Chapter 64: The Master Is Family

Mende considered for a moment, then waved his hand and said with a relaxed tone, "I see, it appears to be a misunderstanding."

"With Mr. Luosi Lien as guarantor, I naturally trust it; rest assured, regarding this report, I will see to it that we uncover who is framing you."

After speaking, the council hall doors suddenly burst open with a "bang."

A plump young man entered, his squinting eyes bearing a gloating expression; before he could see who was in the hall, he shouted, "Ke Litte, my dear sister, how could you commit such a shameless act? Cooperating with evil races and selling Cold Iron—you have trampled justice for your own profit!"

When he saw that, besides Ke Litte, Luosi Lien was also standing in the hall, he froze for a moment.

He was also familiar with this senior Protector, as his own father had long commissioned him to craft numerous Magic Items for the family.

Not to mention him; even his father held this half‑elf in great respect.

But he took it lightly, assuming the guest was invited by Mende Rosa, and walked over saying, "Father, I think what Ke Litte did this time is excessive, you—"

"Silence!" Mende Rosa's face turned as dark as ink, and he barked harshly.

Ke Litte looked at her stupid, plump, clumsy brother with disgust.

Luosi Lien looked at the fat man with interest and asked, "Oh? Sir Charis, may I ask where you heard of this? The convoy is transporting Cold Iron; it seems only your father and that informant are aware, right?"

Charis's face stiffened, and Mende, coughing nearby, said, "I told him."

Mende's attitude made Charis realize that this half‑elf seemed to be on Ke Litte's side.

"Charis," Mende said in a low voice, "Listen, Mr. Luosi Lien has already guaranteed this matter for Ke Litte; the Cold Iron trade is a project Ke Litte undertakes in cooperation with the Silent Mage Society, and has nothing to do with evil races."

Charis's complexion changed; he said anxiously, "But father! Clearly Tok sees…"

His voice grew softer and, under Mende's terrifying gaze, sounded like a mosquito.

Luosi Lien glanced at him and said leisurely, "Mr. Mende, I hope you will hand over that informant; he stole precious property belonging to the Mage Society and must pay for it."

Mende was silent for a moment, then said helplessly, "The informant is already dead; it's not that I refuse to give him to you, but that batch of Cold Iron has been confiscated. I can decide to return it to the Mage Society."

Luosi Lien squinted, yet Mende gave no concession.

"It seems he has resolved to protect Tok."

Realizing this, Luosi Lien and Ke Litte exchanged a glance, then smiled, "If so, that couldn't be better."

He did not press Mende further; in fact, if the other side truly intends to protect someone, the Mage Society's authority cannot sway it.

After all, Mende himself is a powerful Level‑11 Warrior, and also the ruler of Degeng City appointed by the Yinbu Tu Kingdom's royal house, the strongest force in the Yinbu Tu Kingdom.

Nevertheless, Luosi Lien sneered at Mende and Charis.

These two humans will sooner or later regret opposing them.

"If so, we shall take our leave now."

The ever‑silent Ke Litte followed behind, leaving the council hall.

"Are you alright?" Luosi Lien asked, casting a sideways glance at Ke Litte as they walked.

Ke Litte nodded bitterly; even after seeing it many times, her father's favoritism still left her cold‑hearted.

"Then that's good," Luosi Lien said satisfied, nodding, "Remember, they are not your family; the Master is, the Master is our closest family."

"They sit in that position, blocking the Master's path to rule Degeng City, and are destined to meet a dead end."

"If you feel hatred, immerse yourself deeper in that emotion; do not believe in repaying kindness with virtue. Let them fall into the abyss—that is the best revenge."

The girl remained silent, but her gaze hardened. — "Fool! How many times have I told you, don't trouble your sister; she is no threat to you!"

In the hall, Mende suddenly threw the tea cup he held onto Charis, the boiling tea scorching his skin bright red, but Charis dared not move, only grinding his teeth.

Mende looked at Charis's pathetic stance, snorted coldly, and sighed inwardly. He had been shrewd all his life, yet fell because of this foolish son—what a pity; Ke Litte truly resembles his younger self. If the queen's sister were her mother instead of this fool before him, it would have been better.

But she is not.

Reality and human hearts are always so cold and calculating; Mende's deceased wife was the queen's own sister. Even though he admired Ke Litte, Charis's position remains unshakable.

Even he must fear the queen's power.

Mende flicked his hand and left, leaving Charis standing alone in the hall, quiet as if asleep.

After a while, a figure in white armor walked in, knelt before Charis and said, "Baron, sorry, I didn't expect that little scoundrel Ke Litte had aligned herself with the Mage Society."

Charis raised his hand to stop him, then drew a pocket‑watch‑shaped Magic Item from his chest.

The pocket watch was activated by magic, projecting a dim yellow Spell Circle that cut off sound and vision inside and outside the council hall.

Charis rubbed the pocket watch and snorted coldly; this watch was Luosi Lien's masterpiece, sealing the three‑ring illusion spell "Twilight Curtain," capable of preventing outsiders from spying or eavesdropping on the Spell Circle.

"Silence, you fool. Even if Ke Litte is lowly, she bears the Rosa family's blood; how dare you insult her?"

Tok knelt on the ground, muttering under his breath, "When you usually curse, aren't you happy? It's just you casting evil fire at me."

Charis sat down in a chair and pondered for a long time.

The prolonged silence made the kneeling Tok uneasy, and he whispered, "How about I quietly eliminate her?"

Charis sneered; he was not as foolish as he seemed—actually, he was very shrewd.

"Do you think why my father cares so much about the Mage Society's opinion?" Charis asked coldly.

"Uhm," Tok replied, bewildered, hesitantly, "Because… Luosi Lien, that Eighth‑rank Protector?"

Charis shook his head and said, "Do not underestimate the Rosa family's depth, Tok. Even an Eighth‑rank Protector, no matter how lofty, cannot make Mende Rosa bow."

He thought for a moment, then ordered, "Go investigate which new faces have joined the Mage Society in recent years."

"I suspect that the Shadow Mage hasn't died; he merely changed his appearance and continues to manipulate the Mage Society from the shadows. He is what my father fears."

"Also, were those Magic Items from before set up properly?"

"The Magic Items have been arranged, the altar built, but Baron, lately the consumption of piglets has been a bit high. Rumors are already spreading through the city."

Charis glanced at him and said, "Channel it toward the Mage Society."

"Yes, Baron."

Tok left the council hall, leaving Charis alone, staring at the dimly lit shadows of the candlelight.

"Time… is approaching, Charis Rosa."

In the shadows, a figure swayed, and an ethereal voice drifted faintly.

Cha Ruisi's expression changed; he clenched his fist, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, then it was replaced by ruthlessness.

"I understand, I will take care of him within this week."

That silhouette became illusory again, only a corner of its robe showing beneath the candlelight.

A robe as red as blood.

Posted another chapter; will update eight thousand characters tomorrow, today 12000 characters.

(End of chapter)