Lorbec cautiously sat down on a quaint guest chair. His expression was restrained, and he did not have the bearing and dignity of a first-class police chief.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw the Tricolor Iris Flower symbol at the side of the study, as well as a portrait of an amiable old man.
Lorbec knew very well that even if he was a suzerain with a city, a territory, and real power, he would not be able to sit here and talk to the imposing yet elegant young noble in front of him.
What more a mere police chief?
"Thank you for taking the time to meet me despite your busy schedule," Lorbec respectfully lowered his head and said softly.
"Please don't say that! With your qualifications and status, you are more than qualified to be my teacher. These are my late father's words. " The young man with iron-colored curly hair, a round face, and thick lips smiled amicably and jokingly said, "Although in terms of taste in wine, he and I are irreconcilable, but in terms of respect for you, Lord Dira, we are of the same mind."
A warm feeling welled up in his heart, and Lorbec quickly nodded. "The old duke is a highly respected, generous, and benevolent lord. You are not inferior to him in this aspect."
The young man was stunned when he heard this, and looked at the portrait in the study.
The old duke's smile was as kind and amiable as ever.
After a few seconds, the young man recovered from his deep thoughts.
"I'm very sorry, it's been two years, I still … I hope I didn't embarrass him." The young man smiled bitterly and shook his head. He stood up, and a slightly sad smile flashed across his face. He looked into the distance and sighed. "Sometimes I think, if only father was still here …"
"I would rather hear him scold me a little more."
Lorbec was a little embarrassed. On one hand, he missed the kind old duke, and on the other hand, he felt that the young duke's true feelings were very personal, and he should not interrupt.
Fortunately, the young duke turned around in time, and put away his reminiscence. He used a joke to dispel the old duke's embarrassment.
"As long as he doesn't mention the wine."
Hearing this, Lorbec and the young man laughed in unison.
Everyone knew that the old duke liked to drink Eckstedt's strong rye wine, while the young duke liked to sip the fine grape wine from Sera Dukedom. Because of this, the two of them had been flushed with anger in front of the Tricolor Iris family emblem more than once, to the point where they almost drew their swords and fought each other. The old countess and the lovely Miss Hillay were the only ones who could stop them at the table with their murderous and coquettish glances.
With just two sentences from the young man, the restraint and awkwardness in the room disappeared.
Amidst the laughter, the young man put down the expensive agarwood tobacco pipe in his hand, walked to the wine counter at the side, and picked up a bottle of unlabeled wine.
"I'm sorry, I'm not a smoker, but I just went to the stud farm to discuss some matters with some seniors." The young man explained with a bitter smile. "So, I hope that holding a pipe can make me look more mature. They would rather pay attention to a horse that has lost its footing than listen to a young boy selling his plan to suppress bandits."
The sharp-eyed Lorbec noticed that there was a bottle of rye alcohol among the various grape wines on the table. Although it had never been opened, it was meticulously preserved to the point of being spotless.
Thinking of the late Duke, Lorbec could not help but feel touched.
This was the first time he met the new Duke in private in the two years after the death of the old Duke Covendier. But in just a few minutes, the amiable and well-mannered young Duke had left a deep impression on the police chief.
As expected of one of the Six Great Clans that had been passed down for a thousand years. As expected of the Tricolor Iris Flower that "would rather die for friends than foes". As expected of the late Duke's son, it seemed like the Covendier Family had a successor.
The police chief bowed slightly, and then replied with certainty, "Only those who lack talent will speak of their qualifications. I believe that Your Excellency, your character and talent are enough to make up for this. "
"Thank you very much." The young Duke smiled bitterly as he picked up two glasses of red wine and handed one to Lorbec. "Hearing these words from the youngest police chief, it really makes me feel relieved. Do you know how Duke Cullen encouraged me?"
Lorbec happily accepted the red wine. His restraint had disappeared without a trace. He did not know whether to laugh or cry as he watched the young Duke imitate the pot-bellied East Coast Duke's tone and posture.
"Don't worry, young Zayen! You know, your father and I grew up being spanked by the late King. "The young Duke's expression was twisted as he imitated Duke Cullen. He blushed and said in a hoarse voice," So, if anyone questions our qualifications, we will show them our butts! "
Lorbec and the young Duke laughed heartily again, then happily clinked their glasses and downed the wine in one gulp.
The humble attitude of a high-ranking person always maximized the favorability of a low-ranking person.
After the cordial and friendly greetings, they finally talked about the main topic.
The young Duke finally frowned.
"A large number of corpses? Old friend? Banquet? "The young Duke Covendier was puzzled." Did that person really say so? "
Lorbec nodded solemnly. "He said it was your order, but as far as I know —"
"No matter how deranged I am, I would never give such an order!" Duke Covendier put down his wine glass with a serious expression and waved his hand decisively.
Seeing the young Duke's action, Lorbec was finally completely relieved.
"I am just a newbie who is not familiar with government affairs, and I have not paid attention to the Blood Bottle Gang's liaison matters for a long time. But you are an experienced and well-versed police officer. What do you think of this?" The young Duke raised his head and asked seriously.
