Gu Mengmeng chuckled. “My guards were willing to follow your arrangements?”
Gu Mengmeng might have believed it if she was told that Barete returned to Saint Nazaire at Oakley’s urgings as the two of them had a personal relationship.
But that Auretin, who had not eaten a single meal prepared by Lea this winter—would he be willing to return to Saint Nazaire before getting one meal? Ha, who would believe that?
Oakley lowered his head in a respectful manner. “If the Great Messenger feels that my arrangements are not appropriate, I will immediately send someone to call them back.”
Gu Mengmeng inhaled deeply. “Oakley, I treasure the affection we once had for each other. If you have any difficulties, please tell me frankly. I will definitely help you if I can. But I don’t like people to carry out cheap tricks behind my back. If you are planning to lead me by the nose… then be prepared to be bitten by me. But I don’t wish for my venomous teeth to be used against friends.”
Oakley maintained his respectful and calm expression. “I am the most loyal subject of the Great Messenger. Everything I do, I do it with the utmost consideration for the Great Messenger. Didn’t you leave Sauder to me because you yourself believed so? As the Great Messenger said, if you suspect a man, don’t use him. If you use a man, then don’t suspect him. But you have used me and are suspecting me at the same time. What is the logic behind that?”
Gu Mengmeng frowned. She remained silent and just watched him quietly.
Oakley looked up and met Gu Mengmeng’s gaze. “Or has the Great Messenger suddenly changed her mind and wishes to keep the authority in her own hands… then the Great Messenger should just tell me. Oakley will naturally follow your wishes and hand back the authority to you. After all… getting rid of someone after he has served his purpose. This tactic is something I can understand.”
“Why are you twisting my words in this manner? You clearly know I don’t mean that.” A chill crossed Gu Mengmeng’s heart.
Oakley used to be so shy, but with a trace of astuteness… where had that Oakley gone?
When did their relationship deteriorate into such suspicion and resentment?
Although they had never been that close, they could be considered friends?
Now…
Getting rid of someone after he has served his purpose?
He actually thought she would that to him.
“Did I say anything wrong?” Oakley was very calm, his eyes completely placid. “When the Messenger had to return to Saint Nazaire and needed someone to stay on and oversee Sauder—you handed a tumultuous Sauder over to Barete and I. Now that Sauder had settled down in peace, you return just to blame me for sending off your guards… ha, I guess if you truly want to punish someone, any minor offense would do? Actually, things don’t have to be so troublesome. I am just a second-level beast. Just say the word, what defense can I put up?”
Gu Mengmeng’s heart felt like it had been stuffed with a bunch of cotton wool at Oakley’s words.
She wanted to retort but found no words to retort with.
It was true that she had just left a tumultuous Sauder to Barete and Oakley to handle. Actually… to describe it as tumultuous was a misnomer. She had predicted that Cole would return with a surprise attack, and so left Oakley and Barete behind as bait.
It was a debt which she owed them, and a debt which she should repay.
“If you wish to retain your authority, I will not interfere. But… you should know that there are some principles that must be maintained, and some lines that cannot be crossed.”
Oakley gave a vaguely dubious smile. “Maintaining my loyalty to the Great Messenger is my only line. If the Great Messenger still trusts me, then there shouldn’t be any problems.”