The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

Around noon, George once again took a public carriage to London.

The city was just as noisy as it had been yesterday, but his state of mind was completely different.

He went straight to Lieutenant Bates's rented apartment.

He knocked on the oak door, and after a moment Bates opened it.

Seeing George's surprise, he stepped aside to let him in, saying, "Dr. De La Porte? Please come in."

The two entered the simply furnished living room.

Apart from a hardwood table against the wall and a few straight-backed chairs, the only decoration was a Bharata scimitar hanging above the fireplace.

Not very respectable, but it fits the style of a bachelor with a military background.

The lieutenant rubbed his hands together and asked, "Should I start brewing a pot of coffee now?"

"No need, Lieutenant." George pulled out his copy of "Night Wanderings."

"Do you remember what we talked about last time we met?"

George handed the book to Bates.

"I've found evidence, take a look at this—"

Bates took the book with a puzzled look and sat down to look through it.

George observed his facial expression and knew that the plan would likely go smoothly.

After reading the first chapter, Bates skimmed through the rest of the book.

Then he looked up at George and said:

"Doctor, could I keep this book a little longer?"

George did not answer directly, but instead changed the subject.

"In fact, I received a letter from my father saying that he was very ill and that I had to rush back to Yorkshire to inherit the title and a land."

A flicker of surprise crossed Bates' eyes, followed by understanding:

"Your Excellency? I'm sorry... but congratulations to you, Your Excellency Delapol."

"Thank you." George gave a wry smile. "However, I am completely unprepared for family affairs and the situation at the manor."

My father's letter was vague, only urging me to return quickly. I need someone I can trust by my side.

He paused, then looked directly at Bates.

"Of course, you are familiar with the ways of doing things, have experienced real chaos, and are a reliable person. Therefore, I would like to invite you to accompany me as a friend."

"My family's estate is located in the middle of a lake, with beautiful scenery, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, which may be beneficial to your recovery. Of course, I will pay a reasonable fee."

Bates didn't answer immediately after hearing this, but instead asked, "Yorkshire? Where exactly?"

"Paradise Island Estate is located on an island in the middle of a lake called Rotten Lake, near the northern hills of Yorkshire."

Bates' eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded:

"Oh, that sounds good? As a Scotsman, I really don't like the air in London..."

He began to ponder, and George waited quietly for his response.

Finally, Bates let out a long sigh of relief.

"Alright, I won't let a doctor who can offer an alternative to tincture treatment slip by—when are we leaving?"

"I need to complete my resignation procedures within a few days, and I also have arrangements to make for a colleague."

George refers to Elliott.

"Understood. I also need some time to deal with my part-time job at the club and some other miscellaneous matters."

Bates' answer was crisp and decisive, then he asked, "So, what about the book?"

"I've already finished reading this book, so of course I can lend it to you."

Bates looked satisfied, and George spoke again:

"However, if it's convenient for you now, why don't you come with me to the bookstore where I bought this book?"

He added, "I think one book isn't enough to pass the time while traveling."

"It's my pleasure, Doctor."

"Just call me George, Lieutenant."

The two went out together, crossed the streets downstream of the Tamesis River again, and arrived at Moran Bookstore at the end of the dead-end alley.

Pushing open the door, to the sound of a dull brass bell, Miss Moran looked up from behind the counter at the top of a thick book.

His almost transparent gray eyes lingered on George's face for a moment before sliding down to Bates, who was tall and strong beside him.

"Looks like your problem is solved?" Her voice was flat and emotionless.

George cautiously replied, "It's come to a temporary halt, but we need clearer guidance for the future."

Miss Moran's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Knowledge will find those who need it, Doctor. You've already stepped into the door; if there's a need, why not seek it out yourself?"

She glanced casually at the bookshelves deep inside the bookstore before turning to Bates.

"This gentleman will need me more."

George's lips twitched, and he turned to Bates.

"Well then, excuse me, Lieutenant—you can stay and listen to the shopkeeper's opinion."

After saying that, George walked into the bookstore.

As you walk further in, the space surrounded by bookshelves becomes cramped, with piles of books enclosing you like walls, leaving only a narrow passage for one person to pass through.

The light grew increasingly thin, with only the faint glimmer of light filtering through the narrow windows high above outlining the swirling dust particles.

George had to get very close to see the words on the spine of the book, inevitably stirring up some dust in the process.

Fortunately, this body doesn't have the dust allergy from my previous life.

Time passed in the oppressive silence and the rustling of turning pages, and George's patience was gradually worn down.

He searched almost the entire corridor, but found nothing in ordinary novels, poetry collections, and miscellaneous notes.

Just as his resolve began to waver, his gaze swept across the deepest corner and was drawn to a book whose edge was slightly visible at the bottom.

The book's cover was a dark hardcover, which contrasted sharply with the surrounding gray covers.

But more importantly—the moment he saw the cover, the image of a heavy card table suddenly appeared in his mind.

On the card table, a card, shimmering faintly, appeared with an almost ethereal quality:

【"God-Blessed Land: The History of Glass Island"】

George felt a slight dizziness and excitement.

He composed himself and carefully pulled out the book that was buried in the corner at the bottom of the pile.

George returned to the counter with the book and saw the lieutenant flipping through a wide-format leather-bound illustrated book.

Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the book was "Himalayan Hunting Guide"—clearly recommended by Miss Moran.

It seems that only first-time visitors receive the benefit of a referral.

Bates looked up from the book.

"George, did you find the book you wanted?"

George waved the book in his hand in acknowledgment.

Miss Moran, who was standing nearby, saw the book and immediately spoke up.

"Doctor, your book is fifteen pounds. Sir, yours is twelve pounds."

The price was even higher than last time. Knowing the inside story, George didn't hesitate, but Bates frowned.

"Twelve pounds? That's too much..."

"I'll give it to you, Bates, as a way of repaying the favor I owed you about Oliver."

George's voice interrupted him, placing five five-pound notes and two one-pound notes on the counter.

Although this represents the majority of his current wealth, it is necessary to be decisive as he is the heir.

Seeing this, Bates smiled and said:

"Then I'll accept it without hesitation. It seems that both Oliver, who works at the bakery, and I, who received the book, were lucky."