Chapter 761: City of Three Corners

Let the Covendiers act, then sit back and reap the fisherman's profit...

But...

Thales swallowed.

"But if we do that..."

Miranda's gaze was eager, while Mallos still said nothing.

But that ending, Thales, is not as if you never thought of it.

A thought suddenly emerged from deep in his heart, startling Thales badly.

If the goal can truly be achieved, Thales, that would not be a bad result.

Mm. The two Covendiers bring destruction upon themselves. Jade City's greatest troubles and thorns are removed. And what will remain in the memories of the South Bank subjects is only your tolerance, benevolence, and skillful governance.

Just like these days, you used both soft and hard methods to make Jade City submit. You maneuvered freely, making all of Emerald Palace admire and obey...

Thales subconsciously gripped the armrest of his chair.

No. If that happens, Hilley. Hilley will...

Even Hilley cannot blame you, the thought in his heart refuted him. You only need to leave Zayen alive and put him in a prison wagon headed for Eternal Star City.

Perhaps that would be better for the Duke of the Iris.

At worst, through active remedies afterward and through your best efforts to mediate after returning to Eternal Star City, you can preserve Zayen's final outcome and let Hilley understand: for that girl's wish, you already did everything you could.

She will understand.

Because after sharing hardship these few days, she already understands you. She sees you as a comrade. She will sincerely believe you...

No.

Thales subconsciously shook his head and breathed in a daze.

No good. No good.

This had nothing to do with Hilley.

Or rather, it could not only have to do with Hilley.

This matter concerned the entire Jade City.

Then doing this would be best for Jade City, the thoughts in his heart emerged one after another. You saw what kind of bastards those two iris descendants are. One cold, heartless, hypocritical, and cunning. One ambitious and without bottom line.

After you leave, they will tear off their masks, sneer at the agreement you mediated, and discard it like worn-out shoes.

And you should not hand Jade City, the future of the South Bank's subjects, into their hands.

Worse still, in the hands of either one of them, with interests clashing and positions opposed, Renaissance Palace and Emerald Palace will sooner or later walk to the edge of war.

Just as The Record of Emerald's Mystery City revealed.

But Thales, this is Jade City, which you exhausted every effort and finally managed to preserve...

If you turn and leave now, letting it be ruined and degraded in the hands of those shameless people...

No.

Thales took a deep breath and temporarily stopped thinking about these things.

"I understand what you mean, Mira, but at present..."

"Arunde."

At this moment, Mallos, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke.

"Do you have this proposal because of your father?"

Thales was startled when he heard this and began to think carefully.

"What?"

Miranda first paused, then showed displeasure, but she still answered cautiously:

"My father was imprisoned for his crimes, and I have not for many years..."

"I do not mean that he instructed you," Mallos said faintly.

Miranda's words choked off.

She thought of something, turned to face Mallos head-on, her gaze gradually sharpening.

"Then what do you mean?"

Mallos quietly looked at her and did not answer. He only curled the corner of his mouth meaningfully.

Seeing that he did not respond, Miranda's expression grew colder.

Thales saw the atmosphere about to stiffen and was preparing to smooth things over, but the instant he saw Miranda's icy gaze, thoughts again involuntarily emerged in his heart.

You know, Thales.

Even without Mallos reminding you, you should know why she made this suggestion.

Since ancient times, blades and swords have had difficulty escaping their sheaths.

Previously, her father, Val Arunde, Duke of the North, might have been allowed, indulged, even deliberately provoked by King Kessel, then forced into rebellion and made to lose his authority.

Miranda learned from this and took it as a lesson.

As for this suggestion of hers, was it homage, or revenge?

Thales jolted and hurriedly returned to reality.

"Your Highness, Arunde's words are a dangerous move. If you truly have such an intention, or at least once had such a thought, then you should be even more careful."

Mallos did not answer Miranda in the end, and turned instead to Thales.

"Zayen and Federico are both not easy to deal with. If Your Highness wants to make them fight each other and reap the benefit, you must be careful not to fall into one of their traps, careful of being used in reverse, provoked against the other, and made into a borrowed knife."

Thales thought of how formidable the two Covendiers were, and could not help becoming solemn and nodding yes.

But these words, in Miranda's ears, were heard by one who had intentions. The swordswoman's expression changed dramatically, but she suppressed her emotions and merely lowered her head in a bow.

"Of course. This is merely a little foolish opinion of mine. Please do not take offense, Your Highness."

