The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

The Arrangements Left Behind (Chapter 146)

After the Duke of Norfolk and the last of his guests left, the manor hall returned to silence.

George stood on the porch, watching the ship, still draped in black gauze, disappear into the hazy light of the autumn evening, and let out a soft breath.

The cold air condensed into white mist in front of me, then quickly dissipated.

He turned and walked toward the carriage that would take him back to the mansion.

A moment later, George stepped into the newly cleaned drawing room and saw that quite a few people had already gathered there.

Billy Althorp, Baron Asgard, Archdeacon of Yorkshire Cathedral, Lieutenant Bates, and Elliott.

In addition, there were two other expected people: Inspector Douglas and Lady Celsa. Because of their status and the fact that they knew the Viscount was not "dead," they did not attend the funeral.

Even Stone had left the tower and was now curled up deep inside a high-backed armchair by the fireplace.

George pushed open the door and entered, and all eyes turned to him.

He slowed his pace, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces one by one, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

"Since everyone has stayed, there's something I'd like to clarify first. He looked around at everyone in the room: 'You've all made progress on the path to the world beyond its surface, and each has gained something. Therefore, we...'"

It is not appropriate to be too bound by worldly formalities, especially within the private sphere of this estate.

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"Then, Your Excellency, please allow us to handle some necessary mundane matters."

He beckoned to Lieutenant Elliott and Lieutenant Bates, took two heavy parchment documents from his large pocket and handed them to the two men, and then took out two exquisite small boxes from his bosom, each containing a metal seal engraved with intricate patterns.

"This is the compliant identification document and accompanying seal for activities involving supernatural beings within the kingdom. Going forward, if you need to conduct activities outside of Paradise Island that require the use of supernatural powers—whether it be rituals, investigations, or anything else—you must report to the local anti-smuggling bureau or the church office of your diocese in advance."

"If necessary, please use this seal to sign official correspondence. The document details precautions, prohibited actions, and emergency contact methods."

George watched as Elliott and Lieutenant Bates solemnly accepted the gifts, then suddenly interjected, "Your Excellency, why didn't you give me one too?"

The archdeacon coughed lightly, turned to face him, and gave him the kind of tolerant smile that one would give when explaining common sense to a younger person.

"Your Excellency, as a Highgarden noble, you are a natural-born privilege holder of the 'Sword-wielding Attendant' seat, which is already registered in both Highgarden and the Queen's inner court. Normally, as long as you can present valid identification, no one within the kingdom will deliberately make things difficult for you."

He added, "Of course, you will have a more comprehensive and clear understanding of the relevant rules and boundaries when you travel to London to attend the High Court meeting in the future."

George nodded and said no more. Different statuses naturally require different rules.

He then moved on to the next topic: "So, let's discuss the most important matter of the day: who will maintain peace on Paradise Island while I'm away in London? The manor is not only a residence, but also an important place of defense."

Lieutenant Bates spoke first, his voice steady: "I don't mind staying behind at the manor. With Stone's familiarity with the manor's layout, we can ensure its basic defenses are secure."

Stone shifted in the depths of his armchair, his deep eyes looking at George, and said softly, "I will do my best, Your Excellency de la Porte."

George looked at the archdeacon, Inspector Douglas, and Baron Asgard.

After a period of quiet discussion, with Baron Asgard occasionally offering a few practical suggestions and the Inspector providing references from the perspective of official procedures, a preliminary plan gradually took shape.

Finally, George concluded, "Therefore, we should entrust Ms. Celsa, Inspector Douglas, and his granddaughter, Miss Kelly Moore, to remain at the manor under the guise of an 'outward assignment.'"

"The church will then transfer a reliable priest from a nearby parish to assist, which, together with Lieutenant Bates and Stone, will bring the total number of individuals capable of dealing with conventional supernatural threats to five guarding this place. This configuration will be sufficient."

Baron Asgard, who was also an extraordinary being and had taken on some local affairs, nodded in approval to the vice-bishop.

With the discussion concluded, George turned to the Archdeacon: "Your Excellency Archdeacon, would you do me the honor of staying for dinner? And you, Baron?"

The baron readily agreed, but the archdeacon shook his head.

The latter adjusted the cuffs of his robe: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency. But I have other matters to attend to."

"Before his departure, the apostle asked me to convey his greetings to the Delaport family." He paused, his gaze falling on George, "and his expectations for the new viscount."

George understood and turned to signal.

Elliott immediately stepped forward and handed over a small to medium-sized leather suitcase.

George accepted it and handed it to the archdeacon: "This is just a small token of my appreciation; I hope you will accept it."

The archdeacon took the leather case and opened it, revealing a dozen or so exquisite glass bottles neatly arranged inside, refracting a faint glow under the light.

His slightly drooping cheeks twitched, revealing a satisfied smile.

"The cooperation between the De La Porte family and the Church is indeed as virtuous as ever." He closed his suitcase and said gently, "May the Lord be with you, Your Excellency."

He then declined George's offer to see him off and calmly left the drawing room with the suitcase.

George then announced, "Gentlemen, you've had a long day. Please move to the restaurant for a light meal."

One by one, the crowd got up and filed out.

Inspector Douglas patted George on the shoulder in encouragement, and Baron Asgard, though not a man of many words, was clearly satisfied with the arrangement to stay.

Ms. Celsa did not leave with the others.

She remained standing there, elegant and composed, her gaze beneath the silver mask quietly fixed on George.

When the last person gently closed the door to the reception room, leaving only the two of them in the room, Ms. Celsa finally spoke.

"As you may have guessed, my being arranged to leave London was not entirely due to the task of investigating or witnessing the succession."

George raised an eyebrow slightly, but didn't reply; he just looked at her.

"Deep within London's inner court, some old stories have been unearthed by chance, involving some less-than-glorious history. And that history happens to be related, to varying degrees, to certain current officials."

Ms. Celsa spoke in a flat tone, as if she were giving an insignificant report.

"In order to temporarily quell the situation," I was assigned this mission to Paradise Island—a kind of "safe haven" far from the tsunami.

She shrugged. "Therefore, I will probably be stationed here for quite some time, serving as a permanent link between the Highgarden and Paradise Island Estate."

George listened quietly, unsurprised. He met her gaze, his tone calm and cautious.

"Based on our past friendship forged in battle, I welcome you on behalf of the family, Ms. Celsa. Your expertise and official background are certainly an asset to the manor."

He paused slightly, then added, "But I have one thing to remind you: I would like you to treat my surviving family members with kindness, as they have already endured so much."

Lady Celsa nodded slightly, a very soft sigh, or perhaps a smile, emanating from beneath her mask. "I assure you, Your Excellency, that I harbor no additional malice toward the body or spirit of any human being."

George nodded slightly.

"Please, dinner is getting cold." He turned to the side and gestured for them to proceed.