บท 96: Chapter 74 Gotham 1987 (Part 2)_2
"So what are you here for?"
"To congratulate you on your housewarming."
"I suspect you've explored every room in this manor earlier than I have. You probably got your hands on the architectural blueprints, didn't you?"
Batman didn't answer. It seemed he was admitting it, he never shies away from showcasing his over-planning, suspicious-of-the-whole-world personality in front of Shiller.
"Did you read today's newspaper? Did you see the news about the Iron Curtain?"
"That's none of my concern."
"It's a significant matter for the whole world."
"Gotham won't get any better or worse as a result."
They then fell silent, only the rustling sound of Shiller's pen on paper echoed in the quiet room late at night. After a while, Batman said, "The ones from Metropolis should be here to kill you."
"Well, let them, or do you think the people of Gotham are afraid of those from Metropolis?"
Batman fell silent again.
"Let me guess. You had a falling out with your butler, right?"
Batman didn't respond, but Shiller continued, "There was once a man who would go racing in the middle of the night because he had argued with his beloved 'butler'."
"What were they arguing about?"
"Because he couldn't decide whether or not to marry his butler."
Batman fell silent once more.
"I bet your butler is heartbroken about your injury, yet he doesn't want to stop you from pursuing your career so he can only suffer in silence."
"Yet, you notice his emotional upheaval. You don't want to quit your career nor do you want him to suffer."
"Even your exceptional wisdom and meticulous logic are useless in such situations, hence you escape for midnight car racing."
"Let me guess, your newly-built Batmobile is probably parked at my door, the overheated engine is probably still cooling down."
"Is there such thing as a mind reading technique in this world?"
"Stop asking silly questions."
"If there is, can you tell me what Alfred is thinking?"
"You're much more straightforward than that man. Yet again, apart from family issues, he was also struggling with romantic relationships."
"Love, the most perplexing thing... I offered to tell him the answer, but he declined."
Batman's gaze fell upon the ring on Shiller's finger. "You're married? Didn't your wife come to Gotham with you?"
"It appears you don't really want that answer."
Shiller said, "So, off you go. You should seek Gordon for shelter instead. By staying here you'll just get answers you don't wish for."
Batman replied, "This manor is indeed good, 36 rooms in total. If you stay in the master bedroom on the upper east end, it still leaves 35 other rooms."
"I won't give you the keys."
"I don't need keys."
Shiller massaged his forehead with his fingers, "But if you stay out all night, how should I deal with your butler when he comes looking for you?"
"Why do you seem to fear him more than you fear me?"
"It's hard to explain to you, but I am indeed worried about your butler coming to me."
Watching Batman's unwavering persistence, Shiller eventually succumbed, "Alright, if you wish to stay here, I need your guardian's consent. Call him right now, I must hear his approval before letting you crash here."
Batman:"..."
"Phone's downstairs. Either dial, or take a hike."
In the end, Batman was the one to compromise. He always seemed like a child when it came to matters involving his butler, just like Stark when dealing with Pepper.
Shiller didn't mind Batman spending the night. He also didn't mind Batman scouring his new home. Sooner or later, this day would come. Even if the 18-year-old Batman didn't snoop around, he surely would when he's 28 or 38. Nothing in Gotham could ever escape the bat's glance. Shiller was no Joker; he didn't have time to play chasing and hiding games with Batman.
After a while, Shiller finished his paper. It was late night, the outside was pitch black. Only the puddle of rainwater was reflecting the distant lights.
Soon, the butler informed him that the phone was ringing. Shiller picked it up, Batman was standing in the darkest corner of the living room, listening to his conversation.
"Yes, that's right... No, it's fine. Yes, I know, they are always like this, I've seen plenty before..."
"Really? Seems quite serious... I have emergency kits here... Oh, really? You are indeed a devoted butler..."
"I think it's fine..." Shiller glanced up at Batman. He didn't know why, but Batman's heart suddenly felt aflutter. He was as tense and frightened as a student who, after being told the teacher had called their parents, tries to guess the degree of their parent's fury from the teacher's words.
"Alright, rest assured...No problem, let's leave it at that... Tomorrow morning?... I think so, alright... Goodbye."
Shiller noticed Batman who seemed to want to say something, but he didn't.
Shiller said: "Your butler mentioned that you are injured, although he should have treated you already."
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