Thales could only smile and nod, indicating that it did not matter.

But look at Miranda, he could not help thinking. Look at those hopeful eyes of hers.

Perhaps this had to do with her father, but even more, it had to do with herself.

Thales understood something.

Clearly, Miranda still had some words she had not said, and could not conveniently say.

Previously, everyone was wary of the royal power behind you.

Now, everyone counts on you to grasp the royal power in your hand.

Thales' back went cold. A baseless anxiety and fear surged into his heart.

Fortunately, Mallos spoke in time and dispelled his unease.

"In short, with one careless move, Your Highness, who originally stood aloof outside the matter and in an unbeatable position, may be dragged back into this muddy water and smeared all over. For example, if one of the irises is assassinated, and D.D happens to be at the scene?"

Thales frowned.

Mallos warned:

"At that time, if you wish to 'break up the fight' in a way that convinces people, it will not be as easy as before."

Thales deeply agreed and nodded.

Mm. But it had not exactly been that easy before either.

Tormond, do you know how many times I had to pretend before and behind people, borrow another's might, beg grandfathers and plead grandmothers, before I stopped Jade City's chaos and exchanged it for this peace before us, this moment of leisure?

Thales sighed wearily.

"Moreover, judging from the current situation, keeping the two Covendiers in subtle opposition, balancing the various forces cleverly, and maintaining Jade City's present state is the best strategy for us."

Mallos explained:

"This ensures that even if you do nothing, you can become the most crucial side in Jade City. Like a sliding weight in a detached position, not heavy by itself, yet able to decide the direction of the South Bank's balance of power."

A sword is sharpest and most dangerous before it is drawn from the sheath.

Thales pondered.

"The lord's words are entirely correct."

Thales turned his head in surprise and saw that the one who had spoken was actually Miranda.

"Once both Covendiers fall from power, Your Highness will become Jade City's de facto master, as well as the bearer of the greatest pressure and the largest target."

The swordswoman said in a low voice:

"At that time, you will bear the brunt and have to directly face the demands and calculations of every force inside and outside the South Bank. Any movement of wind or grass in Emerald Palace will be counted on our heads. Any change to Jade City's current state will damage you first. And the first target considered by anyone who wants to change the current state will certainly be Regent Thales. In fact, even now, with both Covendiers still alive, you sitting in Emerald Palace already face such risks."

Thales deeply agreed.

Mallos turned his head and looked deeply at Miranda, but his tone suddenly shifted.

"Or perhaps we can use Miss Hilley. After the two Covendiers 'bring destruction upon themselves,' raise her to the seat?"

What?

Miranda's brows jumped.

"But..."

Thales' expression changed slightly.

"However..."

"But I suppose Your Highness would not agree, correct?"

Before the two of them could speak, Mallos gave a light laugh and made the conclusion himself.

"No matter how one looks at it, it is not worth it, and not safe."

Thales and Miranda both paused. They looked at each other, then both turned away.

"I understand what you mean."

Thales concluded awkwardly:

"At present, we cannot act rashly, and should continue maintaining the triangular situation in Jade City between Zayen, Federico, and me. This is the most stable choice, the most advantageous to me, and the one that gives me the most power."

The three fell silent together.

"Then Your Highness must make plans. When we withdraw and leave the stage, what kind of Jade City do you want to leave behind?"

Miranda sighed.

"I have seen the eyes of those two Covendiers. They will not give up."

Thales' expression chilled.

That's right.

No matter how firm the three of them had sounded during the meeting, no matter how earnestly they swore, no matter how timely and effective the measures he left behind were, no matter how powerful his backup plans were...

Once he left just like this, leaving behind one duke and one viscount, whether Federico was covered over by Zayen, or Zayen was suppressed by Federico...

"Even if they compromise for now, it will only be temporary."

Miranda faintly voiced Thales' worry:

"After Your Highness leaves, after the balancing force disappears, Jade City will sooner or later become a chessboard where two armies face each other again. The only difference will be which side has more pieces and more outside support."

Whether Jade City will still be the Jade City that Your Highness or His Majesty wants will be uncertain.

Thales uncomfortably rubbed his forehead.

But that was his father's business.

Or rather, that was the business of Jade City and the Covendier family.

Miranda continued:

"Moreover, whether Zayen or Federico, the blood hatred between the two of them seems to be something Your Highness cannot and should not unravel."

