Chapter 559: Klein's Probe (Part One)

Chapter 559: Klein's Probe (Part One)

"How should I approach and test Mr. Hastur?"

Klein, who had been gathering intelligence in Puning Harbor for several days, was currently residing in a seemingly upscale hotel under the guise of a businessman named Dawn Dantes.

According to the information he had collected, Mr. Hastur was not in Puning Harbor at the moment but was staying at a family castle in the countryside.

A big businessman would not go to the countryside without important reasons, making a natural encounter unlikely. Therefore, Klein decided to send a formal visit card and observe Mr. Hastur's attitude.

"I need to think about what to discuss during the meeting..."

The next day, Klein, posing as a big businessman from Backlund and an old friend of Hastur, entrusted a stationed officer in Puning Harbor to deliver his visit card to Duke Hastur.

Two days later, Klein received a brief reply: "Awaiting your arrival."

That same day, Klein hired a carriage and spent a considerable amount on the fare to get to the small town near Hastur's countryside castle. He had to hire another local carriage for the final stretch.

After a bumpy half-day ride, Klein finally arrived at the outer gate. To maintain his persona as an ordinary businessman, he endured significant discomfort from the carriage ride.

Perhaps aware of his arrival, the gate opened, and a carriage was already waiting.

"Mr. Dawn Dantes, the Duke is waiting for your visit in the castle."

Klein glanced at the coachman and then calmly boarded the carriage.

The carriage moved slowly towards the castle. Klein lifted the curtain to admire the surrounding scenery. The countryside, with its vast and cheap land, was an excellent leisure spot with interwoven forests and fields.

The trees, meticulously maintained, looked like exquisite horticultural artworks. The coachman also seemed unusual, certainly not an ordinary person.

After about twenty minutes, Klein arrived at the grand and ancient castle. Passing through the front yard and entering the castle, he found that Hastur had prepared tea and was waiting.

"Mr. Dawn Dantes, my friend from Backlund, welcome to my home," Hastur invited Klein to sit and dismissed the others.

"If I had known about this wonderful retreat, I would visit every year for a vacation."

"You are always welcome."

After some small talk, Klein took out a bottle of wine and two small cups from his wooden box and initiated the conversation, "I know Mr. Hastur is a connoisseur of fine wine, so I specially acquired this rare wine from Intis, enjoyed only in the royal palace, for your tasting."

"It's my honor." Hastur smiled as Klein poured the wine. He knew the wine was not simple and waited for Klein's next move.

"This wine, known as Imperial Jade Wine, was Emperor Roselle's favorite," Klein introduced meaningfully, closely observing Hastur's expression.

Hastur, though inwardly amused by the price, showed curiosity, "Emperor Roselle's favorite wine? I must taste it."

Hastur sipped the amber liquid, finding it decent but not extraordinary. The real wine collector was Greck.

"How is it?" Klein asked with a smile.

Hastur, understanding Klein's game, praised the wine while noting its flaws, "It's smooth and aromatic but has some imperfections due to multiple openings during brewing."

Hastur then asked his butler, Neil, to bring his own fine wine.

Does Hastur not get my hint? Or is he pretending? Klein wondered.

Klein tried again, "This wine is good but a bit pricey at 180 pence per cup."

"180 pence per cup?" Hastur feigned surprise.

"Yes, such a small cup costs 180 pence."

Hastur, feigning realization, said, "Though it doesn't match the price, we must allow some profit for middlemen."

"Mr. Hastur is as generous as ever."

Seeing no unusual reaction from Hastur, Klein moved on from the wine topic.

"Mr. Dawn Dantes, please try my treasured wine."

"It's my pleasure."

Klein found Hastur's wine superior, even though he was not an expert.

"An impeccable wine," Klein smiled, avoiding the price question, guessing it to be over 500 gold pounds, while his own cost 100 gold pounds, which had pained him.

"A wine's value is revealed only when enjoyed by the right person."

They chatted about various topics, avoiding serious matters. When the time was right, Klein took out a stack of Roselle's diaries.

"I heard Mr. Hastur is interested in Emperor Roselle's diaries. I gathered some for you."

Hastur's eyes lit up, "Mr. Dawn Dantes, you are thoughtful. Studying Emperor Roselle's life and relics is my hobby."

Hastur, puzzled, asked, "Isn't it Roselle's notes? How are you sure these are diaries?"

Klein smiled, "I'm also fascinated by Emperor Roselle. I've deciphered part of his diaries."

Hastur, intrigued, examined a diary page, suppressing a smile.

"Odd changes remain unchanged, signs depend on quadrants," Klein explained seriously, "This must be a mathematical theorem."

Hastur, controlling his amusement, listened to Klein's explanation.

"This is a great discovery. You could earn a reward from the Steam Church," Hastur said excitedly.

Really? No reaction? Klein thought, frustrated that Hastur didn't recognize the famous phrase.

Klein silently criticized Hastur's lack of basic knowledge, even though he had directly called him "big smart."