The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

"Good afternoon, Professor Noel."

The mild-mannered painter, Alden Bridges, greeted Sirius with a smile.

It's Friday afternoon, January 1th.

Nearly two weeks earlier, Sirius had asked Dorothea for the address of the Bridges family, and had written to Emile asking if he would like to try out samples from the toy store.In the letter, he was careful not to mention Mr. Ghost.

However, this letter was not responded to until not long ago, and the person who wrote it was Alden Bridges, not Emil.

In the letter, Alden invited Siles to be a guest in a very gentle but unquestionable manner, and the date was set on the Friday afternoon of January 1.

Originally, every Friday afternoon, Siles would gather with the students of the club, but this week’s event happened to be a symposium, and the topic was raised by the students, so Siles decided to let the students discuss it themselves, and wait for the next one On Friday he came to give a summary.

So this afternoon, he visited Bridges' house on time.

However, it was Alden who replied, which also surprised Sirius—could it be that Alden directly opened the letter addressed to Emil?

This is not something a qualified parent should do, which leaves the child with no privacy.Given Alden's stubborn nature that belies his mild exterior, it doesn't seem surprising that he did this.

Of course, this also explains why Emil always has no assertiveness in reality, but in dreams, he is much more proactive.His nature as a young boy may have been suppressed in the family for a long time.

It is precisely because of this that Siles has long been prepared for the content of this visit.Alden would probably warn him not to lead Emil badly.I'm afraid it was precisely to show his position that Alden specially asked Siles to come over as a guest in his letter.

However, Siles' real intentions have nothing to do with the toy.He was just trying to test Alden.

Siles also considered whether it is necessary to start with Adolphus, but due to the existence of Dorothea, Adolphus may not be completely honest, he may be worried that Sires accidentally let Dorothea know the truth.

Therefore, testing from Alden's side is a more appropriate choice.Their relationship is stranger, and more suitable for talking about some... equally strange topics.

Still, Siles brought a bag of toys to Emile.Only, when the conversation was over, it was unclear whether Alden would allow Emil to play with the toys.

Tomorrow will be the official opening day of the toy store.Of course, the shops located in the underground black market can be said to be operating quietly, and the customized advertising cards from the businessman Lanmir have already been distributed all over the city.

Siles is very curious about whether there will be tomorrow, and how many orders can be sent to their reservation addresses: the east city and the west city each have a reservation address to meet the needs of different customers.

Siles has handed over these matters to the three ladies. After all, he doesn't have much time to pay attention to the toy store tomorrow-he will be running between La Mifah University and the Historical Society tomorrow, and I'm afraid he will have to wait until night Empty to the west city.

The end-of-year meeting of the University of Ramifa and the Commendation Ceremony of the Historical Society.He could already imagine how troublesome and troublesome it was.

He might even run into Jonathan Bryant at the Historical Society's honoring ceremony.It's also a good chance to test things out, especially if he gets something out of today's conversation with Alden.

Thinking of this, Siles also smiled slightly, and greeted Alden: "Good afternoon, Mr. Bridges."

They sat down facing each other in the living room.From outside the room, Emil probed in.A woman called his name from afar, and Emil hesitated for a moment before running away.

Alden took the initiative to explain: "That's Emil's mother, my daughter." He paused, "A daughter who is not very reassuring."

Siles considered for a while, and felt that he should not discuss with the old painter the education methods of his daughter and grandson.

...In fact, he is not that good at educating children, he just gained some knowledge intentionally or unintentionally on the Internet of the earth.When he was on Earth, he didn't even plan to get married and have children, and of course he didn't know about children's education.

It's just that as a novelist, it's quite normal to know a little bit of knowledge in any field.

He said: "After the husband of that lady has left, your place is naturally her safe haven."

These words actually made Alden's face more gentle.He sighed and said, "Maybe so. Or maybe, I hope she can have a happy family. As her father, I always hope so."

Siles felt slightly uncomfortable, but he didn't show it.He quietly listened to some of Alden's thoughts, and at the same time observed the living room where he was currently.

It is somewhat similar to the living room of the Grant family.In fact, the residences of these two families are not too far apart, which is in line with the friendship between Alden and Adolphus.Outside the similar floor-to-ceiling windows is the same depleted and decaying winter scene.

