《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【十六】鬼帝安德森的挫折
57
夜色沉靜，天空城堡的穹頂倒映著銀色的星輝，宛如水晶鑲嵌在夜幕之中。黃立華緩步踏入議事廳，厚重的橡木門在身後闔上，發出沉悶的聲響。房間內點著壁燈，昏黃的燭光搖曳，映照出瑪莉亞公主的身影。她端坐於長桌一端，目光如月光般深沉，落在黃立華身旁的謝慧君身上。
「公主殿下。」黃立華微微躬身，右手拂至胸口，以古老而恭敬的禮節向她行禮，「人我帶來了。」
謝慧君站在黃立華身後，神情有些怯懦，她的手下意識地抓緊袖口，衣襟上仍帶著些許風塵氣息，透露出一路顛簸的辛勞。她環顧四周，宮殿內氣氛肅穆，牆上掛著古老的錦旗，象徵著瑪莉亞的家族榮耀。
瑪莉亞緩緩起身，步履優雅地走近。她微微一笑，伸手輕輕撫過謝慧君的額角，指尖透著淡淡的溫暖。「別怕，孩子。」她柔聲道，「你暫時留在這裡，我會治好你的傷，讓你平安回到林曉陽身邊。」
黃立華聞言，眉頭微微一皺，眼神中閃過一絲遲疑。「公主，您真的打算讓她回到曉陽身邊？」
瑪莉亞輕輕頷首，語氣篤定：「是的。只有這樣，曉陽才會願意全心對付安德森。」她的語調轉為低沉，目光略帶深意地看著黃立華，「而且，我如此安排，別有用意。」
黃立華沉思片刻，然後歎了口氣，點頭道：「好吧，我尊重公主的決定。」
瑪莉亞轉身，走到窗前，凝視著遠方。夜色下，山巒隱約可見，戰雲彷彿已悄然聚集。她語氣凝重地說：「安德森公爵這次遭受沉重打擊，我想他很快會傾巢而出，與我們正面決戰。」她回過頭來，眼神如劍鋒般銳利，「我們必須預先做好準備，不容有失。」
黃立華深深點頭，目光中閃爍著堅定的光芒。謝慧君則緊握著拳，心中不禁升起一絲不安與期待。夜幕之外，一場決定命運的風暴，已悄然醞釀。

58
烛光在石壁上投下跳動的影子，微微摇曳的火光映照出宽大的木桌，上头摊着一张满是红线标记的地图。白狼将军站在窗前，目光沉沉地望向夜色中的城堡外墙，指节轻敲着窗台，似在思索。

门外传来急促的脚步声，紧接着，一道黑影如疾风般闪入室内。

“将军！”鬼夜犬单膝跪地，脸上带着风尘仆仆的疲惫，声音却毫无迟疑，“凱斯和蘿娜失蹤了。”

白狼缓缓转过身，银色的长发在烛光下微微泛着冷光，他锐利的狼眼紧盯着跪地的前锋牙将：“在哪里失踪的？”

鬼夜犬沉声答道：“往米兰的列车上。我推测，他们可能遭遇了勁敌，要么被杀，要么被擒。”

白狼皱起眉头，手指摩挲着桌沿，声音低沉：“以他们两人的身手，会遇上怎样的勁敌？”

鬼夜犬沉吟片刻，继而低声说道：“我們安插在梵谛冈的眼线回报，几天前，鬼见愁——陈约翰，和一名东方面孔的青年，同时搭上了那班往米兰的列车。”

白狼的目光瞬间锐利如刀：“你的意思是，他们遇上了鬼见愁？”

鬼夜犬点了点头，语气凝重：“若非如此，怎会无声无息地失踪？以鬼见愁的身手，凱斯和蘿娜恐怕……”他顿了顿，眼神闪过一抹晦暗，“凶多吉少。”

白狼沉思片刻，缓缓握紧拳头：“如果是鬼见愁，他又为何突然前往米兰？”

“这部分我还在调查。”鬼夜犬抬眼观察白狼的神情，试探性地补充：“会不会……是某位更高层的授意？”

白狼的眼神一瞬间幽冷下来，良久，他缓缓道：“不管是谁下的命令，這件事都必须查清。”他转身走向壁炉旁，伸手拨弄着燃烧的木柴，火光映在他凌厉的脸庞上，映出暗潮汹涌的思绪。

