Chapter 503: Chapter 503

The excuse I had used to turn down Mr. Nelly last time was the need to consult a lawyer about the contract, so it was only natural that I bring one with me for our second meeting.

Fortunately, Jenkins did know a competent and trustworthy legal advisor—Mr. Raul Onis, the very man who had drafted Viscount Augustus’s will and was now assisting Jenkins in supervising its execution.

The Silver Jasmine Opera Troupe had no performance scheduled today, and they were still staying in the same hotel Jenkins had ‘graced with his presence’ on the 31st. Even the receptionist was the same woman, though she, of course, had no memory of him knocking her unconscious.

Though Jenkins and Mr. Onis arrived without an appointment, Nelly happened to be there. He entered the hotel lobby almost at the same instant they did, wearing a brown hat and holding a lit black pipe, the very picture of a man weighed down by his troubles.

“Ah, Baron Williamette, and this is...”

“Raul Onis, the baron’s legal counsel.”

Mr. Onis was a tall, well-proportioned man in his middle years. He appeared to be about the same age as Nelly, but where Onis was trim, Nelly was not only short but also rather plump. Thɪs chapter is updated by n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net

Hearing the lawyer’s steady voice, Nelly nodded and extended a hand, his movements somewhat distracted.

“Right, welcome, both of you. Yes, let’s find a place to sit. Baron Williamette, I do hope you bring good news.”

Nelly led them up to his room on the top floor of the hotel. It was a suite, boasting not only a private bathroom and kitchen but also a sitting room of considerable size.

“Since you’ve brought a lawyer,” Nelly began, “I trust we can sign the contract today?”

Jenkins settled onto the sofa and nodded. “However, there is the matter of the timeline. You’ve asked that I write the detective story and find a suitable musician to compose a score for it before the end of this year. I’m afraid that’s a bit too rushed. As you know, we’re already in the last week of the month. Even if I could conjure a brilliant story in such a short period, the musical composition and the troupe’s rehearsals would require a significant amount of time.”

“You make a very good point.”

He dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief, his eyes drifting unconsciously to his left. Jenkins seized the moment to activate his sight. Sure enough, a transparent spirit was floating right beside Nelly.

It was the specter of a woman, her body marred by a gruesome wound that made it difficult to guess at her cause of death. Her eyes were unnervingly inhuman, slanted sharply outwards with corners stretched thin and long. Her tongue lolled from her mouth, and from it dripped a substance like saliva that vanished before it could ever touch the floor.

The black particles slowly seeping from the entity confirmed Jenkins’s suspicion: this was, without a doubt, an evil spirit.

Its filthy hair was coiled around the stout merchant’s neck, and every so often, it would tighten its grip. The poor man couldn’t see the horrifying creature, but he could certainly feel its constant, agonizing torment.

“Alright,” he said weakly, “but please, be as quick as you can.”

“No problem,” Jenkins assured him. “In fact, I do know a friend with exceptional musical talent. I expect you’ll see the finished production before the end of the first month of next year.”

“That would be wonderful...”

Nelly managed a faint smile and once again raised a hand to wipe away his sweat.

Since the contract was already drafted, they only needed to revise a few details before adding their signatures.

Of course, this first required a joint trip by carriage to City Hall to have the document officially notarized and filed. This would ensure that if either party violated the terms, the other could invoke the full power of the kingdom’s laws to protect their rights.

The entire process dragged on into the afternoon. Mr. Onis had other business to attend to and couldn’t join them for lunch, but he and Jenkins arranged to meet again soon. On the carriage ride over, Jenkins had inquired about any old books from Viscount Augustus’s estate that might be for sale.

Nelly’s mood had improved considerably, and he insisted on paying for lunch, tip and all. They spent the rest of the afternoon discussing the script, and it became clear that the merchant was no uncultured simpleton.

The discussion turned to whether they should add supernatural elements to the detective story—a very popular trend at the moment—which gave Jenkins the perfect opportunity to steer the conversation toward his true objective:

“Mr. Nelly, I couldn’t help but notice that you haven’t seemed yourself since arriving in Nolan City. Does the local cuisine not agree with your palate?”

“No, Nolan is quite fine.”

The reply was decidedly noncommittal.

“Then what is troubling you? If I may be so bold, you really should see a trustworthy doctor. You’ve likely read in the papers about the shocking plague that broke out here a few days ago. I think it’s best to be cautious.”

“Yes, I saw the news. A true tragedy... But I’m fine, thank you for your concern.”

He clearly had no intention of confiding in Jenkins.

“Well then, I wish you the best. I know quite a few people here in the city, so if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Jenkins shrugged. There was no need to press the matter and reveal his own intentions.

But Nelly’s resolve was far weaker than Jenkins had anticipated. Jenkins had been planning to take his leave around three, as Chocolate was growing impatient, but just then, as if after some tremendous internal struggle, Nelly abruptly changed the subject:

“Baron, this may sound utterly ridiculous, but... do you believe in ghosts?”

“I believe in no supernatural power aside from that of the great gods.”

It was his standard answer, but before Nelly could reply, he added another sentence:

“However, I have indeed had experience with things like... hauntings.”

Nelly asked, his eyes wide with surprise as he leaned forward to refill Jenkins’s teacup.

“Yes, back in the autumn, as a matter of fact. The house I now live in, on St. George Avenue, is a rather famous haunted house in the neighborhood. You could learn as much just by asking around.”

It was the absolute truth.

“Then why on earth would you move there? Even if one doesn’t believe in such ridiculous things as ghosts, I should think there’s no need to tempt fate with something so dangerous.”

Nelly’s eyes darted about as he spoke, trying his best to appear casually curious. If Jenkins hadn’t already known the truth, he might have actually been convinced.