"...I'm sorry to have you hear so many complaints," Alden said in a low voice, "but usually, no one listens to me. You know, family, education, juniors, it's all It varies from person to person."

With a thought in his heart, Siles said along the topic: "That's true. Mr. Bridges, I have heard that because Pessonari, the god of fertility and life, has the power of 'breeding', his believers used to be more Pay attention to family education."

Alden looked strange, and he couldn't help saying: "Is this really the case? This is a bit strange, and it is also very practical. It would be great if the followers of the old gods today also have the piety and loyalty of those believers in the past."

"The followers of the old gods today are indeed not very harmless." Siles said calmly, "I even heard something that happened in the hospital, about some young children. You know, it is a hospital."

Alden sat there stiffly, and his expression became extremely ugly for a moment.

After a while, he finally concealed his strangeness.He coughed, and then said, "... yes. Professor Noel, I... I can see what you mean. It's... after all, it's a hospital. People always trust hospitals."

"Life and death are always staged in the hospital." Siles couldn't help sighing, and this was also his true emotion. "Perhaps, believers in life and death will also regard it as an extremely important place."

Alden fell into silence. He looked at Siles with an almost confused look, and asked with some hesitation: "Professor Noel...you...how much do you know? Did you find out something? ?”

Celeste paused.

Before he really spoke, he used judgment to insure himself.After all, this conversation is likely to involve countless immature lives.

He said silently in his heart: "Determine the social skill attributes of Siles Noel."

[Secret Keeper, Siles Noel (university professor) is conducting a social skill judgment. 】

[Social Skills: 45/…]

Siles chose 10 among the numbers that popped up in front of him.

[Social skills: 45/10, successful. 】

[An old, opinionated gentleman confronts a young, visionary professor.He must be thinking about whether it is necessary to tell you some information, but his hesitation itself has symbolized his wavering.The world had changed, he realized. 】

Siles said: "I think, since you say that, it means that you probably also know about the Darwin Hospital."

When Siles said the five words "Darwin Hospital", Alden's face twitched.He seemed to be extremely shocked, but also as if he expected it.That diametrically opposed expression made his expression look extraordinarily distorted.

Siles held the pen in his pocket warily.It had to be done. In the previous combat training, Qinduo finally let Siles develop some fighting instincts.

After a while, Alden let out a long sigh of relief.He was not in a hurry to speak to Sirius, but called a servant.

He still said gently: "This bag is the toy you brought to Emil, isn't it?"

His demeanor became softer unconsciously.Mild in the true sense, it should be said.

Siles wasn't quite sure why his attitude changed, but he nodded calmly and said, "Yes." He paused, then added, "I hope Emil will like it."

Alden didn't ask any more questions, he asked the servant to deliver the bag to Emil.After the servant left, he picked up the hot tea with his hand and drank several sips one after another.Siles noticed that his hand was shaking, and it was his hand holding the paintbrush, which should have been very stable.

There was a long silence in the living room.

In the end, it was Alden who broke the silence on his own initiative.

"I'm a painter, as you can see," he said.

Sirius nodded cautiously and slowly.

Alden said: "I am 67 years old. I started to learn painting when I was born, went to a well-known art academy in the city, sold my first painting in my 30s, and gradually became famous.

"I have been a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts all my life, and I retired at the age of 60. Now, seven years have passed since that time. And I am gradually aging, just like my father."

Siles was suddenly mentally prepared for what Alden was about to say, which made him unconsciously relieved.He looked at the aged painter with very calm eyes.

On the contrary, Alden trembled under such gaze.

"...Actually, you already knew, didn't you? Professor Noel, maybe you already knew, what my father said to me the night before he died...you have expected it, haven't you? Alden's voice was low and trembling.

Sirius hesitated for a moment, then nodded.He said: "Yes, Mr. Bridges. For various reasons, I have guessed your possible . . . true beliefs."

Alden was stunned, then he smiled wryly.

He sighed, but then his expression became a little better.He said: "When I saw the letter you wrote to the Emil, I was amazed, and I couldn't understand why you would want to give the Emil a toy.

