Note 3: Marshal Gilles de Rais, the number one devotee of Saint Joan of Arc, the notorious boy killer (I won't go into his specific deeds; Fate players should be familiar with him).
Thanks to readers "Kong", "Raising a Feifei-ing.", "Gu Lu Gu Lu", "Hua Guan", "..", "Blueberry Lamb", "Yuan Zhong Ren De Yi Yu Zhong Li", "a", "Li Yu", "Shi Yi", "moonlit", "_Lan Wu_", "Ri Yue Tao San Huan", Irrigation Nutrient Solution
Chapter 21 Gabriel and Gargoyle (8)
Benjamin's figure vanished into the darkness, while Wood sat on the sofa, staring blankly in silence.
Master walked up to his side and patted his shoulder: "You believe what he said?"
I don't know..
Wood said in a low voice, "But I don't think he has any reason to lie to me, and.. and.."
And what?
I like Benjamin and Arthur. When I see them, I feel a sense of familiarity in my heart, as if..
(It's as if I once had such lovely, innocent children surrounding me as well..)
Wood sullenly covered his cheek, not daring to speak his true thoughts aloud.
Do they vaguely remind you of the past?
Yeah.
Wood lowered his head, his voice somewhat muffled.
But he—
I know, I know that Benjamin and Arthur have nothing to do with me, I know.. I..
Wood's voice grew fainter and fainter, as if he might sink to the bottom of the water at any moment.
Don't be sad, I will stay with you and find the truth together.
But—
Wood looked up, staring at Master in surprise. "I am just one of your collections, am I not? Although I am a rare piece, I am not irreplaceable, I am foolish.. ignorant. I like to pretend to be a great hero out there by borrowing your power. Before long, you will grow tired of my stupidity and vanity, seek out a more beautiful and intelligent collection that is more suitable for you.."
Do you really think you are ordinary?
Do I have something special about me?
Wood retorted, "My looks are indeed a bit better than most, but in the eyes of someone of your status, Boss, beauty has never been a rare commodity.. You could have collections that are much more beautiful and well-behaved than me at any time.."
“I only need you.”
Master whispered, his fingers lightly brushing against his earlobe: "If all I wanted was beauty, given my status, I could indeed replace my playthings of different genders and appearances at any time. But—more than outward beauty, I prefer your unique soul."
A unique soul?
Wood was puzzled: "My soul is unique?"
Of course.
A scalding hand covered the back of his hand, accompanied by equally scalding words: "Only a specific, chosen individual can receive my power and transform this power into their own.. There exists a natural compatibility and inclusion between you and me.. Do you understand? Without you, I would have to face an incredibly long loneliness and a search.. To me, you are a very, very special existence.."
I.. I don't believe it..
Wood instinctively shrank back.
When talking with Louis and Peterson, he could boastfully claim that the Boss loved him and that was why he was so special to him, but when he faced Master's god-like, perfect face and body, a sudden and intense sense of unease and inferiority surged from deep within his heart.
(Someone like me.. someone like this..)
What are you thinking about?
I..
Wood looked up, meeting Master's sculpted, perfect face. His mind drifted for a moment as he couldn't help but tell himself: even if his feelings for you were nothing more than a joke or a game, at least in this moment, you truly have him! And he truly has only you in his eyes!
—I am deciding whether or not to get in touch with the Montbanes Family to persuade them to abandon their wicked idea of sacrificing Arthur.
Have you made up your mind?
"Have you made up your mind?" Master asked in a soft, gentle voice, as if he had doubts about his decision.
Wood nodded firmly.
Since you have already made up your mind—tomorrow, I will visit the Montbanes Family with you.
..
..
The Montbanes Family owns multiple properties in New York, their most frequently used residence is the Montbanes Manor located in the suburbs.
Passing through the carved iron gates, the vehicle was greeted by a five-hundred-meter straight road, flanked on both sides by standard French gardens, with a standard sculptural fountain standing at the end of the road.
Having received the visitation letter early, the Montbanes V couple stood smiling in front of the mansion.
The car door opened, Master stepped out, the Montbanes V couple immediately stepped forward—
Mister Master—it is an honor to meet you.
