Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

Similarly, she noticed the lingering confusion in the former's eyes, so she took the initiative to speak, "Miss Watson, you must still have some questions, right?"

Charlotte nodded, her tone sincere.

"It is because you, Ms. Mossan, gave me this opportunity that I wanted to ask, before that, what other differences exist between the various churches in terms of extraordinary means, besides the differences in doctrine?"

"...Unlike wild extraordinary beings, each church listens to divine pronouncements and has a relatively complete sequence system. Although there are conflicts in their views and habits, over the past hundred years, they have all exercised relative restraint and there has been no situation where they cannot coexist."

"The Primordial Goddess established her religion very early. Through the accumulation of time, she mastered multiple channels of ascension. The Abyss of the Earth is rooted in nature and is naturally accompanied by believers. Their doctrines are ancient and gentle, advocating that the earth should be as inclusive as the earth. As for the Protestant religion that believes in the supremacy of steam, they are mostly learned scholars and skilled craftsmen."

"Then, shouldn't the imperial government also have similar pathways for advancement?"

It was a logical question, but also a mention tinged with personal motives.

“You’re right. The Hastings Empire has always controlled two avenues. As far as I know, one of them is the ‘lawyer’ who establishes order.”

"The second is the 'arbitrator' of the regulations."

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Is the Road Ahead Blocked?

Indeed, the arbitrators were an extraordinary channel for the imperial authorities, which explains why the little peacock's father left behind that silver foil.

As clues and facts connect, Charlotte's current situation becomes increasingly clear.

The remaining time is meaningless for joining the church of the true God. Whether it is devout faith, accumulating merits, or seeking progress, it is all unrealistic delusion.

Of course, not being able to obtain potions through legitimate means does not mean you cannot step into the world and learn more about extraordinary pathways.

While Ms. Mossant was a knowledgeable and kind confidante, one-sided words are often too one-sided. The old saying, "Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened; believe only one side and you will be misled," was the principle she had always followed in her actions.

Moreover, for Charlotte herself, pretending to be an upright and good girl for so long and deceiving the feelings of this pitiful beauty was actually quite tiring, and it also made Charlotte feel a little guilty.

Only a tiny bit.

"Ms. Mozambique, if I wish..."

"No, young lady, I do not recommend pursuing this path. Military intelligence agents and governors have long been occupied by powerful nobles who control most of the social resources. It is almost impossible for ordinary people to go far in this field."

Rejecting the girl's words, Ms. Mosang's sorrow deepened.

"Moreover, the Arbitrator path is rather unstable, or rather, it's more accurately described as obscure and difficult. Unlike the complete path mastered by the Church of True God, even if one tries to imitate the core symbols of that sequence as much as possible, the speed of advancement is still extremely slow, almost like—"

"The road ahead is blocked."

Chewing on the words and catching a glimpse of the beautiful woman's serious expression, Charlotte should have believed it, but the information she received now was acutely complementary, offering a completely opposite conjecture.

To become extraordinary, humans must drink magic potions, complete rituals, and follow the path of ancient gods. It is only with the guidance of true gods that the path becomes easier. But if no one paves the way and no one climbs the mountain, will it lead to difficulties in advancement?

Perhaps it's not that the road ahead is blocked, but rather that no one has ventured there.

She felt something in her heart, but her expression remained unchanged, like a well-behaved child listening to her parents' advice. Charlotte nodded gently.

“Ms. Mossan, I will carefully consider this before making a decision.”

As she said, she had already made her choice. There was no time to lose. The church and the government were the first options to be ruled out. As for the other extraordinary paths, she didn't know when she would be able to access them. With time pressing on, waiting had become the most unacceptable thing.

Arbitrator, this path, in terms of both ability and scope, largely met her expectations. Compared to vulgar fist fighting, this kind of transcendental power of words always gave her a sense of superiority and pride.

Even if the road ahead is blocked, even if one achieves extraordinary success, even if one hears whispers and is tempted by illusions, it doesn't matter.

Because if no decision is made, death will come before things get out of control.

"It's good that you have a clear mind."

Looking up at the deepening night, Ms. Mosang's voice, unusually, lost its indifference and became more urgent.

"But good girl, you should go back and rest. It's getting late."

"Ms. Ke, I still have something to say to you, and there are many interesting things I haven't been able to share with you yet."

