Rail Star Universe

After Kael earned a gold coin from selling bread to a noble, he decided to visit the city bank. Upon arrival, he met the bank receptionist and applied to exchange his money. After a process that took some time, Kael finally received 5000 dollars. With the money in hand, he exited the bank and walked toward the market.

As he walked, Kael ate the unsold bread from that morning. Its taste was simple to him, but it was enough to satisfy his long-empty stomach after weeks of being in a coma. Passing through Dunwich's town square, he glanced up at the large clock tower, which showed 1:37 PM.

Arriving back at the bakery he had visited earlier in the morning, he once again met the shop's female clerk. She greeted him warmly, though she looked a bit surprised to see him again.

"Hello, we meet again. About my debt from this morning," said Kael, handing over his money.

"189 dollars, sir," the woman replied with a smile.

Kael nodded and said, "Alright, that's not a problem."

"I also want to buy some bread—the most expensive basket you have."

The woman carefully began serving Kael, arranging the best bread neatly into a large basket. Her movements were gentle and attentive, showcasing her professionalism and respect for her customer.

"That will be 2567 dollars," the woman said after finishing.

Kael handed her 2600 dollars. After counting his change, the woman returned it with a warm smile.

Kael thanked her and left with his basket of bread. As he walked away, on the upper floor of the bakery, Cassandra Whitlock observed him through a white-paned window. She sat back on her sofa, her face expressing curiosity.

"Who are you, Edward?" she murmured softly, watching Kael as he carried the bread basket in his left hand and a black cane in his right. Her mind began to fill with questions about the mysterious man while Kael continued his journey, disappearing into the bustling town crowd.

Audrey and Evelyn Return to the Mansion

The carriage stopped in front of the grand gates of the Heart family mansion, one of the most magnificent properties in Dunwich. The black iron gates with intricate carvings slowly opened, revealing a marble-paved pathway leading to the mansion's entrance. Along the way, gardens filled with blooming flowers added an elegant and luxurious touch.

Evelyn jumped down from the carriage cheerfully, her green dress fluttering as she ran lightly toward the front door. Audrey stepped down more calmly, her gloved fingers adjusting the hem of her dress before she walked gracefully. The servants waiting at the front immediately bowed respectfully.

"Welcome back, Miss Audrey, Miss Evelyn," said the head butler in a low, respectful voice.

"Thank you, Charles," Audrey replied briefly. She stepped into the mansion, followed by Evelyn, who still seemed full of energy.

The mansion's interior exuded flawless luxury. Gleaming marble floors, walls adorned with classical paintings, and a grand chandelier hanging in the main hall gave off an aura of magnificence. Evelyn immediately headed to the living room cheerfully, while Audrey walked toward her study on the second floor. However, she stopped on the stairs when she heard Evelyn calling her.

"Audrey! Don't go yet! I want to discuss the tea party this afternoon!" Evelyn called, sitting on a velvet-upholstered sofa, looking at Audrey with hopeful eyes.

Audrey let out a soft sigh, then turned and approached her cousin. "What do you want to talk about, Evelyn?"

Evelyn smiled brightly. "About the bread seller! I'm so curious about his bread. We have to try it before the tea party starts!"

Audrey sat across from Evelyn, leaning back gracefully in her chair. "Evelyn, you're too hasty. We don't know who he is or what his intentions are. Paying a gold coin for a loaf of bread is suspicious enough."

"But Audrey, the bread looks so delicious! Besides, not everyone has the courage to offer their wares to us. Isn't that interesting?" Evelyn reached for the small basket containing the bread Kael had sold her. She unwrapped it and looked at the bread with curiosity.

Audrey stared at Evelyn for a moment, then glanced at the bread. The soft aroma of the bread was indeed tempting, but she remained cautious. In her mind, she recalled the magical balance she had used to assess Kael. The young man was undoubtedly mysterious, and his equilibrium only piqued Audrey's curiosity further. She rarely encountered someone with such a complex mind.

"Then try it. Tell me if it tastes as good as it looks," Audrey finally said.

Evelyn beamed, then tore off a piece of the bread with her small hands. She took a bite and widened her eyes. "Audrey! This is amazing! It's soft, sweet, and has a unique flavor that's hard to describe. You must try it!"

Audrey raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by her cousin's reaction. Carefully, she took a small piece of the bread and tasted it. Evelyn was right—the bread was extraordinary. Its texture was perfect, its sweetness subtle, and it had a hint of delicate spices that set it apart from ordinary bread.

Audrey placed the bread back on the plate, staring at Evelyn with a serious expression. "It tastes incredible. But this only makes me wonder more about who he really is. Not many people can make bread like this, let alone have the audacity to sell it at such a high price."

Evelyn chuckled lightly. "Audrey, you're always so serious. Maybe he's just a humble genius. Isn't that delightful? We'll have a special guest at our tea party later!"

Audrey didn't respond, but her mind kept spinning possibilities. She decided to let things unfold, but she would remain vigilant. She wanted to learn more about Kael, and the tea party that afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to observe the young man closely.

Tea Party Preparations

That afternoon, the Heart family mansion was bustling with preparations for the tea party. Servants moved back and forth carrying porcelain sets, arranging fresh flowers on tables, and preparing small delicacies for the guests. Evelyn busied herself picking another dress to wear, while Audrey remained in her elegant dark green gown.

In the mansion's backyard, round tables with large umbrellas were set up. Tea and snacks were neatly arranged on the tables. Invitations had been sent, and guests began arriving.

Audrey stood near the glass door connecting the living room to the garden, observing the guests calmly. Evelyn was already chatting animatedly with some of her peers, while Audrey paid close attention to every detail. She wasn't just watching the guests; she was also waiting for Kael's arrival.

When the clock struck four, the sound of footsteps outside the mansion caught Audrey's attention. From a distance, she saw Kael approaching. The young man was dressed simply but neatly, with a bread basket now strapped to his arm. His steps were steady, unhurried, but confident.

Audrey observed intently as Kael drew closer. There was something different about the way he carried himself—not like an ordinary merchant but like someone who knew how to adapt to any situation.

Evelyn, noticing Kael's arrival, immediately ran toward him. "You're here! Wonderful! I've been waiting for you!" she exclaimed happily.

Kael gave a slight smile, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you for inviting me, Miss Evelyn. I brought some additional bread for the party."

Audrey walked closer, her steps graceful yet commanding. "Welcome, Mr. Kael," she said in a polite but firm tone. "We're glad you could make it."

Kael gave a slight bow as a sign of respect. "Thank you for the opportunity, Miss Audrey."

Audrey scrutinized Kael closely, trying to read his movements. Evelyn, on the other hand, grabbed Kael's hand and led him to the table where the dishes were arranged. "Come, I want you to arrange the bread here. All the guests are going to love it!"

Kael followed Evelyn calmly, but Audrey kept watching him from a distance. ["What is your plan, Kael? What's your purpose in coming here?"] she thought to herself.

The tea party began, but for Audrey, it was more than just a social event. It was a battle of minds—and Kael was a new player who needed to be watched closely.