"Do you know something?"Josephine furrowed her brows and looked at the voluptuous woman across from her.
"I do know a few things. Everyone knows that the true reason the Unicorn Trading Guild came to the capital was because of Butler Brown’s death. But what they don’t know is that someone has actually been stirring them up from behind the scenes."
"Let me put it this way—compared to Butler Brown’s death, the Unicorn Trading Guild is even more curious about the methods Aurek has at his disposal."
Hearing this, Josephine frowned lightly. But the voluptuous woman continued,"So, in my judgment, this move from the Unicorn Trading Guild is most likely to test your Emperor’s abilities. And if they find an opportunity to destroy him, they definitely won’t show any mercy."
It was obvious that this woman’s intelligence was deeper than what many major factions possessed.Josephine wasn’t surprised though, because she knew that behind her stood another massive force—Black Dagger.
Many people thought assassins were mainly about killing. But such an understanding only revealed how shallow they were.True assassins always prioritized information gathering above all else.
"It seems all these groups want to probe His Majesty’s methods.""That’s right! Your little Emperor revealed his hand too early. And because it’s so mysterious, he has raised many concerns. That’s why people want to test him."
"Since you’ve chosen to stand on his side, I advise you to tell him this matter.""But as your old friend, I suggest you leave the capital as soon as possible. A little Emperor cannot possibly hold up an entire empire."
Josephine gave a faint smile, suddenly turning to the woman."Natasha, why don’t we make a bet?"
"If Aurek can withstand this matter, then Black Dagger must lend him some help!""Ah, women in love always lose their sense of judgment."
Natasha sighed softly, though her eyes glimmered with a trace of interest."I understand you like the little Emperor, but there are some things you should see even more clearly than I do. In the face of greater tides, no one can stop them."
"So? Do you dare to bet with me?"
Seeing Josephine’s serious attitude, Natasha chuckled lightly."Alright, since you’re so confident, I’ll gamble with you. But if you lose, then Sapphire Bank must cooperate with Black Dagger in business.""No problem!"
Inside the Grand Cathedral—
White-robed Bishop Ramos listened to the servant’s report, and a cold smile spread across his face."Aurek, you never thought retribution would come so quickly, did you? Now that the Unicorn Trading Guild has come to trouble you, without our Ordon Theocracy’s support, let’s see what you can do."
"I’ll be waiting, waiting to see you come kneeling to beg for forgiveness."
"Spread the word—close the cathedral doors. We will see no one!"
What no one knew was that every movement in the imperial capital was already under Aurek’s control.
Unicorn Trading Guild?Aurek frowned slightly, but he felt no worry.
What he was really considering was how to turn the passive into the proactive—how to use this incident to push the Grand Marshal and the Minister of Police into making their moves.
Just then, Angie’s voice came from outside the door."Your Majesty, two mercenaries request an audience.""Let them in."
Moments later, the Scholar mercenary and the Longsword mercenary appeared before Aurek. They bowed respectfully."Greetings, Your Majesty."
"You’ve come to me now—what is it?""Your Majesty, we heard news outside the palace that members of the Unicorn Trading Guild have arrived in the capital. They seem to be here over Butler Brown’s death. Do you know about this?"
Although they asked, the Scholar mercenary already had his answer. He was one hundred percent certain that Butler Brown had died by this Emperor’s hand.The factions in the imperial city must have already guessed the same.Which meant that the Unicorn Trading Guild would very likely focus their attention on the Emperor.
Faced with the pressure of such a great force, how would His Majesty respond?
"If they want to investigate, let them investigate."Aurek’s tone was calm, his expression unbothered.
In truth, he did not take this matter to heart at all.
On the other hand, the Longsword mercenary could not hold back."Your Majesty, we mainly worry that some ill-intentioned people will guide the Unicorn Trading Guild’s focus onto you, deliberately stirring conflict between you and them."
"Actually, I know a bit about the Unicorn Trading Guild. Among them are several Hero Rank powerhouses. And rumor has it, there’s even an old monster close to Master Rank watching over them. Their strength cannot be underestimated."
Close to Master Rank?
Aurek narrowed his eyes, carefully studying the Longsword mercenary before asking,"Is your information accurate?"
"I’ve only heard rumors. But judging from their current actions, I suspect they must indeed have a powerhouse backing them."
"That’s even better."
Aurek smiled faintly, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
His reaction left both mercenaries stunned.Wait—was that the right reaction? That was a being close to Master Rank! And His Majesty wasn’t worried at all?
The Scholar mercenary couldn’t help but ask,"Your Majesty, what are your plans? Should we accompany you tomorrow?"
"Why wait until tomorrow?"
Aurek’s voice remained calm as his gaze drifted toward the distant sky.
The two mercenaries were dumbfounded.What did His Majesty mean by that? He couldn’t possibly be planning to meet the Unicorn Trading Guild tonight, could he?
They exchanged glances. After a moment’s thought, they seemed to vaguely guess at something.
"You may withdraw. If I need you, I will send for you."
The two mercenaries did not hesitate further and withdrew.
After returning to their quarters, they could not help but discuss."Do you think His Majesty might really be planning what we’re thinking?""It’s hard to say. We’ll see tomorrow. Right now, we can’t be sure of anything."
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to anyone—
That night, a gentle breeze drifted across the imperial capital, carrying a soothing, refreshing feeling.It was the kind of beautiful night most suited for going to bed early.
Except that for some, once they fell asleep, they were destined never to wake again.