HLnovel Chapter 264 Birthday Gift
Chapter 264 Birthday Gift
Chapter 264 Birthday Gift
The fat chef François was always timid and hesitant, and every time he came to see Cathy, he would hesitate for a long time.
The same thing is happening now; he's already holding the book and has been secretly glancing at it many times.
Although Kathy was used to François's attitude, the feeling of being spied on was inevitably uncomfortable.
Finally, François seemed to have made up his mind and went to Kathy's side:
"Um, Lady Casey, about this book—I have some questions I'd like to ask you."
Cathy looked up: "Yes, Mr. Mosley has already told me that if there are any parts you don't understand, I can teach you."
Of course, if I still can't understand the content, then I'll have to go find Mr. Mosley.
"Yes, sir, take a look at this—"
As François spoke, he pointed to a spot among the books.
"From here on, I encountered many words that I couldn't understand. Some words I recognized, but I always felt that they referred to other meanings."
Upon hearing this, Kathy looked towards that paragraph.
Fortunately, Kathy was able to read it with some difficulty.
He gathered his thoughts and then said:
"This refers to alchemical materials made from a mixture of elements."
"Mixed elements?"
"Hmm, I remember I verbally explained the four basic elements of alchemy to you before."
François nodded: "Yes, I know them all by heart. They are air, water, earth, and fire."
"And mixed-element alchemical materials are materials that possess two or more basic elements, like this one,"
Kathy pointed to the illustrations in the book, and the accompanying text.
"The Aurora Flower contains both air and earth elements, which are alchemical elements. Adding it to alchemical medicines often gives them hallucinogenic effects and tends to cause psychological side effects."
"I see, but what is the 'aurora'?"
This question stumped Cathy; he only knew the word, but had never actually seen the aurora.
Therefore, Kathy could only tell François the answer she had heard before:
"It was a very beautiful weather, with dazzling spots of light appearing in the night sky. It is said that everyone who sees it is captivated by its beauty."
Wow! I really want to see it—
Kathy also wanted to, but she heard that the aurora could only be seen in the gloomy sea, which seemed to be a very dangerous area.
"But, sir," François continued, "why does the flower called 'Aurora' look so ordinary?"
"The real thing might look better than the illustration," Kathy said. "It's just a simple sketch that can only show the shape of the flower, but not its color."
"I see. However, sir, I have another question," François said. "This question has been bothering me for a long time. I remember learning at the beginning of this book that alchemical drugs have uncontrollable side effects."
"But why does this book specify that all the alchemical materials described may cause certain side effects in alchemical elixirs?"
Kathy was powerless to do anything about it.
"This is too technical a question. I think you'll have to ask Mr. Mosley."
"Okay!"
François nodded, and Kathy also helped the portly chef read the rest of the text aloud.
François would repeatedly ask how a certain word was pronounced and what it meant.
There were some words that Kathy remembered telling François many times before, but he always forgot them.
The chef wasn't very bright, but Cathy was patient because she herself wasn't very bright.
From childhood to adulthood, Cathy was slow to learn anything, but everyone treated her very well and never blamed her. They would patiently guide her. Sometimes when Cathy felt frustrated, they would even comfort and encourage her.
For example, Pegasus, Kathy often reminisces about the time when Pegasus read aloud to him.
After Cathy had explained everything she could to François, she sent the fat cook to find Mr. Mosley.
Mr. Mosley seems to be very busy lately, with letters frequently arriving at his door, and he often asks Casey to mail them for him.
Therefore, Casey would not bother Mr. Mosley unless absolutely necessary.
The morning passed quickly, and at noon François prepared a sumptuous lunch for everyone.
There are smoked pork chops, grilled cod, and stir-fried clams, as well as several vegetarian dishes.
Since François came to the library, the food there has improved significantly, to say the least.
Midway through the meal, François suddenly spoke up:
"By the way, Mr. Mosley, the library is running out of food. I'd like to go shopping this afternoon."
“No problem,” Mr. Mosley said. “Harriet, give François the money to buy groceries.”
"Yes, sir," Harley nodded.
Mr. Mosley seemed to trust Harriet a lot, and he entrusted her with managing the library's daily expenses.
However, Harriet is indeed very capable.
At this moment, Mr. Mosley suddenly turned to look at Casey:
"In that case, why don't you two go for a stroll in town this afternoon?"
Cathy immediately became excited: "Is it alright, Mr. Mosley!"
"Well," Mr. Mosley said with a smile, "Harriet, here's a small silver coin for each of you three. Buy whatever you want."
Cathy immediately smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Mosley."
Harriet and François then expressed their gratitude.
After lunch, Cathy offered to help Harriet and François clean up the table and kitchen together.
After telling Mosley, the three of them headed into town together.