Thales still had a headache and did not answer.

"There is no need to worry too much about them personally."

Thales and Miranda turned their heads together. It was Mallos who spoke at this moment.

"Conflict gives birth to hatred, but the root is not hatred..."

Mallos slowly walked to the window and looked at Jade City's street scene.

"...but ambition, power, position, and interests. It lies in the different crowds, groups, classes, and identities represented by the two Covendiers."

Love and hatred, no matter how deep, still have an end.

Power turns and profit surges, without stop or rest.

Thales raised his brows.

"Some hold power, some oppose it. Some gain profit, some suffer damage. One side will inevitably fall toward one Covendier in order to oppose the other side, and the other side will react by gathering under the other."

Mallos said solemnly:

"This is so in Eternal Star City, so in Dragon Clouds City, and so in Longsong City, Sunwatch City, and Sacred Unicorn City. As for Jade City, which developed in the most special way and changed especially violently..."

The watchman paused and looked at the bustling city beneath the window.

"Now, it seems it has never been an exception."

Indeed, precisely because the changes were violent, the matter was even more serious.

"You are right."

Thales understood.

"The problem people see is Zayen and Federico."

He frowned tightly.

"But the problem I see extends all the way back to Lenster and Sonar, and even to the new classes and old nobles."

Miranda looked at each of them.

"This is not merely a question of which of two people becomes duke."

Thales thought.

"It is not even a question of two groups of people."

He pondered carefully.

"It is a question of what kinds of interests and thoughts these two people will respectively approach, what kinds of people will sweep them along, what kinds of forces will lift them up, what decisions they will thereby make, and how they will in turn deeply affect Jade City and the people behind them."

He sighed.

"Or rather, this is the inevitability of the iris, Emerald Palace, and even Jade City having developed to this point. It is a structural problem at the root, unavoidable."

Thales rubbed his forehead again, feeling that countless threads lay before him, growing increasingly tangled.

The three were silent for quite some time.

For a moment, only the noisy bustle outside the window could be heard.

"But what Your Highness has done is already sufficient."

Mallos suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Because the remaining matters will naturally be finished for you by Jade City."

What?

Thales opened his eyes, and Miranda also turned toward him.

Mallos said:

"Several days ago, Your Highness already made a choice. You bypassed the two most crucial Covendiers and instead contacted and communicated with those who stood behind them, were used by them, even surrounded them. Those forces and factions, from high to low, from top to bottom, from merchants to pirates, from nobles to gangs... those layered people carrying Jade City on their backs."

Thales froze.

They were also the people they had constantly sent men to contact and gather intelligence on ever since arriving in Jade City.

"And the brilliance lies in this. Whether merchants or officials, small landowners or workshop owners, over several decades, in order to develop Jade City, the Covendier family has already granted these people enough niches, even power and responsibility, giving them enough motivation and capital."

Mallos folded his arms and looked outside the window, his gaze moving.

"And several successive dukes, including Zayen, in order to resist royal power and preserve the South Bank, have used these methods of sharing interests and winning support to perfection. They were only one step away from grabbing the king by the neck and shouting, 'Then you go ask all of Jade City for money!'"

Thales raised his brows.

He truly wished Kessel the Fifth were here.

"You mean..."

"When the various forces whom Your Highness persuaded one by one each made their own choices, helping you escape the trap of choosing between red and black, and unknowingly allowing Jade City to return to the right track..."

Mallos turned around, his tone meaningful.

"You had already transferred the contradiction. You transferred the contradiction between the two Covendiers and Regent Thales into the contradiction between the Covendier family and every class above and below Jade City."

Thales' gaze moved.

"Now, Your Highness has also released the two young iris lords, and even allowed them to contact various forces, reconnect with old subordinates and supporters, especially those people whom you received, expressing your attitude and position."

Mallos sneered.

"Now, it should be the Covendiers' own turn. Their turn, outside contradiction and ambition, outside the restraints of old family grudges, to listen to different voices and then make choices. Do they wish to make this city a city of wealth, a city of queens? Or a city of war, a city of power?"

In that instant, Miranda widened her eyes.

The swordswoman murmured:

"Exter people. So that is it. Exter people..."

"And the people and matters Your Highness has seen and understood will in turn stand on their own positions and interests to restrain the authority and private desires of the Covendiers as South Bank lords. They will use all kinds of methods, even if limited, to force them to comply and make them understand: to insist on one's own way is only to bring destruction upon oneself."