"But when I told Emil that he couldn't play with the toys and let you come over, he... how should I put it, the light in his eyes disappeared.

"At that time, I realized that I thought it was something to play with, but to him, it was not just a toy. It was something more important.

"...I've been a painter all my life, from young to old. Now that I'm dying, I'm still a painter. I've started this way because of family tradition, but...but, my father said, We do not believe in Atkinya.

"Our family uses the belief in Atkinia to cover up the belief in Thaddeus. Because the followers of Atkinia are more harmless, because the followers of Thaddeus appear dangerous.

"Perhaps since then, I've had doubts—I doubt why I want to become a painter. Because of the false beliefs of the family? Because death inevitably strikes after all?

"I am so skeptical, and have never been able to avoid this skepticism. And yet I still set my descendants on the same path of skepticism. I still force the Emir to do things he doesn't like.

"And one day, when I'm dying, I'm going to have to tell my daughters, my grandchildren, and tell them it's because of that false, forged belief. We actually believe in Thaddeus... And they will also usher in the disillusionment of their ideas at that time.

"Is this a good thing? Is this a bad thing? Or, can we only survive in this cycle of false beliefs?"

He murmured under his breath.These things may have been fermenting in his heart for a long time, and now, he is more like muttering to himself, rather than telling Siles about the past.

And Siles still listened silently.

He verified all the guesses in his mind from Alden's words.

The Bridges family, the Grant family, and perhaps the Calverley family, all follow the original Thaddeus beliefs.They strive to make their own lives worthwhile so that death, their life's equivalent, has some value.

After the fall of Thaddeus, due to various reasons, they chose to hide their beliefs.

This may have something to do with the situation at the time.The situation in the late Silence Period was chaotic, and the believers of Thaddeus themselves were divided, and there were life believers whose positions were unknown but absolutely opposed to the death believers.

Thus, they conceal themselves under the more innocuous identity of Atkinya followers.

... Of course, Siles believes that it is difficult to say whether this belief in Atkinia has become true during the 400 years of the Age of Mists.

After all, from Alden's words just now, when he learned that the family's true belief is actually Thaddeus, he actually felt quite disillusioned.

Familial beliefs, and personal beliefs.Is it because the family's true belief is Thaddeus, so after knowing this, must the descendants of the family also convert to Thaddeus?

Siles thought it was a hard-line measure that was taken for granted.However, in this world, especially the upper class in this world, they seem to still value blood and family inheritance very much.

In addition, Alden's frankness also exceeded Siles' expectations.He thought that he would need to spend more time, probing back and forth with this seemingly gentle but tough old man, before he could finally get the answer he wanted from him.

...Perhaps it was the help of that judgment?

Or maybe, it was this cold winter day and the death of his friend that made Alden realize that this is no longer an ordinary year.He might as well have reached the age when his father confessed to him.

No matter what the old painter thought, for Siles, his attitude was always a good thing.

After finishing the long speech, Alden couldn't help being silent for a moment.When he recovered, he showed an old and tired smile.

He made a joke to try his best to get rid of this state: "I invite you here today, I don't want to talk to you about such annoying topics."

Siles also smiled slightly, and said, "Life always surprises you."

"Fate is always capricious," Alden murmured, and then he took a deep breath and said, "So, I think what you really want to talk about is... Jonathan Bryant."

Siles nodded.

Jonathan Bryant.The Minister of Finance of the Principality, the elder of the Historical Society, the backstage funder of the underground gang, the founder of Darwin Hospital, and the initiator of a frightening human experiment project.

But, here, they start by talking about Jonathan Bryant's more obscure identity as a believer in death.

"He's more..." Alden hesitated for a moment, then said, "values ​​life. Life is worth it, I mean. Know yourself well.

"Money, power, power, virtue, he let himself work hard to obtain and possess everything, adding one more, one more... adding countless more to his brilliant life history, and then he can go to the world with peace of mind. Met Thaddeus."

Siles listened quietly, and noticed that when Alden mentioned the god of death and calamity, he always used to call him "Thaddeus" instead of the more appropriate "I god".

...This may also be able to glimpse the essence of his belief from one side.That's just the "task" of the family, and it's hard to call it a "faith" in the true sense.

