Chapter 706: Trump Card

"Jade Legion, riot-control mission. At any cost. Prepare for bloodshed!"

After receiving the duke's order, Knight Cecil shouted the command.

The Emerald soldiers beneath the stand answered in unison, neat and uniform. This made the guards surrounding Thales extremely tense. Wya looked around anxiously, trying to find an exit.

"No, Zayen, wait!"

Hilley urgently tried to stop him. "This will not solve the problem. It will only confirm Federico's accusation..."

But Zayen ignored her. He only stared at Federico in the distance and gave the order with a cold snort.

"Remember, Cecil. If the criminal resists..."

"Yes. No mercy, my lord." Cecil repeated the duke's order solemnly and strode toward his men.

But a hand suddenly landed on Cecil's shoulder, forcibly halting his momentum.

"Trust me, old friend," Cassian appeared behind Cecil, his expression worried. "For Jade City's sake, now is not a good time to display your loyalty."

The Emerald soldiers, already assembled and ready, saw this and looked at one another hesitantly.

Hilley and Thales both let out breaths of relief.

"You are no longer a member of the Jade Legion, Cassian," Cecil said, looking forward without glancing at his old friend. "Let go, or you will lose even more miserably than last time."

As his words fell, Cecil's posture did not change, but Thales felt the Sin of Hell's River twitch slightly.

The waiting soldiers sensed something wrong and moved closer by teams, faintly forming an encirclement.

"Perhaps," Cassian said, frowning slightly, but without releasing his hand. "But it is better for me alone to lose than for an entire city to lose."

In that instant, the two opponents did not face each other, yet Thales, who watched from the side, felt his eyes sting faintly.

"I knew it. They definitely have old grudges!" someone behind Thales clapped and said proudly to his colleagues.

Cassian's words made Cecil frown. He looked around the arena and saw that all the spectators were facing the duke's stand, pointing, discussing, and whispering. The atmosphere was even hotter than when they had been watching the fights.

Cecil hesitated for several seconds before looking back toward the Duke of Iris.

"I said, Cecil," Zayen did not lower his head, his eyes never leaving Federico. "If anyone obstructs..."

"Zayen!" Hilley said sharply.

"Zayen, calm down!"

Thales pried aside Wya, who was trying to pull him behind the guards again, and joined the conversation.

"Do not forget, you are still the duke. You are still the one holding the initiative and advantage at this moment. This is far from the point of mutual destruction. No matter how beautifully that fellow speaks, he is only someone who barged into the selection meeting halfway through and started spouting nonsense..."

"With all due respect, Your Highness Thales."

Zayen cut him off without courtesy. The first half was still polite; the second half was direct and crude.

"What the fuck does this have to do with you?"

Thales was left speechless.

Fine. Little Flower was still angry from earlier?

"Please, brother. You know he is right," Hilley spoke at the right moment, her eyes burning. "You just refuse to admit it..."

"And what right do you have to speak?"

Zayen instantly turned back, his gaze cold, moving between Thales and Hilley.

"All these years, the only thing you have been good at is running away from home!"

Hilley's words caught.

"Yes. All these years, I have been more like a guest here than a master." She took a deep breath, and her words sharpened, making Zayen gradually frown. "So I know what kind of guests come to the selection meeting. Vassals from outside Jade City, nobles from other territories of the kingdom, guests from the thirteen distinguished families, envoys from across the sea, merchants, travelers, and scholars with enough capital to travel, including the Iris family's neighbors, allies, trade partners, competitors..."

"And enemies," Thales could not help adding.

"Such as you?" Zayen turned and glared at Thales, forcing the latter to raise his hands and retreat.

The Emerald soldiers surrounding the stand and the Star Lake Guard around Thales already viewed each other with hostility. Seeing their masters clash again, both sides quietly placed hands on their weapons.

"And they are all waiting to watch your show!"

Hilley waved for Thales to stop making trouble.

"Zayen, they want to see whether what you put on today is only a harmless public security incident, one that can be handled according to procedure..."

"Or a major political storm so serious that it requires mobilizing the army to suppress it," Thales added.