Thales froze.

It was not a coincidence.

He thought of the reports from his subordinates just now.

Even high officials and capable administrators used to entering and leaving the palace, such as Chief Administrator Milarhovich and Judge Iboning, traditional vassals such as the Karabeyan and Lassia families, military and police backbones such as Captain Cecil and Second Lieutenant Cherky, including foreign envoys from Hanbol and Tyren State, and even Jade City's iconic great merchants, wealthy men, and heads of every trade. Not many have come to visit Duke Zayen...

Thales came to a realization.

These people, the people who originally represented Jade City, their silence, their deliberate distance from the two Covendiers...

That was not coincidence.

"Your Highness, you now only need to watch quietly and guide things according to the trend."

Mallos folded his arms.

"Then when the lighter side loses balance, gently support it. Everything will naturally be solved."

Watch quietly and guide according to the trend...

Thales felt everything suddenly open up.

He thought of The Record of Emerald's Mystery City, which he had read in his leisure earlier: Prince Heyman and Miss Regina, the Eight-Finger King and Duke Kork. So that was it.

"In my view, Your Highness, the stable triangular situation you rely on has never been the prince, Zayen, and Federico..."

Mallos' gaze sharpened.

"But you, the Covendier family, and..."

Mallos stepped back, took a deep breath, and looked in intoxication at the countless human lights and smoke outside the window.

"The entire Jade City."

At that moment, Thales trembled all over.

The watchman said leisurely:

"This is the true City of Three Corners."

His words fell.

The three each fell into thought.

The study was quiet.

"Lord Mallos, has your injury fully healed?"

Mallos turned back and looked at Miranda.

"Not yet. Arunde?"

"When it has healed, remember to tell me."

Miranda stared fixedly at him, the challenge in her eyes obvious.

"So that I can ask you for guidance in a spar. Terror Blade."

Hm?

Mallos frowned when he heard this.

After speaking, Miranda did not wait for Mallos' response. She saluted Thales, then turned without hesitation and left.

"I am going to change shifts, Your Highness."

Seeing the swordswoman leave, Mallos' gaze turned cold. He abruptly turned to Thales.

"I did not say it!"

Thales instinctively raised both hands.

I... how would I know who told her your nickname...

No...

How would I even know what your nickname is...

Thales squeezed out a smile and awkwardly scratched his head.

Seeing his foolish smile, Mallos sighed.

"Right. What I just told you, Your Highness, about Jade City's triangle, grasping the trend, guiding according to the situation and so on... Please do not take it too seriously, and especially do not use it to handle practical affairs."

Thales had still been smiling pleasantly. Hearing this, his smile stiffened.

Huh?

What?

Then what were you just...

"If Your Highness truly wants to solve problems, then you cannot become fascinated with sayings like 'seeing through the essence,' 'the root of the problem,' 'grasping the key,' and so on."

Thales raised his brows, and his smile gradually disappeared.

Mallos said in a low voice:

"You had best focus on details and reality, history and truth."

Thales froze.

"Details and reality?"

Did that really need to be specially explained?

Mallos nodded.

"Because whether 'essence' or 'root,' these frightening grand principles are all things we summarize afterward. Most of the time, they can only be used to comfort ourselves, boast to others, or debate back and forth."

Mallos turned to look at the bustling crowd outside the window.

"Only details and reality, Your Highness. Only they are the bricks that make up reality, piece by piece. They cannot be taken lightly."

Thales restrained his expression and sat properly. It was rare to see the watchman like this.

"Once separated from them, whatever essence, whatever root, is false."

The next moment, a few ripples suddenly appeared in Mallos' usually calm voice.

"Just as, once separated from people themselves..."

He said faintly:

"Faith and ideals alike become meaningless."

What?

Thales looked at his watchman with countless questions in his heart, but when the words reached his mouth, they condensed into only a few.

"Ah."

Thales sighed.

"I will remember."

Mallos did not turn back.

He only looked deeply out the window.

At the colorful City of Dreams.

At the gray, lightless wasteland in his eyes.

----

"I am going to kill her."

Kill Catherine.

Kill that stinking blade bitch with only one hand left.

The Red Viper's shoulders trembled as he slowly raised his head, his eyes full of resentment.

"No matter what price I have to pay."

No matter what killer he had to hire.

Even if he had to dig Lausanne the Second out of his grave.

Kill her!

