Steam Old Days: The Extraordinary Begins with a Corpse Collector

Chapter 24 The Porter Library

"Wait a minute, what are you doing here?"

The administrator realized something was wrong and quickly reached out to stop Lyndon from going in.

The administrator came out from behind the desk and pulled Lyndon outside again.

He stood in front of Lyndon, hands on his hips, like a wall blocking Lyndon's path.

"Answer me, what are you here for?"

The administrator sized up the young man in front of him.

Her hair was messy and black and curly. Her skin was whiter than a woman wearing makeup, but the whiteness lacked color and was an unhealthy white.

He was wearing a faded coat with wrinkled corners; only his shirt and leather shoes were presentable.

He didn't look like a rich person; he was dressed more like a worker.

"I don't remember my supervisor telling me that workers would be coming today. Is something broken here?" the manager asked suspiciously.

Lyndon said, "You'll have to ask your boss. I'm not here to work; I'm here to read."

As he spoke, Lyndon tried to bypass the librarian and walk into the library.

"Wait! Wait!"

The administrator grabbed Lyndon's hand again and pulled him out the door.

"You said you came here to read books?"

The administrator pointed at Lyndon and said incredulously.

He looked Lyndon over from beginning to end, finally settling his gaze on Lyndon's rough hands.

The administrator couldn't help but scoff, "How many words do you know before you dare come to Porto? These are all books by famous authors, books full of scholarly knowledge."

The administrator then turned and pointed to the gentlemen and ladies inside who were reading.

"See? Everyone sitting inside is educated. You're just a worker, don't bother going in and causing trouble. Just find a workers' newspaper or magazine and read some pamphlets. Let's go, let's go."

The administrator made a move to kick Lyndon out.

But Lyndon seemed rooted to the spot, and no matter how much the administrator pushed him, he didn't budge.

"Hey? If you don't leave now, I'm going to call for help!"

Seeing that he couldn't do anything to Lyndon by himself, the administrator began to threaten him, saying that if he didn't leave, he would call security to kick him out.

But Lyndon remained calm in the face of the administrator's threat. He slowly pointed to the huge statue at the library entrance and asked in return:

"Excuse me, who is the statue at the entrance?"

The administrator scoffed at the question, replying dismissively, "Even a three-year-old could answer that. What's engraved there is of course our wise and mighty His Majesty Augustus!"

Lyndon then pointed to his feet and asked, "So where am I standing now?"

"The Porte Library."

Gentlemen and ladies passing by were attracted by the commotion at the library entrance, and they stopped to watch with curious eyes.

The administrator also witnessed this scene and couldn't help but feel annoyed by Lyndon's behavior.

He is now eager to get rid of the people in order to maintain the image of the Porte Library as pure and elegant in the eyes of outsiders.

"Are you done asking your questions? If you are, then hurry up and leave! Don't block other people's way!"

As the administrator spoke, he pushed Lyndon aside and bowed to welcome the respectable people.

Lyndon, however, remained unhurried and asked the administrator a third question.

"Did His Majesty August say anything here before?"

Without a second thought, the librarian said, "His Majesty said that anyone who is a citizen of this country can enter the Bolport Library. You don't even know that? That's really..."

But before he could finish speaking, Linden interrupted him, saying, "So you intend to openly defy His Majesty's decree? Or do you have some objection to His Majesty's order?"

"???"

The administrator suddenly felt something being placed on his head.

In a country where monarchy reigns supreme, Lyndon's words were a significant accusation.

He quickly denied it, saying, "No, no, I mean, this place is for rich people, not..."

"You mean, apart from the wealthy, none of us can be considered citizens of this country, nor are we subjects of the king?"

"I...you..."

The administrator was speechless.

Taking advantage of this, Lyndon pressed on, repeatedly asking, "Since you don't consider us citizens of this country, does that mean you don't consider the place we live to be part of the United Kingdom's territory? Then how large do you think the United Kingdom's territory is?"

"Or are you trying to oppose something? What are you trying to express? Hmm?"

As more and more hats were being put on his head and more and more people were gathering at the entrance, the administrator could no longer withstand the pressure. He had no choice but to pull Lyndon into the library and then quickly register him.

"Alright, alright, stop talking! I'll let you in, okay?"

The administrator urged Lyndon to leave quickly. He touched his neck and muttered to himself, "After chatting with you for a while, why does my neck feel so cold?"

Lyndon watched as the administrator wrote his name on the registration form and smiled smugly.

You little punk, trying to mess with me!

At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "The old-fashioned playing style is still effective!"

The administrator told Lyndon that he could freely enter and look around the first and second floors.

The third and fourth floors house collections of potion-making, species science, etheric theory, and ancient magical texts passed down through the ages.

Those books are off-limits to ordinary people; only those who study related mysticism can enter and read them during designated times, and it is strictly forbidden to take them out.