"So stop being... stop looking at that brat! I am your sister!" Hilley said furiously, dragging Zayen's murderous gaze away from Thales. "Where was I... Right. So stop letting the enemy lead you in circles! Misdirection, remember? Have you not suffered enough from it?"

Facing their repeated attempts to stop him, Zayen did not say a word. His eyes were wide with anger, and his breathing was rapid.

At this moment, Butler Ashford slowly walked up the stand and whispered a few words behind the duke.

Zayen's eyes moved, and he turned slightly.

Thales also turned and only then discovered that the nobles and vassals in the neighboring stands had begun leaving their seats. Some hurriedly searched for exits to leave, some came toward the duke's side, some sent servants to inquire after Zayen, some secretly summoned guards to protect themselves, some angrily denounced the villain, some shouted slogans about saving the king and defending the duke, and some even loudly called Prince Thales' name. No matter which kind, they all placed great pressure on the security officers and green caps maintaining order.

And at this moment, the eyes of the entire arena were focused on Zayen alone.

The Duke of Iris took a deep breath and swallowed with difficulty.

"Do you see?" Hilley nodded to Ashford and said to her brother, "He is desperate for you to send people to arrest him in full view of everyone, or even kill him. That is his goal!"

Zayen stared fixedly at his cousin, eyes nearly splitting, and said nothing.

"Right. Remember Anker Byrael and his duel," Thales said, suppressing the doubts in his heart and helping Hilley. "The enemy is forcing you to choose. In anger, strike him down and become an unjust duke who tacitly admits the stain, or..."

"Are you finished?"

Zayen cut him off coldly.

"You care so much about us, Your Highness. I almost thought you were the Duke of South Coast."

Thales shut his mouth awkwardly, but Hilley, who understood Zayen, let out a breath. From an angle her brother could not see, she nodded at Thales.

Below, Cassian exhaled and released the hand he had placed on Cecil's shoulder. Cecil waved unwillingly, signaling the assembled soldiers to wait.

"There is one more thing I cannot understand..." Seeing an opening, Thales hurriedly changed the subject to ease Zayen's anger.

"What thing?" Hilley asked in time.

Under everyone's doubtful gazes, Thales pointed toward the distant host platform.

"He, Federico or whatever..."

The prince looked at the man who called himself Federico and at the black-armored knight below, whose fighting ability and deterrence were both formidable. He narrowed his eyes.

"Is that all?"

"What?" Hilley was puzzled.

"Is he only..." Thales thought aloud. "Only another Anker Byrael? Nothing else?"

Zayen narrowed his eyes, seeming thoughtful.

But before they could discuss a result, Federico spoke again, calling to the entire arena.

"What is wrong, cousin? Planning something?"

He looked at Zayen and the fully prepared Jade Legion and laughed loudly.

"Speechless? Angry from shame? Do you want to use the old method and have your dogs tear me apart, sink me in the sea, and bury the truth?"

Zayen frowned deeply.

The discussions throughout the arena grew louder.

More and more people looked at the green caps spread across the field. Some soldiers focused on their duties and maintained order, while others rubbed their fists and sharpened their blades, waiting only for an order from above. The spectators noticed their weapons, and fear and expectation appeared in their eyes at the same time.

"Then what are you waiting for? Come!"

Federico leaned forward and declared loudly to the entire arena.

"Under the witness of the Sunset Goddess, I swear that I will submit to arrest and will not resist!"

As Federico's words fell, Zayen, Thales, and Hilley all froze.

"Come, cousin! For justice and truth, for fairness and law, I dare entrust my life to your hands!"

"But you, coward who murdered his father. Do you dare, before my face, before all of Jade City, before the light of sunset and bright moon, to look me in the eyes?" Federico raised his hand and shouted his opponent's full name with hatred. "Zayen Covendier?"

The next second, the arena's discussions swelled with a crash, as if a growing snowball had finally burst apart.

"Is he serious? Submitting to arrest?"

"Damn, he has that much courage?"

"No, I was expecting a great battle or an assassination!"

"How stupid..."

"No, this move is quite clever..."

"Clever how? If I were Duke Zayen, I would kill him while I had the chance and end it all..."

"You think the duke is as stupid as you?"

