Arriving at the Harbor, and the Town's Rumors

With the deafening sound of a steam whistle, the massive steam train gradually slowed down and finally came to a halt beside the platform of the station amidst a cloud of choking smoke. Amidst the bustling noise of the surrounding passengers, Luo Wei, dressed in a light-colored casual suit, a soft felt hat, and holding a gentleman's cane, stepped off the train. The appearance of the three young and elegant gentlemen and ladies couldn't help but draw the attention of those around them.

The weather in Brugge was sunny and bright. Unlike the towering, suffocating buildings commonly seen in Saint Callen, the city was mostly filled with low-rise structures that exuded the charm of a southern coastal town, with white walls and red roofs. It was just noon, and the entire city was bathed in a warm, golden hue.

This was quite a contrast for Luo Wei, who was accustomed to the gloomy and overcast weather of Saint Callen. The feeling of being under the sun was so pleasant that he couldn't help but feel an urge to embrace it.

Indeed, one should spend more time in the sun. It's said that people who stay in sunless places for too long are prone to becoming withdrawn and may even develop mental issues. No wonder there are so many oddballs, lunatics, and cultists in Saint Callen...

Looking further into the distance, the harbor lay at the southernmost tip of Brugge. The azure sea and sky seemed to merge into one, with no clear boundary between them. The loud whistle of a massive ship startled a flock of white seagulls, and the entire city was brimming with vitality.

Luo Wei's "wonderful vacation" had begun.

"It's so nice, so nice~" came Evelyn's gleeful laughter from beside him.

Wearing a large sunhat and a light white dress, Evelyn looked around curiously at this city, which was famous but one she had never had the chance to visit before.

If it weren't for Luo Wei's "containment" suppressing her vampiric nature, she would probably never have come here in her lifetime.

"I'm glad you like it, Professor," Luo Wei said with a smile, seeing how happy Evelyn was.

He had come here under the pretext of "academic exchange." Evelyn, the rising star of the academic world, had secured a spot for a visit and exchange with the Southern Polytechnic, a sister school. Luo Wei had been promoted to her teaching assistant, and after more than a week of handling the necessary procedures, they had finally made it here together. Seeing her so delighted made all the previous anticipation and busyness worthwhile.

However, not everyone was feeling cheerful.

"Brother..."

Helena covered her mouth as soon as she stepped off the train.

"Ugh..."

Luo Wei quickly supported her, and Helena leaned weakly against him, her face pale.

"Brother..." she looked up at Luo Wei pitifully, "I feel so sick... I want to throw up..."

"Drink some water!" Evelyn hurriedly rummaged through her bag.

Luo Wei helped Helena, who felt as light as a feather, to a shaded spot. After drinking some water, her complexion finally improved a bit.

"Whew..." She slumped down, looking at the massive train with lingering fear. "I hate that big thing... I never want to ride it again..."

Luo Wei couldn't help but chuckle at her miserable expression.

The steam trains of this era were slow, and the cabins were stuffy. Helena had been tossed around for three days and nights, with motion sickness and vomiting almost nonstop. It was clear that she had developed a psychological aversion to long train rides.

"Once we check into the hotel, we won't rush to Heglais Town. You can rest here properly before we go."

"Exactly!" Evelyn chimed in, "I want to do some shopping too! We can't come all this way for nothing!"

"Okay..."

Helena nodded, but when she saw Luo Wei's outstretched hand, she shook her head.

"Brother... I feel so sick... I can't walk anymore..."

She looked up at Luo Wei, her lips pouting with sadness and grievance, her big blue eyes glistening as if on the verge of tears.

“Carry me, Brother!” she said in a coy tone, stretching out her arms.

Luo Wei felt a surge of protectiveness at Helena's pitiful demeanor, his heart softening.

"Alright."

He nodded without hesitation and then hoisted her light body onto his back.

Though it wasn't the princess carry she might have imagined, Helena clung to Luo Wei's neck, pressing close to him, and still felt incredibly happy.

"Yay~!"

Luo Wei carried Helena toward the exit of the station, with Evelyn following behind. Watching Helena, who now seemed cheerful and no longer in discomfort, Evelyn couldn't help but mutter under her breath.

"Hmph, playing the victim..."

"Being young sure has its perks..."

...

After checking into a decent hotel and settling Helena down, Luo Wei wasted no time in heading out to rent a carriage.

Evelyn, on the other hand, immediately disappeared, claiming she needed to gather information for him. However, judging by the barely contained excitement in her eyes as she left, she was undoubtedly off to do some shopping.

At the carriage rental place, Luo Wei inquired carefully. To get from the coastal city of Brugge to the remote southeastern town of Heglais, they would need to pass through two more cities and four towns, as well as several small villages. It was indeed quite a long journey.

Moreover, many of the local coachmen had never heard of Heglais Town and refused to take the job. Finally, Luo Wei found one who knew of the place, but the man's face turned pale as soon as he heard the name.

"Heglais? You want to go to that cursed place?"

The coachman waved his hands frantically. "No, no! Are you trying to get me killed? I won't go there, no matter how much you pay!"

Luo Wei looked at him curiously. "That place has been abandoned for ten years, right? Is it still dangerous?"

"It's not just about danger... that place is cursed..." The coachman's face darkened, and he glanced around nervously, as if worried that even mentioning the town would bring bad luck.

"But I really need to go there for important matters," Luo Wei said, patting his wallet. "Money isn't an issue. I can pay you five times the usual fare."

"It's really not about the money..." The coachman glanced at Luo Wei's wallet, hesitating for a moment.

"Young man, judging by your attire, you must be a gentleman from Saint Callen. Let me tell you, that town is strange. Anyone who goes there ends up cursed! It's no place for a gentleman like you! If you like the southern coastal scenery, I can take you to other towns. I won't even charge you extra!"

"Cursed?" Luo Wei grew even more curious. "Has someone been there before? Otherwise, how would such rumors spread?"

The coachman seemed to recall something unpleasant, shivering before falling silent.

Luo Wei slipped him a banknote bearing the image of the old emperor. "This isn't for the fare. I just want to hear what you know. Tell me everything."

"It's really not about the money..." the coachman muttered as he quietly pocketed the banknote. "You young folks are so curious..."

After taking the money, the coachman finally opened up, sharing two bizarre rumors he had heard about the place.