Chapter 39 of 100

Chapter 39

11 min read2,755 words

"Palau, have you found anything?"

The two, who had searched the area without success, regrouped, and one of them asked.

"No! Damn it! Alrin, how did the person just disappear?!" the investigator named Palau said through gritted teeth.

"How should I know? The person vanished around the corner, and you were there too, right?" Alrin sighed.

"Do you think he might have gone back to the inn?" Palau frowned.

"It's possible. Why don't we go back to the inn and ask the attendants?" Alrin suggested.

"Alright, but if the person really is gone, how will we explain it to Lord Roslin?" Palau said, somewhat troubled.

"Palau, don't worry too much. After all, we just lost track of him for a moment. As long as he's still staying at the inn, we have a chance to make up for it," Alrin consoled.

"That's true! Let's go to the inn and decide our next move."

With that, the two hurried away.

Roslin? Who is he?

From a corner, Xiaolan slowly emerged, watched the two as they walked away, and after a moment's thought, followed them.

He didn't know who he was, but following them might reveal the answer.

When the two investigators returned to the Golden Rose Inn, they learned from the attendant that the person had not returned. Disappointed, they looked dejected.

"Palau, do you think we should report this to Lord Roslin?" Alrin asked.

"No! If we can't even handle this small task, how will Lord Roslin view us?" Palau paced back and forth, agitated.

"But what if Lord Roslin asks?" Alrin worried. "Negligence and deceit, I think the latter would anger Lord Roslin more."

Palau put his hands on his hips, looked up at the sky, and after a long breath, said to Alrin, "You might be right. Where is Lord Roslin now?"

"Probably back at the Fourth Prince's residence?" Alrin said uncertainly.

"Let's go to the Fourth Prince's place then." Palau patted Alrin's shoulder. "Our future is invested in the Fourth Prince. We can't let Lord Roslin down again."

"Right!" Alrin nodded.

Life is a gamble. Staying neutral keeps the future unchanged, or taking a bold step and placing a bet.

The choice of the future is in one's own hands, and each person's ambition and desires determine their future.

Xiaolan watched them leave again but did not follow, as he had already obtained the information he needed.

The Fourth Prince, Roslin.

Could this be a consequence of Anbofen's death?

This was a key point he could understand.

To go to such lengths over someone's death suggests that Anbofen held a significant place in the Fourth Prince's heart.

The waters of the capital are getting murkier. To vie for the throne, the Fourth Prince is even colluding with the Overthrow Fangs. Is he not afraid of being exposed and judged by the Radiant Cathedral and the Arbitration Balance?

The temptation of power is indeed a poisonous fruit with a shiny exterior.

Calculating the time, his appointment with the young alchemist was approaching. He hoped she would have good news for him.

"Your Highness, the Fourth Prince's recent actions seem to be against your interests!"

"Against my interests?"

In the First Prince's room, the First Prince Sasso stopped reviewing his documents and smiled at his subordinate Bedwin, who was bowing.

"Yes, perhaps the festival at the Royal Central Academy tomorrow will be a significant start," Bedwin said respectfully.

"Ha-ha," Sasso shook his head. "Do you think my brother's little schemes can fool anyone?"

"Your Highness, do you have a plan?" Bedwin asked.

"No," Sasso said. "We just need to wait and see."

"Your Highness!" Bedwin said anxiously. "What if the Fourth Prince succeeds in using this to his advantage?"

"Bedwin, how many years have you been with me?" Sasso suddenly changed the subject.

"Almost thirty years, from my father to me," Bedwin replied.

"Thirty years—"

Sasso sighed. "I didn't realize it's been almost thirty years."

"Your Highness—"

Bedwin looked at the First Prince with confusion, unsure why he brought this up.

"How long has my father been on the throne?" Sasso asked.

"Thirty-five years, including this year," Bedwin answered.

"Do you understand now?" Sasso sighed. "No one knows the capital better than my father. My good brother's plans are unlikely to go well."

Hearing the First Prince's meaningful words, Bedwin was somewhat enlightened but still felt uneasy.

"But—"

"Bedwin," Sasso interrupted Bedwin's worries. "I, the most likely successor, have been suppressed for over a decade. Do you think I haven't considered other options before?"

Before Bedwin could respond, Sasso smiled bitterly. "To be honest, the army most likely to stage a coup is not under our control. Do you think the two elite regiments in the capital can be controlled by us?"