"Stop dragging your feet. Hurry and go!"

"Damn it... that exit is blocked too. There are green caps guarding it..."

"No, do not argue with them. In this situation, they can kill you with one sentence: 'suspected rebel.' There will be nowhere to reason..."

"Like hell," Morgan said hatefully within the Star Lake Guard formation. "That fugitive young master went to all this effort, plus had a supreme-class expert fight everywhere, just to climb onto the host platform and show his face, and now he is 'submitting to arrest'?"

"I do not believe it either," Glover agreed. "Unless he first makes that assassin surrender..."

The zombie's words suddenly stopped.

"Strange," he said doubtfully.

Everyone, including Thales, noticed something was wrong and looked carefully.

At some point, the black-armored warrior who had carved a path through the crowd to escort Federico onto the host platform, then guarded the foot of the platform like one man holding a pass against ten thousand...

Had already vanished without a trace.

"Where is he? Where is he? Where is Lausanne II?" Miranda reacted and climbed two steps up the railing, staring in astonishment at the empty stairs below the distant host platform. "When did he disappear?"

In an instant, everyone, including the security officers and guards who had originally surrounded the host platform, burst into cries of surprise, as though they had only just discovered that the enemy they had been guarding had vanished.

"I do not know. Unbelievable," Paul said, unable to believe it as he looked around. "I was watching that side with the Sky-Gazing Method the whole time. This is a technique the Bozdorf family learned from the Sun-Shooter, best suited for locking onto prey. In theory, I should not have suddenly lost the target..."

"'In theory,'" Wya said, taking out his notebook and recording gravely. "But do not forget, everything about Lausanne II violates common sense."

Thales, who saw this scene as well, was equally shocked and suspicious.

He disappeared just like that?

Strange and eerie.

Was this planned?

"Wait. But if he loses the protection of that expert, then Federico..." Paul looked into the distance thoughtfully.

The next second, without the greatest obstacle, the security officers and guards below the host platform looked at one another and finally woke as if from a dream. They shouted noisily and rushed up the host platform toward Federico.

"Surrender immediately!"

"Put down your weapon!"

"Do not move!"

"Raise your hands!"

"Step away from the sound tube!"

"Stay where you are!"

Chaotic shouts and warnings rose one after another and spread through the sound tube to the entire arena.

Federico cooperatively raised his hands and knelt, letting himself be roughly pressed down and restrained. He even took more than a few blows.

"He could fight his way through the encirclement and knock down so many guards in a row," Glover said darkly. "That really should have been Lausanne II just now, right? He just abandoned his employer and ran with his tail between his legs?"

"Mercenary loyalty." Morgan spat.

"Phew. Good thing he ran," someone said, greatly relieved. Seeing everyone's gaze, he hurriedly shook himself and stood tall. "I mean, damn it, he got away! Otherwise, we would not have let him go..."

"Then should we chase him now?" Neshy asked enthusiastically, eager to try.

The others looked at one another. You glanced at the bandages on me, I looked at the wounds on your hands, and everyone tacitly turned away and fell silent.

"We should still prioritize His Highness' safety," Miranda sighed.

"Ah, what about the guard's honor? If Captain Terror, I mean, if Captain Mallos wakes up..." Neshy could not believe it.

"In fact," someone interrupted him solemnly, "this is precisely for the guard's honor."

Everyone fell silent.

Soon, security officers and guards filled the host platform. The blood-colored iris flag on the platform was roughly torn down, as if announcing that this accident was nearing its end.

"Lie down! Lie down!"

"No, kneel!"

"Slowly. Hands where I can see them!"

"We have him!"

"Hold him down!"

"Tie him up!"

"Should we gag him?"

"No, so many people are watching... stop hitting him!"

"We are security officers. According to Jade City law, you have the right to defend yourself and receive trial..."

The situation underwent a dramatic change, stirring a new round of discussion among the spectators. The sounds in the arena became chaotic and noisy again.

"This young master Federico made such a huge fuss," Paul voiced the doubts of many. "And the result is that he simply raises his hands and surrenders? Gives up his bodyguard, gives up violent resistance, gives up armed deterrence, gives up his greatest chip?"

