On the way back to the hotel, the Arbiter's words still echoed in Lex's mind.
"His name is Meyers Fadonis. This might be an alias, but he's still using it, so who cares?"
"His current identity is the owner of the 'Colorful Candy House' at 13 Mink Street. He's concealed himself very well, so much so that I even thought he had already left Tingen City."
"He is a Criminal; I mean in terms of the Beyonder pathway. He is very strong physically in all aspects and is good at using objects around him to attack opponents. Additionally, I suspect he has at least one magical item on him."
"Because anyone killed by him mysteriously turns into a puddle of chocolate."
To be killed and turn into chocolate, how truly bizarre.
Lex unconsciously stroked his beard, then became slightly alert, cautioning himself not to make that gesture when appearing in his true identity.
In a flash, the hotel was reached.
The next day, with Matthew's assistance, Lex dressed in formal wear, put on his hat, and then Gru led the way. With great pomp, he left the hotel and climbed into the luxurious carriage he had rented.
Today, he was finally going to visit Sir Deville.
The carriage left the hotel and, before long, had already arrived in the Golden Banyan District.
This was Lex's third time coming to this district.
Every time he came, Lex felt an urge to buy property here, but thinking that Councilor Maynard lived here, and that he was also a character in 'Tingen Story,' Lex quickly dismissed that impulse.
When the carriage stopped, Lex saw Sir Deville's home.
A flourishing garden was enclosed by iron railings, with a statue on each side of the hollowing out gate. Upon entering, there was a road wide enough for three carriages to travel abreast, ending in a fountain with a marble statue towering in the center.
And deeper inside, directly facing the gate, on the central axis of the courtyard, was Sir Deville's expansive two-story house.
"I bet the Sir's house has at least a hundred rooms."
Lex whispered, then watched as the iron gate opened, and his four-wheeled carriage drove in, along the wide road, past the lawn and garden, around the fountain, and arrived in front of the grand house.
Under the building's portico stood a middle-aged man in a black suit and a matching tie, looking like a butler. Seeing the carriage approach, he led a team of footmen and a team of maids to meet it.
After Lex alighted, he heard the middle-aged man smile and say, "Welcome, Mr. Lex. The Sir is in the drawing-room."
"Alright," Lex responded with a smile. Accompanied by his personal footman and led by the middle-aged butler, he entered Sir Deville's house.
How magnificent!
Even more impressive than Bison's.
This was just a Sir in Tingen City; what would the royal nobility of Backlund be like?
Damn, being rich is great!
As he entered the bright drawing-room, Lex reined in his scattered thoughts and saw the square-faced Sir Deville smiling as he sat on a luxurious sofa.
The Sir had previously been rumored to have encountered some trouble, but now it seemed the trouble had been resolved.
His dark gold hair gleamed, and his azure eyes sparkled. Seeing Lex enter the room, he stood up with a hearty laugh.
Following social etiquette, Lex bowed proactively: "Good morning, esteemed Sir Deville."
"Good morning, Bison's boy. Is your father still well? I bet he's put on some weight by now, hasn't he?" Sir Deville said in an unexpectedly kind tone, without any of the airs of a Sir.
Lex smiled in response: "Father has indeed been a bit lacking in exercise in recent years, but he's still in pretty good health."
As he spoke, Lex took the gift from Matthew's hand and handed it to the Sir.
After handing the gift to his own butler, Sir Deville gestured, inviting Lex to sit.
After the Sir sat down, Lex took a seat on a single armchair, and a servant soon brought tea and pastries.
"Tell your father that no matter how busy he is with his career, he shouldn't neglect his physical health. Even I go horseback riding and hunting every week; how can he let his body go uncared for?"
Sir Deville said playfully.
Lex said with slight surprise, "The Sir also enjoys horseback riding?"
"What man wouldn't enjoy horseback riding? It's the same principle as every gentleman having at least one pistol in his home."
Sir Deville pointed to a display cabinet against the wall not far away: "Last year, I even participated in the city's Horse Riding Club competition. Although I didn't win the championship, I still received a trophy."
Only then did Lex see a silver trophy on that cabinet, and next to the trophy was a black and white photograph.
With a hunter's eyesight, he could make out Sir Deville holding the trophy in the photo, with many gentlemen congratulating him nearby.
Among them, Lex saw McGovern and Maynard. So, the banker and the councilor were also members of the Horse Riding Club?
After some pleasantries, the conversation finally got to the point. Lex expressed Bison's idea, hoping to invest in the steel industry with Sir Deville.
The Sir smiled after listening: "Your father's ambition shouldn't be limited to just the steel industry, should it?"
Yes, he's aiming for a seat in the Kingdom's Upper House.
"Father has always been very bold and insightful. His wisdom is as deep as the sea; even I, his son, cannot guess his true intentions."
Lex skillfully avoided the topic by both praising and deflecting.
Sir Deville chuckled a few times before saying, "I started with lead manufacturing and porcelain factories. Currently, my investments span coal, shipping, banking, and securities. And yes, that includes the steel industry."
"You see, whether it's capital or energy, I've dedicated them all to my career. And I'm no longer young, so it's difficult for me to allocate more time, money, and energy to cooperate with your father."
"Regarding this, I am very regretful. However, I can introduce you to a few gentlemen with capital and vision. Perhaps among them, your father can find better partners?"
Lex, of course, would not refuse the Sir's goodwill and had no intention of trying to get the Sir to join for Bison, so the topic ended there.
After enjoying a luxurious and sumptuous lunch at the Sir's house, Lex took his leave. In the afternoon, he planned to stay at the hotel and prepare to pray using the bronze mirror.
If there was time, he would read a book and also inform Bison of the Sir's wishes via telegram.
Just as the carriage passed through the South District, through the street where Sandy's house was located, Lex saw the street crowded with people, and police in black and white checkered uniforms going in and out, not knowing what had happened.
Back at the hotel, Lex changed his mind again. He felt he shouldn't pray too frequently, otherwise, Klein might think he had ulterior motives.
Be more patient.
He told himself, then took out the Great Emperor's notebook he had bought at the gathering and began to read.