The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

The old lady sat regally in her usual high-backed armchair by the fireplace in her study, her elegant skirt trailing to the floor, her expression serious.

Uncle Albert stood by the desk, tapping his fingers on the surface.

When George, Uncle Bates and Bates walked in, the old lady spoke first.

"Please sit down, gentlemen." Her voice sounded increasingly weary.

After the three of them sat down, the uncle cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

He was holding several yellowed sheets of paper in his hand.

"Gentlemen, regarding the water source issue, I have reviewed the original design drawings of the manor and the geological survey reports from the same period."

He spoke a little faster than usual, spreading the drawings out on the table in the middle and pointing to a cross-sectional view.

"Preliminary assessment suggests that the problem may lie in the unique geological structure of Paradise Island."

His fingertip landed on an intersecting line representing underground rock strata.

"The exploration report mentioned that the structure of this part of the underground rock strata is not particularly stable and contains certain special mineral components."

I suspect that geological activity likely caused substances from the mineral vein to seep out, contaminating the water source.

He raised his head and glanced at everyone: "As long as we find the leak and seal it, or wait for it to seal naturally, the well water and lake shore water quality should gradually recover."

Uncle Arthur crossed his arms, his thick eyebrows furrowed.

"That sounds reasonable, cousin. But what exactly is this 'special mineral'? What can it turn water like blood?"

Albert shook his head, a hint of helplessness on his face:

"The report is old and the details are vague; specific components need to be analyzed..."

George watched the two talking, maintaining a smile on the surface, but inwardly he was secretly complaining.

He and Bates had already figured out that there must be a reason behind this, and Cousin and Carson probably had their own guesses as well.

Uncle's verification was brilliant, but the audience all knew the truth.

This play isn't very good.

At this moment, Butler Carson stepped forward half a step, bowed slightly, and then spoke.

"Mr. Albert's analysis is very valuable. The most important thing right now is to ensure the manor's daily water supply."

Since the source of pollution is likely limited to the vicinity of the island, I suggest arranging for boats to collect water from the waters to the north.

"The water flow there is relatively independent from the surrounding waters of the island, and it should not have been affected yet."

The old lady nodded slightly: "Do as Carson says. Drinking water and cooking water must be kept safe."

"Yes, madam," Carson replied, then added, "In addition, the boatman reported this morning that dead fish were found floating on the lake, especially in the area near the island's shore."

"We need to be wary that this could further deteriorate water quality or attract unnecessary attention."

He paused briefly, his gaze cautiously sweeping over the old lady and Albert, his voice lowered even further:

"Given the current unstable water supply and the Viscount's need for rest, various affairs are inevitably inconvenient. I'm wondering if it would be appropriate to temporarily relocate the ladies and guests to the villa in town?"

"That place is more convenient and safer; we'll wait until the situation at the manor stabilizes..."

"No, Edward's condition absolutely cannot withstand being moved," his uncle interrupted him almost immediately.

"At least the environment in the manor is familiar, and medicine and doctors can be taken care of at any time. Moving to another manor will only do more harm than good to his condition."

He looked at the old lady.

The old lady was silent for a few seconds, her fingers tightening on the armrest, before finally nodding slowly:

"Albert is right, Edward must stay at the manor, and as for the others... it's not time for that yet." She looked around.

"Carson, strengthen water management and ensure safety. Please bear with the rest for now."

Carson said no more and respectfully lowered his head: "Yes, madam, I will arrange it properly."

The old lady seemed unwilling to discuss the water issue any further; she changed the subject, focusing her attention mainly on George and Arthur.

"The more important reason for calling everyone over is Edward's condition. The doctor just came to see him and gave him medication. His high fever has temporarily subsided, and he has regained consciousness, but he is still very weak."

The doctor said he needs absolute rest and cannot be subjected to any further stimulation or disturbance. It will probably be a few more days before he has the strength to see people and handle affairs.

As she spoke, she turned her gaze to George:

"George, your father specifically mentioned that he had some things to tell you when he was lucid just now. Come with me now."

She looked at Albert and Carson: "Albert, Carson, please entertain Mr. Arthur and Mr. Bates for me."

The uncle nodded immediately: "Yes, Mother."

Carson bowed as well: "Please rest assured."

George got up and followed his grandmother toward the study door.

They walked silently through the thickly carpeted corridor, up the main staircase, and arrived at the door of the Viscount's bedroom on the third floor.

The old lady paused at the door for a moment, as if listening to the sounds inside, or perhaps gathering her courage.

After a moment, she gently pushed open the heavy solid wood door.

The curtains in the room were drawn, and only a single candle was lit, casting a dim light that was mixed with a strong medicinal smell and an indescribable heat.

The viscount lay half-reclined on the huge four-poster bed, with several pillows under his back.

His face was an almost transparent pale, his skin clinging to his bones, like a wax figure slowly losing its moisture.

However, in stark contrast to his frail physique, his deep-set eyes emitted a faint glow in the dim light.

He saw George enter, his lips moved slightly, and he made a barely audible whisper: "George..."

The old lady gently nudged George, gesturing for him to come closer to the bedside, while she herself stood a little further away, as if afraid to get too close.

George walked to the bedside, leaned down slightly, and felt waves of heat as he approached the Viscount.

The room temperature wasn't high, which was rather strange.

"Father."

Viscount Edward's gaze lingered on his face for a long time, as if he were carefully examining him. George noticed that his breathing was shallow and rapid.

"The lawyers and the High Court witnesses are on their way," his voice was hoarse and broken, requiring careful listening to understand, "They should arrive in a few days..."

George listened in silence without interrupting.

The viscount rested for a moment, gathering his strength, and continued:

"This time, there's also a gentleman from the Anti-Corruption Bureau... handling special matters..." His gaze was fixed on George. "You know... the Anti-Corruption Bureau?"

George shook his head, a look of confusion appearing on his face.

The viscount's lips twitched very slightly.

"It's okay...you'll find out soon enough..."

He took a few more breaths, and suddenly, those unusually bright eyes focused sharply, piercing George like awls.

"You...have already touched upon it, haven't you? Beneath the surface of the world...those lights and shadows...those whispers..."