Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 65 The Manor in the Snow

The carriage traveled for about forty-five minutes through the swirling snow, gradually leaving behind the bustling city lights and entering the northern suburbs.

The road began to climb, and the wheels rolled over the snow.

Through the car window, you can see that the trees on both sides of the road are gradually becoming taller and sparser.

About fifteen minutes later, the carriage turned onto a road that was clearly well-maintained. At intervals along both sides stood quaint gas lamps, casting a dim yellow glow in the snow.

The terrain rose higher and higher, and the wind and snow became stronger and stronger.

Finally, the carriage came to a slow stop in front of a tall, ornate cast-iron gate.

Tall stone walls, thick with snow, stretched into the darkness on either side of the gate. Above the lintel, a simple family crest shone in the light.

It is shield-shaped, with an ancient sailing ship in the center and wave patterns below.

Two security guards, dressed in thick uniforms and with snowflakes falling on their shoulders, stepped forward to inspect the items.

The driver handed over the invitation, and after the gatekeeper carefully checked it, he bowed slightly toward the carriage and then signaled to his companion to open the gate.

The heavy iron gate slid silently inward through the snow.

The carriage started again and drove into the manor.

The roads within the estate are wider and smoother, flanked by snow-covered gardens and lawns, with the outlines of several outbuildings visible in the distance.

After driving for about two or three minutes, a magnificent gray-white stone building appeared at the end of the road.

The main building of Viscount Linus Fairfax's manor.

Even in the snowy night, it still reveals a scale and imposing presence that cannot be ignored.

The building is in the Victorian style, with simple and solemn lines. It is three stories high and has many windows that let in warm and bright light.

The building's facade features wide steps leading to tall oak double doors, where several carriages that had arrived earlier were already parked.

More servants were busy.

Someone directed the carriages to stop, while others opened huge black umbrellas to shield the disembarking guests from the wind and snow. Everything was orderly and quiet, demonstrating a high level of training and the host's meticulousness.

"We've arrived," Green whispered.

Guided by servants, the carriage came to a steady stop on one side of the porch.

The driver jumped off the rickshaw and put down the pedals.

Green got out of the car first and stepped onto the stone slabs that had been swept but were still thinly covered with snow.

A cold wind immediately swept in, carrying snowflakes. He instinctively tightened his collar, then turned around and reached his hand into the carriage.

A hand wearing a long white lace glove, trembling slightly, was placed in his palm.

Anaïs leaned out of the carriage and, with Green's help, carefully stepped onto the ground.

The hem of her light gold dress fluttered gently in the cold wind, and her hood slipped down, revealing her carefully styled hair and the sapphire around her neck.

A servant immediately stepped forward with a large umbrella to shield them from the wind and snow.

Green gently placed Anaïs's hand on his arm and whispered, "Relax, be natural, don't be afraid."

Anaïs nodded slightly in response, took a deep breath, and straightened her back.

The two stepped onto the wide steps.

At that moment, the oak door opened inward, and warm, bright light, faint sounds of laughter, and the aromas of food, perfume, and burning firewood rushed out.

Inside the door was the brightly lit, elegantly dressed, and bustling banquet hall's foyer.

A middle-aged butler, dressed in a black tuxedo and with his hair neatly combed, came forward with a smile.

"Good evening, sir/madam. Please show me your invitation."

Green took out the two invitations from his pocket and handed them over to the "Special Assistance Personnel of Silver Sail Service Company".

The butler took it, glanced at it quickly, his gaze lingering briefly on Green and Anaïs, and bowed slightly.

"Welcome. Please follow me. The charity night is about to begin, and His Excellency the Viscount will soon give a speech."

The butler handed the invitation back to the waiter beside him for registration, then stepped aside to lead the way.

The foyer was spacious and luxurious, with a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. Large oil paintings, mostly family portraits, adorned the walls.

The guests gathered in twos and threes to chat.

Most of the men wore dark suits, while the women were like butterflies in colorful dresses, with materials such as silk, velvet, and lace shining even brighter under the lights.

The air was filled with the aroma of high-end perfumes and cigar tobacco.

Green's gaze swept quickly across the entire court.

