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Chapter 237 Alice's Dream

The night ends and the day dawns.

Marquez welcomed the dawn of a new day.

The massive black gears turned slowly at the top of the Gothic clock tower, emitting a deep, rumbling sound like the growl of a giant beast.

As dawn broke through the hazy industrial smoke, it spilled onto the stone streets covered with tire tracks, and the air was filled with the pungent smell of coal and horse manure.

jingle! jingle!
A large public carriage passed by, its bells jingling.

The carriages were packed with men and women in brown or gray uniforms, their faces showing a hangover-like confusion and numbness, as if driven by an invisible spring, surging towards every corner of the city.

Several aristocratic ladies, carrying lace parasols and surrounded by their female companions, walked past the boutiques on the street corner, while a lightly dressed flower seller sat huddled by the roadside.

"Morning Post! Morning Post!"

"A horrific tragedy!"

"Fire broke out at the Marquez Sanatorium and the Sunflower Manor last night! Baron Ivan and Master Thomas have been confirmed dead!"

The newsboy's clear voice rang out.

His thin figure, carrying a bulging crossbody bag, darted among the diverse crowd like a nimble field mouse.

John was walking through the crowd with a furrowed brow when he heard the newsboy's cries and stopped in his tracks.

"Son, give me a copy of the morning paper."

John hadn't slept all night; his eyes were bloodshot and his voice was hoarse. He took out a few wind-up copper coins and handed them to the newsboy.

"Here you are, sir."

The newsboy quickly shoved a newspaper into the hand and then rushed toward another potential customer, shouting loudly.

John didn't even have time to find a place to sit down; he immediately opened the newspaper and began reading as he walked.

"?!"

His pupils suddenly contracted.

A chill ran down my spine and up to my head.

Last night, Detective Gulliver sent him to investigate the cause of the fire at the sanatorium, but he never expected that the Sunflower Manor would also be burned to the ground.

Baron Ivan is dead...

This is definitely not an accident!

John took a deep breath, ignoring the curious or probing glances of passersby, and took off running, almost sprinting as he crashed into a corner café.

There were only a few scattered customers in the restaurant at the moment, slowly stirring the liquid in their cups while reading the newspaper with their breakfast.

In the corner by the window, Detective Gulliver resembled a somber stone sculpture, his hat brim pulled low.

A cup of strong black coffee, long since cooled, sat before him, barely touched. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, as if he were deep in thought.

“Mr. Gulliver!” John sat down opposite him and slammed the newspaper on the table. “Front page! Look at the front page!”

Gulliver snapped out of his reverie and turned his gaze to the newspaper. He fell silent, his brow furrowing.

“Baron Ivan is dead…” John’s throat was dry. “Sir, this can’t possibly be an accident; it must be revenge by that Kai Farrell!”

"..."

Gulliver didn't speak.

He simply picked up the cold black coffee and gulped down a large mouthful.

"Evan is so stupid."

Gulliver shook his head.

“I clearly warned him in the letter that it was best not to provoke the other party… but obviously, this guy didn’t listen at all.”

“I have investigated many cases involving Awakened Ones, but none of them are as…destructive as Kai Farrell.”

"Provoking him was the biggest mistake Ivan ever made."

Gulliver spoke calmly.

John then remembered something and carefully took out a white rabbit doll from his old leather satchel.

The doll's ears had obvious charred and curled marks, and a few strands of pale gold hair were wrapped around its body.

“This is what I found in the mental hospital last night… It should belong to that girl named Alice.”

John said.

“Alice…” Gulliver examined the rabbit doll and murmured.

A fire broke out in the asylum for no apparent reason, and the girl mysteriously disappeared. Combined with the death of Baron Ivan, he was almost certain that both incidents were related to Kai Farrell.

Gulliver fell into deep thought.

Using Alice's personal belongings for dream divination and location tracking would not be difficult for him.

But this behavior is likely to anger the man.

To be honest, Gulliver didn't want to be his enemy.

He had no connection with Baron Ivan, and the investigation of Pinocchio was merely a commission.

Now that the commission has been completed, Baron Ivan's life or death is none of his concern.

But since he was involved in the matter, Gulliver, after careful consideration, decided to make amends.

He picked up the rabbit doll, removed a strand of its pale golden hair, and held it tightly in his palm.

Then, Gulliver closed his eyes.

