The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1406

Just as Neera was worrying about how to investigate without arousing the suspicion of Bartitsu Guild, an unexpected encounter caught her attention.

That day she and Zephyr were on their way to Finnley's fighting arts center when they passed by a restaurant.

She caught a glimpse of a figure from the corner of her eye. Greatly surprised, she quickly called out to Zephyr, “Stop the car.”

Zephyr reacted quickly, immediately slamming on the brakes.

“Ms. Garcia, what's wrong?” he asked, turning around with a puzzled look.

Neera leaned to the side, without lowering the car window. She looked outside and pointed in the direction of the restaurant.

“Look at that person. Doesn't he resemble the third elder of the Cox family?”

With a piercing gaze, Zephyr immediately recognized the man.

“Yes, that's him. Why is he here?”

Neera was also puzzled, “Didn't the Cox family already move to Lordsworth Estate? Why did he suddenly come back?”

At that moment, Albert didn't notice them. He was busy engaging in lively conversation with the man beside him. After a while, he watched as the man got into a car and drove away. Then, he too got into a car.

After watching Albert's car drive away, Neera took one last glance at the restaurant across the street, then turned around to ask, “Do you know who that man he was just talking to is?”

Zephyr shook his head. “I haven't seen him before, but he doesn't seem to be from the Cox family.”

Neera hummed in acknowledgment. Recalling Albert's obsequious behavior earlier, she decided to be more cautious.

“Go and find out who the man that Albert met today is and what is the purpose of their meeting.”

Zephyr nodded, “Yes, Ms. Garcia.”

Inside the fighting arts center, Finnley was all alone, cradling a large bowl and eating pasta.

Upon seeing this, Neera immediately expressed concern. “Mr. Weaver, why are you eating such bland pasta? They're tasteless. Please stop eating them. I'll make you a new bowl.”

Seeing her approach, Finnley cradled his bowl, turned his head away grumpily, and muttered, “Stop pretending to be caring. I've heard that you've returned for some time, yet you only visit me now. I don't mean to scold you, but I am, your master after all. Your behavior is really unbecoming!”

Neera found it amusing to watch the old man throw a tantrum. With a good-natured smile, she walked over, squatted in front of him, and began to massage his legs, trying to cheer him up.

“Please, don't be upset. I rushed back as soon as I could. There was trouble at the Cox residence, and the Gordon family was implicated too. I was so occupied that I really couldn't help it. But look, the moment I had some time, I hurried over to see you.”

Finnley looked away, remaining silent, but his attitude had clearly softened.

Neera took the opportunity to take the bowl from his hand.

“Good thing you haven't eaten much. It seems I've arrived just in time. Please, stay here. I'll go and make some pasta for you.”

Finnley hummed twice, but didn't stop her.

Before long, an enticing aroma wafted out from the kitchen.

Finnley couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and found himself drawn to the kitchen. He hovered around Neera, hands clasped behind his back as he paced back and forth.

“Parsley... More parsley, please... The soup... The soup is good. Serve more of it... Goodness, is it ready yet? I'm so hungry I can't stand it.”

Neera listened to the old man's endless chatter, finding it both amusing and exasperating. After serving his meal, she sat next to him, watching him eat.

The same bowl of pasta, when prepared by her, became incredibly delicious.

Finnley didn't have time to pay attention to Neera, who was staring at him from the side, as he wolfed down his food.

After devouring a bowl of pasta, he was finally satisfied. Wiping his mouth, he glanced at her, only then did he have the mood to engage with her.

“Tell me. What brings you here this time?”

Neera blinked, teasing him, “How did you know? I indeed have something to discuss with you. I didn't expect you to be so insightful!”

Finnley glanced over, his small mustache quivering slightly.

“Enough of your nonsense. I've figured you out. You would never think of seeking me out unless you needed something. You've probably forgotten all the skills I've taught you, haven't you? Hmph, to think that someone of my illustrious reputation has such a useless disciple like you. I'm such a failure!”

As he spoke, he shook his head, the very picture of a broken-hearted old man.

Neera stood up immediately and made a couple of gestures.

“How could that be? I've been practicing what you taught me all the time. You saying all that is doing me an injustice. You're just making me upset.”

Finnley raised his eyebrows, letting out a skeptical hum. He then asked, “Are you telling the truth?”

Neera clicked her tongue, stood up while holding his arm, and dragged him out. In front of him, she threw two darts and even performed a round of the flying needle technique.

After her performance, she clapped her hands contentedly, mimicking Finnley's proud demeanor.

“See, I wasn't lying to you. I really have been practicing. Thanks to you, I even managed to escape a dangerous situation and save a life!”

Finnley didn't expect that during her absence, she had indeed been obeying his instructions, which made him quite happy.

“Alright, alright. It seems you're a sensible and obedient girl. Enough with the show, just speak your mind. What exactly do you need from me?”

Neera chuckled softly, helping him over to sit down on the rocking chair. She crouched beside him, behaving as adorably as possible.

“Actually, it's no big deal. I just wanted to ask you. Would... Would you like to come with me to Lordsworth Estate?”

The words took Finnley by surprise.

“Oh? You're planning to go to Lordsworth Estate? When?” he asked.

Neera rubbed her chin and said, “It's not settled yet, but it will be soon. And it's not just me. It's the entire Gordon family.”

Finnley was aware of the recent events at Bartitsu Guild, so he wasn't surprised when he heard her say this.

However, what he found somewhat unbelievable was that Neera would actually tell him such important matters.

At that moment, he rocked in his chair, speaking thoughtfully, “Did you just casually tell me such a significant matter as going to the Lordsworth Estate? Aren't you afraid that I might inform Bartitsu Guild about it?”

With a slight smile, Neera responded without a second thought, “You wouldn't do that.”

She spoke with such certainty that it only piqued Finnley's curiosity even more. “Do you trust me that much?”

Neera nodded without hesitation. “Yes, my uncle trusts you, and so do I. We both recognize your noble character and know that you've always disliked the disputes within Bartitsu Guild. The thought of leaving you alone here as we depart is somewhat unbearable. It must be lonely and boring for you to guard this deserted fighting arts center by yourself. It would be better if you come with us to Lordsworth Estate.”

Upon hearing these words, Finnley was displeased. He picked up the hand fan next to the rocking chair and gestured it at her.

“Off you go, off you go! Since when has my fighting arts center lost its popularity? It's because I'm too lazy to teach. Otherwise, there would be an endless stream of people coming here to learn! Neera, if you don't understand what's going on, don't talk nonsense, alright?”