The Secret Code of Monsters.

Chapter 174 Ch.173 The Eloping Musical Actress
Hampstead Green is bustling with people in winter.

Carriages passed each other on the narrow road as the drivers shouted. Servants served their masters, carrying baskets. Some young people traveled in groups, gathered together, and brought along a special cameraman.

The huge pointed tent can be seen from far away, and the colorful flags are blown all over the place by the wind.

In addition to gentlemen and their families, there were more merchants on the grass.

Buying handmade gadgets and snacks, the target is the children of well-dressed gentlemen.

A huge wooden billboard was nailed to the grass, so that anyone walking from the dirt road to the green space could see it clearly. On it was a piece of green paper with funny clowns, animals jumping or tumbling, and crooked words.

"I want to introduce myself and my wonderful children to the people of London!"

"The Mud Ball Circus is coming!"

"We have: a girl possessed by a dog spirit, a hairy lion-faced man, a two-headed monster, a baby boy who never cries, and Mr. Smith who never grows up."

"Besides that, you can see rare and wonderful animals, special performances (please hold your breath when you see danger), and a whole afternoon of laughter."

“My children and I have been invited many times to travel around the country.”

"We put our feet in the soil and show you the wonderful teachings we have learned."

"I hope this wonderful skill can bring happiness and endless smiles to you and your family!"

"Come in!"

"My children and I are ready!"

"Yours faithfully: Mason Lyle."

Roland paid for Shandel. He was now a formal executive, with a weekly salary of three pounds - a huge sum that once made him think that he would never be able to spend all the salary that was accumulating...

Until he lit a cigar after dinner and chatted with his uncle.

Thinking of the cigar in my hand, it was worth three shillings.

One box is equal to his weekly salary.

“Consider it a celebration for me.”

Roland took out two coins from his pocket and handed them to the servant next to the sign: one shilling each (high seat).

The tickets, both high- and low-level, were not cheap, but according to Roland's observation, there were still many not-so-rich families on the green who were willing to do this - for example, couples without servants, who were not well-dressed, and who had four or five children.

These people bought cheaper tickets and were out of place among the elegant people around them. They gathered on the other side and chatted with each other, gradually forming a strange contrast with the proper gentlemen and ladies on the other side.

And the long rope, hung with colorful flags, seemed to pass through the crowd by chance, dividing them as clearly as Charing Cross divides London.

Naturally, Shandel and Roland chose the right side.

That cane and pocket watch have more room.

Roland could clearly see what these people were talking about.

'... the way you hold the stick is not quite right... the shirt and coat don't match properly,' one person said.

'Younger gentlemen are like this. Don't you know that there are more and more new things these days? ' said another.

They were evaluating Roland, apparently thinking he belonged with them, just a little more 'trendy'.

then.

Roland saw many people commenting on Shandel Kratov - but none of them commented as highly as Roland did. After all, how could a girl from a good family not have servants?

After a few reluctant words, he praised Shandel's appearance and guessed that her family was at least well-off.

Interestingly, when commenting on the same women, these people were not so polite to the woman on the 'left' side who was wearing a cheap long skirt and a thick coat.

One said, "I guess she doesn't have a cleaning servant. Look at her arms. If it were a boxing match, I would definitely beat her - you see, the only thing worth praising is self-awareness. If her family came over, they might even ask you why you were blinded by tea."

The listener smiled and continued: "Oh, then I have to tell her: take out the spoon first."

The two laughed.

While they were chatting about spoons, Roland and Cinder happened to pass by.

The girl also heard the joke clearly.

"Look, these people always find ways to have fun." She looked back at the 'crowd' not far away: the poor people who had paid a 'high price' to come with their whole family to 'broaden their horizons', and the 'dividing line' that was gradually filled with people -

Unconsciously, more men and women appeared on the flag lines on both sides.

These people were not poor, but they did not dare to step into the right side rashly, so they had to stay in the middle boundary and talk awkwardly. On the surface, they were calm and composed, but their eyes were always looking at Roland.

"I didn't know that people were so good at adjusting their views." Roland found it quite new.

These living beings, made of the same flesh and blood, have completely different perspectives just from wearing different clothes.

"They're praising your beauty, Shandel." Roland walked to a stall and bought a piece of jam candy wrapped in newspaper.

A few pennies.

A bit more expensive than in the city.

The middle-aged man selling candy brought his daughter with him - when he used a wooden shovel to scoop candy for Roland, her daughter took another handful and secretly added several more shovels to the paper bag.

When the girl’s father found out, he winked at her repeatedly.

"They were complimenting me on my beautiful clothes. It just so happened that the things that supported the clothes were pretty nice." Shandel glanced at the girl with a smile, took the cone-shaped paper bag leisurely, pinched a red one into his mouth, and squinted his eyes. "I think they should compliment you more..."

Roland seemed to realize something, turned around, smiled at the little girl, and bowed politely.

The result is: a flushed and excited little face.

"She is more beautiful than me, isn't she?" Roland asked her with a gentle smile.

The girl glanced at the gray-haired girl who pricked up her ears not far away, covered her face with a smile, and whispered: "You...you and this lady are both equally beautiful!"

"Hush." ​​Roland also looked around and bent down, just as sneaky, but even more worried: "...Hush, don't tell anyone. We are the most famous musical actors at the moment... We ran away secretly. We are going to another city and never go back."

Xiandel saw that the girl was confused at first, then became surprised, covering her mouth with a look of disbelief.

Under Roland's pleading gaze, she nodded her head firmly.

"I will never tell anyone!" His eyes showed a fearless attitude.

Shandel: ...

She couldn't help laughing.

This man always manages to walk the fine line between rudeness and elegance, while staying just in the right place to be liked.

Only when the two of them walked away from the girl's blessing eyes did Roland relax his expression and joked, "...I hope I didn't ruin his father's career."

Shandel smoothed down his gray hair that was messed up by the wind, and smiled sweeter than sugar.

"When are we going back to the troupe?" She bit the candy, crunching it, and walking briskly. "We're not going back this time, are we?"

She took a few quick steps forward, then suddenly turned around and looked at Roland intently.

The winter sun coated her face with a thin layer of gold powder, through which tiny, soft hairs could be vaguely seen.

"You promised me that you would take me away from that dirty and painful place."

Roland quickly chased after him, his expression changing several times. His eyes were heavy, and he exhaled a breath of worry from his stomach: "...But we have no money, Xiandel. Without money, how can we live - how can I buy you roses like in the past?"

"I don't need roses!" The gray-haired girl was a little anxious. She tugged at her annoying and nagging cuffs and whispered anxiously, "You are all I need!"

Roland said affectionately, "I can promise you anything."

Shandel said seriously: "Then let's leave London."

"Except for this, I can promise you anything."

Shandel made the next best choice: "Then we will work for another two years, save enough money, and then leave London."

"Except for these two things, I can promise you everything."

The girl was stunned for a moment: "Then, let's get married as soon as possible..."

"Besides these three things..."

Shandel glared at him and pinched Roland's arm: "I found a liar."

"He's a blind liar who doesn't tell the truth." Roland blinked and said confidently, "But I bought you roses."

"Yes, of course. Even though you are blind and full of lies, and maybe you have cheated my people, I will never be angry if you buy me roses." Xiandel rolled his eyes at Roland and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

The gentlemen around them all looked at the young couple in love with friendly eyes, chatting and laughing.

The gray-haired girl with squinting lake-blue eyes stood in the sunlight, covering her mouth and arching her brows.

The turquoise long skirt made her look particularly gentle and beautiful.

(End of this chapter)