Red Dead Redemption: The Great Philanthropist of the West

Henry continued, picking up where Sophia left off:

"Then it came to me. I went to the police station yesterday morning. I didn't know Sophia had been kidnapped. I was just there to apply for a bounty hunter license."

It was only because Sheriff Bailey thought my Indian friend wasn't qualified that we took on Lindsay Wofford's bounty.

Then in the afternoon we arrived at Brennande Fortress, where Sophia was being held. After killing more than thirty bandits, we captured Wofford and rescued Sophia. During this time, I also overheard Wofford saying that he had sent someone to talk to Mr. Fellowes about ransoming Sophia.

Then we rushed back overnight.

Just as Felix was about to speak, the servant who had gone out returned:

“Master, we can’t find Servant A. We heard that no one has seen him since Miss Sophia returned. I’ve sent people to his residence to look for him, and we’ll have news soon.”

At this point, Feros was almost certain he'd been set up; there was definitely a third party manipulating this kidnapping. This explained why the response time when they were dispatched to search for Sophia was so slow, and why no useful information had been returned.

If it weren't for the coincidence of Henry going to arrest people and rescuing Sophia in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Seeing that Congressman Fellowes was deep in thought, Henry hesitated for a moment and then decided to interrupt him.

"Mr. Fellows, do you have any suspects on your side who are behind this?"

"I'm not sure either; I have a few suspects at the moment."

The first was Brontë, an Italian Mafia boss who was the underground emperor of Saint Denis and had connections with many officials. He had always been at odds with me, and there were even rumors that he wanted to have me killed so that he could support a senator who obeyed him.

The second is Ferdinand. He's my old rival, having lost to himself in the last parliamentary election.

The third is Hobart Crowley, a former Confederate major who fought in the Civil War and has ties to the Lemoine Raiders. Perhaps they felt that directly rebelling against the government was futile and wanted to find another way to control it; who knows?

As for whether it's related to those three, I can't be sure; we'll need to investigate to find out.

Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. I'll try to find out more about it later. Maybe I should consider forming my own armed force.

Back to Henry, what reward do you need for saving Sophia? Don't be shy, just say the word. I'll do everything I can for you, but don't force me to give you money.

I don't think you're short of money. I heard you managed to get over $1 from Wofford.

“If that’s what you’re saying, Mr. Fellow, then I won’t stand on ceremony. I’ve been looking for a tavern these past few days, and I’d like to buy one and run it. Also, please help me gather some information about Saint Denis to plan for the future.”

"Running a tavern? That's not bad. It's better than you becoming a bounty hunter and fighting crime everywhere. Have you found a good tavern yet?"

"Not yet, my men are still searching. I wonder if Mr. Fellow has any good suggestions."

"So, what do you think of that Holy City Tavern in the central area? You can drink, eat, play cards, take a bath, and stay overnight. Its owner, Mr. Wheeler Rosen, once owed me a favor, so maybe I can help you get things done with him. Anyway, this isn't his main job; it's just a hobby."

"Is this appropriate? It would be a lie to say I'm not tempted. It's the largest tavern in the central area, a multi-purpose building with two floors. But is it worth the trouble of using my connections for this?"

After hearing this, Feros waved his hand and said, "Young man, you still need to learn more about these kinds of interpersonal relationships. These ordinary favors only have value when they are used. Once you've used them, they'll come to you again when they need something. In this back-and-forth, the relationship will naturally deepen."

Otherwise, if you keep keeping it hidden, people will worry that you might suddenly pull off something big that would embarrass them, and they will become wary of you, and the good relationship between the two parties will gradually fall apart.

Of course, important personal relationships are another matter.

Okay, you don't need to worry about this. I'll take care of it for you. Consider it payment for saving Sophia. I can't let you suffer a loss.

"Then I thank you very much, Mr. Fellowes. I was originally going to say that friends don't need to pay for each other's help, haha."

"Let's go, I'll take you out to meet the high society of Saint Denis, so you can get acquainted with those people and it will be easier to get things done in the future."

Sophia took Feros's hand, while Henry followed beside her, and the three of them went to the back garden where the banquet was being held.

This was the height of the banquet's atmosphere. Everyone was gathered in their own small groups, laughing and chatting, while waiters occasionally mingled among the crowd with champagne, pouring drinks for the guests.

Henry saw Falcon and Antora sitting by the river drinking, while Lorian and Megan were admiring the flowers under the moonlight, whispering to each other.

Congressman Fellowes led Henry through the crowd, occasionally giving brief introductions to the guests and Henry.

After introducing the main guests of the evening—Mayor Henry Lemieux, Governor of Guama Island Alberto Fossar, Warden of Sissaka Prison Heston Jameson, Banker Gilbert, Owner of Wheeler Rosen Warehousing and Freight Company Wheeler Rosen, Hosiery King Desmond Bryce, and Perfume Company Manager Dolores—he ascended the high platform.

"Ladies and gentlemen, excuse me, please pause for a moment, I have a few words to say."

The purpose of this dinner is to celebrate the safe rescue of my daughter Sofia from being kidnapped by bandits.

First of all, I want to thank Mr. Allen and his friends. It is your courage and wisdom that brought my daughter back to my side. I will always remember your kindness.

At the same time, I want to tell my daughter that you are my pride and my source of strength. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side, supporting you and protecting you.

Finally, let us raise a glass together to my daughter's safe return, to all the brave people, and to our future! Cheers!

Come, play the music, dance!

Sophia, who was just moments before moved by her father's words, immediately stared at Henry with her large, bright eyes upon hearing that they were to dance. It was as if she was repeatedly saying to Henry: "Invite me, invite me!"

Since they were already there, Henry didn't refuse. He walked up to Sophia, gracefully bent down, and extended an arm, inviting her to dance. "Beautiful lady, would you like to dance with me and enjoy this wonderful evening?"

Sofia didn't answer, but gently placed her soft little hand in his warm and strong hand, her little face flushed.

The two embraced gently, swaying slowly to the rhythm of the music.

At this moment, they forgot the noise and turmoil around them; only their hearts beat as one another.

After the song ended, the two reluctantly left the stage and strolled towards the river.

Under the pure white moonlight, their hands were still gently clasped as they strolled among the flowers. A gentle evening breeze carried the fragrance of blossoms and lifted the hem of her skirt and the corner of his robe. A quiet affection stirred between them in the air.

At that moment, when their eyes met unexpectedly, time seemed to stand still. In the moonlight, her eyes shone like stars, sparkling with captivating light; his gaze was fiery and unwavering, as if he wanted to melt her into his eyes. Their hearts raced, threatening to burst from their chests, and the distance between them grew ever closer, as if an invisible force was drawing them together.

Finally, they embraced and kissed, bathed in the moonlight. Their lips touched lightly, like butterflies landing gracefully on petals, their breaths mingling like a beautiful symphony.