"But..." Alden hesitated suddenly, "but...but sometimes things can turn the cart before the horse."

Siles said: "He began to yearn for the warmth of life instead."

Alden wanted to say something, but in the end he just sighed slowly.After a moment of silence, he said: "Yes... yes. I admit this. However, I also have to admit that I am actually greedy for life and afraid of death.

"It's just that Jonathan is a crazier and paranoid person. He regards his nostalgia for life as the revelation given to him by Thaddeus; he believes that it is the gods that catalyze his desire for life invisibly."

Siles listened, but suddenly felt a little ridiculous.

He thought, does the god know that he has become the culprit invisibly?

"...Is this what Darwin Hospital was made of?" Sirius asked.

"No, you can't say that." Alden shook his head, "At least in the beginning, Darwin Hospital was just...to do charity and make some money...that's all.

"As you may know, the Darwin Hospital in the West City was opened 14 years ago, and the Darwin Hospital in the East City was opened earlier. 14 years ago... In short, at that time, Jonathan seemed to intend to lay his sphere of influence in the West City."

Sirius knew this very well.He also realized that Alden also seemed to have some understanding of what happened 14 years ago.But that's not the focus of the conversation right now.

"But then things changed," Siles said. "Three years ago. What happened to Jonathan at that time?"

Alden looked at Siles in surprise, finally shook his head, and said, "Professor Noel, you are amazing. I don't even understand how you can know so much.

"...Yes, the situation changed three years ago. I haven't talked with Jonathan about what happened. I only know that three years ago, he suffered a serious illness. After that, the situation Take a nosedive.

"Since then, his personality has become more extreme and stubborn, and no one's persuasion will be effective. He was also at that time...at least from what I heard, it was at that time that he began to carry out some not so...no How to study decently."

Sirius nodded thoughtfully.He turned to ask, "If you don't mind... how did you get in touch with Jonathan Bryant?"

"Followers of the Old Gods...Of course, we can also call them followers of the Old Gods. Therefore, we have an organization... or rather, a family alliance." Alden couldn't help shaking his head when he said this .

After a while, he continued: "I am happy to tell you so much today. First, because you are Thea's mentor, I think you are trustworthy; second, because you made me realize that there is something wrong with my education method. some questions.

"The third reason is that the family alliance I belong to is actually beyond your reach. I guessed that you are investigating something, and that... although I am powerless to stop it, I hope someone will stop it. Maybe this is why I things that should be done.

"...In short, it was a gathering of related families with Thaddeus beliefs within the Principality of Constance. Only after the death of the previous patriarch, the patriarch who knew the truth about the family's beliefs could succeed to the relevant alliance seat.

"We hold a regular meeting, as short as a week, as long as six months. The people who attend the party are all gray-haired, so our topics are always those... always old people's topics.

"There, I learned about Jonathan's situation. He also... gave us some advice."

Having said that, Alden couldn't help but sighed.

"What advice?" Sirius couldn't help asking.

"...don't let the descendants of the family come into contact with items of unknown origin." Alden's tone became very complicated, "It's not just... I mean, it's not just as simple as an out-of-control time track.

"As far as I know, many people who are about to die have also joined that complicated and huge plan, that..."

He paused, not knowing what to say for a while.

Instead, Siles answered at this time: "That resurrection plan."

Alden trembled almost uncontrollably.He picked up the teacup and took a few sips of cold tea.His tone trembled: "It's incredible...Professor, I'm not saying you know it's incredible, although it's a bit...

"I mean, the plan. The wicked, daring, unthinkable plan. In the middle of the night when I dreamed, I felt as if I caught a glimpse of the corner of a huge monster, terrible, disgusting and frightening.

"...I mean, no one would have thought of doing this when he heard about the Revelator and the power of the Revelator, right? But he really thought about it and did it.

"He scattered the items he had used in every corner of the city, as if he was spreading seeds everywhere, hoping that one day his life would take root from the new seeds and grow healthily and vigorously again.

"Jonathan Bryant is a genius, an evil and blasphemous genius!"

The more he said, Alden became more and more excited.By the end, he was almost dancing, his face flushed.But when he finished that last sentence, his mood suddenly fell to the bottom again.

