Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 26 Intuition and Victor's Attitude

Green quickly left the alley. He didn't know who the other person was or what their purpose was, but he knew he couldn't expose himself here. If they hadn't noticed him before, and he rashly used his ability again, it would backfire.

He walked into the bustling street like an ordinary person, and finally, he saw the street signs and realized where he was.

Several familiar shops still had their lights on along the street, and occasionally a horse-drawn carriage would pass by.

The other party didn't follow, and the feeling of being spied on seemed to have disappeared.

Despite this, Green remained vigilant. He deliberately took a detour, crossing a main road patrolled by security guards, and lingered for a moment in front of a crowded corner bakery, where he bought a cheap rye bread.

While munching on the food, he glanced around out of the corner of his eye.

No one was following them, but the feeling of being watched was still faintly present.

"The leaves of the lush garden can help me disguise my presence, but they can't completely eliminate it. If the other party has special tracking methods, or is of a higher rank..."

Various possibilities flashed through Green's mind, and he gradually quickened his pace. He stopped trying to "open the door."

Finally, 27 Embankment Street appeared not far away.

Green stood in the shadows across the street for a few minutes, observing his aunt's window.

Everything was normal. The light in Sura's room on the second floor was off, but there was still a faint light on in the living room on the first floor. Aunt Sylvia must be waiting for him.

After confirming that there was nothing wrong, Green crossed the street and took out his keys to open the door.

"You're back?"

Aunt Sylvia came out of the living room, holding a half-finished sweater in her hand. "Why are you so late today? Did work go well?"

"Yes, some files were a bit messy, so I spent a little more time tidying them up."

Green changed into slippers. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Your uncle and I are waiting for you. There's soup in the pot; I'll go get you some."

After saying that, Sylvia turned and walked towards the kitchen, while Uncle Victor's voice came from the living room:

"Let him do it himself, you've been busy all day."

Green walked into the living room and saw Uncle Victor still sitting on the old sofa, holding today's evening paper, but his gaze was fixed on him.

"Uncle," Green nodded in acknowledgment.

Victor put down his newspaper and looked him up and down, noticing that Green was covered in dirt and looked obviously tired.

"Sit down." Victor gestured to the sofa opposite him. "How's your first day at work?"

After sitting down, Green carefully considered his words:

"It's more demanding than I expected. There's a lot of stuff piling up in the archives, and a lot of it is rotten."

"Hmph, that Henry guy."

Victor scoffed, seemingly already familiar with the administrative manager's style. "The guy who told me he needed to organize and archive old shipping manifests and trade records turned out to be cleaning up his own pile of junk. But—"

He paused, his gaze lingering on Green's face for a moment. "It's good that you persevered without complaining. You're more responsible than I expected."

This rare positive feedback surprised Green.

Just then, Aunt Sylvia came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of hot soup. She overheard her husband's words, and a smile immediately spread across her face.

"I told you Green was a reliable kid! Look, otherwise why would he be working so late?"

She placed the soup bowl in front of Green, then turned and went to the kitchen: "You guys talk first, I'll go cut some fruit."

Victor did not refute his wife's words, and continued speaking to Green:

"Hmm... Although this job is a bit different, you can take it for now. In a place like the Port Authority, ability is certainly important, but attitude is even more crucial. The higher-ups like to see young people who are willing to work hard and not picky about tasks. If you maintain this work attitude, I can use my connections to help you get promoted from a temporary worker to a permanent employee in the future, which will be easier."

Full-time employee?

A thought struck Green.

Although he wasn't particularly interested in working for the port authority, the stable income and cover that a formal identity offered were certainly good for his current situation.

"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle. I will do my best."

"Um."

Victor nodded, picked up the newspaper again, but then seemed to remember something and added, "By the way, have you considered that matter?"

Green paused slightly in his soup-drinking motion. "Which one are you referring to?"

"Lady Hannah's distant niece, I think you two are about the same age, have suitable backgrounds, and are both nobles, although they have declined now. Perhaps you will like her if you meet her."

Aunt Sylvia came out of the kitchen carrying a fruit platter and immediately replied upon hearing this:

"Yes, Green, I've heard that girl is wonderful! Gentle and intelligent, and a teacher—such a respectable profession! If you could—"

"Sylvia".

Victor interrupted his wife, looking at Green. "We're not forcing you to make a decision; it's up to you. But we all think you really should consider your personal life. A stable job and a suitable marriage go hand in hand."

Green put down his spoon. He knew, of course, that his uncle's words made sense. In this era, for a young man without a strong family background, marriage was indeed one of the important steps to establishing himself in society.

But he has no time to think about those things right now.

The threat from the Crimson Cult, the deal at the Garden of Prosperity, the extraordinary abilities I just acquired, and the suspicion of being followed tonight...

"Uncle, I understand your good intentions."

Green considered for a moment, then said calmly, "But I've just found a job, and my income is unstable. I can barely make ends meet, so I'm really not in a position to think about starting a family. Besides..."

He paused, then offered a relatively reasonable excuse: "Besides, I just took over the work of organizing the files, and Supervisor Henry said that those files are very important, so I'll probably have to work overtime recently, and I really can't find the time."

Victor frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with the answer. He knew it was just an excuse Green had made up, but he didn't press the matter.

"Work is important, that's true. But opportunities don't wait for anyone. A girl like you will have no shortage of suitors. You should weigh the pros and cons yourself."

Aunt Sylvia wanted to say something more, but seeing her husband's expression, she swallowed her words and simply pushed the fruit plate towards Green.

"Eat more fruit to replenish vitamins."

"Thank you, Auntie."

Green continued drinking his soup. Although he had eaten a dark bread on the way, the exertion of the promotion, the ability test, and a whole day of work had almost drained him of his energy.

After finishing a bowl of hot soup, he felt no fullness; instead, it aroused an even stronger hunger. He ladled out another bowl and ate it silently with the oat biscuits his aunt had baked.

The living room fell silent, save for the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace and the rustling of Victor turning the pages of the newspaper.

This ordinary, quiet routine stands in stark contrast to everything Green has experienced today.

Two lives, two worlds.

After finishing his second bowl of soup and some fruit, Green finally felt some relief from his intense hunger.

"I'm finished eating." He stood up and began clearing away the dishes. "Auntie, let me wash them."

"No need, no need. You've had a long day, go and rest. I've already boiled the water, you can take a shower before you go to sleep."

"Thank you, Auntie."

Green didn't insist; he really needed a shower. The grime and musty smell of the underground warehouse were simply torture.

Before going upstairs, he glanced back at the living room.

Uncle Victor was still reading the newspaper, while Aunt Sylvia was humming softly as she washed the dishes in the kitchen.

A complex mix of emotions welled up within Green.

I hope it can always be like this...

Goodnight, Uncle and Aunt.

Goodnight, Green. Get some rest.