OBS Chapter 3950 Mr. Finch
Chapter 3950 Mr. Finch
Chapter 3950 Mr. Finch
"Cousin?"
Shad thought of the excuse Bella had used last year in Moon Bay, but Viggo shook her head:
“That won’t do. As I said, our family has a small population because of a hereditary blood disease. It would be very suspicious if a relative suddenly appeared. As for my mother’s side of the family, no relatives have appeared for many years. If you were a relative of my mother’s side, it would also be very suspicious.”
She came up with an impeccable excuse:
"However, I'm not the kind of girl who would take advantage of such an opportunity to verbally gain an advantage. So, you are my pen pal, and you also have some business dealings with my family. You run a wine business in Willendale. You recently wanted to buy property locally, which is why you approached Mr. Leber, and therefore you need to obtain three books."
This identity is suitable, Xia De nodded:
"No problem. But then, should I continue to call you by your first name later?"
"Of course, otherwise it wouldn't show that we have a good relationship. If we didn't have a good relationship, why would I personally accompany you here even though I'm sick?"
The silent maid following behind felt that her mistress's methods were incredibly clever. Before this, no man had ever been allowed to address her by her name directly.
Shad and the witch arrived at the conversation room at 1:55, where Professor Thorne and his friends were already waiting.
Professor Thorne's friend was also an elderly gentleman with a white beard, who introduced himself as "Mr. Finch." He was robust but not very tall. Judging from his demeanor, he was likely a scholar or inventor working at a university or research institute.
Both elderly gentlemen were locals and naturally knew Viggo Astley's identity. They were quite surprised that she had actually come in person, and the subsequent discussion between Shad and Professor Thorne regarding the trade of the 1688 edition of "Illustrated Guide to Rare Plants of the Southern Continent" proceeded without any problems.
Viggo had prepared two transaction options in advance: one was to buy directly with money, and the other was to exchange other valuable books. Professor Thorne chose the latter, so perhaps his financial situation wasn't as bad as outsiders imagined.
The meeting was short, and both sides were pleased to have achieved their goals. Viggo had initially thought it would take at least an hour, but in less than half an hour, Shad and Professor Thorne had resolved everything.
After learning that Shad wanted the encyclopedia because of the "Blue Ink Library," Professor Thorne, who knew the story of that library, kindly reminded Shad that Baron Ramsey, the city's deputy mayor who possessed the original design manuscript of the Mark I steam engine, was not an easy person to talk to.
"He considers that original design manuscript his most precious possession and has repeatedly told his collector friends that he wants to pass it down as a family heirloom. Although you have Miss Astley's help, I don't think Baron Ramsay will easily give in."
Two of the three manuscripts had already been successfully obtained, and Xia De was mentally prepared for the trouble that would follow. After all, things couldn't always go smoothly for him.
"But I should give it a try anyway, and maybe Baron Ramsay and I will get along very well."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the maid handed Professor Thorne the briefcase containing the precious manuscript. Professor Thorne then took Shad to the office area at the front desk of the Candleburg Library to complete the handover procedures for the 1688 edition of "Illustrated Guide to Rare Plants of Southern Continent".
The handover procedures were handled personally by the library director, a middle-aged man who appeared shrewd, but was just an ordinary person.
Because the plant illustrations in the book were drawn with reference to the size of real plants, and even the trees were only scaled down to a certain extent, the book was really as big as a door panel.
Professor Thorne's friend, the elderly Mr. Finch, seemed to be quite prestigious in the Candlehold Library. He exchanged a few words with the librarian and then arranged for the book to be delivered directly to Finch's Residence. Shad expressed his gratitude for this and, after the transaction was completed, invited the eleventh-ring gentleman to have a private chat.
"Vige, could you wait for me in the library lounge? If you're not feeling well, you can go back first, and Mr. Havel Finch will have a few more words with me."
"My maid and I will wait for you in the lounge."
Viggo said without asking Shad what he was doing. As for Professor Thorne, he had already taken the old manuscript he had acquired in the transaction to the reading room, seemingly eager to take a look.
Shad and Mr. Finch returned to the room where they had started their conversation. After making sure the door was closed, Shad raised his hand and summoned starlight, drawing the emblem of the Order of the Light between them. He then introduced himself:
“John Watson—introduced by old John from Tobesko.”
As he spoke, he took out the letter of introduction that Old John had written that morning. Old John knew that Shad could run around freely, so the letter of introduction was not dated.