But that familiar voice sounded again.

"I am afraid that will be difficult."

Nekra suddenly turned and glared fixedly at Rick.

The accountant shrank back in fright.

But Rick glanced at the silent Fisso, and though his legs were trembling, he still bravely straightened his chest and continued:

"First, under Prince Thales' iron-fisted rule, the political struggle in Emerald Palace has only just come to an end. Every force, whether large or small, internal or external, has only just reached consensus and settled down. This is his achievement and face. If anyone causes trouble at this time, they will become the target of everyone. Even someone as noble as Duke Zayen would probably be unable to withstand that His Highness' world-destroying royal wrath..."

The Red Viper widened his eyes.

"Second, I would guess precisely because the three forces in Emerald Palace compromised and it is inconvenient to settle accounts with one another, they need a scapegoat like 'Hanbol spies' to bear the blame for the chaos of these days. And just as Catherine has sent word saying she wants to 'pull out the Hanbol spies,' Boss Nekra, if you people hurriedly kill her, or at least are suspected of doing it..."

Rick shook his head.

"Even if the brothers on the road do not believe it, Emerald Palace has just changed to a new master. The bluecoats underneath, eager to show loyalty and make merit, would be very willing to brand you as 'spies' and arrest you. At least that is much easier than actually finding Hanbol spies..."

Nekra's body swayed.

Rick said weakly:

"And even inside the Blood Bottle Gang, the brothers and comrades you trust most, faced with such a situation, will inevitably begin to hesitate: for the sake of preserving their lives, should they hand you over?"

When his words fell, Nekra stiffened all over, his heart bitter beyond words.

"Little Red."

The Head Wolf slowly raised his head and looked at Nekra.

"Now do you understand why I asked your brothers to leave first?"

Fisso's words came lighter and slower than Rick's, yet they seemed to possess magic. Every word made the supernatural hormone in the Red Viper's body secrete rapidly and surge back and forth.

Nekra merely sat there blankly, his face full of disbelief.

In other words, after that internal strife, the blade bitch could borrow momentum and soldiers to hunt them down relentlessly.

But they were restrained at every turn and could not counterattack her in any way, or disaster would descend?

Either obediently compromise and sit down to negotiate.

Or drop everything and run, making this trip a waste?

Had he killed so many bosses for nothing?

Had so many men died for nothing?

The Red Viper stared blankly at the short knife at his waist.

That newly arrived prince in Emerald Palace.

What exactly was wrong with him?

What deep hatred or great grudge did Nekra have with him?

Why did every single thing brought about by him sitting in the regent's seat force Nekra into a dead end?

The office quieted, the atmosphere strange.

Rick did not dare let out even a loud breath.

Then the great drug lord who looked like an ordinary fireworks peddler gave a light laugh.

"Do you know why Little Blade's nickname is Phantom Blade?"

Rick hurriedly answered respectfully:

"I have heard a little. It is said that her arms are ever-changing, making her blade unpredictable, like an illusion..."

"No."

Rick's words paused, but he immediately noticed that the one who interrupted him was Nekra.

The Red Viper raised his head resentfully.

"Phantom Blade. That was what Turnbull called her in the past. He said that bitch... every strike Catherine makes..."

Nekra was bitter beyond words, unwilling and resentful.

"Cuts at places the enemy cannot see and cannot defend."

Illusory, yet real.

Thus, Phantom Blade.

Rick's heart chilled when he heard this.

Fisso sighed.

"Little Red, why do you think that when she offended her superior many years ago, killed her boss Dog Fang Bott, and sat in his position herself, all of Old Bott's subordinates were neither surprised nor opposed, and even applauded and welcomed her with unanimous support?"

Nekra's gaze moved.

"Because she was able to kill Bott not by relying on that fatal knife at the banquet, nor on Old Bott indulging in beauty and taking the wrong drug."

Memory surged into Fisso's tone.

"But because throughout countless ordinary days, Little Blade, from interests to feelings, from loyalty to dependence, level by level, step by step, cut off the relationship and connections between Old Bott and his subordinates silently, one strike at a time."

Every strike.

Nekra trembled all over.

Rick's eyes lit up.

So that was it. In that case, even if everyone in the Blood Bottle Gang knew there had to be something suspicious about Bott's death.

Even if everyone knew Catherine was not innocent.

No one would question or oppose.

Let alone stand out to stop it.