François parted ways with Cathy and Harriet at the edge of the market, while Cathy naturally wanted to stroll around alone with Harriet.
Cathy said to Harriet, "We're so lucky! It's your birthday today, and François just happened to be in town buying groceries. That's why Mr. Mosley gave us the afternoon off and even gave us some pocket money!"
However, Harriet sighed:
"You still only see the surface."
Kathy frowned upon hearing this: "What's wrong?"
"There are no coincidences. Mr. Mosley obviously knew it was my birthday today, so he made up an excuse to get me out and give us money to spend."
Hearing this, Cathy thought Harriet was right: "Mr. Mosley is really thoughtful."
“Yes, but we already owe him enough,” Harriet said. “Right now, we can only accept his kindness and will find a way to repay him later.”
Kathy nodded: "Once I become Duke again, I will definitely repay you, sir!"
"Don't say such empty words in front of the gentleman. You need Mr. Mosley's help to regain your rights!"
"Well, but Harriet, don't think too much about it today," Cassie looked up into Harriet's eyes, "Just enjoy your birthday!"
"Um--"
Harriet responded softly, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she didn't smile.
Kathy noticed that Harriet rarely smiled.
Only when she teases Cathy does a cunning smile appear on her face, making her look like a she-wolf.
And every time Cathy sees that smile, every time she sees Harriet's smile, her heart always races.
Perhaps the lamb was nervous in front of the wolf, but it could also be because Harriet's smile was too charming.
Kathy decided that she had to make Harriet laugh today.
With limited time in the afternoon, Cathy immediately took Harriet for a stroll around the streets.
Tongban Town is not very big, and there aren't many places to visit.
But we were lucky today; a singer came to town.
He sat in front of a handkerchief stall, holding a nine-stringed lute, playing and singing.
His singing voice is very beautiful, but very few people give him tips.
Cathy listened to singers perform when she was a child, but not very often.
Few singers come to the plateau, after all, the climate there is not friendly to outsiders.
But whenever a singer came to Whitewood, Count Reggie would always bring Cathy along to listen.
Count Reggie said that as a nobleman, one must know how to appreciate art.
That's why Kathy knew a little about some famous pieces.
Kathy stepped forward and said to the singer:
"I want to hear you sing 'Kiss on the River'."
The singer glanced at Harriet warily and narrowed her eyes:
"Your girl will be very happy that you requested a song for her, but she will admire your generosity even more."
Kathy is no longer that clueless little boy; he understands the singer's hints.
He took out the small silver coin and handed it to the singer.
The singer curtsied to Cathy and then nodded to Halle.
His right thumb slid across the strings, and melodious music reached Cathy's ears.
Then, Kathy heard a familiar melody.
"Kiss on the River" tells a love story, which is why Kathy wrote this song for Harley.
The singer was very focused on the music, but Cathy's mind wasn't on it; he kept glancing up to steal a look at Harriet's reaction.
When Cassie saw Harriet's mesmerized expression, she knew that her previous efforts had not been in vain.
As the song ended, applause erupted, and Harriet couldn't help but clap a few times as well.
Afterwards, Cathy took Harriet and left the place.
Kathy asked, "Do you like it?"
"Um."
"As long as you like it."
"Thanks--"
"It's nothing," Cathy said, rubbing her nose with her index finger.
Suddenly, Harriet sniffed twice:
"It smells so good!"
Kathy also took a sniff and indeed smelled the aroma of lemons.
Following the aroma, Cathy spotted a cookie shop ahead.
Without a second thought, Cathy grabbed Harriet's hand and headed to the cookie shop, saying to the owner:
"Give me a small serving of lemon cookies!"
The shopkeeper said, "Eighty copper coins."
Kathy nodded and reached into her pocket.
But he couldn't touch anything.
Kathy suddenly remembered that he had given all of his small amount of pocket money to the singer, and now he didn't have a single coin left in his pocket!
At that moment, Cathy felt the gazes from the boss and Harriet; they were undoubtedly waiting for Cathy to pay.
Thinking back to how carefree I had been just now, I now felt utterly ashamed.
Kathy just wanted to disappear into a hole in the ground.
Just then, he felt Harriet bend down and whisper in his ear:
"Out of money?"
"Hmm—.—" Cathy lowered her head in shame.
He glanced at Harriet furtively, only to find her smiling.
Then, she secretly slipped a small silver coin into Cathy's palm.
Cathy understood Harriet's meaning, blushed, and paid the money to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper took the money, gave her twenty coins in change, and then placed seven lemon cookies in front of Cathy.
Kathy took out a handkerchief and wrapped the biscuit in it.
Afterwards, the two arrived at a small alley.
Harriet picked up a cookie, leaned against the wall, and savored it.
Looking at Harriet's face, Cathy was thinking about what had just happened.