“Mr. Finch, I originally planned to visit you at the ‘Finch Gear Workshop’ in the outer city, but I never expected to run into you here.”
The real identity of this old man, Mr. Finch, is a factory owner and inventor in the outer city. Old John did not say more details, but it seems that his true identity is not that simple.
The old man from the eleventh ring then took the letter from old John, read it carefully, and then looked curiously at Shad:
“Although John and I don’t see each other often, we were very close when we were young. Young man, what did you do to make him willing to help you like this? In his letter, he practically gave you titles like ‘Outstanding Youth of the Times.’ How much money did John take from you?”
"This deal is free."
As Shad said this, Mr. Finch clicked his tongue in amazement, folded the letter carefully, and put it away:
"If it's free, then I'll have to increase your importance in his eyes. Good afternoon, young man, welcome to Arcadia City."
He said, "You're our friend, and it seems you've been a great help to our business. So I won't pry into your privacy any further; since John has asked, I'll help you."
"Thank you very much, but does this mean the Secret Order is also a member of the Candlecastle Society?"
Shad confirmed this, and Mr. Finch replied:
"Of course, the Secret Order is actually one of the founding members of the Candlehold Society. We have always been committed to collecting and preserving the achievements of civilization, and books are the most important carriers of civilization. Although we no longer hold a dominant position in the Candlehold Society, our influence on the Candlehold Library is much greater than that of the Astley family—even though the Astley family is a branch of the Delineor royal family."
"Ok?"
Shad raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask any further questions. The Kingdom of Delinor had long since perished, and even descendants of the former royal family held little value in this day and age.
“When I was in Tobesk, I was introduced to several ordinary scholars of the Hermitage by old John. Professor Thorne, who has been collecting seeds in recent years, could it be that I did not intend to pry into his secrets?”
Mr. Finch, sitting across the table, shook his head:
“It’s alright. Old John said you know a lot about the organization. I admit Thorne is indeed one of us, responsible for collecting plant seeds. Alright, young man, let’s get back to business. What do you want from me?”
Xia De stopped rambling:
“I want to get some [active metals], Old John said you might have some.”
"That's it"
The old gentleman thought for a while:
"This is indeed a difficult problem, neither too big nor too small. I can't give you an answer right now."
Here's what you'll do: if you have time recently, you can go directly to Finch Gear Workshop in the outer city to find me. If I'm not there, go to 'Miracle Tower' in the upper city. The latter is a shop and exhibition hall that specializes in selling all sorts of useless but expensive mechanical equipment to nobles.
If wealthy and time-rich nobles don't indulge in bad habits, they can only make their dull lives more interesting by trying new things.
If you need anything else during your stay, feel free to contact me; I'd be happy to help. And of course, tell me about John sometime; he's been in charge of a major project for the monastery in Tobeskoye for the past few years. I wonder how he's doing.”
Shade nodded in agreement, shook hands with Mr. Finch, and then they parted ways. He figured that since he would likely be active in the area for a long time, it would be good to strengthen his relationship with such a local figure.
After he met up with Vigo, on the carriage ride back, Vigo and Shad talked about the identity of Mr. Finch:
“At first I didn’t recognize him. Havel Finch is a very famous inventor in this area. Although his official title is just factory owner, he has a very high reputation among inventors. A few years ago, there were even rumors that the Royal Academy of Sciences of Carsonrick was going to give him a special appointment letter. You know him, right?”
Xia De did not casually reveal other people's privacy:
"I was introduced to him by a friend from out of town. The old gentleman had something I needed."
"So he's a ring sorcerer? In that case, he must be Professor Thorne's friend at the Candlehold Society?"
Wei Ge immediately guessed everything. Seeing Xia De blink, she smiled and said:
"Don't worry, cough cough, I'll just pretend I don't know anything. I just feel that even if you don't know me, it won't be long before you make a name for yourself in this city of scholars."
"For someone like me, reputation is the least valuable thing. I've got two of the three manuscripts, and I'll be able to meet Baron Ramsay at the banquet tomorrow night. Things are going even better than I expected."
Shad smiled, and the witch secretly watched:
"The Baron is indeed not an easy person to talk to, but since you want that manuscript, I will definitely help you."
"Actually, there's no need to take it too seriously. After all, I already have a lot to do locally. Let's take it one step at a time. I might end up spending the entire spring of 1855 in this city."
Vigo Astley tried hard not to laugh.