Right.

Thales frowned as well. The other side had caused chaos in the arena and accused the current duke with the most vicious and terrifying crime, but now...

Submit to arrest?

"No. Quite the opposite. He has seized his greatest chip," Miranda said thoughtfully as she looked at Federico in the distance.

"At least he preserved his life," Glover said disdainfully.

"But..." Paul hesitated.

But that does not make sense.

Thales nodded and silently took over his words.

Yes. Perhaps Federico's move could preserve his life.

Under pressure, Zayen would not kill him. At least, not publicly.

But did he not know that if he fell into Renaissance Palace's hands like this, he would have no chance of winning?

Thales instinctively turned his head. Zayen was observing the situation in the field, his brow rising and falling, his thoughts unknown.

"Did he really surrender?" Hilley could not believe it.

Several seconds later, Zayen's expression returned to calm. He lowered his head and gave an order gently.

"Cecil, cancel the mission. Have the Jade Legion return to their posts and continue maintaining order."

Cecil's expression changed.

"But my lord..."

"Summon Lieutenant Chelky and have him lead the security officers out," Zayen said, allowing no rebuttal. "Escort the criminal here. Remember to pay attention to quality. Be gentle in both attitude and movement. Do not alarm the spectators."

Cecil wanted to speak but stopped. Cassian shook his head at him.

"Send out your best trackers," Zayen continued, "to pursue that fleeing expert. Even if they cannot catch him, they must clarify where he went."

Cecil was silent for several seconds, but still turned and called people to give orders.

"Ashford, have the organizing merchants do their work. Soothe the spectators and adjust the atmosphere. The selection meeting has not decided victory or defeat. It is time to prepare for the next round," Zayen calmly issued orders one by one. "Also, gather the vassals and honored guests present. They need to correctly 'know' what happened here."

The butler smiled and nodded.

"Good, Zayen," Hilley said, quite relieved to see her brother recover his reason. "Do not forget who you are, who we are. Do not let his mad words affect you."

She took a deep breath.

"Remember: Covendier does not perish by enemy hands."

But Zayen said nothing. He merely glanced at his sister, his gaze complicated.

"Then what do you plan to do? Throw him into prison, or into the open sea?" Thales asked.

Zayen turned back and cut him with a glare.

"That fellow thought he had seized the greatest chip, and only then dared to come from behind the curtain to the front of the stage," Zayen said, his gaze sharp and his cold snorts continuous. "But he also forgot his greatest disadvantage."

Thales' eyes shifted.

"This is Jade City, and he has walked into my chessboard," Zayen said coldly. "My rules."

Correct.

Zayen's rules.

With Zayen's many years of influence, control, and rule in Jade City, whether through a simple and crude execution order, a complex series of political and legal operations, or delicate guidance and manipulation of public opinion, no matter how eloquent Federico was, no matter how he incited the public, no matter how justified and legitimate he appeared, he was ultimately bound to suffer defeat.

Did he not know this?

Thales looked at Federico with heavy thoughts.

In the field, the host shakily returned to the platform. Unwillingly, thanks to the group of security officers standing below, he used as calm a voice as possible to remind the spectators and contestants that the selection meeting had been interrupted for a reason and would now resume.

But no one cared about the fighting anymore.

The teams of security officers and Jade Legion soldiers began moving again. They drove back the crowd, maintained order, and opened a path around the arena to escort the criminal toward the duke's stand.

Federico, tied up tightly, was bruised, swollen, and miserable. Every time his escort team passed a stand, the spectators grew extremely excited. Some stood on tiptoe and stretched their necks, some shouted and squeezed forward, all competing to catch a glimpse of the culprit who had made a scene at the selection meeting.

The atmosphere seemed to return to how it had been before the accident, when the contestants had been fighting fiercely.

On the way over, Federico was quiet and obedient. He did not shout protests or struggle. But the closer the team came, the more nervous everyone on the duke's stand became.

"Stand guard! Watch the crowd!" Cecil shouted loudly, and the Jade Legion answered in unison.

"Strange. He really is not resisting at all," someone whispered to his companions while watching Federico in the escort team.

