"I……"
Ed suddenly understood where Catalina's often whimsical and unrestrained brain came from.
It seemed that the other party was not aware of the existence of the diary. He only knew that Katarina had been in contact with him recently. At most, he only guessed that he had some method of curing crystal malignancy, so he made such a strange judgment. ?
In this case, Ed naturally wants Brandon to think about this.
"Even if you say that, I..." he said, pretending to be very embarrassed.
"I guess the reason why Catalina was able to recover must have been a lot of effort on your part - well, I can compensate you in other ways..."
compensate? This word couldn't help but make Ed feel a little strange.
"You've always wanted to get out of the Bureau, haven't you?" Brandon said.
"..." Ed didn't speak, and kept silent and continued to listen.
"I can vouch for you. You can safely resign from the Bureau and no longer have to be bound by them. If you want to continue studying, I can write a letter of introduction for you -"
Leaving the Divine Adjustment Bureau...
When this idea flashed through his mind, he felt his eyelids blink uncontrollably.
To be honest, if Ed had been given a choice three months ago, maybe he would have chosen to leave here without hesitation. This place is both his protective umbrella and a prison. Once out of here, he might be able to do more with the Keeper program...
But Ed also knew that it also meant greater risks. Although he has made some progress, he is still far from being "mature and steady"...
"You can go to the Royal Academy of Law in Holyrood, or the Royal Army Military Academy. There are young talents from all over the country, and their friendship will be your most valuable asset in the future."
Brandon's voice is cold and clear, but it seems to have a seductive and intoxicating magic:
"When you have accumulated enough fame and connections, I will find an opportunity to grant you true noble status. By then, people will respectfully call you 'Lord Waikolo'."
"Besides, Edgar - although Catalina is already engaged, there are still many outstanding young women in the Oakland family. I can introduce you to a suitable marriage and will never humiliate you. "
"After that, you will have your own family, your own coat of arms and people will remember and talk about the great Waikolo name with awe."
"...If you are interested in theology, I have met several cardinals, and I believe that the Seven Peaks Theological Seminary under the Holy See will not turn you away."
Hearing this, Ed took a deep breath. This was an almost irresistible price.
Law school, military academy, and seminary represent administration, military, and religion respectively. These are the three areas where the influence of traditional aristocrats is still in full swing. No matter which path, the prospects are as bright as the sun at noon.
As a stepping stone, the status of aristocrat is indispensable. Collector Taswide's experience is very close to his eyes, and Jonard Boone is just a slightly famous little nobleman. The gap between him and the White Oak family is more than a thousand times.
It seems that Mr. Brandon’s idea is not difficult to guess: instead of using strong methods to force him to submit, it is better to win over Ed through long-term investment and training, so that he will be willing to actively repay in the future.
For a man who dropped out of school and came from a commoner background to work as a maintenance technician at people's homes, how could anyone not be tempted by such an opportunity?
"Sir Brandon, I..."
Ed knew that this was undoubtedly his best choice at the moment.
"...I'm afraid I can only decline your kindness."
But he also knew that this seemingly optimal choice was also very fatal:
The reason why Mr. Brandon is still willing to seriously negotiate terms with him is simply because he is an agent of the Bureau of Investigation. Once this identity is removed, Brandon can choose to go back on his word without any scruples.
By then, Edgar Waikolo was just a fruit hanging from the tree in Auckland, ready to be picked at any time.
Therefore, even if Brandon truly trusts him, Ed can never trust Brandon.
A single Helian family's signet ring can only temporarily make the other party fearful, but it is not enough to enable him to survive under the auspices of the Oakland family for a long time. Once the other party confirms the origin of the ring, his end can only be worse than death.
What's more, this city and those people have already left him with indelible memories:
The reckless and grumpy Anvil, the ugly-looking good old sea monster, the strange sissy Byakuya, the murderous old angel in white Rowan, the taciturn stranger, the tragic and pitiful Charlotte...
Mr. Eaton, who is mature and prudent and often treats him a little, Miss Quinn, who is chic and cold on the outside but hot on the inside, and Arthur...
His first friend, his first strength.
Ed no longer remembers the smell of home, but here he can indeed smell a sense of tranquility that is close to "home"——
Just like this city, it is as fine and mottled as mist, and is a peaceful and soft smoky gray.
In front of the soft and luxurious sofa, Brandon, wrapped in a green blanket, remained calm, but his light green pupils met Ed's eyes for the first time, as if he had just met him:
"It's okay, I understand." The man replied calmly and gently, without asking why.
"The Divine Bureau is still waiting for me. If there is nothing else, please allow me to take my leave, Lord Brandon."
Ed stood up, put his hat on his chest and bowed slightly. The butler and the guards on the side did not stop him. Just as he was about to walk out of the living room, a faint voice sounded behind him:
"Edgar..."
Almost as soon as the sound came, the guard in front of him, wearing a stainless steel breastplate, had already pressed his palm on the handle of the saber. Ed observed the opponent's speed——
If one-on-one, I might be able to handle it, but there are four people on the other side, and there is an old butler behind him who doesn't know his strength...
Even the best swordsman in the world would not choose to deal with five people at the same time when being attacked from both sides. Such difficulty is the difference between 1 and 100.
"Is there anything else?" He turned around and asked with a humble face, neither humble nor arrogant.
"My promise stands forever and my house in Auckland will always be open to you."
"I understand, thank you for your kindness."
After nodding again, Ed disappeared at the end of the porch.