Harriet just smiled, so Cassie has achieved the goal she set at the beginning.
Although the scene was not quite what Cathy had imagined, let's just say whether Harriet smiled or not.
Suddenly, Harriet's gaze shifted to Cathy.
For some reason, Kathy instinctively looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
Ugh, I was so embarrassed by what I did just now.
Just then, Kathy's lips felt a hard object.
Turning our attention back, we saw that Harriet had brought a cookie to Cathy's lips.
Harriet opened her mouth and said, "Ah—"
Seeing this, Kathy could only open her mouth:
"ah·..."
The cookie was put into Cathy's mouth, and he chewed it.
It has a strong sour taste, but it's not exactly the same as the sourness of a lemon.
If I had to describe it, it would be like a kind of "ripe" sourness.
Cathy looked at Harriet again, and for some reason, she smiled.
Damn it. Cathy guessed she was laughing at me!
But it's not over yet!
Kathy decided she had to move back and turn the tables!
So, Kathy put her hand inside her chest.
He took out a bracelet and handed it to Harriet:
"Here, take this."
"Huh?!"
Harriet's smile vanished instantly, and she froze.
Cathy glanced to the side warily: "Here, your birthday present."
After a while, Harriet finally took off the bracelet:
"Where did it come from?"
I bought it in town a few days ago.
"Where's the money?"
"You shouldn't always bother Mr. Mosley."
Kathy knew it wasn't right to lend money to others for gifts: "But this is the only way I can do it right now—"
He dared not look at Harriet.
Yu Guangzhong: Harriet put on the bracelet.
"I really like it!" Harriet suddenly said.
Cathy then looked up at Harriet:
"Really?"
Harriet didn't smile, but her eyes were fixed on the bracelet on her wrist.
Suddenly, SWAT officer Harley turned to Cathy.
She said, "Close your eyes."
"Um?"
"Shut up."
Kathy chose to obey.
Then, he felt two soft touches on his cheeks.
Cathy opened her eyes in surprise, but Harriet had already stood up and taken Cathy's hand, leading her forward.
He was curious about Harriet's expression at that moment.
Unfortunately, he could only see Harriet's back at that moment.
Just then, a figure darted past in front of them.
It was a person dressed in full armor, who seemed to be holding a girl in his arms.
His steps were hurried, as if he was anxious about something.
But Harriet suddenly pointed to the floor in front of her and said, "Cassie!"
Kathy looked in that direction and saw a book on the road ahead.
The two walked over and picked up the book, which read on the cover, "The Fitness Secrets of Uriel, the Dragon Master".
After a quick glance, Casey immediately determined:
"This book is quite old."
"Yes," Harley nodded, "and I need to maintain these ancient books every day."
Cathy immediately understood Harriet's meaning: "You mean, this book is—"
"Mr. Mosley gave books to me and François, and he may have given books to other people as well."
Cathy thought Harriet was right: "Anyway, let's return the book to that person first; he seems to be in a hurry."
Harriet agreed to Cathy's suggestion and immediately set off to track down the warrior she had just seen.
Finally, the two found a clinic.
Cathy and Harriet went inside, and she saw the man from before, who seemed to be struggling with something.
On the hospital bed in front of him lay a young woman.
The doctor next to her was holding a small knife, and it looked like he was going to bleed the girl.
At this point, Harriet said:
"What happened?"
The man turned around, and Kathy saw the confusion and unease on his face.
If he is indeed an acquaintance of Mr. Mosley, Casey cannot stand idly by:
"Do you need any help?"
The man paused for a moment, his face showing wariness.
Who are you?
Kathy took out the book: "You lost your things, and we came here to return them to you."
Upon seeing the book, a strange glint flashed in the man's eyes, and he rummaged around at his waist.
He immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, you've gone to so much trouble."
Then, he took the books from Kathy.
Harriet looked at the girl and asked, "She seems to be sick?"
"Yes, it seems that bloodletting is necessary, but—I don't want to leave scars on her body, and besides, bloodletting may not necessarily cure her."
Harriet said, "Let me see, maybe I can help."
The man instantly looked up, staring intently at Harriet:
"Really? Are you a doctor?"
Harriet glanced at the doctor beside her, then shook her head.
Kathy then realized that Harriet couldn't tell the man the truth because of the presence of outsiders.
Harriet simply walked to the bedside and placed her hand on the girl's neck.
She closed her eyes, and only opened them again after a long time.
However, Kathy noticed Harriet's serious expression and knew that the girl's condition was not optimistic.
Harriet told the man, "She is very ill."
The man hurriedly asked, "What illness?"
"I don't know the name or mechanism of the disease; I can only identify its source."
"Then—can you cure her?"
"I don't know, but I can try—if someone can guide me—"
The man asked, "Whose guidance?"
"A reliable gentleman—"