The First Prince's revelation was something Bedwin had never imagined. Although he was frightened, from another perspective, the First Prince's fear of the king was not a recent development.

"This time, my good brother is likely to fall hard." Sasso looked out the window and laughed.

What is mine is mine. If he doesn't give it, no one can take it!

Sasso thought to himself.

"Go and call Novin. I need him to do something."

***

"Is it always you who does the purchasing?"

On Grina Street, the largest herb procurement center in the capital, when Winnie was negotiating the price of herbs with a merchant, a voice suddenly whispered behind her.

Startled, Winnie quickly turned to look, but saw no one.

"Here," Xiaolan said beside her.

"Huh?" Winnie turned again and was surprised to see Xiaolan. "Why is it you?"

"Why not me?" Xiaolan pretended to look at the herbs in the merchant's stall.

"How did you find me?" Winnie asked, puzzled.

"It was simple. I saw a familiar figure on my way to the Alchemy Association, so I followed," Xiaolan said. "I don't think this is the place to talk."

"Uncle Kuro, please deliver the herbs I need to the association according to my requirements. I'll settle the payment there later."

In front of the merchant, Winnie quickly agreed and left with Xiaolan.

"Hmm? Could little Winnie's recent benefactor be that young man?" Kuro thought to himself as he watched them leave.

He couldn't help but be curious. A few days ago, Winnie had come to him with a high spirit, throwing out many gold nars to buy herbs, as if a fool had given her money.

But looking at the young man's face, it seemed he had been indulging too much. He wondered if little Winnie could handle it.

Kuro thought with a mischievous grin.

In a quiet teahouse room.

"How is my medicine?" Xiaolan asked directly after sitting down.

"Well—" Talking about the potion, Winnie looked somewhat guilty. "The experiment failed."

"So, it didn't work?" Xiaolan asked.

"Not exactly—" Winnie hesitated. "There are some failed samples. They might have some effect, though they can't cure your injuries, they can slow the spread of the corrosion inside your body."

Xiaolan nodded in satisfaction. "Bring them to me when you return."

"But—" Winnie said cautiously. "Those failed samples might have some side effects."

"Side effects?" Xiaolan frowned. "What kind of side effects?"

Talking about the side effects, Winnie twirled her hair awkwardly. "Because I used too much Lili Grass, so—"

"Will there be problems with excretion?" Xiaolan asked.

"You know?" Winnie was surprised by his accurate guess.

"How long will it last?" Xiaolan asked, his face stern.

"Um... probably... a long time," Winnie said, her face blushing.

"But if I mix it with other potions, it can be neutralized and alleviated," she quickly added, seeing his increasingly cold expression.

Xiaolan was silent for a moment. "Bring them with you when you come."

"Are you really going to use them?" Winnie covered her mouth, looking incredulous.

"When do you think the experiment will succeed?" Xiaolan changed the subject.

"Probably next week, as I have enough experience now," Winnie said confidently, clenching her fist.

Xiaolan nodded and suddenly asked, "Have any strange people come to see you recently?"

"Uh—" Winnie said, surprised. "You know?"

"I hope you haven't leaked any information," Xiaolan stared at Winnie.

"No, no..." Winnie waved her hands frantically. "A few people from the Capital Guard's Investigation Department did come to the Alchemy Association, but I didn't mention you."

"What was their purpose?" Xiaolan asked.

"They just asked if anyone unusual had come to seek treatment from an alchemist recently, and if so, to report it to them," Winnie said honestly, her eyes curious as she looked at Xiaolan.

They are really persistent in investigating every possible lead.

Xiaolan shook his head and looked at the girl. "You should be glad you didn't say anything."

"Of course," Winnie lowered her head. "After all, it was a promise."

If I had said it, you would have killed me, right?

Winnie raised her head slightly, glanced at his cold face, and shivered.

Absolutely, he would kill me!

"Go and get the potions. I have other things to do."

"Um—"

"Is there a problem?"

"It's just... the recent experimental costs seem to be running low."

Xiaolan looked at Winnie, who was huddled in a large cloak, and took out another bag of gold nars from his ring. "It seems the experimental costs are unexpectedly high."

"Sorry," Winnie said apologetically, extending her small hand to take the money bag.

Hmph! This is the price of bullying me!

This bit of gold nars will be a consolation for me.

Winnie thought to herself.

I hope those failed potions will give you a memorable experience.

***