Neera managed to suppress a smile, respectfully nodding her head. “Yes, yes, I was thoughtless in my speech.”
Finnley fumed as he corrected her, “What do you mean by you bring thoughtless? You clearly just don't understand the real situation!”
Neera nodded obediently. “Yes, yes, yes. It's my fault for not understanding the real situation. Mr. Weaver, you are a magnanimous person, so please don't be upset with a little girl like me.”
Finnley snorted twice, waving his hand fan. Feeling a bit chilly, he moved it to his right and casually pointed at the small stool next to him.
“Alright, let's sit down and talk. You're always squatting like that, aren't you tired? It tires me just watching you.”
Neera smiled wryly and promptly took a seat.
“I knew it, Master. You truly care for me.”
Finnley's small mustache quivered as he urged, “Stop buttering me up. I'm asking you, was the Gordon family's decision to join Lordsworth Estate planned beforehand? If so, why didn't they leave with the Cox family earlier?”
Neera explained candidly, “Originally, I thought we should leave together. But then I reconsidered and felt it would be better if the Cox family left first. When Bartitsu Guild loses such a powerful force as the Cox family, they will definitely try to win over the Gordon family to stabilize the situation. Naturally, the Gordon family wouldn't want to side with the guild. When Bartitsu Guild can't stand it anymore and acts out of desperation, the Gordon family can then leave with a clear conscience.”
“Hmph, you're quite the clever one, aren't you? Looking back now, I suppose even I've been played by your schemes.”
Neera smiled and said, “Just as expected, after the Cox family left, Matthew came to me and offered me the position of the third elder in Bartitsu Guild. He wants both me and the Gordon family to pledge our full loyalty to the Guild.”
“Did you agree or not?” Finnley asked on purpose.
“Of course not. I've just been stringing them along, saying that I can't make the decision alone and need to discuss it with the Gordon family elders. I've been stalling for the past few days. Matthew has asked me twice, and both times I've managed to dodge his questions.”
Finnley pointed at her. “You're quite the clever little imp, aren't you? If Matthew knew you were tricking him, he'd be fuming with rage.”
Neera waved her hand, not bothered at all. “Let him be angry. The angrier he gets, the happier I am. Bartitsu Guild is intolerant and treacherous. I've long wanted to leave them. Now, thinking about being able to leave here with the Gordon family, I can hardly contain elation.”
“You're oversimplifying things. Bartitsu Guild isn't exactly a benevolent entity, but Lordsworth Estate is no saint either. It's a place that devours people without mercy, so to speak. While their methods might not be as cruel as the guild's, their ruthlessness is second to none.”
Neera nodded. “I've looked into it beforehand. The methods of Lordsworth Estate are indeed ruthless, but they are only used against those who oppose them. When dealing with their own families, they have never acted like Bartitsu Guild, who fears and refuse to tolerate others.”
“You're right about that,” Finnley agreed. He then asked, “So, what did Lordsworth Estate ask of you this time? They allowed the Gordon and Cox families to go over, but what do they require from you? What do they need you to do?”
“We don't have to do anything. I personally met with Mr. Wiley. He's a straightforward man who didn't beat around the bush or put on airs with me. He's very approachable. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but to my surprise, Mr. Wiley said that our two families don't need to do anything for Lordsworth Estate. All we need to do is to behave ourselves and abide by the rules within the jurisdiction of the Lordsworth Estate.”
Finnley seemed somewhat incredulous. “Really? Lordsworth Estate is actually that benevolent? I find it hard to believe. After all, by leaving Bartitsu Guild and going to Lordsworth Estate, you're essentially making an enemy of the guild. Lordsworth Estate accepting both of your families is akin to slapping the guild in the face. This grudge is not a small one.”
“I've thought about it before, but judging from Mr. Wiley's attitude, it seems that the Lordsworth Estate doesn't care.”
After pondering for a moment, Finnley could only think of one possibility. “It seems that saving the lord of Lordsworth Estate was the right thing to do. Who would have thought it could bring such benefits.”
Neera nodded. “I also find it quite unbelievable. Who would have thought I'd end up saving such a big shot.”
Then, she asked again, “Finnley, would you like to come with us? I don't see any point in you staying back here. Rest assured, the Gordon family will always back you up. As long as we're around, you will be well protected.”
Finnley waved his hand. “I'm alone. I'll be fine. It doesn't matter where I am. I won't go over and cause you trouble.”
Neera quickly reassured him, “You're no trouble at all. I feel at ease with you around. Besides, you still have to keep pushing me to practice martial arts. If you're not there, I might get distracted. You have to stay with me and watch me practice diligently. Moreover, if you go, you can often play chess and chat with my uncle. Isn't that much more interesting than being here all alone?”
Hearing her sincere invitation caused Finnley's eyes to glisten with joy. After some thought, he agreed.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean)
What kind of stupid confusion is this, how come she didn't know that the my bourvart they are talking about is Jean?...
Author uses too many words to describe useless things and then don't clarify others, who is this aunts friend. Neere went to play golf with who?...
Why is she keeping so many secrets from Jean?...
is it too much to ask, when are they going to know that Jean is the father of her triplets???? the man that night 6yrs ago is Jean???!!!!!!...
Chapter 328, did Alfonso not meet Jeann before, how does he not recognise him huh...
I'm a bit confused, does Roxanna not know that her sister is married..this chapter makes it look like she doesn't know but they already went to Jean for money huh...
Too many words to explain somethings, it's a waste.......
Good Day Dear Author! i just want to ask, why it cant read in normal format? the sentences for every chapter is cut, almost half of the sentence is cut thats why cant read it as whole. Thankyou....