All the students in the classroom focused their attention on Albert and Lionel.
Everyone knew that last week Albert had challenged Lionel to a dare at the "Old Mine Pit," only for Lionel to turn the tables and suggest "Hell Street" instead, but no one knew what actually happened that day.
The students only saw Lionel come to school as usual on Monday, while Albert and the others took several days off.
During the first class on Monday, Lionel was again called away by Mr. Duen, the dean, and didn't return until just before class ended—combined with Lionel wearing a new outfit, what happened that Sunday night could be roughly guessed:
The mysterious, wealthy, widowed noblewoman who "sponsored" Lionel had made her move! She sent her butler and guards to thoroughly teach Albert a lesson on "Hell Street"!
And at Sorbonne College, she "dispensed justice" for Lionel, forcing the college to promise him protection!
As for the well-made but slightly worn old clothes Lionel was wearing, they belonged to the noblewoman's prematurely deceased husband; she enjoyed having Lionel wear them to seek pleasure with her and relive old memories.
This deduction was simply flawless! Even Edgar Allan Poe would say it was reasonable!
In the past few days, many students' gazes towards Lionel were no longer those of contempt, but of envy.
In France, a young university student dating a rich woman was by no means something to be ashamed of; on the contrary, it could showcase one's charm and talent.
Although Albert's Rohan Family had lost power in Paris, their wealth, status, and connections were still there, and they weren't to be trifled with—the noblewoman's influence was considerable.
Even scions of noble and wealthy merchant families yearned to win the favor of such a charming, mature noblewoman at balls or salons.
So everyone was eagerly anticipating what might happen between Albert and Lionel next.
Only Albert and Lionel knew that the same scene was actually flashing in each of their minds:
Albert, Michel Verne, and the others sat on the floor of the "Bone Hall," still shaken and gasping for breath, several of them with wet crotches, and one follower had simply rolled his eyes, frothed at the mouth, and fainted;
Only Lionel stood before them, grinning, holding the gas lamp whose green light had faded, and whose flame had returned to yellowish-white.
This was the greatest humiliation in Albert's more than 20 years of life, but he no longer had any thoughts of revenge; his eyes held only awe when he looked at Lionel.
In his opinion, having the courage to visit the "Old Mine Pit" during the day to see the skeletons was already considered audacious; Lionel, however, could play tricks there without changing his expression, which was beyond the scope of a "prank."
It was then that he believed this Alps bumpkin before him was actually a true, fearless atheist.
He not only disbelieved in God but also disbelieved in devils, evil spirits, witches… and all other supernatural beings; his mental strength was far greater than he let on.
Could Lionel be a terrifying materialist?
Albert also felt the pressure from the other students' gazes; he tried his best to control his expression and tone, approached Lionel, and extended his hand: "Good morning, Mr. Sorel."
Lionel was also a little surprised; after a moment of hesitation, he still shook Albert's hand.
Seeing that Lionel did not reject him, Albert was a little excited, turned around, and said to everyone: "Mr. Sorel is a noble, brave, and wise gentleman, possessing extraordinary bearing and magnanimity!
From now on, he is a friend of the Rohan Family!"
Lionel was somewhat stunned; he neither admitted nor denied it, merely patted Albert's shoulder and asked: "What about Michel Verne? Wasn't he supposed to transfer into our class?"
Albert breathed a sigh of relief; Lionel's reaction, though not enthusiastic, wasn't bad, and what he feared most was the other party revealing what happened last Sunday night.
Hearing Lionel's question, Albert quickly replied: "Michel has already returned to Amiens; he said Paris doesn't suit him…"
Lionel finally couldn't help but laugh: "Is it that bad?"
Albert's old face flushed, and he stammered, unable to speak—if his "home base" wasn't in Paris, and this matter was too embarrassing to tell his family, he would have simply dropped out of Sorbonne.
He had intended to brave it out and take a week or even longer off, but his father, upon receiving the news, sent him a stern telegram, rushing him back to class.
He wanted to say something more, but Lionel didn't indulge him; he simply went to a seat in the back row, sat down, and pulled out his textbook to read.
Albert could only sheepishly return to his seat.
— — — — — —
After class at noon, Lionel declined Albert's invitation to lunch and took a leave of absence to go to the Orby Trading Company.
This time, the bear—Arthur the doorman—not only didn't ask him for any proof documents like an invitation, but also said: "I wish you all the best, sir."
For the first time, Lionel entered this large trading company, with an annual turnover exceeding 300 million francs, through its main entrance.
This time, he still first found the "Colonial Communications Office," and as soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Sophie Denave working at her desk.
Sophie heard the movement, looked up, and was surprised to find it was Lionel, whom she had met a few weeks ago: "Why are you here?"
Seeing Lionel's new clothes, Sophie's expression became much more relaxed—Lionel's financial situation had improved, which meant he had successfully stopped the swindler named Émile.
Sophie was genuinely happy for Lionel.
However, Lionel's next words astonished her: "Sophie, I was still a step too late; that 'Émile' has already run off with 5,000 francs from my family."
Sophie panicked—5,000 francs! That was her entire five years' salary! She couldn't imagine how miserable Lionel's family must be now after suffering such a blow.
She stood up, covered her chest with her hand, and her voice was filled with sympathy, pity, and determination: "How unfortunate… I'm so sorry to hear that… I, what can I do for you?"
She even prepared herself that if Lionel asked her for money, she could still produce 200… no, 300 francs. Even though this was all the savings she had accumulated from two years of work.
Lionel pulled an envelope from his embrace, and from inside the envelope, he took out two pieces of paper; one had some words written on it, and the other had a portrait drawn on it.
Although the portrait's artistry was average, the general likeness was discernible: a handsome young man, appearing under 30, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of his mouth, giving him an exceptionally approachable look.
"Is this… that 'Émile'?" Sophie asked.
Lionel nodded: "Yes, my family had the town's priest, who had seen him, draw this portrait. The name he used for his scams in the Alps was 'Émile de Dumont'."
Sophie nodded, but she still didn't understand Lionel's purpose today; hadn't it already been confirmed that "Émile" was a swindler?
The rest should be left to the police.
When he raised this question, Lionel gave an "evil, charming" smile: "What does a swindler from the Alps have to do with the Paris police? Sophie, what I want to know is—
If 'Émile de Dumont' is a manager at the Orby Trading Company, but he defrauded my family, which department should I report and complain to?"
Sophie completely lost track of Lionel's thinking; wasn't "Émile" impersonating a manager of her company? How could a complaint succeed within her own company?
Lionel still smiled, explaining unhurriedly: "How do I know 'Émile' isn't one? If the Orby Trading Company doesn't handle my complaint, then they're protecting him, and that's what the Paris police should be concerned about!"
Sophie suddenly realized…
— — — — — — — — — —
After another pleasant dinner with Sophie at "Seine Sunset," Lionel took a public carriage back to 12 An Tan Street.
However, he noticed a female figure crouching by the steps at the entrance, indistinct in the dim streetlamp light; only the doorman was vigilantly watching her.
As soon as the doorman saw Lionel alight from the carriage, he came over and said: "Mr. Sorel, she says she's your friend…"
The girl looked up as soon as she heard the voice, and seeing Lionel, she happily jumped up: "Leo, you're finally back? Why did you move to such a fancy place?"
Lionel searched his memory and then asked uncertainly: "Alice?"