In times of snow, few offer help, yet many throw stones when one falls into a well.
Marinda had witnessed too many people appear in times of others' crises under the guise of 'helping,' only to come with the intention of making a fortune.
Especially among nobles, this occurs repeatedly.
And now, Marinda instinctively believed Arthur was planning to do just that.
Regarding this, Marinda had no objections.
On the contrary, Marinda intended to get involved.
It meant cooperating with Arthur to give that Countess of South Los a hard hit.
As for the family relation with the Countess of South Los?
As long as that person could be tricked into the scheme, her fleet could empty the South Los House in a very short time.
Naturally, it would mean heading overseas with Arthur.
With the wealth of the South Los Family, they could completely establish their own power overseas.
Thinking of the delightful parts had Marinda's lips curling upward.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
Arthur could completely guess what Marinda was thinking.
If it really came to that desperate step, he, of course, would do it, but now was not that time.
On the contrary, the situation was exceptionally promising.
He, Arthur, naturally wouldn't kill the hen that lays the golden eggs.
The Countess of South Los, now there's quite the lively little hen!
Not only could she 'lay eggs,' but she could also stand up front until he truly matured!
How could he lift the butcher's knife against her?
Thus, Arthur declared righteously—
"Help me contact the Countess.
I believe she will have a wise answer."
When Arthur rolled his eyes, Marinda realized.
She had guessed wrong.
Yet when Arthur spoke so righteously, Marinda felt she hadn't guessed wrong.
Having deep understanding in certain aspects about Arthur, Marinda assumed Arthur surely had ill intentions.
However, Marinda did not refuse Arthur's request.
She was very curious about how Arthur planned to deal with the Old Lion.
The communication crystal flickered.
Two seconds later, the Countess's voice came through.
The Countess sounded a bit puzzled.
Clearly, the Countess did not understand why Marinda would contact her at a time , especially since she had delegated tasks to Marinda.
The Countess's full mobilization of forces was not just for show.
"It's me, Lord Count."
Arthur immediately identified himself.
Speaking, the young Southern Lost Spirit Medium didn't give the Countess any room to react before immediately saying—
"I need an absolutely safe space to talk!"
Arthur was not just saying it for the sake of it.
Before connecting the conversation with the Countess, Fujin and Wuni were already flying, while Kuliqi and Kiri were patrolling the 'Oriental.'
As for beneath the river?
There was the Giant Snake Nidhogg.
It was a full multidimensional protection by sea, land, and air.
And this was not over.
The [Vigilance Oil Lamp] had been lit.
[Demon-Repelling Holy Salt], [Evil-Repelling Brick Powder], [Barrier Oil] were also set up immediately.
Arthur's alertness had reached its peak at this moment.
Because Arthur knew clearly, this was his pivotal game.
Winning meant everything ahead would be smooth sailing.
Losing meant all efforts would be in vain.
Faced with this kind of situation, how could Arthur not be on guard?
Similarly, the Countess of South Los also gave due respect—
The Countess believed Arthur wouldn't reach out to her for idle chit-chat at a time .
And what would make Arthur reach out would certainly be that Old Lion.
Concerning the Old Lion, the Countess would naturally not act carelessly.
Swiftly, accompanied by her trusted aides, the Countess headed to the secret chamber in the Count's Mansion, where it would be absolutely secure without any listening in.
And for added security, the Countess deployed her 'Thunder Electric Field.'
Any unfamiliar aura would face a Lightning Strike if approaching.
The Countess of South Los informed Arthur.
The voice was remarkably steady, much like the one in Arthur's memory, yet he could still detect a sense of anticipation in her words.
Faced with such expectation, how could Arthur let the other party down?
"About the Old Lion, I have a suggestion.
It not only can resolve the current South Los crisis, but it may even possibly get rid of the Old Lion.
However, I need a small bit of assistance from you."
Saying this, Arthur glanced at Marinda.
As a young, virtuous, upright, and innocent Spirit Medium, demanding a price at such a moment was sure to prick his conscience.
However, if Marinda were to state it, there'd be no such scruple.
"Arthur requires South Los to completely exempt him and his properties from taxes, along with the 'Fierce Tiger's Claw,' 'Terrifying Wolf's Ear,' and at least three items unique to Master Hercules."
Marinda began to disclose Arthur's terms.
"Three items unique to Master Hercules?"
"Even though the South Los Family is wealthy, they cannot produce such items!"
Arthur could clearly hear the gasp on the other end.
Clearly, Arthur's demand had startled the other party.
The three items unique to Master Hercules were always named in excessive demands.
But it was exactly such an overt demand that made the previous terms trivial.
What Arthur truly wanted was always the 'Fierce Tiger's Claw,' 'Terrifying Wolf's Ear.'
These were the key to him breaking through the 'Seventeen Order.'
And at this moment, the lack of 'objection' on the other side instantly relieved Arthur a bit.
Clearly, the South Los Family's treasure vault had these two items.
As long as they had them!
That would be good then!
"Lord Count, what do you say?"
"The tools unique to Master Hercules, their value far exceeds their intrinsic worth—even the South Los Family has only two.
One of them is linked to the overall defense of South Los.
So, I can only give you one.
The remaining two can be replaced with other things."
The Countess's answer almost made Arthur cheer out loud.
Having seen a fair amount of poor negotiators, this was Arthur's first time encountering such a negotiator.
Not haggling, but rather equivalent trading.
Such a way of doing business would squander even a mountain of gold and silver.
Should it be said she truly is the daughter of the Old Earl?
Arthur mused inwardly.
But Arthur understood more clearly, the reason the Countess acted this way was because the pressure from the Old Lion was too great.
'The Countess probably is just a step away from being a 'demigod,' isn't she?
Is the Old Lion a 'demigod?'
Arthur pondered internally while quickly saying—
I hope to copy the books from the South Los family library."
The stronger one is, the more one understands the importance of knowledge.
Arthur was not short of tools.
Secret techniques were also sufficient.
What Arthur lacked was that 'ladder' to continue climbing.
All the books of the South Los family will be open to you!
The Countess of South Los agreed succinctly.
Arthur immediately smiled and said softly—