The sky was a murky gray, and the ancient castle stood silently amidst the pattering rain.

Trees and weeds grew wildly, ivy covered the cold stone walls, and small patches of greenery spread through the crevices. If it weren't for the faint light coming through the stone windows, the castle would seem to have been abandoned many years ago.

More than the castle itself, its name seemed to have vanished into the annals of time. It is said that the castle's origins trace back to before the Scorched Earth Fury, but the truth of the story is something no one can verify.

Many years later, this nameless castle had a new owner and a new name. The locals often referred to it as Daisy Castle, simply because, amidst the chaotic greenery, the owner had planted vast fields of daisies. They surrounded the castle, forming a sea of white and yellow, and whenever a breeze blew, the floral sea would play a melodious tune.

That sea of flowers left a deep impression on Dudel. Having lived in the gloomy steel jungle of Oubos for so long, he hadn't seen such beautiful natural scenery in ages.

Stepping over the dust-covered stairs, Dudel soon met the owner of the castle in the grand library.

From what Dudel knew about the castle owner, he was an old fellow, yet at first glance, Dudel didn't think he was aged at all. Instead, he read boundless vitality in those spirited eyes.

The castle owner, dressed casually in pajamas, welcomed Dudel with a smile. This friendly gesture took Dudel by surprise, as he recalled the rumors about the owner.

People said he was a reclusive oddball, who, despite having such a vast estate, never tended to it. There were no servants in the grand castle; only he lived here alone.

Dudel never quite believed the latter part of the rumors, but on his way here, he observed that the castle was indeed covered in dust, with some areas even rain-soaked. Only in areas frequented by the owner did one feel traces of life, like in this library filled with countless books.

Dudel felt this was not just the owner's library but also where he worked and lived.

Not far away, he could see the owner's desk, with a typewriter on it, and drafts piled nearby. In the corner, there was a blanket spread out, with a pillow and a shotgun beside it.

Noticing the shotgun, Dudel raised his eyebrows slightly, recalling an interview in which the owner was asked how he ensured his personal safety living alone in this isolated, empty castle.

The owner had laughed and said he carried a shotgun, and uninvited guests would get a full meal of bullets.

At the time, Dudel thought it was just the owner's jest, but now it seemed he was serious. Considering the owner's past experiences, Dudel found it reasonable.

"Mr. Dudel, is it?" The castle owner glanced at Dudel, then at his watch, "You're very punctual."

The owner was very particular about time, Dudel knew that.

Taking a deep breath, Dudel worked to calm his nerves and then spoke.

"Hello..."

As soon as he spoke, Dudel felt nervous again, suddenly realizing he didn't know how to address the owner.

Indeed, part of why the owner was seen as a reclusive oddball was that for many years, no one knew his real name. At least not publicly.

"Just call me Blue Jay."

The owner smiled. He knew what Dudel was hesitating about; this scenario had happened many times before, and he was used to it.

Dudel swallowed and cautiously said, "Blue Jay?"

On his way here, Dudel had done his homework. He knew what a Blue Jay was—a bird with beautiful lavender-blue plumage.

The owner had mentioned in an interview that there were very few blue entities in the animal kingdom, and the Blue Jay was one of them. Its plumage was so unique and beautiful... The owner appreciated such rare uniqueness.

"What else? You're interviewing an author now, and addressing me by my pen name isn't a problem, is it?"

Blue Jay smiled at Dudel, wrinkles gathering at the corners of his eyes.

Dudel gradually got used to talking to Blue Jay and chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Sorry, this interview is very important to me, and I'm also a devoted reader of yours..."

"It's okay, it's okay."

Blue Jay waved his hand, stood up from the sofa, and poured a drink for Dudel and himself. The glasses clinked gently.

"Don't be so nervous, relax. Just treat it like an afternoon chat," Blue Jay said, patting Dudel on the shoulder.

Dudel looked at this mysterious and solitary author, feeling a mix of emotions: the pressure of work, the excitement of meeting the real person, the difference between rumor and reality... Dudel adjusted his mindset and got into work mode.

"Mr. Blue Jay, I'm here on behalf of 'Gray Mist, Industry, and Delicious Shrimp Crackers' radio show to interview you."

"I know, I've been listening to your program, and I quite like it," Blue Jay praised, "In that sense, I guess I'm your fan too, Mr. Dudel."

Blue Jay's friendliness left Dudel a bit flustered, but then he completely relaxed and murmured, "There is after all a gap between rumor and reality."

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