Chapter 34: Light and Shadow (3)

"Welcome, Mr. Rascher. I suspect you never imagined we would meet again so soon."

In the magnificent, gold-drenched grand hall, Huey briskly walked forward and took Rascher’s hand, shaking it cordially. Rascher was dressed in his usual casual attire today, appearing to have no intention of dressing formally, even for such a grand occasion.

Seeing Huey approach, Rascher gave a polite salute and said, "Fate always has its ways, ensuring we are more than just strangers passing by. It is a pleasure to see you again, Young Master Ciss Dadanier. I am somewhat overwhelmed by your invitation."

"Perhaps it is more than just the hand of fate," Huey smiled.

"You are quite right; at the very least, it was you who personally invited me this time." Rascher tilted his body slightly, revealing the three people behind him. "Allow me to introduce my friends: Earth Warrior Chaklay, Vajra Warrior Bailey, and Iron-Blood Warrior Charlie."

"I am delighted that such distinguished high-level warriors have come to attend my ball. I am certain this will make my event much safer," Huey said, bowing to them.

"Greetings, Young Master Dadanier. It is a pleasure to meet you," Chaklay replied with a bow.

For a brief moment, Huey’s and Chaklay’s gazes met. Huey felt as though the man’s eyes were like sharp blades piercing into the depths of his soul. Suppressing his unease, he said with refined courtesy, "I hope you all have a wonderful time."

After exchanging a few more polite words, Huey excused himself, claiming he needed to attend to other guests. By the time he walked away, a fine layer of sweat had already formed on his back. For him, this first hurdle was undoubtedly the most dangerous.

Quickly slipping into a small side parlor, Huey took out a crystal ball. It displayed the conversation taking place among Rascher and his companions.

"Chaklay," Rascher asked, "what do you think of this young Master Dadanier?"

"He seems like a decent lad."

"Is that all?"

Chaklay lowered his head, thinking for a moment before saying, "I know what you are trying to say, Rascher. You told me about your encounter with this boy that night. As you said, he is a clever youth, but there are thousands of such boys in the Empire. There is no need to associate every youth with a bit of wit to Huey Grayer. At the very least, I haven't found many similarities between him and Huey Grayer. His hair color, his eyes, his skin tone, his voice, and even his height—there are many differences. He is not Huey Grayer, or at least, this face is not."

Rascher nodded. "Very well, then."

Chaklay hesitated for a moment before adding, "However, I must admit, I don't know why, but whenever I see this boy standing before me, I have a feeling of familiarity."

Rascher’s eyes lit up. "Are you sure?"

Bailey interjected, "It is not just Lord Chaklay; I have that feeling too. Even though the boy’s appearance is vastly different from the former Huey Grayer, I always feel a familiar aura about him. I dealt with Huey Grayer many times; I am somewhat familiar with his mannerisms and behavioral habits. This Young Master Dadanier gives me the feeling that... perhaps their exteriors are different, but they possess the same essence."

"What kind of essence?" Rascher pressed.

Bailey pondered for a while before answering with certainty: "Confidence, composure, fearlessness, and... the wisdom to see through everything."

There was one thing he left unsaid: the moment he saw Ciss Dadanier, he had a strong sensation that he had returned to the *Freedom*, looking at that spirited youth who had brought him vast wealth. If Chaklay and Charlie were still analyzing surface phenomena, Bailey had developed an instinctual, financial intuition regarding Huey Grayer’s existence. To a money-grubber, a hen that could lay golden eggs, even if it were draped in eagle feathers, would still carry that scent of wealth as long as the golden-egg essence remained.

That was why, when Bailey looked at Ciss Dadanier, it was as if he saw his own wallet swelling with gold. It made Bailey’s heart race.

"Bailey is right, I feel the same," added Charlie, another warrior from the *Freedom*.

Rascher nodded. "Interesting. It seems we should pay more attention to this young master. We all know that an alchemist is not lacking in the ability to change his own appearance, right?"