He was panting, his old body made him unable to support such violent mood swings.He took a sip of water tremblingly, and then slowly calmed down.He smiled wryly.

Siles remained silent throughout.

After a while, Alden murmured: "It's unbelievable, isn't it? I have to admit, at a certain moment, I was really moved by that plan... Eternal life. Perhaps, I can live long enough to welcome the return of the old gods." that day.

"However, I felt fear after all. It was an incredible thought and practice. I don't want to use my soul to do this experiment, and I don't want to kill others to gain my own eternal life. That's terrible .”

Having said that, he shook his head, but actually calmed down.

"It was a very evil plan indeed," said Siles.

Alden nodded in agreement.

They reached a consensus, so the atmosphere in the living room improved a lot.Alden stood up and walked around the living room for a while, as if he was moving his numb hands and feet.He stood by the fireplace, warming himself, as if he could gain warmth from the flames.

Siles asked, "So, what can we do about this plan?"

"Jonathan will not actually talk to us about this plan." Alden said, "However, some people who are also involved in this plan are not strict, and occasionally reveal some rumors."

Siles nodded approvingly."Do you know who was involved?" he asked.

Alden casually mentioned a few names, and Siles memorized them all.He thought, maybe he could try to find the dreams of these people in the deep sea dream.Jonathan didn't dream much, so it was difficult for Sirius to learn anything from his dreams.

Now, the dreams of those in the know are also possible choices.

"It's hard for me to ask them for information directly. Of course, if you want to investigate them, that's also a way." Alden said, "If you really want to talk about the information I have learned... ..."

He was lost in thought.

Siles waited patiently for his thoughts.

After a while, Alden woke up like a dream, and he said, "Dawson Street."

Siles was taken aback, and couldn't help asking: "What?"

"... Dawson Street in the West Side." Alden whispered, "As far as I know, that's where Jonathan started to develop. It's an underground black market. I don't know if you've heard of it."

Siles nodded slowly.He actually knew about this a long time ago, but before that, he never thought that Dawson Street might have something to do with Jonathan's resurrection plan.

Alden said: "If you look into the relevant shipments on Dawson Street, especially those unidentified time tracks, then I am afraid that you can find some holes in Jonathan. From what I understand, he seems to be hiding his identity and will partly Used time-tracks found their way into Dawson Street."

Siles was startled, and said with some trouble, "I thought his plan was to revive himself in a young child?"

"That's what Darwin Hospital is doing." Alden said meaningfully, "But of course, he is also willing to do some other possible alternatives outside of Darwin Hospital. And those alternatives may not be as good as Darwin's." The hospital is planning so carefully and carefully."

In other words, it is very likely that flaws will be exposed.

Sirius nodded thoughtfully.

Dawson Street.This is indeed a place he neglected.In fact, there is a mix of fish and dragons there, and the messaging is very cryptic.If Jonathan really wanted to do something, he might also take advantage of the convenience brought by this environment.

However, when it came to Darwin Hospital, Siles thought of Nanessaal Bryant again.That young boy, possibly Jonathan's grandson, and... called "Holy Son" by Dice.

Siles didn't intend to tell Alden directly what he knew about the existence of Nanisar, the old painter in front of him, even though he appeared to be very frank, but the flashing blue light on his body told Siles— — This is a powerful revealer after all.

Siles said: "About Jonathan... I always have something that I don't understand. You and others have offspring, but why Jonathan..."

"Why is he a widower without a wife and children?" Alden said.

Afterwards, Alden sighed slightly.

After a moment of silence, he said: "As far as I know, Jonathan should have blood descendants, but outsiders don't know it, and he himself doesn't like to mention it. His wife died young, and he didn't leave any descendants when he died. .

"After that, Jonathan seemed to have an illegitimate child. But he was obsessed with power at the time, and the appearance of an illegitimate child would affect his reputation. Therefore, this illegitimate child and the biological mother of the illegitimate child have never been known.

"As for the status of this unknown illegitimate child, no one knows."

Siles nodded, and he said, "The reason why I ask this question... In short, you may also know that in some studies, the pollution brought by the time track will be passed on through the blood."