"He also has not suddenly thrown out an alchemy orb to surprise the whole arena," Wya said with full concentration.

"No assassin is jumping out," Glover said, alertly scanning the surroundings.

"No long-hidden accomplices," Morgan said.

"Among the heavyweight spectators, no one is cooperating or responding to stir emotions," Paul said as he watched the noble stands.

"No reversal, no accident. More boring than a stage play at the Temple of the Dark Night," Neshy sighed in disappointment.

"So this fugitive young master did all this just to rush onto the host platform, shout once, and throw dirt at the duke?" Morgan said disdainfully.

"Then he is too naive," Paul said. "No matter how big the matter becomes, once he is captured by the Jade Legion, he has no moves left."

"Stupid," Glover shook his head. "Hiding in the dark was his greatest advantage, but now he has handed himself over for Jade City to cut apart..."

"But he still looks confident. I keep feeling something is wrong." Wya rubbed his notebook.

"Ah, Covendiers are all like this," someone shrugged. "I suspect they have an ancestral teaching: no matter how panicked you are inside, keep your face paralyzed."

"Unless he still has a later move," Miranda suddenly said.

The guards all turned toward her.

Miranda looked at Federico, her expression serious.

"A worse and more powerful trump card."

Wya was thoughtful. "A trump card that lets him remain completely unafraid and confident even after being captured by the Jade Legion?"

Correct.

Thales, silently listening to them, also suspected it.

A trump card.

"Then..." Paul pondered. "Where is that trump card? How will it be played?"

Miranda shook her head.

"I do not know."

Miranda reminded the people of Star Lake Fort.

"But this matter must have been planned for a long time. He will not easily admit defeat. Even if he raised his hands and surrendered, there may still be something wrong within it."

Correct.

After hearing them, Thales looked left and right.

He wanted to find certain familiar figures or smell the scent of a familiar conspiracy.

It was definitely not that simple.

According to experience, Federico must have more chips, a greater conspiracy, and more effective means.

A killing move sufficient to bring Zayen down.

Not merely one appearance, one accusation, and one flag.

Only that would fit the style of Kessel and the kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department.

But where was it?

What was it?

On the other side, after passing through many checkpoints, Jade City's vassals and nobles, including many heavyweight honored guests, were invited to the duke's stand. Thales and Zayen both had no choice but to restrain their subordinates, sheathe swords, turn blades away, and work hard to create an atmosphere of harmony.

"My apologies. A family scandal has been exposed and spoiled everyone's interest."

Zayen turned to face the guests and smiled.

"Jade City is deeply sorry."

The duke spoke gently and warmly. The vassals and guests looked at one another.

"No harm done, Your Grace," the first to speak was Councillor Yannik of the Immortal Council, a bloodkin. He smiled elegantly and set the tone for the incident. "What family does not have a few bad horses?"

His words drew many people's agreement.

"Jade City's situation is excellent, prosperous and flourishing. When outside forces see it, they grow jealous," an elderly direct vassal snorted. "Naturally, flies and mosquitoes will buzz."

"Most Holy Talal said: when family shame is not avoided, that is true kinship; when faults are not concealed, that is true friendship," the envoy from Congzhong City replied humbly. "Our Dusu An-Talal is close friends with Your Grace. A small episode is not worth mentioning."

"Actually, I rather enjoyed it. It was more interesting than the usual blowing and beating," Hasha, the envoy from the Tyron Trade Federation, said while holding his concubine and laughing loudly. "Of course, if you need any help from our federation, Duke, just say so. Or say it at tomorrow's tariff meeting?"

"How will you deal with him, my lord?" Tanganga, shipmaster of the Sea Wolf Fleet, stared at Federico as he drew closer, laughing and rubbing his hands. "If you ask me, hand him to me and take him out to see the seascape..."

Facing these guests, Zayen comforted them one by one and responded earnestly. His words were watertight, as though the storm just now did not exist.

Thales frowned repeatedly as he watched.

"It seems that whether vassals, partners, or even competitors," Miranda said with a frown, "whether dignified on the surface or harboring evil intentions, they have no reason to support the descendant of a rebel who lost his position long ago, fled for years, and now has neither power nor profit to offer."