就在此时，门外传来一阵脚步声，一名鬼卒快步踏入，单膝跪地：“将军，首领请您过去开会。”

白狼缓缓抬起头，深邃的目光落在鬼夜犬身上，低声道：“鬼夜犬，咱们先过去吧。”
两人对视片刻，不再多言，并肩向大廳走去。烛火摇曳，他们的身影在石壁上投下两道沉默而决然的剪影。

59
壁爐的火焰幽幽跳動，將大廳沉重的黑曜石牆映得忽明忽暗，空氣中瀰漫著一股濃烈的雪茄味。

太師椅上，安德森雙腿交疊，神色陰鬱地吞吐著雪茄煙霧，指節敲擊著扶手，彷彿耐心正在一點一滴地消磨殆盡。他身旁，黑熊將軍筆直站立，雄壯的身形如同一座堅不可摧的鐵塔，雙臂交抱，沉默不語。

「法師！」安德森終於開口，聲音低沉且帶著壓抑的怒意，「探子回報，我派去瑞士調查天空城堡的傑克和喬治，全軍覆沒！瑪莉亞不但活捉了他們，連隨行的兄弟們也全數落網！」

站在一旁的魯夫緩緩抬眼，法袍的陰影掩去他大半張臉，嗓音沙啞而不失冷靜：「主人，你太輕敵了。公主手下不乏能人異士。」

「可惡！」安德森猛地將雪茄按熄在桌上的銀盤裡，手指捏緊成拳，青筋浮現，「這筆帳，我遲早要找瑪莉亞算清楚！」他轉向魯夫，語氣焦躁：「法師，我們計劃下一波行動吧？」

魯夫不動聲色地看著安德森，目光深沉如夜：「主人，現在的局勢，不容我們急躁。以瑪莉亞的聲望與實力，我們沒有十足的勝算。」

安德森冷哼一聲，猛地起身，雙手拍在桌上，語調拔高：「難不成你要我就這樣吞下這口氣？」

魯夫微微一笑，目光閃爍著某種莫測的光芒：「不是要你吞下，而是要我們重新佈局，確保一擊必中。」

安德森狹長的眼睛微微一眯，情緒稍稍平復，沉聲問：「你說吧，怎樣的計劃？」

「主人，」魯夫微微低頭，語調依舊從容，「我親自去趟瑞士，查清楚瑪莉亞的動向，再擬定行動計劃。」

安德森凝視著他，沉默片刻，然後緩緩點頭：「好吧，我知道你行事素來謹慎，就照你的意思辦。」

就在這時，大廳門口傳來一陣穩健的腳步聲，白狼將軍與鬼夜犬並肩而入，兩人身上仍帶著未散的夜風氣息。

安德森轉過身來，眸光犀利地落在白狼身上，開口便問：「白狼，蘿娜和凱斯回來沒？」

白狼微微一頓，沉聲道：「首領，按時程來說，他們應該早該回來，但現在……仍杳無音訊。我擔心他們可能出了事。」

安德森的眉頭驟然皺起，目光一寒：「出事？誰有那麼大的本事，能制住他們？」

鬼夜犬低聲道：「鬼見愁——陳約翰。我們的眼線在梵諦岡回報，說曾目擊他搭上往米蘭的列車，而蘿娜和凱斯正是在那班列車上消失的。」

安德森的手緩緩握緊，指節微微發白：「鬼見愁……」

站在一旁的魯夫眯起眼，輕輕敲著法杖，思索道：「如果鬼見愁親自出手，這就意味著瑪莉亞已經準備對我們展開正面行動。」

安德森怒火中燒，猛地一拍桌子，沉聲喝道：「先下手為強！我們還等什麼？」

魯夫卻沒有被他的怒氣影響，反倒平靜地提醒：「主人，我們已經折損了兩員大將，這時候不能再魯莽行事。敵人在暗，我們在明，稍有不慎，就可能被瑪莉亞反制。」

安德森死死盯著他，指節發出輕微的「咯咯」聲，最後深吸一口氣，終於鬆開了拳頭，語氣仍不甘心：「好吧……等你打探消息回來，我們再共商對策。」

火光映照著他的臉，陰影在俊朗的輪廓間流轉，彷彿一場即將掀起的風暴正在醞釀。

[Sixteen] Duke Anderson’s Setback

## 57

The night was still. The dome of Sky Castle reflected the silver starlight, like crystal set into the darkness of the night sky. Huang Lihua slowly stepped into the council chamber, and the heavy oak door closed behind him with a dull thud. Wall lamps illuminated the room, their dim candlelight flickering and casting the figure of Princess Maria into view. She sat at one end of the long table, her gaze as deep as moonlight, resting on Xie Hui-jun beside Huang Lihua.

