Whispering Verse

Shade had not made an appointment for this visit in advance, but when the professor heard that it was a writer from Delrayon who was visiting specifically to collect materials for a new book, he was still very happy to invite him in and received Shade in the study.

Professor Kansas Drake was a thin old man, wearing a pair of brown-framed reading glasses. His legs were covered with a checkered red blanket, so Shade couldn't see him below the waist. Unlike the Delarians that Shad often saw, Professor Drake had a standard Old World southern appearance, that is, his face was very long, his skin was slightly dark, and his eyelashes were slightly raised.

Shade entered the study first, and then the maid pushed Professor Drake in. He asked the fat maid who seemed to be very reliable to prepare tea, and then started talking to Shade.

This is not the first time that Shade has disguised himself as a writer in Delrayon, so he can talk about this career that he is not engaged in. He quickly transitioned from the topic of local folklore to the legend of the "Lady of the Lake".

"Yes, I have indeed studied this legend. Mr. Watson, you should also understand the general content. In a certain lake west of Huntington City, there lives a goddess who can grant people's wishes."

The old professor solemnly drew the Holy Emblem of the Church of Nature on his chest. This is a loyal believer of the God of Nature:

"Mortals are always eager for such legends, but most research believes that perhaps in ancient times, a solitary woman lived in the lake area to the west of the city. Local villagers occasionally saw her bathing in the lake, or in the morning. I saw her walking in the forest on a foggy morning, so the rumor of the Lady of the Lake spread. You also know that country people always like to exaggerate their experiences, and those stories passed down by mouth will become more popular after several generations. Became the legend we know now.”

"But is that really the case?"

Shade asked suspiciously. Of course that was not the case. Otherwise, Sister Devlin and Mr. Edmund would not have recommended Shade to come here.

"This is just the most widely circulated theory at present, and it is also the common view among scholars who study the local history and folklore of Huntingdon."

The professor shrugged and answered Shade in Delarian. Although Professor Drake is a southerner, he lived in the North for a long time when he was young, and his Delarian language is very good.

"So what do you think? Viscount Bernhard who introduced me here said that you are a scholar with your own ideas."

Shade gave a small compliment, and Professor Drake also smiled:

"Young people today are so nice to talk to. I know what you want to know from me, and you are not the first person to ask me this question. Yes, I do know some things that ordinary people don't know, but I I can’t tell you directly.”

"You need krona? No problem, I'm willing to sponsor your research."

Shade put down his teacup and was about to take out his wallet, but the professor shook his head slightly:

"Young man, let me ask you three questions. The answers you give will determine whether you can get an answer from me."

Shade didn't expect to encounter such a request, but he still nodded:

"No problem. Although I don't brag about my wisdom to others too much, but it's just three questions and I can probably handle them. Professor, please excuse me."

A sparrow flew out of the window and landed on the window sill of the study. The professor turned to look at the sparrow and sighed softly:

"In my opinion, wisdom is equal to wealth. I don't want your wealth or your wisdom. Please listen, Mr. Watson, if you meet the Lady of the Lake and she gives you the opportunity to make a wish, what will you make? What do you wish for?"

Shade thought for a moment:

"In addition to wanting to obtain materials, I am actually looking for lost things recently. If I really meet that goddess, I will ask her to tell me how to find the lost things. Or, she may be able to give me the things directly. .”

Shade said, his eyes also saw the sparrow on the windowsill, and then he thought of Mia, who was still sleeping when he left home. The cat may have woken up now and was "inspecting the territory" at home.

"Second question, if the Lady of the Lake can help you realize your wish, but you have to pay a price to realize your wish, are you willing to pay?"

The physically disabled professor asked again, looking at Shade sharply. Shade thought for a moment:

"Is it an equal exchange? Or do I have to pay more?"

"You don't have to pay, but when you get what you want, some subtle change has already happened."

Old Professor Drake whispered, and Shade raised his eyebrows:

"Then I won't grant the wish. Although I want to find a certain item, there are actually other ways to try. There is no need to take risks. After all, I have too many treasures in life that I don't want to give up, Professor. What is the third question? "

"If killing the Lady of the Lake would grant your wish at no cost, would you do it?"

The professor finally asked, and Shade shook his head:

"Although I don't think the goddess of the lake in local rumors is truly great like the gods, I guess it shouldn't be that easy to kill such a legendary creature, right?

"Assume the other party doesn't resist at all."

The professor stared at Shade, who still shook his head without thinking:

"Professor Drake, this is a really strange question. But a long time ago, when I was still young about the world and my own life, I once said to my friend: Murdering other people for your own purposes will only To get the guilt that you have to carry with you for the rest of your life.”

This was the content of Shade's conversation with Reverend August and Dr. Schneider. It was still in the summer.

Professor Drake smiled:

"Very good. You are more sensible and kind than most young people I know. I am curious about the environment in which you grew up."

He raised his hand and pointed behind him:

"Now, can you hand me the red photo album on the third floor of the bookshelf? Please forgive the request of an old man with limited legs and feet."

Shade stood up and found a photo album from the bookshelf and handed it to the professor. The professor opened it with a nostalgic expression, took out one of the photos and handed it to Shade:

"Mr. Watson, please look at this one."

The black and white photo touched my finger, and a voice immediately sounded in my ears:

[You are exposed to "Whispers.\