Chapter 12
Audrey's Beauty
Chapter 12 Audrey's Beauty
On Thursday morning, Hobart accompanied Barton in the law firm's carriage to Earl Hall's residence.
On the carriage, Barton explained, "Earl Hall is a nobleman with a far-sighted vision and a wise mind. While most nobles are still living off their land and property, Earl Hall has been actively investing in banking and emerging industries."
Hobert nodded. He did have a vague recollection of "Justice's" father.
Barton lamented, "The reforms in the Kingdom of Rune over the years have been like a sieve. A group of nobles have taken advantage of this opportunity to gain more wealth and political status, while most nobles have declined."
"However, nobles value their reputation highly. Even if there is any dispute between them, their first thought is to resolve it through private negotiation. If it goes to court, it means that the two sides have completely broken off relations and are willing to disregard their dignity as nobles for the sake of some wealth and assets."
Barton was highly trusted by Earl Hall. The Earl would usually ask Barton to review contracts for important transactions or collaborations, and would also seek Barton's advice in case of any economic disputes.
Hobert had seen Earl Hall’s mansion from afar before, and didn’t think much of it from the outside. But once inside, Hobert realized that the mansion was much larger than he had imagined.
Upon entering, you'll find a huge garden with sculptures, fountains, a vast lawn, and manicured landscape trees.
Lawns were a symbol of the aristocracy in this era. Ordinary people would not grow grass because there was no profit to be made from it, and it would take a lot of time to maintain.
Only nobles who do not rely on these lands for their livelihood would choose to grow grass.
Gradually, lawns became a symbol of nobility and wealth.
Hobert and Barton arrived in a carriage at a three-story, impressive-looking European-style building, where Earl Hall's butler was already waiting outside.
The butler exchanged a few polite words with Barton, while also praising Hobart's handsome appearance.
Then Barton and Hobart were led inside by the butler. Upon entering, they found themselves in a magnificent hall with many works of art on the walls and priceless antiques on display.
Earl Hall was waiting in front of a drawing room. Although the years had left obvious marks on the earl, he was still very handsome. One could imagine that he must have been a nobleman who captivated many young girls when he was young.
"Mr. Barton, you always look so well," Earl Hall said with a smile. "Is this your new assistant?"
"Your complexion is like the morning sun, giving one a sense of warmth," Barton said in a friendly greeting. "Yes, Earl, he is a top student at Backlund University, a very fine young man."
Earl Hall sized up Hobert: black hair, dark eyes, handsome features, and especially a sunny and cheerful smile, like a young man from next door visiting.
"Seeing these outstanding young people makes me realize how old I truly am," Earl Hall remarked. "Please come in."
"Dad!" A clear voice called out, making the three of them stop what they were doing and look in the direction of the sound.
Hobart saw a stunningly beautiful woman walking gracefully toward him. She had golden hair and blue eyes, her long hair was as lustrous as gold, and she had a pure and elegant temperament. Her emerald eyes were like the purest gemstones.
Hobart was stunned; she was absolutely the most beautiful lady he had ever seen in both his lives.
Patton cleared his throat to remind him, and Hobart finally came to his senses. He said somewhat embarrassedly, "I'm sorry, Earl, and this beautiful lady, your beauty is breathtaking."
Earl Hall smiled and said, "There's nothing to apologize for; the pursuit of beauty is a gentleman's refinement."
This stunningly beautiful lady is none other than Audrey, the "Justice" lady.
Hobart sighed, no wonder "Krypton" was a little flustered when he first met Audrey and even wondered if she was a "witch" - she was indeed too beautiful.
The count asked Audrey, who had approached, "My beautiful daughter, what brings you here?"
"Hello, Mr. Barton." Audrey, with her good manners, greeted Barton warmly and gave Hobart a friendly smile.
Then she said to Earl Hall, "Father, after you've finished your business, may I ask Mr. Barton a few questions privately?"
"Of course," Earl Hall said with a doting expression.
Patton replied, "Beautiful lady, it is my honor."
He said, "Please allow me to introduce my assistant, Hobert, who is a law student at Backlund University. If you have any questions about law, I think Hobert can be of service to you."
The count smiled and said, "It seems you have high expectations for this young man."
Patton nodded. "Yes."
Hearing the conversation between the two, Hobart was slightly taken aback. He roughly understood that Barton was recommending himself to the next generation of the Earl.
In Ruhnn's legal profession, it's generally the senior lawyers who consider a student or assistant to be very promising to recommend them to their main clients or the descendants of their main clients.
This is somewhat similar to the meaning of "closed-door disciple".
But the problem is, Hobart thinks he might leave the agency once he has digested the potion, so why would Barton train him like this?
But this was not the time to think about that. Hobart bowed slightly to Audrey and said, "It would be my pleasure to serve you."
Audrey was clearly somewhat distrustful of Hobart, but out of respect for Mr. Barton, she said, "Alright then, Mr. Hobart, please come with me."
Watching the two young men leave, Earl Hall smiled and said, "I should also consider finding a young man to be my assistant."
He exclaimed, "Youth is wonderful! It always makes you feel full of energy. I feel full of strength right now."
Patton smiled and said, "Then let's get to work."
The two talked as they entered the reception room.
On the other side, Audrey brought Hobert to the garden, but even the most beautiful flowers there paled in comparison to Audrey.
Audrey walked ahead and asked, "Mr. Hobart, have you handled any criminal cases?"
Hobart was taken aback; he couldn't very well say that he had only handled one case in total. "I've seen many related cases and can help you analyze and offer suggestions. If it needs to be resolved in court, Mr. Barton can step in."
Audrey frowned slightly before continuing, "I have a friend who accidentally crippled her opponent in a conflict..."
Hobart thought to himself, "Miss Justice, your friend isn't Hugh, is he?"
(End of this chapter)