It is my honor that you could make time in your busy schedule to meet with me.
Master spoke coldly, shaking hands politely with Montbanes V and his wife.
The couple, however, was full of anticipation for Master's arrival; despite his cold attitude, their smiles remained warm and sycophantic: ".. Mister Master, why did the noble and busy you suddenly decide to visit us?"
I heard that you recently acquired something very special.
Master looked at the two of them with a faint, knowing smile: "I have a profound interest in all things ancient and special."
This..
Obvious unease flashed across the faces of The Couple.
Then—
Mister Master, let's go inside first.
Alright.
Master nodded, gesturing for Wood to follow.
The Couple looked at Wood in surprise: "Mister Master, this handsome young man is—"
My Personal Life Assistant.
Personal Life Assistant?
Mrs. Montbanes repeated it, a flattering smile appearing at the corners of his mouth: "Mister Assistant, how should we address you?"
My name is Wood.
Mister Wood—
Mrs. Montbanes reached out his hand.
Wood politely took his hand: "Hello, Madam."
“You are very beautiful and your manners are quite polite; you truly live up to your reputation as Mister Master's Personal Life Assistant.”
Mrs. Montbanes's voice was slightly subtle.
Wood subconsciously looked toward Master.
Master said nothing and led Wood into the manor.
..
The Montbanes Family estate maintained the decor style of a century ago, every corner resplendent and exquisitely luxurious. What shocked Wood in particular was that most of the ancient decorations casually placed throughout the hall were actual antiques, even genuine foreign relics!
(So luxurious! So incredibly wealthy! This hall is practically a miniature museum!)
Wood sighed inwardly and sat on the sofa with Master.
An elegantly dressed manservant immediately stepped forward: "Would the guest like coffee or—"
A cup of coffee and a cola.
Master instructed in a gentle manner.
Please wait a moment.
The male servant stepped aside.
Mrs. Montbanes personally held a wooden box and walked up to Master White. "Is this the reason Mister Master came to visit us, the Couple?"
Oh?
Master raised his hand and opened the wooden box—inside lay a dark Obsidian Knife, its surface covered in grind marks, with what appeared to be bloodstains remaining on parts of the blade. The blade was less than ten centimeters in length.
This Obsidian Knife was obtained through private channels last month. A smuggler said the stone knife comes from an ancient ruin in Turkey that is at least three thousand years old—when it was unearthed, the surface of the stone knife was wrapped in two layers of completely dried and waxed human skin, the surface of the skin was inscribed with cuneiform. Archaeologists believe this stone knife can be traced back five thousand years!
An Obsidian Knife from five thousand years ago?
Master reached out, putting on the transparent silicone gloves placed beside the wooden box, stroked the Obsidian Knife, whispering softly, "This is a sacrificial tool from a long, long time ago. I can feel its antiquity.. It was originally an ordinary knife, but it became a Holy Relic after being stained with sacred blood, was placed upon an altar to be worshipped from then on.. Later, the city fell, the believers were slaughtered, the priests wrapped it layer upon layer in human skin inscribed with scriptures of blessings and curses, hiding it away in the darkness, until an archaeological discovery three thousand years later.."
You mean—this is a distinguished dagger, a true mystical object?
Of course.
Master gripped the Obsidian Knife: "Obsidian was the most commonly used weapon material for humanity before the emergence of bronze and iron weapons. Even in modern society, it has extremely widespread applications—its sharpness surpasses a standard surgical scalpel, its blade thickness can reach an astonishing three nanometers, this Obsidian Knife.. its blade once became stained with the most sacred blood of that era; it is a worthy Holy Relic.."
A Holy Relic?
The breathing of Montbanes V and his spouse grew inexplicably rapid: "Then, then, then if.."
I want to buy this knife.
Master interrupted the middle-aged couple and spoke directly, "Name your price!"
Th-this..
You don't want to sell? Or you just can't think of a price?
W-we..
Montbanes V and Wife looked at each other, gathering their courage. "We do not wish to sell this Obsidian Knife."
Why? I can give you a price you won't be able to refuse!