As for the fifth floor, that's a forbidden area in the entire library.

Lyndon did not stay on the first floor, but went straight to the second floor.

The second floor has more books than the first floor.

He wandered alone among the bookshelves.

The tall bookshelves blocked most of the light, making Lyndon feel dim and oppressed as he walked through them.

He casually picked up a book about ancient languages and pretended to read it.

But in fact, he was constantly observing his surroundings out of the corner of his eye.

Linden followed closely behind, holding the book, and slowly approached the third floor where no one else noticed.

There was also a manager sitting there.

A cup of strong tea sat before him, steam still rising from its surface.

The building manager on the third floor was reading a newspaper with great interest.

Upon hearing footsteps, he cautiously put down the newspaper in his hand and immediately fixed his gaze on Lyndon, who was trying to go up to him.

The third-floor supervisor shouted sternly, "What are you doing? Ordinary people aren't allowed in here! Do you have a pass?"

Lyndon stepped forward, smiling ingratiatingly, and said in a humble tone, "I'm sorry, this is my first time here, I don't know the rules, please forgive me."

"Get out of here! Or you'll regret it!"

The administrator raised his fist as he spoke, his expression turning fierce.

Upon seeing this, Linden hurriedly ran downstairs.

Watching Lyndon's frantic retreating figure, the third-floor manager couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, hahaha!"

The administrator chuckled to himself as he reached up and scratched his neck.

He had his eyes closed, as if he were having a beautiful dream.

Lyndon, who had fled in a disheveled state, stood in front of him, quietly watching the administrator.

Sweet dreams.

Lyndon murmured softly.

He looked around and, seeing that no one was around, began to fiddle with the sleeping caretaker.

Lyndon spread out the newspaper and had the caretaker hold it, using it to cover his sleeping face.

Only then did he feel relieved enough to go up to the third floor.

The third floor doesn't have as many books as the first and second floors, and there aren't many people there, making it feel quiet and deserted.

Lyndon's footsteps sounded amplified several times over here.

He wandered among the bookshelves, searching for the book he wanted.

However, most of the books listed above are about potions or exotic creatures.

After searching for a while, he finally found an ancient book called "Essentials of Alchemy" on the fourth floor.

This book is made of parchment.

The text inside has become blurred over time and can only be barely discerned.

Lyndon squatted on the ground, reading the contents of the book.

The very first chapter describes the core doctrines of the alchemy school.

They believed that all matter and energy in the world originated from the embryo of the Mother of All Things, which is chaos.

The reason why all things are different is simply because the five great gods later decomposed and merged the chaos again, but its essence remains unchanged.

Therefore, to gain greater power, one does not need to worship other gods; one only needs to find the laws governing all things and then reconstruct them.

Alchemists believe that the closer a life form is to chaos, the closer it is to the legendary gods.

Lyndon flipped through the ancient book in his hands. As he looked at the obscure and crazy contents, his breathing became rapid.

With just a few strokes, the ideas it conveys are so shocking.

Lyndon's gaze was completely drawn to the taboo illustrations in the book.

Twisted and horrifying limbs, detailed depictions of alien organs, and chilling experimental records.

"Inconceivable...inconceivable..."

Lyndon exclaimed sincerely.

Suddenly, Lyndon's fingers paused.

He turned a few pages, and the expression in his eyes gradually turned melancholy.

This is because much of the content that followed was deliberately covered up with ink.

It seems they don't want others to know what's on it.

Just as Lyndon was expressing his deep regret, a strange name in the book caught his attention.

"Asa, Merasos."

The name is very old, but what really puzzled Lyndon was the annotation preceding it.

Old Gods.

Could this be the name of a god?

Lyndon had some knowledge of the country's religious beliefs.

He had indeed never heard of any of the names associated with it.

"Perhaps gods from other countries were recorded on it."

Lyndon made this guess in his mind.

However, this chapter was smeared so much that, apart from a few words, the rest looked like it had been splattered with ink.

If it really is just a god from another country, is it necessary to do this?

Linden stared at the ancient book in front of him and suddenly felt a cool breeze on his back.

He got goosebumps all over.

For some reason, Lyndon suddenly had the feeling that someone was watching him from the shadows.

"There are still too few books about alchemy on the third and fourth floors. Could they be on the fifth floor?"

Lyndon closed the book and put it back in its place.

He walked up the stairs leading to the fifth floor and looked up.

There were no guards there, only a heavy iron gate.

The iron gate was engraved with marks that Lyndon couldn't understand, like some kind of eerie language.

I've heard from others that most of the evil scriptures still existing in the world are sealed on the fifth floor.

Only three types of people can enter the fifth floor.

The archbishop of the Church, the king, and those authorized by the king and the archbishop.

Lyndon felt he would never be able to enter that place in his lifetime.

He stood there for a while, then turned and went downstairs.

