Chapter 2: Strange Book
Although Sollivan found it extremely difficult to maintain his composure upon seeing the old woman, as it brought back painful memories buried deep in his heart, he nevertheless stood near the reception desk and observed her closely out of curiosity. He had never seen her visit their shop before.
Six years ago, just a few days before winter arrived, his entire family was wiped out, and he was left with severe injuries that nearly cost him his life. Had it not been for his uncle, Leonard Winglet, who spared no effort to save him, he wouldn’t be alive today. Leonard sold all the possessions of Sollivan’s deceased family and used the money to buy expensive medicines to save him. However, all he could do was barely keep him alive, leaving him paralyzed and having lost a significant portion of his vitality, meaning he wouldn’t live long.
During that time, Leonard suffered from deep depression and indescribable grief, accompanied by a constant fear that the assassins of his brother would return to finish off his nephew. After much thought, he declared Sollivan dead and decided to sever ties with him to ensure his safety. However, his conscience didn’t allow him to abandon Sollivan completely, so he entrusted him to his oldest servant and her grandson. He gave them two hundred gold coins and gave Sollivan the remaining sixty gold coins from his family’s fortune, instructing them to go far away and start a new life.
Every time Sollivan remembered the long journey he endured in the bitter winter cold, burdened by his injuries and the pain in his heart, he felt an indescribable bitterness and humiliation.
Sigh...
Upon seeing the old woman’s clear skin, a sign of her prosperous and wealthy life, he cursed inwardly.
’Damn old woman... She took all the money my uncle gave her to help me and used it to build a residential complex in the poor district and a hotel inside the city. She earns hundreds of silver coins annually but only gives me two silver coins each month. I don’t know if it’s out of pity or fear that my uncle might find out she abandoned me. But whatever her motives, it doesn’t change the fact that she broke her promise and left me to rot and freeze in a dilapidated room in the poor district.’
He didn’t let his bitter memories continue to bother him and calmed himself with difficulty. As he did so, he heard the old woman’s annoying voice.
"Do you buy books?" Her tone was condescending and full of arrogance.
Hmph. ’Miserly wretch...’ He muttered under his breath and showed a disgusted expression, but Ellis, on the other hand, handled the awkward situation professionally and replied.
"Yes, madam. We buy books, but it depends on the content and quality."
"Very well."