Rick thought of that Blood Bottle Gang female boss whom he had met once, who claimed she could not use anesthetic because she had once quit drugs, and suddenly felt new emotion.

It seemed that the drug she had quit back then...

Was undoubtedly "Sunlight."

Crash.

Nekra suddenly stood.

"I am going to find Old Fogg now."

He gnashed his teeth and trembled all over.

"He is the local snake and has operated here for a long time. He definitely will not sit and watch..."

But Fisso laughed loudly.

"What are you laughing at now?" Nekra looked angrily at him.

The kingdom's great drug lord shook his hand.

"You have that much confidence in Fogg?"

The Red Viper's expression changed.

He heard the meaning in the other man's words.

"Catherine's hand was cut off by me and him together. Lausanne the Second was also found by us together."

Nekra said coldly:

"If that fish farmer wants to regret it now and take my head to seek peace, it is too late!"

"Really? You and him, 'together'? When did this 'together' begin?"

The Red Viper's heart thumped.

"What do you mean?"

Fisso's eyes were calm, his smile mysterious, making him panic.

"Tell me, Little Red."

Fisso said softly:

"From the very beginning, why did Fogg follow you? What special benefit did betraying Catherine have for him?"

Nekra suddenly panicked a little.

"Of course. Old Fogg, he had accumulated resentment toward the blade bitch for a long time. He was dissatisfied that a woman pressed down on his head. Dissatisfied that the local higher-ups in the gang obeyed him in public while defying him in private..."

"Fogg came from Eastsea Fief. When Turnbull rose, he almost exterminated the Blood Bottle Gang's Eastsea forces, yet only Fogg remained safe and sound, even though he was afterward mocked as the Wanderer."

Fisso interrupted him.

"Believe me. No one understands forgetting accumulated resentment and dissolving dissatisfaction better than he does."

Forgetting accumulated resentment, dissolving dissatisfaction...

"You, what do you mean?" Nekra's brows twitched, his voice trembling.

"What I mean is, for Fogg to board your pirate ship and follow you into a pit, Little Red..."

Fisso said coldly:

"There is only one reason."

He leaned forward, his tone certain, allowing no doubt.

"From ancient times until now, there has only ever been one."

Looking at the faint pity and regret in the other man's gaze, Nekra understood something and went cold all over.

"No," the Red Viper said instinctively.

"Fogg. From the beginning, he dared to stake his life without regard, even risk offending the Covendier family, and follow you and Lausanne the Second to fight desperately, to move against Catherine, to turn blades on companions, and to add his strength to Jade City's chaos, not because of anything else..."

Razzanchi Fisso nodded lightly.

"But because before everything began, he had already received instructions and obtained a guarantee. A strong and powerful guarantee."

Guarantee.

For some reason, Nekra discovered his hand was shaking.

Rick, listening from the side, was also startled.

Fisso quietly looked at the Red Viper.

That's right. Fogg dared do this because he had been guaranteed from the start: even if he did something out of line and offended important people he should not offend, he would still have a path back, a retreat, a road to life. His crime would not lead to death.

Of course, perhaps there was also the reverse "guarantee": if Fogg dared not agree to do this, then his outcome...

"Tell me, when Fogg was with you in that broken warehouse, throwing away the morality of the road and stabbing Catherine and her subordinates in the back, did you feel he had long looked forward to it and was enjoying himself, or that he kept evading it and was unwilling?"

Nekra's expression changed.

"He. Fogg, he..."

He thought of that warehouse melee, that afternoon of flying blood and flesh, and thought of the terrible duel with that opponent skilled in leg techniques.

Fisso narrowed his eyes and leaned forward.

"Guess who gave him that guarantee?"

Who else could give him such a guarantee?

Rick thought of something and was shocked when he heard this.

Nekra, meanwhile, was motionless in a daze.

"Of course you can go find Fogg and humbly ask him to resist Little Blade with you, but do not forget..."

Fisso sighed.

"What that fellow raises in his tank are piranhas."

Clack.

In that second, Nekra's eyes were empty, and in a trance, he pressed his hand against the chair's armrest.

He should not have come.

From beginning to end, he should not have come to Jade City.

He should not have stepped into this muddy water.

"Little Red, it is just like a certain important person above our heads. You think you are sitting on a three-legged stool, controlling the situation, very steady."

Fisso was unhurried, practically speaking with earnest persuasion.

