lat August. You guessed right; I’m a Priest of the church."

"I’m a Detective. Also, I don’t have kidney deficiency."

Shard replied simply, shaking hands with him, confirming that Whisper Element indeed entangled his soul and body.

"Oh, I forgot to ask, what business do you have with me?"

Vincent Taylor asked curiously:

"Are you here to listen to me talk about the international situation? But this isn’t a good place for a conversation. Let’s go somewhere else. How about the Three Cats Inn? Let’s have a drink together."

The priest still smiled:

"Indeed, we need to go somewhere else, but not the Three Cats Inn. I mean, would you mind leaving town with us to the north? The town is full of MI6 spies, you know, the Royal Family always thinks people want to rebel, so they place spies everywhere to eavesdrop on what people say. The town is not safe at all, even complaining in the toilet might reach the King. I suspect the Three Cats Inn might be an MI6 outpost in town; let’s go outside the town. I know a good place."

The young man very much agreed with the priest’s words:

"That’s right!"

Shard, however, looked at the priest without speaking, and the priest reached into his pocket again:

"Of course, we won’t let you waste time for nothing. Here is some reward. In fact, we have many like-minded people who want to hear your speech."

He pulled out several 1-pound banknotes and stuffed them into Vincent Taylor’s pocket, and Vincent raised his head:

"Of course, I knew it, there must be people supporting me. In such a big Kingdom, there must be many who are like-minded and can see the reality as I do. I couldn’t find them before just because they hid for fear of being persecuted by the Kingdom."

With that, he gestured for Shard and Priest Augustus to leave with him.

The priest then walked in front, Shard walked last, letting Vincent Taylor walk in the middle.

[You seem a bit unhappy.]

When going downstairs, "She" asked softly, Shard gently nodded, and only continued speaking in his mind when they bid farewell to Lady Marian and looked for a carriage on the street:

"Dr. Schneider’s psychological treatment still seems unable to completely cure the priest’s issue."

For safety reasons, town carriages do not drive outside the city except for the route to the South City Noble Manor; it’s even less likely in the North City Slums. Thus, the three got off the carriage at the city’s edge and entered a small village attached to the city. They followed the winding roads, passing through dense rows of shanties and double-story simple houses, stepping through mud and smelling various strange scents as they moved forward.

The villagers kept country dogs that barked at them from afar, and clucking hens gathered in groups searching for food on the ground in roadside yards. The running children instinctively avoided these strangers, while the rural women doing laundry in the yard watched them cautiously.

Unlike the bad weather at Moon Bay, the weather in Tobesk was quite nice on Saturday morning. Vincent Taylor originally thought their destination was this small village, and the people waiting for his speech were probably in the countryside tavern.

But Priest Augustus, leading the way, continued to walk forward until the three passed through the village and arrived at the woods outside before stopping.

Shard was familiar with this area; continuing north along the forest path would soon lead to Mr. Copus’ cemetery.

But Vincent Taylor did not recognize this place, and even if he was somewhat foolish and his confidence inflated, he realized at this moment that something was amiss:

"Old man, what do you mean by this?"

He also stopped, turned slightly to look behind him, seeing Shard lowering his head pondering something.

Priest Augustus turned in the woods, the smile on his face gradually fading, and looked at him:

"The curse of prejudice is really deep."

"What prejudice?"

The young man struggled to keep a smile on his face; if only this elderly looking weak old man were in front of him, he would have the confidence to turn and run. But the tall detective who hadn’t said much along the way didn’t seem someone he could handle, especially since the detective wasn’t as feeble as imagined:

"If you disagree with my views, we can actually talk; there’s no need to do this."

He took a few steps back, revealing his thoughts:

"There are things I consider myself very clear about. If you don’t think so, you can tell me your perspective. Violence is not an option, plus I’m just a poor person; even if you harm me, you won’t gain anything."

Priest Augustus solemnly said:

"Conflicts between people mostly come from prejudice in people’s hearts. A person can never truly understand another person. Once two people are together for a long time, inevitably, there will be conflicts and clashes. This is a human weakness and the flaw of all living creatures. Conflicts and clashes arise from misunderstanding, and misunderstanding is born from prejudice. I am sorry, Mr. Taylor, the prejudice has already taken root in your heart; I can no longer save you."