Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 153: Being attentive

Lionel knew that the news would spread like wildfire, quickly reaching Larané and Monttier.

In such an impoverished and desolate region, 20,000 francs is an astronomical figure that can change one's fate and ignite all desires and calculations...

Lionel left St. Joseph's School under the intense gaze of the children.

He went home first and found that the atmosphere was different, more complicated than when he had just returned a few days ago.

The parents' faces were a mixture of pride, unease, and a sense of bewilderment at being suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Before he could even sit down, the postman from the Laranje post office stood anxiously and respectfully at the door, urging him to come to the post office as soon as possible.

Lionel sighed, gave some instructions to his family, mounted his horse, and headed for Larané.

When he arrived, the small post office was already packed with people.

Mayor Martino, accompanied by a group of city officials, was already waiting there. Upon seeing Lionel enter, his smile instantly brightened, more radiant than the sunshine.
"Ah! My dear Lionel! Welcome!"

The mayor practically lunged forward, grasping Lionel's hands tightly and shaking them vigorously: "Merciful 'friend of Paris'! What a generous act!"
This is truly... truly God's gift of nectar!

Beside him, the postmaster, Nicola Bodin, a thin, balding middle-aged man, was struggling to count the banknotes.

Larané is a small place, and most of the remittances they receive do not exceed 200 francs, so they only have small denomination banknotes and coins.

Upon seeing Lionel, he wiped the fine sweat from his brow: "Mr. Sorel, I'm so sorry, 20,000 francs... is simply too much."

We, well, with all our might, including the reserve treasury, could only scrape together exactly twelve thousand francs.

But don't worry! The remaining eight thousand francs will definitely be allocated within two days at most!

Lionel nodded calmly, his gaze sweeping over the pile of banknotes: "It's alright, I'm not in a hurry..."

"You don't need to count it yet; I'm not exchanging this money today."

Director Nikolai Bodan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Lionel wasn't crazy enough to return to Montiel with 12,000 francs in cash.

He came to the post office mainly to confirm who had sent him the money.

Along with the remittance slip came a registered letter, sealed with sealing wax bearing the Rothschild family mark.

After reading the letter, Lionel was deeply moved by Mrs. Rothschild's enthusiasm, but on the other hand, he felt that her donation made his vacation particularly complicated.

At that moment, the post office door was pushed open again.

Two well-dressed men entered this time. One was slightly overweight, with a neatly trimmed beard, and wore a dark gray high-quality wool suit.

The other one was slightly younger, thinner, and had sharp eyes.

The two introduced themselves as soon as they entered. The fat man was Alfred Sharvy, the manager of the "La La Niña Valley Savings and Mutual Bank".

The other was his deputy, who was also one of the bank's shareholders, Pierre-Henri Leclerc.

Pierre-Henry also served as the city's notary and had a wide network of connections.

President Charles opened his arms wide, as if to embrace a long-lost friend: "Ah! Dear Lionel! Please allow me to address you that way!"
We've known each other for a long time, having read about each other in the newspaper! Your article, "The Old Guard," truly touched my heart!

My uncle was an old Imperial Guard, and he described things exactly like you did…”

Leclerc followed suit, his tone flattering: "It is truly a blessing for Laranée that Mr. Sorel has returned with the glory and generosity of Paris!"

Mayor Martino's expression darkened slightly, clearly displeased by their sudden appearance.

The atmosphere inside the post office instantly became even more subtle...

Mayor Martino spoke first: "Leonard, I served as mayor of Laranje for twelve years!"

I know exactly where road repairs are most needed, which village school roof is about to collapse, and which small farmer can't afford seeds... I know it all!

He patted his chest and said, "Your stage is in Paris, why get distracted by these trivial matters?"

Just tell me your general idea, and I, Martino, guarantee you'll be satisfied!
Imagine, when you return home in triumph, you'll see brand-new roads, repaired school buildings... and the families saved by your generosity, offering you their highest respect...

What an honor that would be!

Before he could finish speaking, President Sharvy immediately chimed in: "Martino's suggestion is excellent! But with such a large sum of money, safety and appreciation are even more important!"
Our "La La Ne Valley Savings Mutual Bank" has a 24-hour guarded vault.

More importantly, we can offer generous interest rates and reliable investment channels to ensure the donations grow steadily and sustainably!

Leclerc also added: "The proper use of any charitable funds necessarily involves contracts, commitments and authorizations."

As the only qualified notary in the city, I can ensure that any possibility of fraud is eliminated.

This is both a responsible act towards our 'friends in Paris' and a way to protect your reputation!

Mayor Martino's face darkened further.

Lionel interrupted their scheming: "Thank you all very much for your concern and suggestions! However, I need some time to think it over."

Blindly throwing money around will only breed new injustices!

Mayor Martino immediately seized the opportunity: "I completely understand! That's true responsibility! Lionel has thought things through perfectly!"
So, tonight, right here at my humble abode, I've prepared a few glasses of the finest local wines and some fresh game from the mountains. Please do not miss it!
We can have a proper talk privately, and I can give you a detailed report on this urgent situation.

Also, my daughter, Frena, is a loyal reader of yours and hopes to meet you.

Freyna is only 18 years old, and I'm not bragging, but her beauty is in no way inferior to the beauties of Parisian society..."

President Charlene chimed in, "Mr. Sorel is a celebrity who has seen the big scenes of Paris. The 'cultured people' of La Lagrange, especially the ladies who admire your talent, are all eager to have the honor of getting to know you!"
Tonight, we're having a cozy little dance party in the bank's banquet hall!

I guarantee that the most beautiful and well-mannered ladies of Larané will be there!

They are all eager to learn from you about the latest trends in Paris…

After saying that, he gave Mayor Martino a slightly provocative look.

Lionel glanced at Martino, then at Charlemagne, and suddenly laughed.

Twenty thousand francs is an astronomical sum for the common people here, but it's not enough to make them so eager to please.

What they valued was their connection with Parisian "high society," and they fantasized that they could lead them into this channel.

Lionel made no promises, only offering a slightly weary smile: "I'm afraid I can't accept such a warm invitation."

I just finished teaching St. Joseph's students today, and I also have some things to take care of at home. I'll give you both an answer tomorrow.

Although somewhat disappointed, Mayor Martino immediately nodded: "Ah! Of course, of course! You go ahead with your business! Taking care of your family matters is more important! My door is always open for you!"

President Xia Wei was very perceptive: "Understood! The ball is also very flexible in its timing and can begin at any time—we await your good news."

……

Lionel returned to Monttier in the evening.

Normally, at this time of day, smoke would rise from the chimneys of every household, and the aroma would waft through the cracks in the doors.

But along Lionel's journey, almost not a single house had its windows lit.

A great sense of unease welled up inside him.

From afar, Lionel finally saw his familiar house and realized where Montiel's men had all gone.

Neighbors, neighbors, vague faces from memory, and even complete strangers gathered in a dark mass outside the door and the yard fence.

Their buzzing discussions merged into a noisy wave, making the air almost boil.

Lionel's father, Joseph, paced anxiously on the porch.

The mother and sister Ivana stood inside the door, their faces pale, their eyes filled with worry and helplessness.

Mayor Bertan and Father Peltier stood guard at the door like sentinels.