He approached the front entrance of the spired building, and before long saw a beast-headed man—scales gleaming obsidian-black across his skin, a lizard’s head atop his shoulders—pushing a contraption out the door alongside two human boys of fifteen or sixteen.

  They glanced at Glenn but did not linger on him, their faces still clouded with dejection as they attempted to pass around him.

  Though this was not Glenn’s first encounter with a beast-headed folk, seeing one in such a bustling district was still unexpected. To appear here so openly, he must have obtained proper legal documents… The thought flashed by, and Glenn immediately called out to stop the trio:

  “Wait. What is that you are carrying? Could you tell me?”

  The beast-headed man did not even turn his head. “A failure.”

  Glenn hopped down from his carriage, blocking their path with a courteous smile. “I actually overheard your conversation in that building. Honestly, those people were a bunch of brainless fools. They targeted you simply because you are an outsider, their arrogance blinding them to the immense value of what you have created. But I am different.”

  The torrent of rapid words left the beast-headed inventor staring at him with wide, stunned eyes.

  Only after a long moment did he burst out, visibly moved: “I knew it! Someone had to understand! You are absolutely right! Ever since I came to this country, I have suffered nothing but cold stares and unjust treatment! I love gears. I love inventing. Gods above, why will they not give me a chance to prove myself? But… but it is all over now. I have poured all my savings into researching this electric lamp. Now I have to find a way to support myself, and these two children who have stayed by my side.”

  He lowered his head, looking at the human boys beside him.

  “Mr. Sorey… we are not continuing?” one of the boys whispered.

  Sorey, the lizardman inventor, shook his head silently.

  “Do not!” Glenn shouted at once. “How could something this magnificent die in the womb? You need funding, right? I can invest. Let me be your backer!”

  An electric lamp would inevitably become a cornerstone of the nation’s development. And as its inventor, Sorey would one day reap enormous wealth. Investing now was practically free money.

  “You want to invest in me? But… why do you believe in me?” Sorey’s voice trembled, as though stunned by sudden hope.

  “I am a businessman—and a sharp one. My instincts are not wrong. Your invention will bring me an excellent return.”

  Glenn coaxed him smoothly.

  “But what if… I fail…”

  “Oh come on! Where is that confidence you had in the building earlier? Who was it who stood his ground, convinced his invention would work?”

  Glenn patted Sorey’s shoulder lightly, offering a firm, encouraging gaze.

  “Sorry… I am just overwhelmed by this sudden turn of fate. But rest assured, sir—I will not fail. May I ask your name?”

  “Just call me Glenn. Now, let us find a place to talk properly…”

  Glenn led Sorey and the two boys into a handsomely decorated tavern. After a lengthy discussion, the two sides reached an agreement that satisfied them both.

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  “Besides this electric lamp, I believe Mr. Sorey will bring me many future surprises. I can already see the day coming.”

  Glenn encouraged him again as they parted.

  “I cannot thank you enough! Sir, I will give it everything I have!”

  If lizardfolk had tear ducts, Sorey would likely have been weeping by now.

  Resuming his previous plans, Glenn walked on with the handwritten agreement tucked safely in his coat, feeling quite pleased.

  Before long, the Great Stag carriage entered what appeared to be a residential district—rows of two- or three-story houses in the clean, medieval style, their front gardens carefully planted with greenery and flowers. The residents here were clearly at least middle-class.

  But Glenn’s newly acquired property lay even deeper within the neighborhood.

  Some passersby cast curious glances at him and his unusual mount. Their clothes were immaculate, their posture upright, their spirits high. A few young women blushed when Glenn returned their gazes with a smile.

  Perhaps his attire did not quite match the district’s residents—which explained their attention. After all, outsiders rarely entered this area; occasionally, individuals of notable status lived here. Ordinary townsfolk usually avoided it altogether.

  At last Glenn found the place. He dismounted, staring at the enormous three-story residence before him in mild astonishment.

  The house was clearly worth a small fortune, and its interior must have been furnished with great care. The front lawn looked freshly trimmed, and the blossoms in the pots lining the stone path released a delicate, enchanting fragrance.

  Just as Glenn was about to enter and inspect the interior, a woman’s voice rose behind him:

  “Child, this is not a place you can simply walk into. Leave quickly.”

  Turning, Glenn saw an elderly woman in a headscarf, apparently passing by, gesturing for him to step away.

  “I live here, madam. This house is mine now.” Glenn produced the key to show her.

  She frowned in disbelief. “Do not try to fool me—you would only be harming yourself. I have seen the man who lived here. Just one look at him was enough to frighten anyone.”

  So the house had been inhabited until recently. It had indeed been transferred to him by someone, and the note had mentioned the former owner’s name—someone Glenn must have known before crossing worlds. But who? No matter how hard he searched his memories, nothing surfaced.

  He could only ask, “You have seen the previous owner—could you tell me what he looked like? He might be connected to me. The house was sold to me at a very low price.”

  A harmless lie.

  The old woman seemed untroubled by it. Thinking back, she said, “Oh, he was a very tall man. I have never seen anyone so strong. Looked like he could kill a bull with his bare hands. When he passed the Edelmanns’ home next door, even their big dog dared not make a sound.”

  What? With a description that distinctive, the original Dylan should have remembered him. Why couldn’t he recall anyone like that?

  Glenn sank deeper into confusion.

  “Thank you for telling me, madam.” He finally cut her off—the rest was mere useless detail.