The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

Chapter 119 The Viscount's Temporary Departure

George was silent for a moment, then answered softly, "Perhaps because she wants you to have choices. Parents always want their children to have a decent life."

He probably added that word in his mind.

Sybil blinked, a complex emotion welling up in her eyes.

She turned around and continued to slowly stroll through the alchemy room, looking left and right.

George waited patiently. He knew his sister hadn't come on a whim to catch up; she must have a purpose.

Sure enough, Sybil stopped after circling the room. She turned to look directly at George, her voice extremely low: "George, before I came here, I saw that the door to Father's study was ajar."

George remained calm: "And then?"

"Although I couldn't hear very clearly, I finally saw Arthur come out looking extremely ugly. He was furious, clenching his fists, and went straight downstairs," Sybil described.

"When he left, I secretly followed him for a while and saw my uncle go to my other uncle's place. They stayed together for a long time, and when they came out—"

She paused for a moment, then continued, "My uncle handed something to Uncle Arthur, and after taking it, Uncle Arthur left without saying a word."

George frowned slightly.

"Is there anything special about this?" he asked. "Father: It's normal for cousins ​​and uncles to discuss family matters."

"No, George. I can tell whether they're in a normal state or not." Sybil shook her head.

"If it were a normal discussion of family matters, my uncle wouldn't act so mysteriously."

"Since my father fell ill, most of the family affairs have been handled by my uncles, so there was no need for my paternal uncles to find two separate people."

George's mind raced.

The original owner had been away from home for many years and was not very clear about the details of how the family operated.

But after returning, he gradually learned that although the viscount was nominally the head of the family, since he had "fallen ill," his uncle Albert had indeed played the role of the actual manager.

If the mail is also handled by my uncle, then —

George suddenly remembered that the address of Moran Bookstore he received was "found in familiar handwriting on the envelope".

"Sister," George began slowly, "are you sure that Uncle has been handling all the mail since Father fell ill?"

"I'm sure this was what my father told me personally before he fell seriously ill. He said he needed to rest and didn't want to be disturbed by worldly affairs," Sybil nodded.

"So all the letters sent to the manor were first sent to my uncle, who then decided whether to present them to my father—or whether my father needed to sign and reply to them."

George took a deep breath.

If the address of Moran Bookstore was left by the uncle, then what was the uncle's motive?

This morning I warned my uncle that he had another secret talk with my other uncle.

"Thank you, Sybil." George looked at his sister earnestly. "This information is very important."

Sybil nodded, but clearly had more to say.

"George," she asked softly, "about Mother's matter—have you found out anything?"

George avoided her gaze: "There's been some progress, but it will take time. We should have clearer results in the next few days."

""

Sybil's eyes dimmed again, and she nodded. "I understand. If you need help—I mean, if there's anything I can do—"

"I will tell you," George said gently, "and I believe your efforts will be very helpful."

Sybil hesitated, then finally just sighed.

She turned and walked towards the door, but stopped before stepping over the threshold. Without turning back, she said, "George, whatever you find—unless it's the whole truth—don't tell me easily. Some things, seeing isn't necessarily believing."

After saying that, she turned her head again and said, "If you're not busy, remember to come down for afternoon tea."

She then quickly left.

George was a little confused, but he didn't object to having afternoon tea.

The tea party was held in the large living room on the first floor of the manor.

Despite experiencing hail, fog, and monster attacks, most people were unaware of it.

The kitchen had carefully prepared refreshments, filling the trays with items such as scones and fruit tarts, as well as a baked apple tart.

The aroma of cinnamon and apple mingled with the steam from the black tea, filling the air.

Everyone sat in the living room sharing delicious tea and tea from the Bharatiya region, the late autumn sunlight bringing a bright and cheerful hue to the room.

When George entered the living room, he was surprised to find Viscount Edward there as well.

He had changed back into his dark family attire, and although his face was still pale, he looked much more alert than before.

He was sitting next to the old lady, talking quietly with the inspector, when he heard George's footsteps. He looked up and smiled and nodded at him.

"George, come and sit down," the old lady beckoned.

George sat down and glanced at the people present.

Dom Arthur regained his dashing demeanor as a gentleman of the New World, but George noticed that the corner of his mouth twitched occasionally, revealing suppressed emotions, and his eyes occasionally drifted towards the Viscount.

Uncle Albert, as always, was gentle, explaining to Miss Kelly, who was wearing a dark green dress, the differences in black tea produced in different regions of the Imperial Federation.

Frederick sat alone in the corner, a barely touched cup of tea in front of him. His gaze remained indifferent, occasionally glancing out the window as if there were something there that only he could see.

Halfway through the tea party, the Viscount suddenly spoke up: "Gentlemen, I have something to announce."

The conversation in the hall gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes turned to the Viscount.

"Thank you all for your care during this time. My health has improved considerably after some treatment. This afternoon, I need to leave the manor to handle some urgent family matters outside."

The old lady immediately looked worried: "Edward, are you sure—" "I'm sure, Mother," the Viscount interrupted her gently but firmly, "It's just some things that I have to handle personally, it won't be long, I'll be back in about a day or two."

He turned to Albert: "Albert, you will continue to manage the affairs of the manor while I am away."

Uncle Albert nodded: "Yes, Edward. Go in peace."

The Viscount stood up and faced the crowd: "Then, I shall take my leave. Please continue the tea party; there is no need to pause it for me."

After saying that, he walked outside.

Thomas was already waiting at the door, holding a heavy, dark coat.

George watched their figures disappear through the doorway.

After the Viscount left, the tea party continued for a short while before gradually dispersing.

George did not leave immediately, but waited for Uncle Albert.

Albert exchanged a few more words with Miss Kelly before getting up and walking towards the door.

As he passed George, he paused, smiled, and said, "George, the weather is nice. Want to take a walk together? You haven't really seen the autumn scenery on the island yet, have you?"

George looked up and met his gaze.

Gentle and caring, those are the concerned eyes of an elder.

But George knew what lay hidden beneath that gentle facade.

"Okay, Uncle." He stood up with a smile. "I was just about to ask you some questions."

The two left the living room side by side, walked through the corridor, pushed open the side door, and stepped into the manor's path.