Lorbec enjoyed the young Duke's humility and respect, so he wholeheartedly provided his opinion.
"As far as I know, there are not many situations that require the consumption of corpses. The mysterious sorcerers have been extinct for a long time, and the evil gods or devil's sacrifices have not appeared for a long time. The Blood Bottle Gang can't possibly be developing medicine and healing. So, what's left are those races that rely on corpses or blood to survive. "Lorbec carefully analyzed.
Zayen Covendier nodded slowly and closed his eyes, as if he was thinking about something. After a dozen seconds, he suddenly opened his eyes and turned to stare at Lorbec. He said in disbelief.
"Longevity species?"
Lorbec nodded affirmatively.
The young Duke let out a long sigh.
The police chief did not speak anymore. He knew that he only needed to wait for this young, promising, and powerful noble to make the final decision.
"Through the method of bribing and coaxing, the underground gangs will be brought into the kingdom's system and laws in an orderly and gradual manner." The young duke's expression was unpleasant. With his hands behind his back, he began to slowly pace around the room. This made Lorbec involuntarily think of the old duke. "This is the governance policy that my great-grandfather had been ordered to implement since the reign of Kessel the Fourth. For decades, the Blood Bottle Gang is a fruitful example."
"But now, it seems that once they fall into a gang conflict, they will inevitably reveal their lawless nature." The young Duke furrowed his brows and carefully chose his words. "Of course, one of the reasons is that the emerging gangs are squeezing their living space, but blindly indulging them is certainly not a long-term solution.
"Using the Red Street Market to set up an ambush, endanger the lives and property of the kingdom's citizens for no reason, and even alarm the Imperial Conference, causing His Majesty to be angry and question them. This is already very excessive, and even blatantly evil …"
The young Duke's expression was solemn and dignified. His words were firm and piercingly cold. Every word struck Lorbec's heart and made him admire him.
"After the internal strife failed, instead of restraining their temper and licking their wounds, they actually wanted to do desperate things. They used external and foreign powers to turn the tables, and even used my name to threaten the kingdom's police and demand the corpses of our citizens.
"This is simply absurd!"
Lorbec lowered his head and waited for the Tricolor Iris Flower's final verdict.
"Ashford!" the young Duke shouted sternly. A white-haired old butler in formal attire answered his call.
Lorbec recognized that this was the old Duke's most trusted butler, Ashford. He quickly nodded in respect.
The old butler meticulously returned the greeting, then listened to the young master's orders.
"Who is the one who contacted the Blood Bottle Gang recently? Forget it, no matter who it is, ask him to come to my study room to explain!
"Send a group of people with the Tricolor Iris Flower and ask the person who has a say in the Blood Bottle Gang. They threatened my father's beloved general, the kingdom's police officer. They must give me an explanation for this!
"Also, send a small team with a supreme class Knight of Eradication to find their new guests, those wild wolves and vampires who desecrate corpses and blood! If they are found to have violated the 'Convention between the Human Kingdoms and the Long-Lived Species', there is no need to question them. Just bring their heads to me. Forget it, it's too dirty. Feed them to the dogs!
"Prepare the carriage and clothes. My journey has been brought forward. I will go to Renaissance Palace next week. Sigh, after all, this is a matter between the gang and the commoners. I do not know if His Majesty is willing to listen to me …
"Inform the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department that Lord Morat should pay attention to Grand Banquet Hill and Wild Vast Mountain! The Long-Lived Species are enjoying corpses in the capital? Hmph! When was the last time they gathered in the capital? The Bloody Year? If I find out that those vampires and wild wolves are preparing to interfere with internal affairs and subvert Constellation … "
When Lorbec heard this, he knew that he could not listen to it anymore. He quickly bowed and left the study under the duke's friendly and encouraging gaze.
Behind him, the young duke was still giving instructions to his butler in dissatisfaction.
The head of the police station walked out of the Covendier family's manor and heaved a sigh of relief. Tonight, he had clearly asked the duke's intentions. He would not suffer because of the discord between him and the Blood Bottle Gang.
Most importantly, he had met Duke Zayen Covendier himself. He sincerely felt that …
There was still hope for this rotten old kingdom.
—
After confirming that Lorbec had left the manor, the butler, Ashford, quietly closed the study room's door.
Duke Zayen closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. He then sat down on the chair.
"I really admire him. A man in his forties is still so hot-blooded." Zayen rubbed the bridge of his nose. His movements were elegant as he relieved his fatigue. His face was tired. "It's as if he can really change anything. It's a pity that taking care of the self-esteem of a subject is a compulsory lesson for a superior. "
"The old sir thinks highly of his talents. Moreover, perhaps he is more worried that the discord between him and the Blood Bottle Gang will affect your impression of him, my lord." Ashford poured a glass of fine wine for his master without batting an eyelid. He then walked back to the wine counter and began to wipe many bottles of wine, especially the bottle of rye wine.
"Speaking of the Blood Bottle Gang." Zayen picked up the wine glass and took a sip. He savored the sweetness.
But then he shook his head and said with a helpless expression, "I don't know whether to laugh or cry when they openly went to the police station to get the corpse. Mystics are all magic apprentices. I thought they would have the corresponding wisdom.