“Your Highness.” Huang Lihua bowed slightly, sweeping his right hand to his chest and saluting her with an ancient and respectful gesture. “I’ve brought her here.”

Xie Hui-jun stood behind Huang Lihua, looking somewhat timid. Her hand instinctively tightened around the edge of her sleeve. There was still a trace of dust and wear from the journey on her clothes, revealing the hardship she had endured along the way. She looked around. The atmosphere inside the palace was solemn, and ancient banners hung on the walls, symbolizing the glory of Maria’s family.

Maria slowly rose and walked toward her with graceful steps. She smiled gently and reached out to softly touch Xie Hui-jun’s temple, her fingertips carrying a faint warmth. “Don’t be afraid, child,” she said softly. “Stay here for the time being. I will heal your injuries and make sure you return safely to Lin Xiaoyang’s side.”

Huang Lihua frowned slightly at her words, a trace of hesitation flashing in his eyes. “Princess, do you really intend to let her return to Xiaoyang?”

Maria nodded gently, her tone firm. “Yes. Only then will Xiaoyang be willing to devote himself completely to dealing with Anderson.” Her tone became lower, and she looked at Huang Lihua with a meaningful gaze. “Besides, I have another purpose in arranging this.”

Huang Lihua pondered for a moment, then sighed and nodded. “All right. I respect Your Highness’s decision.”

Maria turned and walked to the window, gazing into the distance. Under the night sky, the mountains could be faintly seen, and the clouds of war seemed to have quietly gathered. In a grave tone, she said, “Duke Anderson has suffered a heavy blow this time. I think he will soon throw everything he has into the fight and confront us head-on.” She turned back, her eyes as sharp as the edge of a sword. “We must prepare in advance. We cannot afford to make any mistakes.”

Huang Lihua nodded deeply, determination shining in his eyes. Xie Hui-jun clenched her fists, unable to keep a trace of uneasiness and anticipation from rising in her heart. Beyond the night, a storm that would determine their fate was already quietly gathering.

## 58

Candlelight cast flickering shadows across the stone walls. The gently wavering flames illuminated the broad wooden table, where a map covered with red lines and markings was spread out.

General White Wolf stood by the window, his gaze heavy as he stared at the castle walls outside in the darkness. His knuckles lightly tapped the windowsill as though he were deep in thought.

Rapid footsteps came from outside the door. The next moment, a dark figure swept into the room like a gust of wind.

“General!” Ghost Hound dropped to one knee. His face showed the exhaustion of a long journey, but his voice was unwavering. “Keith and Lorna are missing.”

White Wolf slowly turned around. His long silver hair gave off a cold gleam in the candlelight, and his sharp wolf-like eyes fixed on the kneeling Vanguard General. “Where did they disappear?”

Ghost Hound answered in a deep voice, “On the train to Milan. I suspect they may have encountered a formidable opponent. Either they were killed, or they were captured.”

White Wolf frowned, rubbing his fingers along the edge of the table. His voice was low. “What kind of formidable opponent could the two of them have encountered?”

Ghost Hound pondered for a moment before speaking in a low voice. “Our informant stationed in the Vatican reported that several days ago, Ghostbane—Father John Chen—and a young man with an Eastern appearance boarded that train to Milan at the same time.”

White Wolf’s gaze instantly became as sharp as a blade. “Are you saying they encountered Ghostbane?”

Ghost Hound nodded gravely. “If not, how could they have disappeared without a trace? With Ghostbane’s abilities, Keith and Lorna are probably...” He paused, a dark shadow passing through his eyes. “In grave danger.”

White Wolf remained deep in thought for a moment, then slowly clenched his fists. “If it was Ghostbane, why did he suddenly go to Milan?”

“I’m still investigating that part.” Ghost Hound looked up at White Wolf’s expression and cautiously added, “Could it be... someone higher up gave the order?”

White Wolf’s eyes instantly turned cold and ominous. After a long silence, he slowly said, “No matter who gave the order, we have to get to the bottom of this.”

