CHapter 216


    Palmer looked up, his gaze meeting the icy calmness of Master Rainer’s eyes, which held a glint of


    frost


    “You know, Palmer, this girl might not have mentioned it, but we Pris folks are particr about


    our turf. Even if it’s of no use anymore. you shouldn’t have trespassed.”


    Palmer wasn’t cowed by the warning. He met Master Rainer’s gaze, his voice steady and calm ‘No


    offense intended, but I’ve got my own matters to investigate Id appreciate your understanding.”


    Master Raine, eyed Palmer for a moment, and then, surprisingly, heughed. “It’s only because of


    Noe that you dare speak to me like this, isn’t it? Your reputation at the border isn’t exactly ster”


    “You are Noe’s mentor, so it’s only right to show respect.”


    As for reputation, the methods of the Abyssal Organization were swift and decisive. In a world ruled


    by bloodshed, a good reputation


    was unnecessary.


    Master Rainer was sure that if he weren’t Noe’s mentor, Palmer wouldn’t be nearly as courteous.


    Thed was being so obliging probably just to make Noe happy, and Master Rainer found that


    rather pleasing.


    Mizar chimed in, “What’s wrong with a bad reputation? Our boss here doesn’t exactly have the best


    rep either”


    Noe replied coolly, “Rumors. Our organization and my reputation are in good standing.”


    “That’s true. Our outfit has achieved a zeroint record on all missions. Both clients and


    fargets have nothing but rave reviews!”


    Of course, those who couldn’t give a good review were no longer breathing.


    After Master Rainer arrived at the hotel, he turned to Noe. “In the next couple of days, I need to


    meet an old friend. I’ll get in touch once I’m done.”


    “Alright, Пll leave it


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    it to your schedule.”


    Mizar muttered, “Boss, I sneakily nced at Master Rainer’s phone. He was secretive about it and


    wouldn’t let me see. I’m going to tail him for the next couple of days!”


    “Do as you wish, but don’t expect me to bail you out if you get caught.”


    if Master Rainer caught her, Mizar wouldn’t be having an easy time.


    “Don’t be so heartless, I think he’s nning to visit Imperial University.”


    Imperial University?


    Was Master Rainer meeting with Gamrick?


    Noe quickly changed her mind. “Follow him,


    m, and if anything goes sideways, I’ll get you out.”


    “You got it!”


    The car stopped in front of the music store, and Noe pursed her lips as she looked at Palmer


    beside her. “Your body is better suited for rest. There’s no need for you to apany me here.”


    “Don’t worry.


    out now.


    I want to be with my fiancée at work. I won’t be a bother, and besides, you promised me a whole


    day’s date, you can’t back


    Noe’s slender, cool fingers rested on Palmer’s wrist.


    He looked weary, but his pulse was strong. Since he wasn’t in any serious trouble, Noe didn’t


    press further and stepped into the music store.


    The store manager, Terrell, hurried to greet them.


    “Ms. Schnabel, the music store across has been refurbished, and the financial reports for our shop


    are on your desk!”


    Thanks for the hard work.”


    The music store across was bought by Yvonne in an attempt to challenge Noe, but fortunately, it


    became Noe’s property before the Gruber family went bankrupt


    The gallery and music store were next to each other, and to make things convenient for Noe,


    Beckett had both officesbined, with a decent–sized lounge added as well.


    The office was bathed in light, with floor–to–ceiling windows offering a clear view of the street.


    Noe picked up the financial reports from her desk as soon as she entered the office.


    10 56


    The soles of zithers, especially vintage ones, had skyrocketed recently. Several masterpieces had


    reached exorbitant prices, and the store had held onto them, not rushing to sell


    These prices are good. Why not sell them?”


    “Ms. Schnabel, we n to auction these instruments. We can probably double their prices that


    way.”


    The zithers‘ most distinctive feature was the nephrite added to them, but the nephrite on a zither is


    merely a small part, already polished and fitted asponents,cking the medicinal value


    Noe said calmly. I remember that thest time I was here, the store didn’t have these


    instruments.”


    Terrell ornned. “You must be mistaken. These zithers are the pride of our store!”


    “Show them to me”


    Confronted with Noe’sposed gaze, Terrell didn’t panic.


    While Ms. Schnabel might have proficiency in ying the zither, it was highly unlikely she


    possessed the expertise to construct one. Zither’s craftsmanship involved intricate details, typically


    discemible only by seasoned professionals.


    “Please follow me, Ms. Schnabel”


    Noe stood up, with Palmer trailing behind her.


    He whispered to her, his voice enticing and deep. I missed the chance to see you paintst time.


    Might I have the pleasure of hearing you y the zither now?”


    If his fiancée was a disciple of Master Rainer, her skills with the zither ought to be quite profound.


    “I’m not in the mood to y right now.”


    Palmer nodded. “Alright. The financial report seemed off to me as well. It looks like you have your


    work cut out for you today.”


    He had nced at the financial report while she was looking at it. Many figures were clearly off, and


    with his years of experience in the business world, he had immediately spotted the discrepancies.


    Yet, he was impressed that Noe needed only a nce to home in ont the most problematic data


    Sometimes, he felt his fiancée was too perfect so much so that the more he got to know her, the


    closer he wanted to be.


    Terrell led Noe to the zithers, which were maintained impably, their nephrite iys shining with


    a subtle luster.


    “Ms. Schnabel, these zithers have been the talk of the towntely. Once we hold the auction, we


    are sure to make a handsome profit!” Noe’s fingers danced lightly across the strings, and the


    crisp sound reverberated through the music store, lingering in the air like an echo in a cathedral,


    revealing the instrument’s quality from a single note.


    “Ms. Schnabel,” the assistant spoke with pride, “this is a zither handcrafted by Master Sylvie herself.


    The nephrite iy is of the highest quality, making it the most expensive piece among all the harps


    we’ve got!”


    “This masterpiece also features strings personally selected by the renowned luthier, Mr. Rainer Just


    one strum, Ms. Schnabel, and you’ll recognize the exceptional quality!”


    The zither under Noe’s touch was indeed adomed with exquisite nephrite, and even the slightest


    pluck of the strings seemed to unleash the thunderous charge of a cavalry, resplendent and


    majestic.


    A fine instrument, indeed.


    But the problem was, since when did she carve this zither? And since when did Master Rainer set


    strings?


    The old man named each of his creations, and Noe could spot a Rainer original with just a


    nce.


    Noe’s gaze was icy as it fell upon Terrell standing before her.


    “Are you and Travis twins?” she inquired sharply.


    “Not, Ms. Schnabel, it’s just a coincidence that we share a simr name. The shenanigans he pulled


    off in the gallery, I had no knowledge of them! Terrell was clearly worried about being implicated.


    Noe’s eyes narrowed with a touch of disdain. “So, you’re not rted, yet the stunts you pull are


    strikingly simr? It seems names can be a twist of fate, and sharing a cell might just be another


    twist for you two!”