บท 1885: Chapter 1274: Lone Shadow Duplicates (14)_1
"Yes, I just had a delightful conversation with Mrs. Pombos. She also has a fondness for 19th-century poets. Not many share an appreciation for Polish Romantic poetry."
"Really? I also have some familiarity with the Polish youth movement. Speaking of Romantic poetry, you must have mentioned Mitzkevich, right? Many people love his "Ode to Youth", but I am more partial to his "Ancestors' Sacrifice", especially the second part."
Bruce, who was holding a glass of wine, blinked lightly. Shiller lowered his head and gave a small smile, saying, "Indeed, in the second part of "Ancestors' Sacrifice", the perspective on revenge is fascinating. It breaks through the romantic poetry's hollow and deficient fantasies, placing hatred and revenge in the context of peasants' rebellion against their landlords…"
Upon hearing Shiller mentioning the phrases "peasants against landlords", Bruce's gaze shifted slightly. However, he quickly smiled again and said, "My favorite part is the discussion on traditional moral standards... What do you think morality is?"
Shiller did not respond. Just as Bruce finished speaking, he covered his mouth with a wine glass and chuckled, "Oh, I apologize. Look at me, talking as if we were in a classroom. Mr. March mentioned you are a professor working at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent Training College, which piqued my curiosity, like a student."
"That's all right as long as you don't mind these slightly dry speeches appearing at your private party. Regarding this, I have always insisted on an opinion…"
As Shiller was beginning to speak, he felt a shadow over his shoulder. Turning his head, he was met with the face of Lincoln March.
The stout gentleman was wearing a finely tailored light suit. The style of the collar had a hint of the 18th-century nostalgia, which made him look very energetic. His complexion looked healthy and robust, just like all businessmen, full of vitality and always ready to throw themselves into work.
"Mr. March, you are here?" Shiller slightly moved back, the proximity to Bruce, while he was extending his hand for a toast earlier, was again increased. To avoid appearing completely dismissive of the gentleman who had suddenly joined the conversation, Shiller subtly turned his body, no longer facing only Bruce.
In the corner of his eye, Shiller could see Bruce frowning almost imperceptibly—he clearly was not pleased with the current conversation dynamics.
"Even though personal conversations allow for a more genuine expression, public discussions can provide an understanding of some aspects of a person."
"Clearly, Batman planned to do just that—he wanted to engage in some discussions on culture, arts, and even philosophy with Shiller during the banquet, to better understand the professor. But he got interrupted by March."
Greed, standing in the final row and holding onto the backrest of the chair in front of him said, "March thinks he is giving some respite to his temporary ally Shiller, but this actually put him under Batman's scrutiny."
"It is without any doubt that both Batman and March wanted to use Shiller, and likewise, Shiller also wanted to use them." Bruce's voice came from the front row of seats.
Everyone was watching closely the subtle dynamics of the trio on screen. As Morbid had pointed out earlier, in such social settings, everyone was utilizing and manipulating the atmosphere, using subtle dynamics to communicate their secret messages, and simultaneously trying to understand the ambiance and what others were trying to convey.
Shiller, seen on the screen, slightly moved back but immediately began to speak, "Yesterday during the psychological consultation... oh, Mr. March, you said you're not opposed to us discussing our conversations, right?"
March squinted slightly, still maintaining his smile. He gave a gentlemanly nod, so Shiller continued, "Yesterday, Mr. March and I discussed Mr. Errimu's tragedy, it's appalling. It's indisputable that such a horrific incident brings enormous psychological pressure to everyone. I believe it won't be long before my phone book has many more entries."
Bruce frowned, his expression becoming grave. He said, "Ever since I proposed Gotham's new round of investment plan, this city hasn't had a moment of peace. A mysterious assassin organization started killing frequently. I suppose, their goal is to prevent me from improving Gotham."
"Hey, Bruce, do you remember our last conversation?" March immediately followed up, "When I had just mentioned the possibility of an ancient and mysterious organization controlling Gotham, a terrifying assassin burst in directly. He was here for me; he didn't want me to tell you this."
Shiller immediately glanced at the two men, showing a bewildered expression. Seeing this, Bruce opened a hand and explained, "Mr. March and I met at the venue for Gotham's new investment plan."
"He is a gentleman, very passionate and full of energy, who is successful in business. At the same time, he has a keen eye. He believed that my proposed plan could bring significant improvements to the city, so he expressed his intention to invest."
"Of course, I think so," added Mr March. "Even though Gotham is considered dangerous, the economy isn't bad—in fact, on the entire East Coast, Gotham's economy is pretty much at the top. This is all due to the successful operation of Wayne Enterprises."