"But you do not know that beneath your backside, it had long since become a seesaw. Right when you knocked down your enemy and were so pleased with yourself that your whole body rose to the sky."

Unfortunately, the center of weight was not with you.

The Red Viper was completely lost.

"Now, Emerald Palace has changed hands, Jade City's chaos has lasted until now, all forces have already appeared, and the situation is generally clear," Fisso said.

The strongest side borrowed the momentum to take authority, displayed methods, blended every side together, subdued the two greatest opponents, and suppressed the whole field.

The surviving chess pieces mostly have their own places to go and belong, or at least roads to preserve their lives.

"But very unfortunately, only you, Little Red, my friend."

Lausanne the Second, Catherine, Old Fogg, Blood Bottle Gang, Brotherhood, bluecoats, green hats, and even the lofty Covendier family and that regent with the surname Jadestar.

"Every move you participated in, every thing you did, every force you touched, all contain your road to death and give Little Blade reason to put you to death."

Fisso concluded softly:

"You plunged headfirst into a deathtrap."

No road to walk.

Life cut off.

Nekra did not answer.

He remained motionless, like a statue.

Rick, standing to the side, did not dare breathe loudly either.

He watched the unarmed Fisso use only a few words to talk the vicious Red Viper into losing his soul, muddled and dazed, and felt even more frightened.

Fisso gently reached out and covered the pipe mouth, letting the nearly burned-out pipe slowly extinguish.

But the Red Viper was in a trance and could no longer care whether there was still a fire in the other man's hand.

Just as Fisso no longer needed it to ensure his safety.

"Hahahahahahahaha..."

Desolate laughter rang out.

Nekra leaned back against the chair and pulled out his short knife with a sorrowful smile.

Under Rick's nervous gaze, he glanced at the sharp blade and stabbed it into the desk.

Thunk.

"Stop pretending, fake drug dealer. Since you have come, you did not come only to say this little bit."

The Red Viper was exhausted and stifled. He released the knife handle and forced himself to appear fierce.

"Point out a clear road for me."

Fisso smiled.

"Did Mister Rick not point one out for you just now?"

Rick had just breathed out, but hearing this, he tensed again.

"Escape Jade City. Flee the Kingdom of Stars. Avoid Little Blade's trap," Fisso said carelessly. "Naturally, you will live."

And then be utterly defeated, bury his name forever, until he died in a foreign land?

Nekra looked at Rick.

In that instant, Rick trembled.

As if a venomous snake had locked onto him.

"You know that is not the road I want," the Red Viper said coldly.

Fisso was silent.

"Then it is very hard to handle."

He sighed as if troubled.

But Nekra's gaze did not move. He merely stared fixedly at him.

"You must know, from Lausanne the Second's killings to the iris family's scandal, from the Blood Bottle Gang's internal strife to Jade City's chaos, from the lower-level commoners to the nobles of Emerald Palace..."

Fisso said slowly:

"One link locks with another. Little Blade borrowed the trend and placed you on the chopping board. With the slightest carelessness, every side that does not know the truth will jointly crush you."

Nekra did not speak.

"And the greater situation is already decided. The current state is as it is."

Nekra's gaze moved.

Fisso sighed:

"Yet the current state is precisely what he needs most. It was created by him borrowing thunderous momentum, maneuvering among every side, suppressing them all, and firmly holding Jade City in his palm."

"He?" the Red Viper repeated darkly.

Fisso nodded.

"Yes. Him. Catherine borrowed his name. The bluecoats expressed loyalty to him. Officials and nobles tremble because of him. The red and black Covendiers are both obedient to him. As for every force surrounding Jade City, they are either used by him or awed by him, and toward the current state under his rule, they have only fear and satisfaction, not daring to voice the slightest criticism."

Him.

Rick's heart chilled.

"So, as long as Jade City's current state remains stable for one more day..."

Fisso said faintly.

As long as he, as long as that new regent of Emerald Palace, remains in position for one more day, remains in power for one more day.

As long as the terrifying balance where he uses monstrous power, maneuvers freely, and forces two Covendiers with hatred as deep as the sea to abandon former grudges and raise cups together still holds for one moment.

As long as the voices inside and outside Jade City, above and below, hoping he will raise his hand high, begging him to show mercy, hoping he will make a peaceful handover, and therefore willing to perform merit and show loyalty for him, sing his praises, still exist.

Then no one will dare offend him. No one will dare oppose him. No one will dare risk being settled with by the forces of Jade City under his rule to interfere in the increasingly clear situation and fish in muddy waters.

