They engaged in a thorough discussion about their next course of action regarding the Bart Family. Lucian made it clear that while he wasn't inclined towards resorting to violence, he aimed to amass sufficient evidence for a formal report.
This proposition found agreement between them, although Lucian attempted to compensate Lucy for her assistance, she graciously declined any monetary offer.
What's particularly advantageous is Lucian's ability to channel this information through Lucy Hall's connections to the church's defenses. This strategic move not only places the Bart Family under the scrutiny of the Believer community but also implicates them in a potentially serious Believer-related case.
With Lucy now a valuable ally, possessing knowledge of Believers and connections to the church, Lucian departed for the night, extending his heartfelt thanks for her invaluable aid and comprehensive explanations.
He acquired valuable intel on where to locate other Believers open to bodyguard work. Lucy directed him to head over to Whitebeard's Bar and request to see the owner. Once the owner arrives, he should mention Lucy's name and outline the task at hand.
...
At Victoria's:
Victoria and Henry reclined on her bed, their intimate moment filled with tenderness. His head rested on her thighs while she affectionately played with his hair.
"I wish every day could be like today," confessed Henry, his voice brimming with love.
Victoria's laughter danced through the room. "It could be," she teased, hinting at something more.
Henry's curiosity sparked. "Hmm, what do you mean love?" he inquired, his interest piqued.
Victoria's eyes gleamed with a mixture of anticipation and affection. "I've wanted to share this with you for weeks, but the words eluded me. Now, I'm ready..." she trailed off, leaving a sense of mystery in the air.
"I'm pregnant!" she announced with exuberance, her voice rising in excitement.
In a moment of joyful disbelief, Henry sprang up from her thighs. His face lit up with a radiant smile, and his eyes already envisioned the future.
"Really?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder and elation.
...
At Lucian's home:
Lucian couldn't help but wonder, "I wonder where Henry is. This is the first time he didn't mention his whereabouts."
A sudden anxiety gripped him, "Wait! Could the Bart Family be involved? What should I do?" He paced around the house in distress.
Just then, his eyes fell on a paper—a letter from Henry explaining that he'd be spending the night at Victoria's again.
"Phew..." Lucian let out a relieved exhale, the earlier worry dissipating.
He pondered for a moment about whether he should venture into the hidden chamber to delve into the intriguing new book, "Mysticism Apprentice." However, given his current preoccupations, he decided it might be best to set it aside for now.
...
Sunday, 15th August, 10:12.
Lucian roused from sleep, lighting a cigarette despite his empty stomach before preparing for the day ahead.
As he contemplated his objectives, he distilled them into a concise plan.
Today, I'll head to Whitebeard's Bar as Lucy advised, in hopes of recruiting Believer bodyguards.
Afterwards, I'll pay Elizabeth a visit, checking in on her and staying a while in case of any unforeseen incidents before the bodyguards arrive. I'll make sure to buy more cigarettes on my way there.
My revolver is down to just two bullets. Even if I don't anticipate using them, it's wise to restock. I'll inquire about it at Whitebeard's.
At night, precisely at 18:50, I'll meet with Lucy to start our investigation of Rusts Shab. Her presence would be invaluable in case of any trouble.
I completely forgot about the prayer again. I suppose I'll attend to it first.
Growl
His stomach emitted a low growl, a reminder that he hadn't eaten in a day. He checked the icebox and was pleasantly surprised to find some leftover food.
...
11:30
Lucian arrived at the church, paying one valka note to a carriage driver.
I guess Henry will pray later. He seems to be having a good time, Haha.
He entered the same church he was in before, took a seat on the wooden bench, and began to pray alongside others.
The familiar priest spoke about the God of Sun, saying, "Let the God into your hearts, for he will purify them..."
Lucian closed his eyes and whispered the words along with the priest. After the prayer concluded, he once again felt purified from negativity and couldn't help but ponder.
It would be great if I could attend the prayer more often. I wonder if coming two or three times a week would have the same purifying effect.
...
