Mystery: But the Witch's Path

After listening to Will's words, Altair began to ponder the meaning of fate. In the original world, some people also had their own understanding of "fate." For example:

In some religious doctrines, "fatalism" holds that fate is a predetermined and unchangeable trajectory.

The "Agency Theory" argues that destiny is shaped by individual choices, efforts, and environment, and that humans possess subjective initiative and can change the course of their lives through action.

The "compromise theory" holds that fate has both a "fixed framework" and "variable space." For example, birth and talent are basic conditions given by nature, but within this framework, personal decisions and struggles can still expand the possibilities of life.

In the world of "mystery," "fate" is defined as not a fixed trajectory, but a torrent woven from countless possibilities.

Extraordinary individuals can glimpse or slightly interfere with the course of fate through sequence abilities and divination rituals, but attempting to reverse higher-level fate lines will bring about an unbearable "backlash from fate."

........

After finishing his ice cream, Will looked at Altair, who was still deep in thought, and said, "Actually, you don't need to think so much. The predetermined 'fate' will inevitably happen. It's just a matter of how it happens, hehe, that's people's choice."

"Just like I 'predicted' before that your family would inevitably rise to prominence. But when and how you rise to prominence depends on your own efforts."

Upon hearing the "prophecy," Altair asked curiously, "The prophecy about my family said that our family would rise to power through means other than 'hunters.' But the 'family' once led many people to choose other paths, only for them to die mysteriously not long afterward."

"Hmm," Will nodded, then shook his head, and said, "That's right, it basically fits all of them."

"But one thing is wrong. Those people didn't die mysteriously. The main reason is that your family wanted the 'prophecy' to happen ahead of time, which led to the deaths of those people."

"Every gift of fate comes at a price. For those who cannot bear the price of fate arriving prematurely, death becomes the best relief."

After listening to Will's explanation, Altair tapped his fingers on the table repeatedly, then suddenly stopped, as if he had thought of something, and asked, "What do I need to do for you?"

Will smiled and said, "I thought you wouldn't find out. Actually, it's nothing serious. I just need you to provide me with some assistance in the future."

"Although you are special, you still can't completely shield yourself from being investigated by others. When the 'Storm Church' was investigating you, I accidentally discovered it and took care of it for you. Thinking about it now, I'm glad I made that decision."

"Of course I know that it's not a big deal for you, and it's easy to resolve. I can give you another form of compensation."

Will looked up and thought for a moment, then said to Altair, "You'll rise to prominence because of one deal. As for what kind of deal, I have no idea."

"Is this a prophecy?" Altair blinked and asked curiously.

Will nodded.

"What kind of prophecy is this?" Altair thought to himself.

Undeterred, Altair asked, "Any other clues?"

Will didn't speak, but shook his head.

Before Altair could ask any more questions, Will stood up and said, "I've already taught her how to 'act out,' so from now on she can just act out normally."

"If you need anything, you can contact me through 'Thousand Paper Cranes,' but let's try to meet as little as possible in real life. I have to go back now, otherwise my mother will worry about me. Goodbye."

.........

Not long after Will left, Vera woke up and said to Altair with a panicked look, "Count Altair, I just dreamed of a giant snake. It explained a lot about acting to me. Could this be dangerous?"

Upon hearing this, Altair turned to look at Vera, this "lucky" maid, and felt an inexplicable envy. The little snake personally teaching her role-playing—what kind of treatment was that?

Seeing Altair's strange look, Vera lowered her head silently, her eyes beginning to redden, looking as if she was about to cry.

This was mainly because Altair was afraid that Vera would be influenced by the "monster's" heightened senses and see things she shouldn't see, so he fed her a lot of stories like "curiosity killed the cat."

Seeing Vera's expression, Altair lost interest in teasing her and said, "It's alright, Vera. That big snake was just teaching you how to act normally; it meant no harm."

"Really?" Vera, who was silently grieving, looked up at Altair and asked, "Really? Count Altair?"

Seeing her expression, Altair said with concern, "It's true, don't worry."

Once Vera regained her composure, the first thing she noticed was that her ice cream had completely melted.

Then, looking at Altair with pitiful eyes, I said, "I need to order another ice cream to soothe my wounded heart with dessert."

As a result, Altair asked the waiter to bring her another ice cream. Vera then happily ate the ice cream in her bowl.

By the time Vera finished eating, it was almost noon.

Altair chose to pay the bill and leave. The total was eight ice creams, three small cakes, and two pots of sweet iced tea, which didn't cost much, only 9 sous and 8 pence.

The biggest expense on the bill was ice cream, which often cost around 1 soule per serving. However, considering the quality of the ice cream, Altair felt the price was reasonable, as it was elaborately decorated and served with desserts and toppings.

........

When the carriage arrived home, Altair alighted and entered the hall, where a servant informed him that Vivian was waiting for him in the dining room for dinner.

When Altair took off his top hat and entered the restaurant, he found Vivian in her pajamas, propping her head up with her hand in a daze out of boredom. He said as he walked over, "When did you get up? If you're hungry, you don't have to wait for me; you can eat by yourself."

After regaining her composure, Vivian straightened up, looked up, and smiled, "I haven't been up for long. And you said you'd be back for breakfast when you went out this morning, so I waited a little longer for you. I had the kitchen make your favorite Fipot pasta."

After Altair approached, the two kissed passionately. Only when the servants brought lunch into the dining room were they forced to separate and begin eating, chatting as they ate.

As Vivian stirred her Faber noodles with her fork, she asked, "Was the person you met today special? You seemed quite emotional when you left."

Altair nodded and said frankly, "It's special, mainly because of our family history, and we haven't been in contact for so long, so this sudden invitation surprised me."