John asked, puzzled, "Mr. Gulliver, are you planning to divine Alice's location?"

“No,” Gulliver said calmly. “We communicate only through dreams.”

hum-

He radiated a light that was invisible to ordinary people.

Gulliver immediately fell asleep.

He felt his spiritual power traverse a vast distance, penetrating a slightly cool barrier, and "saw" a hazy light.

At the center of the halo, the figure of a girl slowly materialized—she wore a simple yet clean plain-colored long dress, and her long, golden hair fell smoothly down her back.

The girl was still tightly clutching a white rabbit doll in her arms.

This doll serves as the medium to anchor the other party.

The girl is Alice.

To be precise, it's Alice in a dream.

This is a young girl's dream.

However, before Gulliver's mental tendrils could linger on Alice for long, a vast and boundless galaxy descended from the sky.

——"The Galaxy of the Soul (Imprint)"

Wang Xi made a move remotely.

The galaxy transformed into a giant hand, instantly seizing Gulliver's spiritual body.

"?!"

Gulliver was greatly alarmed.

He felt a terrifying pressure simply from the gaze that swept over him from the void.

In real life, Gulliver groaned, blood streaming from his nose, startling his assistant John.

John was extremely anxious, but he dared not interrupt Mr. Gulliver's dream communication rashly, lest it cause more serious consequences.

In his dream, Gulliver shouted:

“My lord Gai, no offense intended, and I apologize for communicating with you in such an impolite manner… I am a private investigator, Gulliver Lemuel.”

He dared not pause for the slightest, and continued in a deep voice:

“I was commissioned by Baron Evan Costa to investigate the whereabouts of Pinocchio and your whereabouts, for which I am deeply sorry… I tried to dissuade Evan, but he still attacked your friend. Now he has only himself to blame. My assistant John and I have no intention of being your enemies.”

The giant hand formed by the galaxy made no further move, and Gulliver understood that the other party was listening.

"Your Excellency, to express my apologies, I will inform you of the Elder Council's top-secret information."

The scene fell silent.

After a few seconds of silence, a calm yet magnetic young male voice echoed in the dream:

"tell me the story."

"Several months ago, when the Elder Council thoroughly investigated Master Gippert's former residence, they not only discovered numerous research blueprints and notes about 'Wonderland,' but also a very special mecha."

Gulliver breathed a sigh of relief and began his narration.

"Its name is 'Alpha Offensive Mech - Good Boy,' and in terms of materials, structure, and technology, it far surpasses the kingdom's most advanced mechs... but it has a fatal flaw: humans simply cannot use it."

"It seems that this mech was created specifically for mechs... and only intelligent mechs with logical thinking abilities can wear and control it."

“I think that was created by Master Gipotto for Pinocchio… The Presbyterian Council is currently trying to reverse engineer it, but they are at a loss.”

Hear this.

Wang Xi seemed to be thinking about something.

"Good Boy" Mech?
Is this related to the "Titan" Gundam?

Is it the initial design prototype, or a development along another timeline due to the butterfly effect?

Wang Xi was unaware of this.

But he was certain that Gulliver's guess was correct: the "Good Boy" mech was the equipment that Master Gippetto left for Pinocchio.

The purpose is to combat black pollution.

Following that, Gulliver revealed a whole host of confidential information about the Elder Council to Wang Xi.

They even explained in detail what the twelve elders liked to eat and what their dietary restrictions were.

After a while.

Gulliver suddenly opened his eyes in the coffee shop.

"Huff, huff..." He was panting heavily; the giant hand of the Milky Way in his dream was truly terrifying.

Gulliver had a strong premonition that if he were crushed by that giant hand of the galaxy, he would become a brain-dead vegetable in reality.

Fortunately, he delivered the Elders' Council's confidential information, which led to them letting him go.

"Mr. Gulliver, how are you?"

John asked with concern.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." Gulliver waved his hand, took the handkerchief handed to him by his assistant, and wiped the blood from his nose.

He kept replaying the last request the other party made in his dream in his mind—Gail Farrell wanted him to continue investigating the Elder Council, and in return, the other party would help him once, if appropriate. Gulliver took a deep breath.

Deep in his eyes, the lingering fear had not completely dissipated, but an even more scorching flame rose up—a fire forged from deep-seated hatred, and a trace of mad hope.

