LRAB Chapter 10 Church and Believers
Chapter 10 Church and Believers
Markel recounted his ordeal at a leisurely pace. Although he received a large sum of compensation through Raphael's "manipulation," he had no desire to live anymore.
As Markle recounted this, tears welled in his eyes: "...Just as I was preparing to commit suicide, Mr. Carter arrived with a message from Mr. Raphael."
He choked up again and said, "Mr. Raphael told me: 'I helped you get your compensation back, and at some point in the future I will need your help to repay this favor.'"
This was somewhat unexpected for Audrey, because it was clearly Raphael's words that saved Markle.
Markle must have felt that he still had outstanding debts to repay, which is why he didn't commit suicide immediately.
Based on Audrey's knowledge of psychology and her experience as a "psychologist," in most cases, if a person who is suicidal does not commit suicide at the beginning due to some reason, it is difficult for them to muster the courage to commit suicide again after a period of time.
Many psychological issues can be resolved on their own, so they will not commit suicide in the future.
According to Audrey's observation, although Markle was willing to take the blame for Raphael, he no longer had any suicidal tendencies.
The reason she found it unexpected was that she hadn't expected Raphael to be so thoughtful. After helping Markle get his compensation back, he even came up with such a way to save Markle's life.
Audrey thought to herself: This confirms the analysis of the "Hermit". Raphael's style of doing things seems a bit crazy, but he is very wise and has his own bottom line.
Markle then recounted how, with the help of one of Mr. Carter's subordinates, he used the compensation money to purchase his current property, and how he gradually regained hope for life.
"Markel..."
Just then, a somewhat magnetic voice interrupted Markel's description. Raphael pushed open the door and said, "Go and rest."
Markle immediately stood up and said, "Yes, sir."
As he spoke, he picked up his cane and quickly left.
Raphael sat in the chair where Markle had just been sitting and looked at Audrey, saying, "Miss Hall seems quite interested in Markle's story."
"I wouldn't say I'm interested," Audrey said seriously. "It was just casual conversation."
Her impression of Raphael has changed considerably.
Raphael crossed his legs, took a cigarette from the metal cigarette case, and lit it: "Since Miss Hall is in such good spirits, let's chat a bit more."
Audrey frowned as she looked at the cigarette in Raphael's hand. In her opinion, it was very ungentlemanly for him to smoke without asking for a lady's permission.
However, she then realized that the person in front of her wasn't exactly a gentleman, so she didn't pay much attention to these details.
She cleared her throat and said, "I happen to have some questions about what Markle just said, and I'd like to talk to you about it."
Raphael made a questioning gesture.
Audrey asked, "Is Markle's situation common in Backlund? Well, I mean, cases where workers' compensation is deliberately withheld."
"Yes," Raphael said. "Or rather, this is a common money-saving tactic used by factory owners. Although the constitution of Rune has some clear provisions on compensation for work-related injuries, if the injured person dies or goes missing before the compensation process is completed, the factory owner does not have to make any compensation; he only needs to pay a small fine to the city hall."
He blew some smoke to the side and continued, "In the current living conditions in Backlund, ordinary people basically have no savings. Without compensation, they would go bankrupt in a month at most."
"With injuries, he could only survive for two or three months at most in Backlund."
As he spoke, Raphael glanced at the cigarette in his hand.
This was another frustrating thing for him after he transmigrated: the cigarettes didn't have filters.
Raphael was not used to using a mouthpiece, so when the tobacco entered his mouth, he could only spit it out immediately.
After hearing Raphael's question, Audrey nodded and then asked, "Then why didn't Markle ask the Church for help?"
"Because Markel is just an ordinary believer," Raphael said, leaning back in his chair. "The church's pastors and bishops are very kind to you, and they will try their best to meet any request you may have."
"That's because your father, Earl Hall, donates a large sum of money to the church every year, and he is a highly respected nobleman."
He looked at Audrey: "Do you expect those priests and bishops to be just as kind to an ordinary believer and to meet their needs just as well?"
"Oh, right, the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery is dedicated to protecting workers' rights, but Markel is not a devout follower of the church, so they won't provide any assistance."
Raphael took a drag of his cigarette and suddenly laughed.
Audrey frowned slightly. "What's so funny?"
"I suddenly remembered Wald... well, the factory owner who owed Markel compensation." A hint of madness flashed in Raphael's eyes: "That guy's screams were so melodious, I couldn't bear to saw off his leg so quickly. I slowly, bit by bit..."
Audrey seemed to suddenly understand something, and she interrupted Raphael's description: "After everything was over, why did you send someone to tell Markel to live well?"
"What do you mean, 'live well'? Of course he has to live. He owes me a favor, so of course he has to repay it. Do I look like a philanthropist? Or..." At this point, Raphael seemed to suddenly realize something: "You don't think I'm the kind of person who looks fierce but is actually kind-hearted, do you?"
"Heh heh, let me tell you, you'd better not humiliate me like that!"
After a second or two, Audrey seemed to realize something and said in a flat tone, "I'm tired and need to rest."
She thought to herself: It seems I was overthinking it.
After saying that, Audrey winked at Susie, signaling it to keep watch for the night, while she lay half-reclined on the bed to rest.
However, given her Sequence 5 spirituality, she would immediately wake up at the slightest sign of danger in her surroundings.
The next morning, Audrey woke up to find sunlight streaming into the room, and Raphael standing by the window, looking down at the floor below.
Then Audrey was both amused and exasperated, because Susie, the golden retriever who was on night watch, had fallen asleep on the ground at some point.
Just then, Audrey heard voices coming from downstairs, and Carter rushed in: "Boss!"
Audrey saw a hint of panic in the other person's eyes.
"Don't be nervous." Still looking down at Raphael, a slight smile flashed across his face: "The police are just conducting a search."
"And their investigation meant they found absolutely no leads about the kidnappers!"
Therefore, only a large-scale investigation can be conducted.
If their hiding place had truly been found, there wouldn't be only one or two police officers questioning them.
A flash of madness crossed Raphael's eyes before he said to Audrey, "Put on your hat, let's go to the living room and play cards."
Then he said to Markle, "You deal with those policemen."
Markle, who had little experience dealing with the police, took a deep breath and tried to appear calm.
Carter was taken aback. Not only did he not try to avoid it, but he also had to come into the living room?
Raphael had Audrey sit with her back to the door, while he and Carter sat on either side of her. He then took out a deck of Minor Arcana cards and said to Audrey, "You can call the police for help, but I guarantee that will only hurt him, because I will definitely kill him to silence him."
Audrey opened her mouth; this threat was very effective against her. If Raphael used her safety as a threat, she wouldn't take it as seriously.