Chapter 884: Chapter 882: The Real Holiday
The other side.
Richard returned to Blue Lake Estate.
Unlike the urgency of his departure, Richard chose not to cast a spell to hurry back, instead opting for a more comfortable carriage ride.
During the carriage ride, he had time to reflect on the entire inquiry meeting.
To be honest, the meeting was simpler than he expected, leaving many of his preparations unused.
This was a good thing, as it saved him considerable effort.
However, there were some regrets, as his prepared materials never got the chance to be used, reducing his time to present and leaving several loopholes unaddressed.
Viewed by some, doubts were inevitable. Who knows when they might bring it up again for questioning, making him go through the process again?
But to speak objectively, the inquiry meeting went quite well.
Because the one raising issues was Cheka—a headquarters inspector, naturally conflicting with the local division.
This led to a bias from the Truth Society’s division, favoring him and reducing the difficulty.
To some surprise, Cheka actually died on the spot.
He’s not sure if it was due to Cheka’s own health or some external intervention.
Indeed, this inquiry meeting wasn’t as simple as it appeared.
Richard sighed internally.
After sighing, his thoughts were clear.
Perhaps there were unknown complexities, but they didn’t concern him for now. After passing the meeting, he’s in a secure status for a while, allowing him to fully commit to nuclear weapon research and manufacturing, advancing progress.
As for what happens afterward, that’s not his concern.
By then, his nuclear weapon research and manufacturing plan might be complete, so even if the Truth Society unveils everything, turns against him, and targets him intensely, it won’t matter.
After all, since joining the Truth Society, he was ready to part ways with them.
If it comes to that, he can reason it out.
Yes, persuade the Truth Society with truth.
Sitting in the carriage, Richard thought these things and closed his eyes for a rest.
“Creak creak…”
The carriage, pulled by four strong black horses, traveled away from Delan, heading to Jialan City.
…
“Creak creak…”
In the afternoon of the new day, the carriage entered Blue Lake Estate, and Richard finally returned from Delan.
Paying the fare, he sent away the carriage and sat in the study of the stone building within the estate.
The butler, Jia Lie, thoughtfully brought him a cup of hot tea.
Richard sipped the tea, feeling the warm liquid flow down his throat, making him much more comfortable.
Exhaling deeply, he already decided on the upcoming tasks. After glancing towards Jia Lie, he asked, “How’s the estate lately?” making final arrangements to fully dedicate himself to his busy schedule.
Jia Lie, wearing a half-new gray cotton coat, waited by his side. Compared to when he first met Richard, he had gained some weight and looked much more spirited. With lively eyes, upon hearing Richard’s question, he immediately replied, “Master, lately everything in the estate is normal, functioning within your stipulated framework. The only potential issue might be concerning expenditures.”
“Expenditures?” Richard raised an eyebrow, “What’s wrong with the expenditures?”
“Well, perhaps our estate’s expenditures are a bit high.” Jia Lie cautiously handed a list to Richard’s desk.
“Look, Master, the major repairs in the estate, trimming the wind tunnel, and some procurement, staff employment, etc., all take a considerable portion,” Jia Lie quickly explained, “I’ve looked into it, our expenses are about three times as much as similar estates in Jialan City, which is quite unusual.
Additionally, we only have expenses and no income. Although I know you are not short of money, it is not a sustainable situation. Perhaps you could adjust, maybe dismiss some extra servants, reduce unnecessary purchases…”
“No need.” Richard interrupted Jia Lie, chuckled lightly, and said, “Don’t worry too much about expenses—given the current expenditure scale, there’s no need to worry, my wealth can fully support it. If there ever comes a day of insufficient support, reducing expenses on an estate won’t solve it, perhaps an entire city or country needs to be raided.”
“Gulp.” Jia Lie swallowed, paused, then nodded to show understanding.
Richard asked again, “Is there anything else besides this?”
“Ah, yes, there’s an invitation, Master, you might want to look at it,” Jia Lie said, handing over an invitation card.
Richard slightly frowned, “Didn’t I mention you don’t need to show me similar invitations?”
“But this is different from the others.” Jia Lie quickly explained, “It’s an invitation from Marquis Vian, his twin children—Harry and Cathy—are your students, so I thought you might want to take a look because of this connection.”
“Marquis Vian?” Richard glanced at the invitation upon hearing, skimming it quickly, confirming it indeed was.
Marquis Vian happened to be one of the few familiar faces in Jialan City. He had previously assisted with glass procurement for constructing the experimental wind tunnel. His banquet invitation does differ from others.
After checking the invitation, Richard curiously asked, “Did Marquis Vian mention the reason for sending the invitation? For what occasion am I being invited to the banquet?”
“Certainly asked, Master,” Jia Lie replied, “Actually, to be honest, inviting you at this time has no other reason except perhaps only celebrating the ‘Agricultural God Festival.'”
“Celebrating the ‘Agricultural God Festival’?” Richard was slightly taken aback.
“Yes, what’s up, Master, you don’t know?” Noticing Richard’s expression, Jia Lie was surprised, softly reminded, “Today is December 24th.”
Richard reacted upon hearing Jia Lie’s words.
December 24th, the fourth day of Snow Moon’s last quarter, eight days before the year’s end, marks the Agricultural God Festival widely celebrated in Southern Free Federation.
Although a major religion doesn’t exist in the current world, some primitive worship remains.
Such as the legendary Luck Goddess, Night Goddess, Death God, and Agricultural God.
The Agricultural God is said to be a spirit governing soil, capable of influencing the growth of crops in the new year, hence worshipped by many.
On December 24th, people celebrate, one of the rarer grand festivals each year.
What’s distinct is, due to economic reasons, most civilians celebrate by adding a roasted chicken to their dinner, while nobles hold lavish banquets.
“The ‘Agricultural God Festival’ indeed,” Richard remarked, having heard about it before, but as an outsider, he felt little connection.
Similarly, in the Blue Lion Kingdom, he never felt excitement for the Holy Water Festival on June 20th—his soul felt chillier as the festivities grew busier.
The deepest essence of his soul never regarded these as true festivals.
True festivals should be the first and last day of each year, things like that.