His risky move to contact Gai Farrell was not merely a belated attempt to salvage the situation or gain the other party's forgiveness in exchange for intelligence.

It was also to take a gamble.

I'm betting on the possibility of cooperating with such a powerful entity.

All for the sake of seeking revenge against a certain elder in the council for that deep-seated, unforgettable blood feud.

...

...

It is located a few dozen kilometers outside of Marquez.

An unremarkable small town.

This place is like a corner forgotten by the steam age, with the pungent smell of burning cheap coal and the stench of livestock sheds lingering in the air.

On the edge of town, on a patch of hard ground overgrown with weeds, stood a large, heavily faded tent.

This is where the "Great Modi Traveling Circus" is temporarily staying.

It also served as a base for Draco's emergency relocation.

A faded bright red tent roof, a carousel frame with peeling paint, and a few listless tigers locked in cages...

Everything about it exuded a sense of weariness and desolation.

Compared to the magnificent opera house in the center of Marquez, this place is ridiculously simple and shabby. There are no dazzling stage lights, only the curious yet distant gazes of the townspeople.

But this inconspicuous dilapidation is precisely the best disguise.

A mud-covered four-wheeled carriage silently drove into the camp and parked next to a relatively intact carriage.

The car door opened, and Wang Xi got out first.

Next came Godariel and Pinocchio. Both were wearing large robes and hoods that covered their faces.

As for Alice, she had already changed out of her hospital gown from the mental hospital and was wearing a clean and simple light pink dress, with a long golden wig on her head.

Alice's pale face gained a touch of gentleness, while her icy blue eyes always exuded a cold and aloof aura that kept strangers at bay.

Vulnerability and alienation create a strange, contradictory charm in her.

"Thank goodness." Draco emerged wearily from the tent and approached. "Lord Gai, was the journey smooth?"

On the night the apartment was attacked, Draco and his men moved overnight, leaving the theater to be abandoned.

"It went fairly smoothly," Wang Xi nodded. "Thank you for your arrangements, Mr. Draco."

“Let me introduce you.” Draco stepped aside, and a tall woman strode out from the shadows of the tent. “This is one of the leaders of our ‘Blue Butterfly,’ Lady Hummingbird.”

The woman had wild, unruly red curly hair, like burning flames, casually tied back with a black leather cord.

She also had a scar on the left corner of her mouth, which extended all the way down to her earlobe, adding a touch of wild and untamed dangerous charm.

"Rebel 'Blue Butterfly' Leader - Hummingbird Polina (Friendly/Title 1 Star/Hero)"

Silver-framed title, one star.

Standard "Taiyu" level combat power.

"Gai Farrell, I've finally met you."

Polina's voice was magnetically husky, and her tone was full of appreciation and enthusiasm.

"My name is Polina LeFo."

She took a few steps forward and extended her hand directly to Wang Xi.

"Draco told me everything about you. You burned down the Marquez Asylum and the Baron's Manor... Ha, well done!"

"Hello, Ms. Polina," Wang Xi said politely, shaking hands and nodding.

"Don't call me 'madam,' I'm not married yet."

She chuckled softly.

Wang Xi smiled and corrected himself: "Miss Polina."

Upon hearing this, Polina's smile widened.

"Welcome here. It may be a bit basic, but it's safe."

Her gaze was intense, making no attempt to hide her admiration for the strong.

"Blue Butterfly needs a strong person like you, Mr. Kai."

Polina moved closer, and a unique scent, a mixture of gunpowder and perfume, wafted over.

"We have a common enemy. Think about it, you can do more for this world, save the poor people under the oppressive rule of the kingdom, as long as you are willing to stay..."

Her words carried a strong intention to win her over, and even revealed a desire for intimacy that went beyond an alliance.

Just then, Godalier stepped forward without making a sound, placing herself precisely between Wang Xi and Polina.

She casually straightened Wang Xi's collar, which he had messed up in the carriage, in a gesture that was both intimate and assertive.

"The rooms are ready, Mr. Draco? Kai and Miss Alice need to rest."

Godalier's clear voice interrupted Polina's attempt to recruit her, her gaze sweeping over Polina with a hint of barely perceptible warning and hostility.

Polina raised an eyebrow, the scar at the corner of her mouth twitched slightly, and her amber eyes looked at Godariel, sharp as an eagle.

The air between the two became tense.