The building manager on the third floor was still fast asleep, but the newspaper in his hand had fallen to the ground.

Lyndon picked up the newspaper, folded it, and placed it on the table.

After walking downstairs, Lyndon snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, the administrator yawned. He opened his sleepy eyes, looked around, and then picked up the newspaper to read again.

"You won't lend any books at all?"

Linden walked to the library entrance with his hands empty.

Seeing this, the administrator couldn't help but complain, "He talked a lot of nonsense to get me in, but now that I'm finally in, he won't lend me anything."

Upon hearing this, Linden smiled and moved closer to the gatekeeper, about to say something.

"No!" The administrator was startled and covered Lyndon's mouth with his hand. "Don't say anything. I was the one who said too much. If you say another word, I think you'll drive me crazy. Let's go!"

Lyndon, who had been kicked out of the library by the librarian, stood on the bustling street, looking utterly lost.

He stretched out his hand and stood there quietly.

Soon a simply decorated carriage stopped in front of Lyndon.

The coachman removed his hat in greeting and asked Lyndon where he was going.

Lyndon said, "Go to 17 Rose Street, the Phoenix house."

The coachman helped Lin into the carriage.

With a flick of the whip, the wheels rolled on.

The twilight in the foggy city was tinged with a rusty, dark red.

The carriage stopped beside the familiar wrought iron gate.

Lyndon told the coachman to wait where he was, and that he would find someone and be back in a little while.

The stableman said that if you don't come out, he will never leave this place.

Lyndon got out of the car, walked through the iron gate, and rang the doorbell.

Anne, the maid, opened the door for Lyndon.

When she saw it was Lyndon, her mouth gaped open wide enough to fit an egg.

"Mr. Lyndon, what brings you here?"

"I would like to see your Miss Emily. Could you please pass on my message?"

Lyndon's voice was calm, and his expression was peaceful.

"Okay, please come in."

Anne stepped aside, gesturing for Lyndon to sit on the sofa in the living room for a while.

I'll go and inform the young lady right away.

Upstairs, Emily was sitting in the study that once belonged to Wendell, reading those complex economic works.

Meanwhile, her adoptive mother, Mrs. Holly, was sitting in a rocking chair nearby, knitting.

"Emily, if you're tired of watching, take a break. I'll have Annie heat up some milk for you."

Mrs. Holly looked at Emily's worried face and said with heartache.

"No, Mom. I haven't finished my homework yet."

Emily patted her delicate little face, trying to cheer herself up.

Uncle Carlisle is putting more and more pressure on himself.

Emily's only way to protect herself and Holly's mother is to try studying finance and build up her strength to fight against Uncle Carlisle.

Although it's a far-fetched idea, it's the only option available.

Just as Emily was refocusing on her book, Anne rushed in.

"Miss, Madam, Mr. Lyndon has arrived."

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise and delight immediately appeared on the faces of the mother and daughter.

"Lyndon's here? Quickly, invite him to the study!"

Emily stood up from the chair and straightened her dress.

A short while later, Anne brought Lyndon to the study.

"Emily, madam."

Lyndon greeted the two men in turn.

"Linden, don't be shy, please have a seat."

Emily quickly gestured for Lyndon to sit down.

"Yes, Mr. Lyndon, please have a seat."

Mrs. Holly also put down her needlework and looked at Lyndon with a kind expression.

"No, I'll leave in a bit. I'm here today to ask you for a favor," Linden said, standing there.

"All right."

Emily and Mrs. Holly exchanged a glance; they both sensed that Lyndon's mood was off.

"What can I do to help you with? I'll do my best to help you with anything I can."

"I would like to ask you to help me investigate a man named Hornby, who once received funding from the Phoenix family."

Lyndon spoke calmly.

"Alright, but it will take some time, because I don't really have a say in many family matters."

Emily sat back down in her chair, lifting her skirt to reveal a pair of fair feet clad in casual indoor shoes.

Have you been studying finance lately?

Lyndon noticed the books on the table.

"That's right, Uncle Carlisle still wants to get rid of us, but it seems that after what you did to him last time, he doesn't dare to cause trouble again. But now he's deliberately suppressing some of the small companies my father left me, trying to bankrupt us."

Emily said dejectedly.

Lyndon was powerless to do anything about it, as he knew nothing about finance.

But seeing Emily's dejected look, Lyndon said, "The main reason is that you don't have your own team."

"What should I do then?"

Lyndon thought for a moment and said, "How about this, you help me investigate Hornby, and I'll find you some helpers who have researched finance?"

Emily's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this.

"Really? That's wonderful!"

Emily was so excited she almost jumped up. If Holly's mother hadn't been there, she would have loved to give Lyndon a bear hug.

Lyndon simply smiled faintly at this.

"Then it's settled. If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

With that, Lyndon turned to leave.

"Hey! Lyndon, aren't you staying for dinner?"