"And if no force dares risk offending that important person, offending all the forces now satisfied, to change the current state, destroy the balance, and break the situation..."

To reignite the war flames that had finally been extinguished.

"...Red Viper, you will have no road of escape."

The drug lord concluded faintly.

After all, that was a nine-pointed star.

No force dared...

"But what if someone does?"

Nekra's eyes first flashed, then grew increasingly cold.

"What if someone is dissatisfied with the current situation? Someone is determined to break the current state? Someone simply hates the terrifying balance he brought?"

Rick understood something and could not help trembling in fear.

Fisso curled the corner of his mouth.

"Then it is hard to say."

The Red Viper snorted coldly.

"You left out one thing."

Nekra sneered.

"Under that prince's rule, the current Jade City has reached balance. That means every force is watched and locked down. Any strange movement or disturbance will immediately be discovered, then followed by that prince along the vine until he finds them, presses them down hard, skins them, and pulls out their tendons."

The Red Viper narrowed his eyes.

"So if someone, someone wants to conveniently, quickly, and unrestrictedly break the current state, he needs a knife."

A knife that was originally not on Jade City's map, not in the prince's sight, preferably also unrelated to South Bank interests, thereby hard to trace and hard to control.

For example, a knife from somewhere else?

Fisso smiled increasingly happily.

"Seems to make some sense?"

Shing.

The Red Viper suddenly pulled the short knife from the desk, startling Rick.

"Before you use me as a knife because you do not dare act yourself..."

"Tell me, Razzanchi Fisso."

Nekra expressionlessly spun the knife, then slid it back into his waist.

"Who exactly is the master behind you?"

Fisso smiled.

But Rick, beside them, thought deeper and farther.

Who exactly was it?

Which force was dissatisfied with Jade City's current compromise, with the South Bank's peaceful world, with the reconciliation inside the Covendier family?

He trembled slightly.

More importantly...

Which force was dissatisfied with the North Star, with the achievements he had made in Jade City, with the reputation accumulated from this envoy mission, even with his future of being crowned and ascending the throne as Thales the First?

At that moment, Rick felt cold rise from his feet and shivered in horror.

Fisso did not answer immediately.

The kingdom's greatest underground drug lord slowly stood, put away the cold pipe, then looked faintly at the Red Viper.

"Tell me, Red Viper. Do you believe in the Sunset Goddess?"

Rick froze.

What?

"Of course."

Nekra's answer was immediate.

As long as it could give him a way out...

Forget a goddess.

He would believe in a male god too.

Fisso nodded in satisfaction.

"Then, Little Red, have you ever gone to the Sunset Temple and asked the priests for confession?"

Nekra was immediately stunned.

----

"Your Highness!"

Messenger Toledo ignored etiquette and shoved the door open, gasping for breath. Clearly, the matter was urgent.

"Something happened at the Sunset Temple!"

Thales abruptly raised his head.

Temple?

Mallos frowned and looked at Toledo.

"Calm down. Say the important points."

"An assassin!"

Toledo took several deep breaths and spoke while saluting.

"An assassin mixed into the line of believers waiting for confession, entered the temple, and committed violence..."

Assassin?

At this time?

Wasn't the most powerful killer in the city already locked by him in the ghoul tunnels?

Thales tightly frowned, stood, and walked toward the door.

"Who was assassinated? What are the casualties? Was the assassin caught?"

Mallos followed closely behind him. The Star Lake guards on duty along the way constantly joined the group.

"The one assassinated was a priest."

Toledo hurriedly followed and regulated his breathing.

"Fortunately, he did not have much background, and his reputation was average, so the impact should not be too bad. The only thing to consider is his teacher. As for the assassin, the assassin did not escape. He killed himself on the spot. The security officers and green hats who arrived have already sealed off the scene and forbidden anyone from approaching. But the temple is a public place, with many eyes and mouths. The news has probably already spread..."

I knew it.

In the end, someone could not restrain themselves.

Thales' expression suddenly changed, and he abruptly stopped.

"That priest who was assassinated."

The prince hurriedly turned back and grabbed Toledo's shoulder.

"Tell me. What was his name?"

Toledo was startled badly. Looking at Thales' grave expression, he swallowed.

"It was... he, he was called..."

In Toledo's vision, as he answered, the second prince's eyes grew wider and wider.

"He was called Chadwi."