"To know if he is truly Huey Grayer, we must confirm it further. I mean, just speaking a few words like we did earlier won't suffice. We need to get closer to him—preferably remove those glasses so we can take a good look. But that seems difficult. How do you intend to proceed?" Chaklay asked.

"Don't be impatient. Let's try some side-probing first," Rascher replied.

A servant happened to walk by nearby, and Rascher grabbed his arm. "Hey, what is your name?"

"Vansin, sir," the servant replied.

"Very good, Vansin." Rascher pulled two gold vitals from his pocket and placed them in the servant’s hand. "Listen to me, I have a few questions to ask you. Perhaps you can provide the answers. Of course, if your answers satisfy me, this money is yours."

Vansin looked at the money in his hand, checked that no one was watching, shoved the coins into his pocket, and said calmly, "What questions, sir?"

"How long have you worked for the Dadanier family?"

"Three months, sir."

"So you are new?"

"Yes."

"Then how did you enter the Dadanier family? I mean, how much do you know about this household?"

"That depends on what you mean. At the very least, I know well who I should bow to, who I can ignore, and which way the doors to the family restrooms open," Vansin replied sharply.

Chaklay and the others stifled their laughter, while Rascher’s expression darkened. "Then how much do you know about your young master?"

Vansin glanced around and walked a few steps toward a corner, with Rascher and his men following closely. Only then did Vansin say, "I assume you want to know things my young master doesn't want others to know—the confidential kind, right?"

"Yes."

"It just so happens that I do have information of that nature."

"Tell me."

"Two gold vitals are not enough."

Rascher felt a strong urge to beat the man up. He looked at Chaklay, who took ten gold vitals from his pocket and tossed them over. "Here, you scum."

Vansin collected the money with satisfaction. "My young master is a complete rogue. He started peeping at women from a very young age; he has a fanatical love for the female sex. The reason he studied alchemy was to research a drug that could make women climax. The reason he possesses technology like the Scout Bee is because he was preparing for voyeurism from the very beginning. His entire goal right now is to trick that wealthy Countess into bed; he will stop at nothing for that."

Rascher and his men stared at each other, stunned.

"Anything else?" Rascher asked.

"He has morning erections every day, and his member is about eight inches long... perhaps a bit longer. His uncle adores him, believing he possesses the standard configuration of the Dadanier family—every heir of the Dadanier family has that extra-large piece..."

"Enough, you bastard!" Rascher roared.

"That was the biggest secret," the servant said quite seriously.

"But that is not what we wanted!" Chaklay hissed.

"What else could you possibly want to know?" The servant looked at them with disdain. "What do you think I could tell you? I am just a servant; do you think I would know more than I should? If you’re so capable, go ask Ciss Dadanier himself what his secrets are—maybe he won't even charge you a cent. Of course, you could also shout right now and tell everyone that I took your money but refused to betray my master. You aren't here as guests; you are here as spies! You idiots!"

Vansin gave them the middle finger and walked away proudly, carrying his tray.

Rascher and his men stared blankly as the guy named Vansin departed. Bailey muttered, "That son of a bitch played us."

"I really want to kill that bastard. We actually got played by a servant," Chaklay gritted his teeth.

Rascher, however, started to laugh. "Truly interesting. I have never seen such a character of a servant. But don't worry; if Ciss Dadanier is indeed Huey Grayer, he will eventually show his true colors."

Bypassing the hall and entering the side parlor, Vansin walked past Huey and whispered, "I am the lucky one, great master—twelve gold vitals. Tomorrow night, I’m going to the brothel to have a good time."

"Well done, Vansin. I approve your request," Huey said faintly, putting away the crystal ball.

Through the parlor window, Huey continued to observe the movements of Rascher and the others.

Lilith walked over. "It is about time; you can announce the start of the ball."

"I know," Huey replied coolly. His gaze toward Rascher was filled with craftiness and a hint of smug, cold irony. He knew that Rascher and his companions were currently caught in hesitation and uncertainty. Generally speaking, the more cunning the hound, the more it opposes crude, barbaric actions. Those who prefer careful preparation often lack the ability to make decisive moves, and Rascher was undoubtedly of that type.