"Not to mention the city's Trial Hall, Security Hall, and City Hall..." Paul sighed. "This side-branch young master of Covendier has pale and powerless incitement and accusations. Aside from a spectacle, they are nothing. In fact, the moment he put down his weapon, sent away his bodyguard, and willingly entered the trap, he lost."

Is that so?

Thales sank into thought.

Federico, did he truly lose?

If he truly was here, as Thales thought, to topple Zayen...

Was that all?

What was he waiting for?

What had the Secret Intelligence Department prepared?

What did Kessel V plan to do?

A higher decree? Unexpected evidence? Overwhelming public opinion? A mole infiltrated inside? An external enemy pressing down with troops?

Or something else?

What chip could let him reverse the board in one stroke?

While Thales pondered bitterly, Federico was finally delivered smoothly and steadily to the Jade Legion's hands and brought to the duke's stand.

"Everyone, the Emerald Celebration is a joyous occasion," Zayen said, smiling and raising a hand to answer the guests. "Who said I intend to kill anyone?"

He turned, looked at Federico below the stand, and walked down the steps.

"On the contrary, I will give him the treatment he deserves," Zayen said as the Emerald soldiers cleared a path through the crowd for him to walk toward the criminal. "After all, he can also be considered a Covendier. Iris blood flows in him, and he is a citizen of Jade City."

Amid the vassals' and guests' praise, Thales and Hilley exchanged a look and also stepped down.

Seeing Cecil and Cassian attending the two Covendiers, Wya was startled and hurriedly called everyone to follow Thales, forming a line and trying hard to put on the prince's proper display.

"Long time no see, Fed"

Under the eyes of the guests and even the entire arena, Zayen was composed as he looked down at Federico, who knelt on the ground, bound tightly and with no possibility of struggling.

"You have grown thin."

Federico, his face covered in blood, wanted to rise but was pressed down hard by the guards behind him. He chuckled.

"If you had died once, cousin, you would discover that losing weight is not actually that difficult."

Hilley looked at the prisoner before her. After hesitating repeatedly, she finally could not help asking.

"Fed, why did you..."

Federico turned his head.

"Ah, Cecilia, innocent and naive little sister. You really have grown quite a bit, haven't you?" His smile carried mockery. "Graceful and grown, waiting to become another Covendier queen?"

Hilley frowned.

"I thought you were dead."

"Then you thought correctly. Oh, Your Highness Thales." Federico turned to Thales, and his eyes brightened. "I have long heard of your name, and now finally meet you. Please accept my thanks. I am endlessly grateful!"

With all his strength, he bowed awkwardly from his kneeling position.

Thales' eyes moved.

"Why? You and I do not know each other."

Federico burst into laughter. Compared to Zayen's polite and perfect smile, Federico's was far more unrestrained.

"True. But if not for Your Highness' blessing, I fear I would never have had this day to return to Jade City," he said, his gaze burning. "Naturally, I must thank you greatly."

"Lord Zayen!"

Count Lassia of Marshland, one of the heads of the thirteen distinguished families, stepped out from the crowd, filled with righteous indignation and especially conspicuous.

"As far as I know, Federico Covendier was already a traitor. He escaped death back then, and now he remains stubborn and unchanged in nature. My lord, please immediately order this villain executed!"

Federico snorted disdainfully.

"A traitor has the face to call others traitor?"

Count Lassia's expression changed. He began cursing, but his eldest son held him back tightly.

As Zayen soothed the count, his eyes drifted toward the two girls behind Count Lassia.

The next second, the two girls exchanged a glance and solemnly raised their heads.

"Kasha Karabeyan petitions the guardian duke to use strict punishment and stern law to set the record straight."

"Qina of the Twin-Tower Longsword advises Lord Zayen to cut the weeds and remove the roots, and never be soft-hearted."

The serious sisters had shrewd eyes. Together, they raised their hands and opened two folding fans in perfect tacit understanding. One read, "Obeying Every Command." The other was inscribed, "Loyal Without Second Thought."

Thales heard Hilley snort disdainfully beside him.

Seeing everyone take a stance, Zayen finally smiled.