"Their leader, the Air Mystic, went missing in the battle last night." Ashford reminded his master silently. "Moreover, the Blood Bottle Gang's crushing defeat has caused them to be short on manpower. They probably don't even have enough food to serve the Corleone family. That's why they came up with this plan." Ashford did not even look at Zayen. He only focused on wiping the bottle of strong wine that the old duke could not bear to drink when he was alive.
"The price to pay for losing a sure-win battle like this is indeed very high," Zayen muttered and gently swirled the goblet in his hand.
"However, one has to make up for one's own mistakes."
"The Eckstedt Diplomat Group will enter the country next month. I'm afraid the manpower that was scheduled to be transferred from the Blood Bottle Gang will not be available." Zayen looked down at the wine in the glass and inhaled the fragrance with a worried expression.
He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. He slowly loosened the button on his collar and took another sip of wine.
As the wine entered his throat, Zayen looked up and saw his father's portrait.
That kind smile made Zayen feel even more burdened.
"At least the Corleone family was the first to respond to your invitation. They have also sent letters to the others in secret. Based on their relationship with Iris Flowers, I believe there will be a reply soon," Ashford said calmly.
"Hmph, the Corleone family, the head of the 'Seven Lower Branches' in the Night Kingdom, but only three people and some blood slaves came." Zayen frowned and poured the wine at the bottom of the glass. He closed his eyes and gently rubbed his temples. "This is not like their usual style."
Ashford bowed his head to show that he was listening.
"A vampire clan that has produced dukes for generations is actually no different from a beggar in the lower city district when it comes to blood. It's already enough to absorb the blood essence from corpses, but it can't wait to ask for the blood of living people, and it even wants ordinary and supra level experts. "Zayen slowly opened his eyes.
Zayen's gaze grew darker and darker. He took the refill from Ashford and said faintly,
"What a pity."
"After all, you are the one who 'invited' them here. You are the master who provided 'food and lodging'." Ashford silently emphasized on his words to remind his master.
"They are hiding the truth — the truth about the Corleone Family." Zayen said expressionlessly. He closed his eyes and exhaled to calm himself down. When he opened his eyes, his gaze was cold and stern. "And any accident could ruin our plan."
He said in a deep voice,
"Have Seychelles and Cassain lead four teams of knights to Vine Manor. “
"First, find Nikolay and give the Blood Bottle Gang a beating. As long as they don't cause trouble, Iris Flower will guarantee their survival. “
"Since they are losers, why are they still jumping up and down?"
"Then, there are the three vampires from the Eastern Continent."
Zayen Covendier's tone was resolute and unquestionable. The expression on his round face was calm, but it was frightening for no reason.
"Find out the secret they are hiding."
"If they don't cooperate —"
"Draft an official letter to the Breaking Dawn Temple. The Covendier Family has always been loyal to the Breaking Dawn King. Enclose the three vampires' heads and greetings."
"Send a message to the Eastern Continent's intelligence network — I want to know all the recent events in the Night Kingdom."
"These three Blood Clan heads can no longer be used. Let's find someone else to do it. "
Duke Zayen gently put down the cup in his hand.
Compared to this, King Kessel would be forty-eight years old next year. The previous kings all chose their heirs at this age point (the time when Planet Lore reincarnated four times in the Galaxy). This was a crucial moment for the succession of the throne. The key was the tug-of-war and competition with the other five great clans.
If Jadestar was destined to be extinct.
Then Leinster Covendier, who had always been fighting by Tormond the First's side, let his equally outstanding descendant, let his Tricolor Iris Flag take over the oath of the King of Renaissance.
That way, I can have enough power to …
Thinking of this, Zayen felt his shoulders become heavier and more powerful.
But when he thought of that fat Duke Cullen, Zayen's pupils moved slightly. He chuckled, but there was not a trace of warmth in his eyes.
Ashford put down the bottle in his hand, made a perfect, expressionless bow, and left to carry out his orders.
"Right, although it's a small matter, let Seychelles ask Nikolay."
Zayen looked up and saw Duke Covendier, who was under the Tricolor Iris Flowers, adding with a profound gaze,
He added with a deep gaze, "How's the probe on Mindis Hall?"
—
Although CM reminded me before that there are readers' comments on Qidian, I only realized after I actually read it (To the Glory of the Iris Flower: Yes, I'm paying attention to the book review section on Qidian!) It turns out that there are so many readers reading, collecting, and leaving comments on Qidian. There are even rewards (Thank you, Arnold, and the God of Gods A? Rewards from the two old masters)!
Oh my, I'm so touched. A slow-growing Western fantasy novel that even I don't have any hope of signing a contract with can actually attract so many readers ~ (I posted the book on Genesis, but it's embarrassing that I checked. The collection on Qidian is twice as much as my collection in Genesis ~ Thales probably reincarnated into the wrong body!)
Thank you so many readers! Swordless suddenly felt full of motivation! Unfortunately, Swordless' author account could not be shared on Qidian. It seemed like there was no way to reply or enhance it ~ What a headache ~
Looks like there's still hope to open a QQ group ~
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