Mystery: The Last Shepherd

Chapter 351 The Abnormality of "Cons"
"Miss Audrey has come to the East End?"

Lu Ze frowned slightly.

"Yes, she said she wanted to see the factory she invested in."

Ciel replied.

That's true. Audrey Hall was the major investor in this textile factory, so her request to inspect it was perfectly understandable, even entirely reasonable. But after all, she was a wealthy young lady, and it seemed a bit too hasty for her to just barge into the dangerous East End like that.

However, Lu Ze felt somewhat relieved after actually meeting her in person.

Because Audrey didn't come alone; she brought two bodyguards—Hugh and Fors. Together with herself, the combination of three Extraordinary individuals could certainly exert a certain deterrent effect in the East District.

After that, Lu Ze took them to the textile factory area at their request.

"That must have been really tough."

This was the first time Audrey had ever seen a factory in operation. When she saw a worker overseeing four textile machines simultaneously without a moment's rest, she couldn't help but express her surprise and question, "Mr. Anderson, isn't this a bit too harsh on the workers?"

"This is already the best treatment among textile factories of the same type."

Lu Ze couldn't help but sigh, lamenting that Audrey Hall was far too well protected and still somewhat naive about the true workings of this world.

“You should see how other factory owners do it. One worker watches eight looms and works 12 hours a day. The bed is under the loom. When it’s time for the worker to finish, he wakes up the person sleeping on top and asks him to come out and take over his shift. It is quite common for workers to fall asleep at work due to exhaustion and have their arms broken by the belt.”

Lu Ze's words made this kind-hearted young lady feel very uncomfortable.

Originally, she came out of curiosity to inspect the product she was investing in for the first time, but the scene left a very deep impression on her.

Even this treatment was considered excessive. All the factory owners in Backlund were laughing, saying that the Hall family's daughter was really naive, treating the peasants of the East District like treasures.

She said goodbye to Luzer with a heavy heart and returned to Queens.

The scenery changed along the way, and the streets outside gradually became clean and tidy from being dirty and muddy.

But just as the carriage entered a street in Queens, they were suddenly stopped.

"what happened?"

Audrey asked.

"It seems to be a routine check."

Hugh looked out the car window.

"Routine check? Oh, right."

Audrey quickly remembered that today was the day the House of Lords held its regular meeting. Security on this street would be heightened at this time of day.

Because the House of Lords is located on this street.

Although the regular meetings of the House of Lords were of no value in themselves—in his father's words, "a bunch of pathetic fellows trying to keep themselves occupied and maintain their ridiculous dignity"—they would still use their authority to dispatch a large number of people to perform guard duties, out of a sense of aristocratic decorum.

"What should we do? Will we be in trouble?"

Fors asked in a low voice, her tone slightly nervous as a wild extraordinary being.

"Don't worry, it's just routine, and you're my guards now, they won't target you."

Audrey said.

"Alright, please get out of the car and cooperate with our inspection. Is this badge from the Earl of Hall family?"

The inspector was a middle-aged man who spoke languidly, appearing quite unmotivated. Midway through his sentence, he seemed to notice the Hall family insignia on the exterior of the carriage and asked a question.

"Yes."

The driver replied, "Cons."

Audrey called out to him, summoning someone behind him. When she saw who it was, Audrey was slightly taken aback.

Cons Riesson, one of his friends in his aristocratic circle.

Since she had run into a friend, she should at least exchange a few words, even if it was just out of politeness. Audrey maintained her composure as she stepped out of the car, giving Cons a slight smile. "I didn't expect to run into you here, Cons."

"Audrey, it's you?"

The latter was surprised for a second, then smiled with delight and eagerness, "Is there something you need here?"

His performance perfectly met Audrey's expectations, perhaps even too much.

"I had some business to attend to and was just passing through."

Audrey said briefly. After all, she couldn't very well tell them that she had just gone to the East District to meet with the "Blood Cultivator," whom MI9 had been tracking, because she had given him an investment and needed to see the results.
"That's it."

"Cons" didn't press further, but nodded and said, "Isn't today the regular meeting of the House of Lords? That's why we were called in to guard the area."

Following his words, Audrey looked at the magnificent building in the center of the avenue, the place where the upper house met to discuss "national affairs." The white building was spectacular, and the dome supported by stone pillars looked very imposing. High steps led down one after another, with a guard standing at every interval.

"Thank you for your hard work. I won't disturb your work any longer."

Audrey snapped out of her daze and said, "Please check according to the regulations."

"Since he's a friend of Cons, there's no need for such formalities."

Reeve said casually, glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Fors and Hugh's faces, "Just be careful when you go over there, and don't do anything dangerous in front of the main gate of the House of Lords."

He said it in a way that was half advice and half warning.

"Thank you for reminding me."

Audrey smiled and thanked her, then returned to her carriage.

After settling into the soft seat, her expression became slightly confused.

For some reason, she felt that something was off about Constance today.

Of course, the other person's attitude, tone, and manner of speaking were all exactly the same as the person she knew well, but something still felt off. It was as if the person standing opposite her was some strange being disguised as her friend.

"hiss"

Audrey was startled by her own guess.

No, I'm probably just overthinking it. After touring the factory, I felt heavy-hearted, and even my senses were muddled.
She tried to console herself.

But just then, Audrey spotted the white House of Lords on one side of the street in the distance, and her heart skipped a beat, then tightened!

The House of Lords is in session. The Duke of Negan will surely be there soon.

Is he going to be assassinated again?

The Tarot reader, Mr. Temperance, had already raised this issue at the previous meeting. The person behind it all was determined to kill Duke Negan, and the price they were paying was getting higher and higher each time. And coincidentally, his friend Constance underwent a strange transformation at this time.
Audrey suddenly felt that her guess might be true.

What should I do? Should I just pass the message on to my dad and let him decide, like before?

If this Cons is indeed an assassin, is it possible to get back home and have Dad contact him to provide feedback in time?

As Audrey hesitated, she suddenly felt a gaze upon her. It was her friend Constance looking at her through the glass, a knowing smile on his face.

He found it!

(End of this chapter)