"As a businessman, I know the importance of seizing opportunities. I think this new round of investment is a great opportunity. So, I scheduled an appointment with Mr. Wayne. On the day of our appointment, I visited the Wayne Building and discussed specific investment projects."
"Of course, such a large-scale investment means being cautious. I had no intention of questioning Mr. Wayne's capabilities—but there was one thing that seriously concerned me. In fact, among the few ancient families in Gotham, there is a legend of a mysterious and ancient power controlling Gotham and supervising everything here."
"I had hardly mentioned this when a terrifying assassin, dressed in bizarre clothes, with eyes like flaming torches, broke the window and entered. He hit me directly, nearly killing me. My injuries still haven't healed."
March lowered his head and shook it, seemingly recalling the harrowing experience. Bruce continued, "During our fight, I was thrown out of the building. Luckily, there were security measures outside the Wayne Building that saved me from an unfortunate end. It was indeed a terrible experience."
"To be frank, during the time Mr. Wayne was nursing his injuries, I seriously considered whether I should continue to stay here," March confessed, looking somewhat conflicted. Shiller heard his voice rise louder, and then amplified he said:
"I don't deny that greed is the nature of a businessman, everyone wants to earn more money. This may seem somewhat crude and impolite, but it's the honest truth. The even harsher truth is, everyone fears death. I can't risk being attacked by assassins every day to participate in political events, I believe everyone feels the same way."
Obviously, March's voice carried far. Shiller could distinctly hear the rustling whispers around them. Everyone's gaze landed on Bruce Wayne.
"He's forcing Batman to make a statement," Clark mused, stroking his chin. "I often see this scene, whenever the Agriculture Department makes a move, the farmers gather. At the meeting, everyone will look at my dad with those eyes, hoping he could give an explanation and address it."
"What do you think would be a good way for Batman to respond?" Barry frowned, obviously thinking it was not easy. He shook his head and said, "Merely emphasizing 'I will ensure your safety,' is clearly not powerful enough, since March was wounded by an assassin, and Bruce Wayne himself almost fell from a building. No matter how he assures, it seems like a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted."
"But if he goes into detail, it appears somewhat guilty," Constantine also furrowed his brows, "This would make him lose control of the situation since those in high positions do not need to explain."
"This is another trap set by March," Bruce said calmly. "He must be connected with the assassin who stabbed him that day and made Batman fall from the building, or maybe that's what he arranged."
"He posed as an investor to participate in the investment plan and deliberately showed great enthusiasm as the first one to take the risk. He then set up an assassination plan, using a decoy to tell others that Wayne couldn't even guarantee the most basic safety, let alone expect this investment plan to yield any results."
"He deliberately chose to confront him at Wayne's private banquet because at this time, however Bruce Wayne answers, it would be wrong."
"If he continues to emphasize, in his position of authority, 'I will ensure your safety,' then March's injury and his near death experience are the best rebuttal. But if he explains like a low-ranking official that it was just an accident, then he can no longer control the situation."
"The key to breaking this deadlock..." Greed's voice trailed off.
"...is Shiller," Bruce concluded.
"Mr. Wayne, may I interject?"
In the banquet hall, Shiller suddenly spoke. He raised his glass to toast everyone and said, "During the discussion yesterday, Mr. March didn't tell me that things had gotten this serious. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have recommended psychological treatment for him, but would have suggested that he contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation immediately."
As the words "Federal Bureau of Investigation" landed, the atmosphere in the venue hardened.
"I'm sorry, I'm a foreigner, and I honestly do not understand. Isn't this sort of organized assassination a terrorist attack? Doesn't this fall under the jurisdiction of the FBI?"
Shiller wore a look of immense confusion, and his tone was filled with bewilderment.
"After so many murders, wouldn't it be appropriate for a federal law enforcement agency to step in now that things have escalated to the point where both Mr. Wayne and Mr. March almost lost their lives?"
"Friends, please don't feel ashamed about this. This is a legitimate demand on the part of taxpayers. You all pay so much tax every year, and a sizable portion is allocated to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Their purpose is to help us solve problems. In the face of such a serious incident, why would no one think of calling the police?"
Shiller's tone conveyed incredulity. He slowly stepped forward and deliberately blocked Bruce, and the gazes of people resting on him shifted away the moment they met the professor's eyes.
The gentlemen in suits began studying the patterns on the ceiling, while the ladies dressed in their finest dipped their heads to study the fit of their high heels with the floor.
"Pfft!"
Clark could not help but laugh. He coughed lightly and looked at Bruce, "Why does this sound so familiar? Didn't I suggest that someone should report this to the police before?"
"Having Gothamites call the police--" Harley drawled.
"Might as well kill them." Jason neatly summed up.
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