For Huey, what he feared most was not the opponent using various methods to probe his identity, but rather them flipping the table on the spot and refusing to let him go. But fortunately, Rascher was not stupid, and thus, he had lost his luck and his opportunity. What awaited him next would not be the fruits of victory, but a web woven by the prey himself.

Turning and walking out of the side parlor, Huey strode toward the podium at the front of the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ball hosted by the Dadanier family. On behalf of my family and my uncle, I extend the warmest of welcomes. Although this was not originally my job, unfortunately, when the adults are lazy, the children have no choice but to step up and bear the burden. Having such an irresponsible head of the family, I’m not sure whether to feel fortunate or regretful."

Standing on the podium, Huey gave his opening remarks, his witty tone quickly winning the favor of the crowd.

"...Today is a good day. Before the ball begins, on behalf of the Dadanier family, I would like to announce something. The Dadanier family has signed material procurement agreements with several major trading firms and families in Royo City. We will be purchasing sixty percent of all alchemical materials at this year’s trade convention."

"Whoa." Huey’s announcement caused a sensation below. Even Rascher’s face twitched slightly as he muttered, "A bold move."

"As the family representative, I am pleased to have signed the name Ciss Dadanier to this agreement. It signifies that the Dadanier family has made a wonderful start in its development on the Empire’s mainland. It seems this is even more profitable than salvaging shipwrecks."

The crowd chuckled.

"Very well, I don't think there is a need for me to explain this business further. Everyone is here to have fun, not to listen to us boast about our business. However, before I announce the start of the ball, I have a suggestion. To make tonight’s ball a bit more unique, I suggest that for tonight, the ladies invite the gentlemen, rather than the gentlemen taking the initiative. What does everyone think?"

"Oh, that’s too interesting! I support it!" someone shouted from below.

"Then let’s see who the most popular male guest here is tonight," Huey said with a wink. "I now declare the ball officially open! I wish you all a wonderful time!"

Huey spread his arms wide as he made the announcement.

The ball officially began. Elegant music filled the air as the band hired by the Dadanier family played a lively melody. Several ladies and young women approached their familiar male companions to extend invitations, then stepped onto the floor to dance. The ball was filled with laughter and joy. A few family representatives stood in the corners, conversing—perhaps discussing the big deal the Dadanier family had just announced, or perhaps chatting about the weather or other trivialities.

Rascher stood at the edge of the hall, watching the dancing men and women with a composed expression. He had no interest in dancing, nor did he expect any young lady to invite an old man like him. He only wanted to observe the young heir who felt so extraordinary to him. But it seemed this young heir was equally uninterested in dancing; he was in a corner on the other side, talking to the incredibly beautiful Lady Christine, who laughed joyfully from time to time. Occasionally, the youth would raise his glass toward them in a gesture of greeting.

A short while later, the youth and Christine walked toward the side hall. Rascher was just about to follow when a shy voice suddenly came from beside him:

"Hello, sir."

Rascher turned his head and saw a well-dressed, attractive young girl who looked to be no more than sixteen.

"Is there something you need?" Rascher asked kindly.

The girl replied, "It’s like this—could I invite you to dance?"

Rascher was stunned. He looked behind him, where Chaklay and the others were letting out muffled chuckles. Rascher replied helplessly, "I am just an old man. Why don't you go find the young lads?"

The girl looked aggrieved. "Are you unwilling to dance with me? I don't know anyone here, and I want to dance with an elderly gentleman; I would feel safer that way."

"This..." Rascher hesitated. Chaklay leaned into Rascher’s ear. "Show your gentlemanly conduct; it is very rude to refuse a lady’s invitation. As for that Ciss Dadanier, we are here, aren't we? And there is no rush for this moment."

"Very well, then," Rascher grumbled. "Keep an eye on that young master," he said to Chaklay. He then bowed to the girl. "It would be an honor to dance with you."