Clinging to the beauty's sleeve, the girl's silver-gray eyes already revealed a hint of reluctance. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, her lips parted slightly, and she swayed her arm as she spoke, looking completely like a pleader.

It wasn't a pretense; she genuinely wanted to stay by this beautiful woman's side. After all, the information she had gained in just this short exchange exceeded the total she had gathered from two days of independent exploration.

In addition, there is another fact that Josephine Watson absolutely cannot admit.

If she can't convince Ms. Mossam to take her in here, she might, probably, definitely be sleeping on the streets tonight.

I suddenly feel like slapping myself for being so generous back then. With such a small amount of money, I still spent it all just to show off in front of the little peacock, for that little bit of buried kindness.

Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I have enough money for the transportation to the office tomorrow. Any further treats or enjoyment are just a pipe dream.

He already wanted to get closer to this woman, but due to the helplessness of his situation, he could only—

“You know what, Ms. Mossant, I came across a really interesting case at Mr. Singh’s place…”

Charlotte naturally took Madam Mossant's arm, leaned her head down, and rested her head on the former's shoulder, sometimes telling amusing stories and sometimes letting out a soft laugh.

Startled, the black-haired beauty trembled slightly, as if even her usual indifference had faded somewhat.

It was warm, very warm, the kind of warmth only a living person has, and the kind of warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.

As a high-sequence extraordinary being, influenced by the pathway's characteristics, her body is no longer human. She hates light so she wraps her skin tightly, and she is cold so she avoids contact and harming others.

After the passing of his close friend, Mossang found solace in observing people and things that seemed to come alive, whether it was the girl who used to help him at the cemetery or the lively and kind Watson girl he knew.

But she never imagined that one day she would be leaned on so intimately by someone, and hugged by someone who was treated like a junior. This made her feel a little awkward and at a loss.

"...My body temperature is very cold. Let go, good girl, you'll get cold."

Instead of pushing the girl away, Ms. Mossang simply turned her head away, trying not to look at the people nearby.

"No, Ms. Mossang, don't underestimate yourself. Look, these snowflakes are even worse; they take our body heat with them as they melt."

Charlotte spread her fingers, caught a snowflake, and watched it melt into a cool sensation in her palm. She angrily complained to the beautiful woman, as if she were standing up for her.

"Let's not talk about that anymore. Ms. Mossan, have you tried the fries and diced meat from the Marais district? I love those. And also..."

Her light and gentle voice filled the air, and seeing her carefree demeanor and youthful face, Ms. Mo Sang's lips gradually curved into a smile.

But in the end, she still used her free hand to stroke Charlotte's head, like petting a cat, her fair fingers gently dipping into the silver-gray hair, combing it bit by bit.

“Miss Watson, don’t worry your family, go back.”

"But the way back is so far, and there are very few people around."

Like every girl who is afraid of the dark yet stubborn, the young woman tightened her grip on the beautiful woman's hand, only revealing a hint of fear at the very end when questioned by others, a fear that could not be concealed or hidden.

"I...I'm scared."

It was only then that Ms. Mossam remembered this upright and courageous girl, who was also a sixteen or seventeen-year-old child who had never achieved anything extraordinary.

“The cemetery is where the souls of the deceased rest, and being with them can feel desolate and cold.”

"No, because with Ms. Mosang by my side, I—"

"I feel very at ease."

Vivid and unadorned.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Heartbeat and Gratitude

The next morning.

Charlotte gradually woke up, listening to the soft rustling of the wind outside the window and smelling the swishing of the table being wiped.

She gently opened her eyelids; the lingering effects of waking from a long dream had not yet faded, leaving her brows and eyes slightly heavy.

A warm, gentle feeling, accompanied by a faint fragrance, enveloped the girl. Instinctively, she snuggled deeper into the blankets, pulling the soft quilt around her head, wanting to bask in this comforting warmth.

"Um......"

It was a gentle breath, and also a dreamlike murmur, as if she were being pampered.

"Miss Watson, you don't look fully awake yet. Do you need to rest a little longer?"

A cool, aloof female voice approached from afar, devoid of human emotion, yet containing a hint of doting affection.

"No, no need, Ms. Mozanne."

Rubbing her eyes and stretching, Charlotte threw off the covers and struggled to get off the bed.