At Whitebeard's Bar, 13:00:
The bar straddled the border between the middle-class and low-class districts on 'Rockthorn Street'. Being in proximity to the latter, it drew a crowd primarily from the working class, seeking solace in a drink before or after their daily toil.
Unlike the upscale establishments Lucian was accustomed to, this bar lacked the grandeur he was used to. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of tobacco, and traces of the prior night's revelry still lingered. The furniture, weathered and worn, told tales of countless patrons who had sat upon its timeworn planks.
This time, Lucian chose not to tuck himself away in a corner. Instead, he perched at the bar counter, his hands resting on its surface. His sleeves brushed against a spill of alcohol as he spoke up, "Can I have a glass of whiskey?"
"Sure," the worker replied. He retrieved a wooden cup and poured a modest measure of the cheapest whiskey. "That'll be one sunti."
Lucian's eyes widened in surprise. Only one sunti? That's remarkably affordable.
Fetching a valka note from his pocket, Lucian handed it to the worker. "Keep the change. Where's Whitebeard?"
With a smile, the worker accepted the note and said, "One moment, let me check first."
After the exchange, he made his way to a corner where a wooden staircase led to a closed room. He disappeared briefly and re-emerged accompanied by Whitebeard. The man, true to his name, sported a white beard and appeared to be in his later years. His thinning hair hinted at age, and deep brown eyes conveyed a wealth of experience. A scar on his forehead bore witness to past battles.
The worker approached Lucian, giving him a light touch on the shoulder and gestured towards Whitebeard.
Dressed not in formal attire but in well-worn clothes that barely constituted a suit, Whitebeard stood waiting. He lifted his hand, signaling for Lucian to enter the room, which he promptly did.
Lucian nodded respectfully and greeted, "Good afternoon, sir. Lucy sent me."
Whitebeard gestured for Lucian to take a seat and remarked, "No need for formalities. I'm old and somewhat destitute, unlike you, young man. What brings you here today?"
Lucian settled in, offering a brief smile. "I have two tasks in mind. I've heard that you have connections to Believers who are available for bodyguard work. Additionally, I'm in need of purchasing bullets for a revolver."
Listening intently, Whitebeard considered the requests. "The fee for this assistance would be 5 valka notes. Could you return tomorrow at 10:00?"
Lucian agreed with a nod, then inquired, "May I ask, how do you know about Believers?"
The elderly man, cautious with his response, cautioned, "You're delving into sensitive matters, young man. That path can lead to danger if you someday ask the wrong fellas. Be cautious."
Recognizing his own inquiry as intrusive, Lucian promptly apologized and handed over the 5 valka notes. "I apologize for prying."
...
At Price's residence, 14:20:
//Best read while listening to 'Canon in D - Pachelbel'//
Lucian's fingers danced gracefully across the piano keys, weaving a slow, beautifully composed melody that filled the living room with a serene ambiance.
The gentle caress of the keys added an exquisite touch to the composition.
Seated nearby, Elizabeth watched, entranced. Oh, how I wish I knew how to play the piano. Should I ask him? she pondered.
As Lucian concluded his performance, Elizabeth applauded, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She turned to him with an endearing smile. "Can you teach me?"
I never knew she had an interest in playing the piano. I always took her for a dedicated bookworm, Lucian mused, a grin playing on his lips.
He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, eliciting a blush from Elizabeth.
"Certainly. Could you fetch me a feather pen and some paper? I'll write down the basics for you."
A pout formed on Elizabeth's lips, playfully feigning mild annoyance. She looked up at him, silently communicating her desire for a more personal form of instruction.
Observing her reaction, Lucian relented, offering, "How about this? Once a week, I'll come by to check on your progress and play alongside you. Does that sound fair?"
Elizabeth's face lit up with unabashed joy. "Yes!"
Lucian then proceeded to outline the fundamentals of piano playing, covering a range of chords and introducing her to music notation. He also transcribed some compositions from Earth, anticipating that she might prefer to start with familiar tunes he had played.