Alden was slightly taken aback, as if realizing what Sirius wanted to say, his face gradually became a little ugly.

"So, I'm thinking... If Jonathan has offspring, will he give priority to reviving himself in the offspring's body?" Siles said in a very low and cold tone.

Alden said incredulously: "This...how is this possible?!" He looked very shocked, "No, I mean...I mean, it is indeed possible, but, how could Jonathan...how could he do this? ?! Those are his offspring!"

It seemed that the old painter with strong family values ​​was furious about Jonathan's possible actions.

"I think this is a possible hypothesis." Siles remained calm, and of course it was because he had seen Nanisar a long time ago, so he could be so calm.

Alden took a breath, seemed to be infected by Sirius' calmness, and couldn't help but look at him.

Sirius paused for a moment before continuing: "Since Dawson Street is a candidate for Darwin Hospital, is it possible that what Darwin Hospital is doing may also be a candidate for a more core and secret plan?"

Alden was stunned for a while, and then smiled wryly: "You convinced me...Professor Noel, I think what you said is possible." He sighed heavily, and he even looked a little dazed.

In fact, Sirius has a third hypothesis—that is, the resurrection of the gods and the resurrection of the self may be happening at the same time.After all, Nanisar was called "The Son of God".That's an overly religious title.

But the old painter in front of him seems to have accepted too much stimulation today.He looked pale and blue, and his breathing seemed a little short, so Sirius thought about it, and finally put this matter down for the time being.

He thinks that bringing up the matter at a later time is also a possible option.

In fact, the root of everything is Jonathan Bryant.As long as this guy can be stopped, then whether it is the resurrection of the gods or the resurrection of the self, it is an evil plan that can be stopped.

They sat in silence for a while, and then, Alden took a deep breath, he said: "I think, Professor Noel, today's conversation is almost over. I may need to go to rest for a while.

"As for Jonathan Bryant, I'm going to keep an eye on him. If he's really dying, then his plan may be on the verge of going to the final stage.

"However, if he can still survive, then I don't think he will give up his current status easily."

Siles nodded approvingly.Changing his identity and resurrecting himself means that he will wake up in another person-whether this idea is really feasible or not, it also means that Jonathan Bryant will no longer exist.

Therefore, Siles always believed that it was impossible for Jonathan to take risks until the last step.

But at the same time, Siles also maintained a little caution.He thought, although this kind of thinking is reasonable, it is just that they speculate on Jonathan's thoughts from the standpoint of others.

If Jonathan was really sick and uncomfortable, and he didn't want to continue living in that cumbersome old body, then maybe he was about to take action?

This thought also appeared in Sirius' mind.

He thought that if Dawson Street was to be investigated, it would be better to use more official channels.I don't know how the investigation of the Darwin Hospital by the church in the past is going.

Soon, he said goodbye to Alden.Alden seemed to have recovered from all kinds of thoughts, but his overall demeanor did look a lot older.

When leaving, Siles met with Emil, who seemed to like the toys he brought over very much.So Siles gave him an advertising card and told him that if he wanted to buy other toys, he could write to the corresponding address to order.

Emil fiddled with the advertisement card with great novelty.

Then, he asked a little curiously: "Professor, what if there are new products?"

"For customers who have ordered by letter, we will regularly send a list of products." Siles said, "The advertising card will also be updated regularly."

Emile suddenly realized, he said: "I'm going to school soon... I can share these toys with my classmates."

Siles thought to himself, it seems that Emil will attract a lot of business for the store.Emil's classmates are probably also young children from some noble families, and I am afraid they have a lot of purchasing power.

He couldn't help but smiled slightly and said, "Looking forward to the feedback from your classmates."

He bids farewell to Emile and leaves the Bridges home.Alden sent a coachman to drive Cilles back to 6 Hayward Street.As expected, Cendo had already lit the stove and was waiting for Sirius in the room.

It was snowing again on the way back, and Cindo got up when Sirius opened the door, so that Sirius could see his emerald-eyed lover the first time he entered the door.

Qin Duo reached out and patted the snowflakes off Siles' shoulders, and then said: "Come and get warm, I'm afraid you will be frozen."

Siles took off his coat, and