"Ha. Wisdom on the left, longsword on the right," Federico said mockingly. "And Karabeyan always in the middle. Do you know what that looks like? Fence-sitters."

The Karabeyan twins were neither angry nor annoyed. They revealed almost identical smiles.

"Enough, Federico Covendier."

Zayen called out his cousin's name, righteous and dignified.

"As a criminal who faked his death and fled, your courage in surrendering yourself is worthy of respect. On the other hand, you remain stubborn, insisting..."

"Are you finished, cousin, Young Master Zayen?"

Federico cut him off, his face full of disdain. "Are we going through procedure to prison, or straight onto a ship bound for the open sea?"

Zayen's expression tightened.

"In the name of the Sunset, the king, and the Covendier ancestors, regarding the matters you have alleged, whether your doubts about Uncle Sonar's death or the murder cases of these past few days, Jade City will investigate the truth and, under the witness of the entire kingdom, give you justice and the fairest trial."

"Trial? You, cousin, will give me a trial?" Federico sneered as though he had heard the most absurd thing.

"Not me. Jade City."

Zayen said coldly, "Whether it was inciting unrest eleven years ago and causing countless disasters, or remaining obstinate eleven years later and continuing to create chaos."

Federico burst into laughter.

"Then you might as well kill me now."

Zayen shook his head.

"Do not be impatient. You will receive the ending you deserve. Jade City has its own laws and will not allow malicious people to use illegal acts to invert and corrupt them."

Sounds of agreement rose among the vassals.

Federico listened to Zayen's words and laughed loudly.

"I know. I know why you are so pleased and so confident, cousin..."

He slowly swept his eyes across every person before him.

"Because in the end, I have fallen into your hands, into your prison, your court, your offices, into the power system you built with one hand and use to cover the sky with the other."

Federico spat.

"That gives you endless legal, proper, and utterly hypocritical methods to deal with me, to reverse black and white and frame me. I have delivered myself into the net with no chance of victory. I can only be unable to explain myself and suffer complete defeat."

He struggled to stand, only to be pressed down by the guards again and again. In the end, he could only roar in anger.

"Because as long as Zayen Covendier remains the city lord, the duke, and the master of the iris, this trial of mine can never be fair!"

Thales looked at Federico, and the doubts in his heart deepened.

What is he doing?

No defense, no counterattack, no threat...

Only...

A sorrowful complaint against heaven and men?

Zayen smiled.

"I understand. No criminal will admit his crimes, just as no son will believe his father is a bad man. But unfortunately, everyone must pay the price for what they have done."

Zayen spoke unhurriedly, reasonable and well-founded, making Federico seem even more incoherent, like a criminal fleeing out of guilt.

"Ha. In Jade City, when it comes to dignified means and proper open schemes," Paul said quietly and mockingly within the formation, shaking his head, "who can outplay the city lord himself, who holds both rank and power?"

Yes.

Thales watched Zayen handle and define Federico and silently nodded.

One man against one city. How could he not lose?

"That's it? It's over?" Neshy could not believe it. "But what about the so-called murder of his father to seize power, framing others? Does no one care? The duke's reputation in people's hearts..."

"Duke Zayen has ruled for many years, and his rule is stable. People are always forgetful, shortsighted, self-interested, and realistic," Wya said, slightly distracted. "Perhaps as long as it has nothing to do with them, and as long as their current lives are still tolerable, then time will fade everything."

"Please, do not be disappointed. Be happy," someone said with flying brows. "At least we do not have to worry about how to fight our way out of Jade City with His Highness."

At this moment, Miranda suddenly spoke.

"I found it."

Wya turned back in a daze. "What?"

"The trump card," Miranda answered simply.

Everyone in the Star Lake Guard turned back together.

"Yes, his trump card." Miranda stared at Federico, her expression grave. "The trump card that can deal a fatal blow to the Duke of Iris."

"Really?"

Someone grew interested and asked in a low voice, "Where? Is it an assassin? Or a witness? Or some world-shaking scandal..."

"The only problem is..."

Miranda ignored him and began checking her weapons on her own.

"Whether that trump card wants to be turned over."