Chapter 999: Chapter 53 Golden Friendship_3

“The principle is actually quite simple, it’s just buried beneath Hurd’s complex rituals and rules.” Winters twirled a bone whistle around his fingertip: “Just ask, and I’ll tell you.”

Caman gritted his teeth: “Ask?”

“Yes! You just need to ask. ‘Mr. Montaigne, how does a beast speaker drive wild beasts?’ Is it that hard to say? If you do not seek knowledge, do you expect it to come knocking at your door?” Winters was resolute: “If you don’t ask, then I won’t reveal a single word. I won’t force you to divulge the secrets of the Divine Arts, and I hope you can do the same.”

Caman roared like thunder: “I couldn’t care less about the magic of heretics!”

Winters responded sharply: “That’s your concern!”

The two seemed to clash fiercely, but actually, Caman’s attitude was unconsciously softening.

Another bout of silence ensued.

“According to…” Caman, his voice hoarse, struggled to say: “I should eliminate you right now…”

“Over a few casual remarks? That would be an injustice since I haven’t heard anything useful.” Winters met Caman’s gaze: “Too bad I can’t speak in my own defense.”

“Under the Lord’s watchful eyes, no one can hide.” Caman coldly sneered: “You think unbelievers can escape judgment?”

“Are you suggesting…” Winters had a sudden epiphany, ecstatically embracing Caman: “Mind reading? Why didn’t you say so earlier? There are Divine Arts of this kind? What are you waiting for? Let’s start right now!”

Caman stood dumbfounded as if punched hard.

…

[At dusk, in the camp]

The sun was about to set, but the camp was still lively.

Pierre and Berlion were repainting the wagon borrowed from Navarre Commerce, while others were preparing for tomorrow’s trip into the city.

As for Winters himself… he was nervously lying on a bench, waiting to be “slaughtered.”

To be honest, even when facing a cavalry charge, he had never felt as scared as he did at this moment.

Anna, carrying a lantern, came over and saw Winters nervously shifting his body, chiding: “Don’t move.”

“I don’t want to move.” Winters miserably pleaded: “Darling, please let me do it myself, I…”

“No way.” Anna sat beside Winters, unfolding a roll of leather containing four razors shimmering coldly under the lamplight: “How could you possibly shave as cleanly as I can? Besides, I need more practice to get even better.”

“I hate to see you bother with these trifles. Let me do it myself, or let Xial help, please?”

“How many times can I manage your beard?” Anna brought over a basin of water, softly sighing.

Anna’s fingertips brushed Winters’ ears and cheeks, and she said melancholically: “It’s only ever when we are traveling. Mrs. Mitchell mentioned, some men are not meant for women. So, I don’t want to miss a second, a moment of memories.”

Winters immediately stopped talking.

Cold soapy water ran over his jaw, followed by even colder razor blades against his skin.

Cold sweat immediately broke out on Winters’ forehead and back. He dared not only to move but even to speak, fearing a slip of the razor…

“This afternoon when you and Father Caman returned.” Anna had the leisure to chat: “Why did he look so despondent?”

Winters, trying as much as possible to stay still, uttered a weak grunt.

The razor blade scraped against the skin, making a rasping sound.

Anna asked, “How did you bully him this time?”

“I didn’t.” Winters hummed: “Focus, please.”

Anna flicked Winters’ forehead: “Don’t move.”

After shaving one side, Anna moved to the other, continuing with the razor: “You trust Father Caman so much, but why do you always argue?”

Winters seriously pondered this question, he initially wanted to say, “Because Caman is a very difficult person and he never misses any opportunity to mock me.”

But the answer he finally gave was: “(sigh) Who makes us friends?”