He turned and walked toward the fireplace, reaching out to stir the burning logs. The firelight reflected across his stern face, revealing the turbulent thoughts hidden beneath his calm exterior.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. A ghost soldier hurried in and dropped to one knee.

“General, the leader wants you to attend a meeting.”

White Wolf slowly raised his head, his deep gaze falling on Ghost Hound. In a low voice, he said, “Ghost Hound, let’s go.”

The two looked at each other for a moment and said nothing more. They walked side by side toward the main hall. The candle flames flickered, casting two silent and resolute silhouettes across the stone walls.

## 59

The flames in the fireplace flickered dimly, causing the heavy black obsidian walls of the great hall to fade in and out of shadow. The air was thick with the strong smell of cigar smoke.

Sitting in a high-backed armchair, Anderson crossed his legs and brooded as he puffed on his cigar. His knuckles tapped against the armrest, as though his patience were being worn away little by little. Beside him, General Black Bear stood rigidly upright, his massive frame like an indestructible iron tower. His arms were crossed, and he remained silent.

“Mage!” Anderson finally spoke, his voice low and filled with restrained anger. “My spies reported that Jack and George, whom I sent to Switzerland to investigate Sky Castle, have been completely defeated! Maria not only captured them alive, but all the brothers who accompanied them were also taken prisoner!”

Ruf, standing nearby, slowly raised his eyes. The shadows of his mage’s robes concealed most of his face, and his voice was hoarse but calm. “Master, you underestimated the enemy. The Princess has no shortage of capable and extraordinary people under her command.”

“Damn it!” Anderson abruptly crushed his cigar in the silver ashtray on the table. His fingers tightened into fists, veins bulging on the backs of his hands. “I’ll settle this score with Maria sooner or later!” He turned toward Ruf, his tone agitated. “Mage, should we plan our next move?”

Ruf looked at Anderson calmly, his gaze as deep as the night. “Master, given the current situation, we cannot afford to act rashly. With Maria’s reputation and strength, we are not guaranteed victory.”

Anderson snorted coldly and suddenly stood up, slamming both hands onto the table. His voice rose. “Are you telling me to just swallow this humiliation?”

Ruf smiled faintly, a mysterious light flickering in his eyes. “I’m not asking you to swallow it. I’m saying that we need to rearrange our strategy and make sure our next strike succeeds.”

Anderson narrowed his long, narrow eyes slightly, his emotions calming somewhat. He asked in a low voice, “Then tell me. What kind of plan do you have?”

“Master,” Ruf said, lowering his head slightly, his tone still composed. “I’ll personally go to Switzerland and find out what Maria is up to. Then I’ll formulate an action plan.”

Anderson stared at him in silence for a moment before slowly nodding. “All right. I know you’ve always been cautious in the way you handle things. We’ll do as you suggest.”

Just then, a series of steady footsteps came from the entrance to the great hall. General White Wolf and Ghost Hound entered side by side, still carrying the chill of the night with them.

Anderson turned around, his sharp gaze landing on White Wolf. He immediately asked, “White Wolf, have Lorna and Keith returned yet?”

White Wolf paused slightly before answering in a low voice, “Leader, according to the schedule, they should have returned by now, but... there is still no word from them. I’m worried something may have happened to them.”

Anderson’s brow suddenly furrowed, his gaze turning cold. “Something happened? Who could possibly have been powerful enough to stop them?”

Ghost Hound said in a low voice, “Ghostbane—Father John Chen. Our informant in the Vatican reported seeing him board the train to Milan, and Lorna and Keith disappeared on that very train.”

Anderson slowly clenched his hand, his knuckles turning slightly white. “Ghostbane...”

Ruf, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes and lightly tapped his staff as he thought. “If Ghostbane acted personally, that means Maria has already prepared to take direct action against us.”

Anderson was consumed by rage. He slammed his hand onto the table and shouted, “Strike first! What are we waiting for?”

But Ruf was not affected by his anger. Instead, he calmly reminded him, “Master, we have already lost two of our top fighters. We cannot afford to act recklessly now. The enemy is in the shadows while we are in the open. One careless move, and Maria could turn the tables on us.”

Anderson stared at him intently, his knuckles making a faint cracking sound. Finally, he took a deep breath and released his fist. His tone was still filled with reluctance.

“All right... When you return with the information you’ve gathered, we’ll discuss our countermeasures together.”

Firelight illuminated his face as shadows shifted across his handsome features, as though a storm about to break was already gathering.