Chương 52: Secrets Between Men

"Mr. Haita, are you... taking some kind of poisonous drug right now?"

Hearing Xia En's question.

Haita, who had been basking in the sun with his eyes half-closed, paused, startled.

He first glanced back at Frilian and Philon inside the room, and after confirming that neither of them had heard, he looked at Shane.

"Mr. Shane, did you see something in me?"

Xia En nodded.

Haita chuckled softly.

"Indeed, Mr. Belial's letter mentioned your talent as a [monk], and even Frilian praised your abilities in this area, saying you possess extraordinary..."

"So!" Shane interrupted Haita urgently, his expression serious as he pressed, "You ate it, didn't you?"

Seeing Xia En's tense expression and tone, Haita finally stopped smiling.

After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "I'm old, I just want to live a little longer and watch Philon grow up."

"So you are very clear about your physical condition."

"Of course I know. I am an excellent monk, a genuine archbishop."

Hearing Haita's words, Shane became somewhat angry.

He could understand that Haita would use some underhanded methods to prolong his life, but he couldn't understand why he would continue to use such extreme and dangerous methods!

Seeing Xia En's serious expression.

This time, Haita didn't change the subject. His tone was tinged with sadness.

"Although I can barely maintain my health, the toxins from the medication can't be removed, and it can't really bring longevity. I've tried many methods, but with little effect... I'm too old and could die at any time, while my Philon is still so young."

"At my age, being able to open my eyes smoothly every morning is truly a lucky thing."

"Whether it's magic or medicine, I hope this luck can last a little longer."

Xia En felt a mix of emotions.

In his past life, he had seen many people who would stop at nothing to achieve health and longevity, or even to stay young and beautiful.

He always looked down on these people.

Now, looking at Haita, he could no longer utter any words of contempt.

"If Phyllenhaal knew what you were enduring, she would never have agreed to what you did."

"Yes, that child will definitely try his best to stop me. So, could you please keep this a secret for me?"

Haita looked calmly at Shane.

Xia En glanced at Xiao Feilun, who was busy in the kitchen, hesitated for a long time, and finally nodded silently.

"You really are a very good person, just as Belial described in his letter."

"If I were truly a good person, I should have sternly stopped you. Your goddess would certainly not have agreed to you ruining yourself like this."

Haita smiled.

They even tried to change the subject.

"I heard about you from Frilian. You really have the talents of a monk, and you were able to see through the poison in my body at a glance. That talent is many times greater than mine."

"So you really haven't considered becoming a monk?"

"I can pass on my mantle to you."

"The only disciple of Archbishop Haita, that title is still quite useful."

Xia En was speechless. He was truly defeated by Xia En's optimism.

"Keep your mantle. I don't want to be a pitiful monk who dies alone. I have high aspirations."

As he spoke, he glanced at Frillie, who was intently analyzing the magic book inside the room.

Haita didn't notice Xiaen's look.

But he still patted the other person on the shoulder encouragingly, "Alright, you young people can do whatever you like. Sigh, I'm an old man, nobody wants to be my apprentice anymore."

Xia En completely ignored Haita's somewhat sarcastic remarks.

"By the way, you've already deciphered that magic book, 'The Sage Evish's Notebook,' right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone to such extremes as using a drug with such severe side effects. But you still entrusted it to Frilian; you probably hoped Frilian would stay and teach Philon, right?"

Haita paused for a moment.

"What, do you find the disgusting scheming of the elderly really annoying?"

Xia En shook his head.

"Don't worry, I'll keep this a secret too."

Haita paused for a moment, then smiled genuinely. He understood why the monk Belial had praised Shane so lavishly.

This young man is really impressive.

After sunbathing, Haita went back inside.

Shane stood alone by the window of the cabin, watching Frillie inside, who was constantly flipping through documents with a quill pen.

Seeing her engrossed in deciphering the magic book, her expression shifting between frowning and joy, I couldn't help but sigh: What a silly elf!

…………

After composing himself, Xia En went to the kitchen.

"Little Philon, let me help you cook."

Little Philon stood on a stool, struggling to wash a potato in the sink. Upon hearing this, he politely declined.

"No need, Mr. Shane. You are a guest, and guests do not need help."

After hearing this, Xia En did not leave.

He picked up a potato from the side and started washing it himself.

"You're so small, not even as tall as the stove. Don't you find it hard to work?"

"It wasn't hard at all; Mr. Haita took good care of me."

"I see. So, what's your best dish?"

"It's a dish that Mr. Haita doesn't like to eat."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because I don't want him to be a picky eater, I try to make the food taste better."

"..."

For a moment, Xia En had the illusion that Haita was actually the child.

It feels like Philon really is a "mother".

Finding ways to get picky eaters to eat more is a common concern for mothers.

"What's Mr. Shane's best dish?"

"Me?... Old Altar Pickled Cabbage and Beef Noodles."

"Old-fashioned pickled cabbage and beef noodles?" Philon asked, hearing this for the first time.

"It sounds delicious."

"Of course, I'll treat you to a meal sometime."

"Thanks."

The two chatted casually in the kitchen, with Shane occasionally helping Philon with things like handing him a bowl or a spoon.

Soon, the two of them had prepared three dishes and a soup.

After serving all the dishes, Xia En wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Looking at the fruits of his labor, he was filled with satisfaction.

I must say, he's really good at choosing plates.

Look at this large blue and white porcelain soup bowl with milky white mushroom soup, then look at this bright yellow bone china plate with fragrant stir-fried lettuce, then look at this small white round plate with diced ham and broccoli, and most importantly, this long iron plate with chestnut pork chops!

What a perfect match!

Of course, the cooking skills of little Philon, who was in charge of preparing the dishes, were passable.

Compared to this master chef, there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Young people, keep up the good work!