It wasn't because she was sleepy; this body rarely felt tired. She simply longed for the warmth and comfort of curling up in bed during the cold winter, just as she had always had, and still did now.

Finding a quiet corner amidst constant travel always evokes a sense of reluctance, especially since subconscious actions upon waking are more convincing and easier to preserve a girl's innocent charm.

Looking around, the simple furniture was neatly arranged and fit perfectly. After yesterday's persistent pleading, Ms. Mosang finally softened and brought her to this temporary house for her to rest.

Therefore, Charlotte was fortunate enough to avoid the fate of sleeping on the streets.

“In the morning, we should get up early and eat breakfast on time. I’ll prepare a bowl of oatmeal and white bread and put it on the coffee table over there.”

Dressed in a black dress and hat, solemn and dignified, the beautiful woman remained aloof, yet less distant and more intimate than yesterday.

"Thank you, I'm really sorry about last night..."

A blush rose to Charlotte's face, and she lowered her head, feigning shame.

Shy, obedient, innocent, but unfortunately, she just couldn't squeeze out any tears.

"No need for that. You've been working hard all day, sweating for those children. A relaxing and comfortable evening should belong to you."

Gently stroking the girl's disheveled hair, which was ruffled by the pillows, Ms. Mosang's eyes were exceptionally tender.

Because of her chronic insomnia, she hadn't slept last night, so she just sat on the edge of the bed, quietly watching Charlotte's tired state as she slept peacefully with her eyes closed.

Her breathing was long and even, completely calm, like a little hedgehog that only sheds its strength and murmurs its longing when the night is deep. This girl is really special; she can subtly attract me no matter when.

“Ms. Mossan, perhaps I cannot accompany you today, as Mr. Singh has necessary business to attend to.”

Taking small sips of the thick oatmeal porridge, the warmth of the hot soup gradually dispelled the chill of the snowy day, causing Charlotte to relax her brow.

"Go ahead, good girl. We all have our own lives, but remember to always be careful."

She took out the girl's clothes from the cabinet beside her, and it was clear that the traces of snow water had been carefully wiped away by the beautiful woman late at night.

"..."

Charlotte took the clothes with a slightly dazed look, her eyes widening, momentarily speechless.

The details of life are often the most touching, and at this moment, she did feel guilty for the deception.

Silently putting on the felt hat, the girl moved her lips as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she simply hugged the lady lightly and then turned and left.

I'm sorry, Ms. Mozanne, but at least until then, I can't do it.

The towering pine trees frequently passed by the train windows, and after a few bumps, the city shrouded in yellow mist once again faded into Charlotte's eyes.

How long does it take to get from the Marais district to the city center? There was no time to estimate, but in the blink of an eye, the firm's sign was already in front of me, waiting to be stepped into.

She pushed open the door and entered. She hadn't arrived too early today. The old detective had already finished breakfast and was lying in a wicker chair, yawning listlessly.

Good morning, Mr. Singh.

"Hmm, judging from your appearance, you must have had a good rest."

Setting down the yellowed newspaper, Singh glanced at his assistant and noticed the snow on the brim of his hat, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Come in quickly, and remember to close the door behind you; it's quite cold outside."

It was a subtle form of concern.

"Yes, I feel that it's gotten quite cold in Tingen since yesterday's snowfall."

Charlotte pulled out the nearby stool, bent down, and answered the greeting appropriately.

"This year's cold wave came early."

"So, do we still need to accept the invitation to go to the Sunrise Courtyard?"

The girl spoke casually, referring to the winter tea party originally scheduled for today.

"Of course, but the tea party doesn't officially start until the afternoon. If you don't have anything else to do, I think you can choose to sit on one of the lounge chairs over there for a while. After all, there's still one lady who hasn't arrived yet."

Looking in the direction the old detective pointed, there was a corner of the front hall where, besides the carved wooden table, a familiar-looking girl was sitting.

With short, dark brown hair and emerald eyes, his simple attire accentuated his youthful innocence.

Perhaps it was the chill of winter, or perhaps it was the unease in her heart, but her petite body trembled slightly, and she even clenched the hem of her clothes tightly.

Oh, it's that little bird from before.

Seeing that the other person was still lost in thought, Charlotte quickly walked over and waved in front of her.

"Long time no see, Miss Winnie."