"My name is Sandy," the girl replied.

She reached out her hand, and Rascher took her soft, delicate hand as they stepped onto the dance floor. With Rascher’s entry, Chaklay was also invited away by another girl.

This left Charlie and Bailey filled with jealousy.

"Dammit. What kind of day is this? Are the girls blind? I am a master dancer! Why hasn't anyone invited me, instead choosing an old man and a big oaf?" Bailey grumbled.

"Want to make a bet?" Charlie said. "There is a girl walking over right there. I bet she asks me and not you."

"I am much more handsome than you," Bailey retorted indignantly.

"Ten gold vitals."

"No problem."

The girl arrived beside Charlie and stood still, whispering, "Could I invite you to dance?"

"It would be my pleasure." Charlie shot a triumphant look at Bailey and followed the girl onto the dance floor.

"Damn it!" Bailey wanted to smash his wine glass on the floor. A bunch of short-sighted women.

Now, he was the only one left here. It made him quite angry.

Suddenly, a soft, beautiful female voice came from behind him: "Alone?"

Bailey turned his head and found a beautiful girl standing before him. Her skin was a healthy wheat color, and her bright red lips were full and sexy. Bailey remembered someone saying that such women usually had a very strong libido. They appeared chaste on the surface, but were incredibly lascivious in their bones.

"What a beauty," Bailey exclaimed. "Intend to invite me for a dance?"

The girl swayed her waist as she walked toward Bailey. She stretched out her arms and hooked them around Bailey’s neck, her red lips almost touching his face. Her fragrant breath entered his nostrils, and with a light touch of her cherry lips, she said, "I am lonely."

Bailey felt his heart racing wildly.

"Me too," he licked his lips.

"Then how about we be direct? Skip all the useless procedures and go straight to the final act?"

The girl’s bold, indulgent words made Bailey’s whole body burn. "Oh, is that so? What do you plan to do?"

"Follow me. I have a room in this hotel. I can make you very happy," the girl whispered into his ear.

Bailey felt his bones go weak. He gritted his teeth and said, "Baby, I will definitely make you scream for more."

Following the girl out of the hall, Bailey arrived at a luxury suite on the top floor of the hotel. The opulence before him made him feel a bit dizzy, and the music from the hall still echoed in his ears. The music was reaching a crescendo, nearing its end.

Bailey began to undress, laughing, "We don't have much time, let’s hurry."

"Oh, don't be in such a rush. Rascher and the others have to dance for quite a while yet," the girl replied with a smile.

Bailey’s expression changed drastically. "Who exactly are you? How do you know about Rascher and the others?"

"Who else could I be?" The girl’s voice turned cold.

Purely out of instinct, Bailey’s nerves tightened in an instant. He channeled his Battle Qi, preparing to strike.

"Don't move, idiot." A heavy male voice came from behind him. A hand landed on his shoulder, and a powerful, pure surge of Battle Qi energy flowed through it, completely suppressing his own.

Bailey immediately went still. He knew he had fallen into a trap. Not daring to turn back, Bailey panicked. "Who are you people?"

"Cut the crap," the heavy voice behind him said. "Someone wants to see you."

"Who?"

The voice behind him said nothing more.

The music outside suddenly rose in volume—thump, thump, thump, thump—rich with a strong, rhythmic beat. Bailey saw a blonde youth walk out from the small side bedroom, his head bowed. His footsteps were slow, steady, and full of power. Step by step, each footfall landed perfectly on the beat of the music, and it felt as though every step landed directly on Bailey’s heart.

Bailey’s heart began to hammer uncontrollably. When the youth stood still beside him, the music came to an abrupt halt.

The youth slowly raised his head. Amidst his flowing blonde hair, those spirited, shining eyes reflected Bailey’s trembling figure. With a sarcastic smile, the youth spoke in a playful, slow tone:

"Long time no see, Lord Bailey."

"Hu... Huey Grayer..." Bailey groaned in despair.