Chapter 41: Pressing On Under Pressure
One should not wallow in endless sorrow.
Even though she felt heartbroken over Ulysses’s d*ath, Night Star Lan had to muster herself up again.
Hughes still needed her help.
He, like Ulysses, was a main character and a target of the Ballad Conductor.
Night Lan couldn’t afford to make the same mistake again.
She had to stick by Hughes’s side and prevent the Ballad Conductor from swooping in and causing more chaos!
Hughes looked at Night Lan with a resolute face—looks like he couldn’t refuse anymore.
“If what you’re saying is true, I might as well have someone prepare a guest room for you. I’ll look forward to working together.”
“I’ll help you, and I’ll protect you too.”
Night Lan joined Hughes beside, her heart filled with determination.
Hughes glanced at a stunned Sharon and chuckled helplessly.
“Sharon, from now on, I’ll take care of Night Lan. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Hmm…”
Sharon nodded automatically.
Only when they left the manor did she regain her senses, looking somewhat perplexed.
“What about me?”
She felt abandoned. It wasn’t a nice feeling.
Night Lan actually abandoned her.
Sharon even had an urge to follow them.
But a lady staying at a man’s home could cause immense damage to her reputation if anyone found out.
They hadn’t confirmed any relationship yet.
A rumor like that could be disastrous for a lady.
Sigh.
Sometimes, Sharon really envied Night Lan.
After all, Night Lan didn’t have to abide by the cumbersome etiquette rules of nobles and could freely express her true self.
Carefree and free-spirited.
Night Lan could now follow Hughes back without worry.
On the other hand, Sharon had to impose restrictions on her own thoughts based on societal norms.
Envious indeed.
Just moments ago, Hughes asked her to comfort Night Lan.
But instead, Night Lan followed Hughes right away.
Somewhat amusing, but understandable.
After all, that dead Fraudster was a friend of Night Lan.
No doubt she felt sad about his d*ath.
Bouncing back quickly from sadness—that’s also her strength.
And maybe she wanted to protect Hughes.
Sharon thought about the formidable enemy Night Lan mentioned.
This dangerous foe would sabotage Hughes’s plans.
Perhaps this enemy was responsible for the Fraudster’s d*ath too.
Night Lan probably didn’t want Hughes dying like the Fraudster, hence her quick resurgence.
Quite tough on her.
Sharon shook off her random thoughts and started looking through documents on the table, ordering a strong coffee to stay alert.
She’d also give her best too.
She had to take note of all the nearby nobles’ movements.
It was not just for her, but for Hughes.
For their common ideals.
…
On the way.
Silence filled the air between Night Lan and Hughes.
Moments later.
Hughes finally broke the silence.
“Though it might sound impolite, can you tell me about your friend?”
Night Lan nodded.
Ulysses was dead; any promises seemed void now.
Plus, this was Hughes.
She felt telling him was fine.
“He’s named Ulysses, a Fraudster who naturally distrusts everyone. It took me a lot of time and effort to gain his trust…”
Then Night Lan began to share her knowledge of Ulysses.
About the Performance Troupe boy’s story.
Their interactions.
And everything he had done lately.
She relayed all this to Hughes.
After listening, Hughes fell silent briefly before sighing gently.
“He seems like a good person. If he came to me, I could probably help him achieve his goals. But seeing that he doesn’t easily trust others, perhaps my good intentions might be seen as lies.”
Though Ulysses wasn’t a Gentleman nor gentlemanly,
his aims were something Hughes could recognize.
Ulysses held a deep resentment towards corrupt nobles and sought to change the messed-up society run by them.
Hughes was similar.
He planned to use gentler means, influence the atmosphere with proper manners.
If he couldn’t alter things peacefully, he would resort to other measures.
Even if Ulysses was professionally labeled lowly as a Fraudster by public opinion, his objectives weren’t despicable.
Hughes acknowledged this highly.
But Ulysses died tragically.
Such a pity and tragic indeed.
Then Night Lan hesitantly mentioned another thing.
“Hughes, we have a powerful enemy. He’s dangerous and possibly the one who orchestrated Ulysses’s d*ath. You need to be careful.”
Hughes took it seriously.
“Who is it?”
“I call him the Ballad Conductor, also possessing special powers. But he’s much stronger than you and most others. Compared to you, he would be equivalent to the moon in the sky.”
“…”
The pupils of Hughes dilated slightly, showing no doubt in Night Lan’s words.
“Why is such a being targeting me? I’m merely a minor figure trying to bring about change.”
Hughes smiled bitterly, feeling the overwhelming pressure of choosing his path.
“He enjoys creating tragedies. The fact that he finds enjoyment in disasters should make you aware that what you do has the potential to create these tragedies.”
“What a vile existence…”
After talking about the Ballad Conductor, Night Lan observed Hughes’s expression.
Though he appeared under substantial strain, he wouldn’t give in.
Knowing there was interference from the Ballad Conductor didn’t mean giving up his goals.
That was Hughes.
Night Lan couldn’t help grabbing his clothes.
“I’ll help you. For sure.”
Hughes laughed lightly, feeling some pressure reduced, and couldn’t help making an impromptu gesture.
Like placing his hand on Night Lan’s head without permission.
“Then count on you. Do your best.”
Finally, Night Lan and Hughes arrived at the manor.
Hughes instructed a servant to ready a guest room before allowing Night Lan to stay.
Day in night out, she stayed with Hughes.
If Hughes went out, so did she.
If Hughes stayed in, then neither would leave.
Ensuring she didn’t lose sight of him.
Unless the Ballad Conductor decided to play himself, no one could hurt Hughes or Night Star while under her personal protection.
But Ulysses was already gone.
All focus needed to shift to Hughes now.
Last time Hughes faced an unknown attack, this time Night Star would patrol the area around the mansion to prevent any suspicious characters from causing harm again!
However, Night Lan overlooked something.
Methods of tragedy didn’t end with simply causing d*ath.
The Ballad Conductor was renowned for his skill in creating tragedies, unmatched in his understanding of the art.
Even if Night Lan could shield Hughes from danger, she couldn’t stop the tragic occurrences.
This was the specialty of the Ballad Conductor.