Although he didn't recognize most of the people, he did see a few familiar faces. Several senior port officials were chatting and laughing in hushed tones, including Henry. But Uncle Victor was nowhere to be seen; he probably hadn't arrived yet.

Henry nodded slightly in greeting when he saw him, and Green smiled and nodded in return.

Here, Henry doesn't need to be so respectful to him. If someone discovers the problem between the two, it won't do Green any good. Right now, he actually thinks it's not so bad.

The two maintained a certain level of understanding.

The front hall was filled with middle-aged or young people; I didn't see the "old guy" Lillian had mentioned. They were probably in the inner hall, or perhaps they hadn't arrived yet.

Anaïs held his arm tightly, glancing at Green from time to time. When their eyes met, they smiled slightly.

It must be said that Anaïs, dressed in this elegant gown, was in no way inferior to those noble ladies. She even paused for a moment, which made her cheeks blush instantly.

The butler led them to the entrance of the banquet hall.

It's more open here.

A huge banquet hall, large enough to accommodate hundreds of people, came into view.

The long dining table was covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth, and the silver cutlery and crystal glasses glittered under the lights. At the far end of the hall was a slightly raised platform, upon which sat a lectern and several chairs prepared for important figures.

Guests are arriving one after another, with waiters carrying trays full of champagne moving among them.

"Please make yourselves at home. The banquet will officially begin in fifteen minutes, and His Excellency's speech is scheduled for eight o'clock sharp."

The butler bowed slightly, then quietly withdrew to greet the next group of guests.

Green led Anaïs to a less crowded area on one side, near a tall arched window.

Outside the window, the night was pitch black and snow was falling heavily; inside, it was a warm, bright world filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

"Would you like something to drink?" Green took two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter's tray and handed one to Anaïs.

Anaïs accepted it and thanked her quietly.

She took a small sip, and the bubbles burst on her tongue, carrying a slightly sour and fruity aroma.

As the two were talking in hushed tones, Green caught a glimpse of a man and a woman walking toward them out of the corner of his eye.

He subconsciously looked up and then paused slightly in surprise.

He recognized the man; he was Olivier of the Night's Watch.

He was dressed in a slightly old-fashioned dark suit, his expression serious, and a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes when they met Green's.

Olivier seemed puzzled as to why Green was there.

Green nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze sweeping over the woman beside him.

She was very beautiful, dignified and elegant, wearing an ivory white evening gown with a minimalist cut that fit her perfectly. There were no superfluous decorations; the smooth lines and high-quality fabric alone were enough to outline her elegant figure.

Her long, golden hair was styled into a loose yet elegant bun at the back of her head, with a few stray strands cascading lazily down her neck.

With delicate features and fair skin, she exudes a calm yet aloof aura.

Her composed and dignified demeanor contrasted sharply with the charming or glamorous noble ladies around her. It was also unlike Anaïs's carefully maintained elegance.

Olivier and the lady stopped in front of Green and his companion.

"Good evening, Mr. Morris." Olivier nodded slightly, his tone flat, but Green could hear the question in his voice.

Clearly, Olivier hadn't expected to see Green again here, in this way.

"Good evening, Mr. Olivier," Green replied politely.

Olivier turned his gaze to Anaïs, his expression questioning.

"This is Miss Anaïs Violet, my colleague," Green introduced.

Anaïs quickly curtsied slightly, "Good evening, sir."

Olivier nodded in greeting, then stepped aside to introduce the lady beside him: "This is...."

"We've met before," the woman in white suddenly said.

She stepped forward, her blue eyes fixed on Green, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Green was stunned.

Have you seen it?

He quickly began searching his memory; such striking looks and bearing—if he had seen her before, he shouldn't have forgotten. But he was certain he had never met this woman.

"Excuse me, ma'am, I..." Green hesitated.

The lady gracefully extended her hand; it was a hand wearing a white lace glove, with long, slender, and fair fingers.

"Good evening, Mr. Green Morris," she said with a smile, calling him by his name precisely.

Green instinctively reached out and gently shook her hand.

However, the woman's next words left him completely frozen in place.

"I am Clarice Astraea. It's nice to see you again."