Mystery: But the Witch's Path

Chapter 51 Lady Vivian

Just as Altair and Vivian were having a pleasant conversation, the bathroom door creaked open at an inopportune moment.

'Ta-ta-ta'

Before Altair could make a move, Vivian angrily said, "Come in!"

As the door opened, Eileen walked in with her head down and explained, "I'm so sorry, Earl Altair, Lady Vivian, someone from Earl Rafe's family just delivered a letter. Butler Hahn thinks you need to look at it and reply immediately."

After finishing her speech, Eileen, who had kept her head down the whole time, handed over the letter that she had been keeping her chest open.

Altair patted Vivian on the back, signaling her to calm down, then took the letter, removed the sealing wax, and began to examine it.

"My dearest Altair:"

"Xin Zhan An"

"Perhaps you have heard about the turmoil in the outside world, worrying day and night, and even personally inquiring about it. Your uncle feels both sorry for you and helpless. You are a precious young lady, and those complicated mundane affairs and scheming intrigues should not be your concern at all."

"Your uncle and elders will take good care of these matters and will not disturb you in the slightest. You just need to stay in the manor peacefully, read books, tend to the flowers and plants, or have small gatherings with your close friends and do what you like."

"We will shield you from the storms of the outside world. You don't need to ask around or worry too much. Just enjoy your peaceful life, and that will be the greatest comfort to us."

"Don't worry about worldly matters, take care of your health."

"Uncle Rafe Strauss"

"August 4th"

After reading Uncle Rafe's letter, Altair picked up the letter that was attached to it.

This is clearly an invitation to a high-class aristocratic banquet.

Invitations to the nobility are made of thick, embossed cardstock, often with gold foil stamping and family crests. The envelopes are usually lined with velvet and made of thick, colored paper, and sealed with a special wax bearing the family crest.

After opening the ornately decorated envelope, Altair saw the following written on the invitation:

"In recognition of Earl Altair Sheffield"

"In the middle of summer, the roses at Hall Estate in Queensland, Backlund, are in full bloom, and the evening breeze carries their fragrance, making it the perfect time for banquets and elegant gatherings."

"A grand summer evening banquet of the highest caliber will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10th, in the main hall and gardens of Hall Estate in Queensbackland. The banquet will feature royal-bestowed Burgundy wines, cold-smoked stag tenderloin, fresh fruit preserves, and a performance by the Royal Symphony Orchestra. After nightfall, a custom-made fireworks display will be held, allowing guests to enjoy the shimmering lights reflected on the lake."

"Your Excellency and my daughter Audrey have enjoyed each other's company immensely. Since the hunting banquet, she has spoken of your name daily and longs to stroll through the gardens with you, savor sweet tarts, and admire the newly arrived watercolor book. If you grant her request, please send a reply within three days. The estate has a dedicated gilded carriage that will come to your residence at 5 PM on the day of your visit. Your Excellency may also bring your attendants."

"A cordial invitation from Earl Hall"

"August 4th"

........

Altair frowned as he looked at the letters. Vivian asked, "What's wrong?"

After handing him the letter, Altair explained, "Just like what you said tonight, things have escalated in the industrial zone. But it should be resolved in the next couple of days."

Vivian looked at the letter in her hand and asked, "Isn't this a good thing? At least fewer people will die, so you won't feel so bad."

Altair took the letter from Vivian's hand and said to her, "Actually, those people's lives or deaths have nothing to do with me, and I don't have the time or inclination to care about them. I'm not a god, I'm just a human being."

"I really like a quote from Earl Hall: charity is 'extra love,' not a responsibility or obligation."

"Moreover, their suffering was not caused by me. I even provided them with many job opportunities. It's just that they couldn't distinguish between good and bad and believed the rumors."

After saying that, Altair got up and left the bathtub, and Eileen quickly picked up a towel and began to wipe his body.

Vivian, noticing his changes, remarked, "It seems our little count has grown up. I hope you continue as before, otherwise I'm worried about your future."

As Altair walked out of the bathroom, Vivian gave Eileen a disapproving look.

Although there were reasons for what happened tonight, her behavior has violated taboos. While she is a personal maid and her duty is to serve her intimately, there are still boundaries, and she is forbidden from intruding on her master's privacy.

Knowing full well that her masters were engaged in such a private act, to still dare to disturb them meant she had seen right through their privacy. Although Altair wasn't telling the truth, Vivian wasn't going to let her off the hook.

Knowing Eileen's personality well, Vivian still asked curiously, "Eileen, how long have you been here?"

"It's been two months, Mrs. Vivian," Eileen replied, not daring to look up.

Hearing her words, Vivian chuckled and said, "Then you should know about 'boundaries,' and I don't like being disturbed."

"And Hahn didn't tell you to deliver this letter immediately, did he? Someone instigated you. Who is she?"

"Although the countries of the Northern Continent have now abolished slavery and promoted human rights, don't forget that you don't have human status and don't fall under the category of 'human' in human rights protection laws."

"I really can't give severe punishment to others. To maintain a semblance of dignity, the most I can do is deduct their salary, transfer them to an easier position, or even publicly humiliate them, or at most issue a negative recommendation letter."

"But you are different; you are private property. If you speak up, I may be merciful and reduce your punishment."

"And what is your purpose in doing this?"

After a moment of silence, Eileen finally spoke up and revealed the instigator: "It was Butler Freya. She promised that once she succeeded, she would make me a useful person to Count Altair."

"Haha," Vivian chuckled, "Such a simple reason, I remember Altair really likes you sisters."

"Go and tell Hahn to wait for me in the living room. I'll be there shortly."

.......

When Vivian finished dressing and entered the living room, she found Hahn already standing there waiting for her. After sitting down in the main seat of the sofa, she said to him in an unfriendly tone, "I need the authority to dispose of Freya."

Hahn, however, was not afraid of Vivian and calmly said, "Freya became Count Altair's private property half a month ago, and I cannot give you the right to dispose of her."

Vivian said firmly, "I am the Countess of Sheffield, a title personally bestowed by Altair, and you know I have that authority."

Hahn nodded and said, "You're right, so you are now Lady Vivian. But you've forgotten that Count Altair doesn't have the right to arrange marriages privately. The law stipulates that a marriage without the consent of elders is only valid if the man is 21 years old."

"So, Lady Vivian, you are not yet 'Lady Sheffield'. While I can offer you assistance to the best of my ability, this does not include the right to dispose of the Earl's private property."

"And you forgot, the Countess has a task that must be completed, and your special circumstances mean that it is impossible for her to complete it."

Vivian looked at Hahn and asked, "Whose idea is this, Altair?"

Hahn shook his head and said, "The Earl loves you very much, but that's not his intention. He doesn't even know it. The reason you've been able to stay here is because of his love for you."

"This mission was relayed through Count Strauss, and you have no right to know who issued it."

Vivian lowered her head and asked, "So, whether it's Vera, Irene, or even Freya, they were all arranged to be here?"

"Freya isn't," Hahn explained. "She was a complete accident."

"Please keep this a secret. After all, Count Altair is still young and doesn't need to know too many troublesome things."

.......

When Vivian didn't reply, Hahn turned to leave, only to hear a voice behind him say, "I still need the authority to dispose of Freya, and I also need the position of Earl and Lady Sheffield. I can compromise on that matter."

"How are you feeling, Butler Hahn? I'll cooperate with you to complete that task."