She didn't speak again, but the interest in her eyes seemed to deepen, mixed with a hint of displeasure at Godariel being "in the way".

Alice stood quietly to the side.

She lowered her eyelids, her long, light blonde wig obscuring part of her expression, but when she caught a glimpse of this scene out of the corner of her eye, she silently pursed her lips.

For some reason, Alice disliked this overly enthusiastic and aggressive redhead more than Godariel.

The noise here also made her uncomfortable.

...

...

For the next few days, life at the camp was strangely peaceful.

Even before the morning mist has completely dissipated, you can hear the hoarse shouts of the animal trainers and the snorting of the livestock.

During the day, the actors practice acrobatics or rehearse comedic scenes in the open space for the town's children, which helps to ease the tense atmosphere.

Draco was primarily responsible for the camp's daily operations and communication. Polina, on the other hand, was like a tireless spinning top, frequently moving around the camp and efficiently handling Blue Butterfly's various affairs.

But whenever she had the chance, her burning gaze would always follow Wang Xi, and she would take the initiative to talk to him, or lean against Wang Xi's patrol route with a simple coffee cup in her hand.

"Gai, want a drink to perk you up? I heard your special ability is related to fire. Coincidentally, I can also control fire. Let's find a chance to exchange ideas..."

“Yesterday our men spotted the Wolf Guard again in the next town, but don’t worry, they won’t find this place.”

"By the way, there's a small bonfire party tonight, would you like to join? I'd like to hear about the details of that night..."

Polina could come up with new conversation starters like this every day.

Godaril was extremely annoyed by this situation.

In stark contrast to Polina's fiery passion, Alice is like a quiet shadow.

She often sat alone in a corner at the edge of the camp, quietly gazing at her mother's pendant—looking at the small, yellowed family photo inside.

That afternoon, the sunlight, unusually, pierced through the clouds.

The temperature is pleasant.

After dealing with Polina's enthusiastic discussion about the "specific details of the cooperation," Wang Xi went to a corner of the camp for some fresh air and happened to see Alice staring at the photo again.

"Don't worry, they'll be fine."

Wang Xi walked to the wooden box not far from her and sat down, gently comforting her.

Alice looked up, her icy blue eyes meeting Wang Xi's: "Mr. Kai, could you tell me about Macaulay Town?"

Wang Xi nodded and said:

"The black energy leakage there was extremely serious, causing a mutated machine, and most of the residents died tragically... Your parents were very resilient; when I met them, Mr. Raymond's leg was still injured..."

The narration lasted for half an hour.

Alice listened very attentively.

"...They love you very much, Alice. You and Dorothy are their hope for living."

"You saved them, told me about them, and rescued me from that hell..."

Alice lowered her eyes: "Thank you, Mr. Kai."

Wang Xi smiled and shook his head.

He noticed that Alice's eyes were slightly red, clearly because she missed her parents and sister and was a little emotional.

Wang Xi thought for a moment, then walked over and gently patted the girl's back: "You'll get better."

Alice looked up at the young man and hummed in agreement.

But deep down, I felt warm.

Having suffered betrayal from her aunt's family and the disappearance of her sister, Alice, now utterly alone and without any relatives, can only find warmth in the presence of others.

Alice wiped her eyes, tried to calm her breathing, and sat down again.

After a while.

She raised her face and hesitantly began to speak: "Mr. Kai, I... I've been having a strange dream lately, it started when I was in the mental hospital, or even earlier."

"What kind of dream?"

A thought struck Wang Xi, and he made a connection.

Alice crossed her arms, her eyes somewhat unfocused.

"...In my dreams, there is always a thick fog, making it hard to see clearly. A Mr. Rabbit will emerge from the fog...wearing a black suit and a top hat."

"Hmm... He always has a peculiar smile on his face, which looks both elegant and a little crazy. Oh, and he seems to wear a gold-rimmed monocle over his right eye."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi's eyes narrowed.

"He would always say to me very, very politely, 'Miss Alice, you are late. Everyone is waiting for you at the tea party.'"

Alice imitated that exaggerated yet polite tone.

"Then... he turned and walked into the thicker fog. I wanted to follow him to see what this so-called tea party was all about, but every time I took a step, I would wake up in fright."

She shook her head in distress.

“That tea party, that invitation… I always felt that something was waiting for me, something very attractive, but when I woke up I felt very tired and uneasy.”

(End of this chapter)