Chapter 85

Xia Lan listened calmly as the other party revealed his background, not at all surprised by this.

Because, he was the eldest prince of the Adria Kingdom, the most powerful heir to the throne. With his power, it was not difficult to investigate someone's background.

But strangely, why did he know that Xia Lan would become a high-ranking swordsman?

"When I first heard my subordinates report about your background, I was surprised. I heard that you were still a mid-level swordsman when you served as a swordsmanship instructor at the Pabrodina Academy, but by the time you were in the capital, you had become a high-ranking swordsman. Such a young and talented high-ranking swordsman, to be honest, I have never seen one before... But what concerns me most is that no matter how my subordinates investigated, they could not find out anything about your life before you came to the Pabrodina Academy. Do you understand what I mean?"

Sasso crossed his arms on the table and spoke slowly with a smile.

At their first meeting, Xia Lan's initial impression of Sasso was that he was approachable, but he knew that this approachability was just a way for a superior to maintain etiquette and dignity towards an inferior.

Before coming, Xia Lan had simulated countless possibilities of their meeting in his mind, but he did not expect the other party to be so straightforward, which indeed surprised him.

He did not want to waste time.

And he needed to be more cautious with his words and actions.

A sharp and ancient longsword hung from his waist, which was quite strange because no one had searched or disarmed him. Moreover, there were only the two of them in the room. As one of the crown princes, Sasso had no reason to put himself in a dangerous situation.

He could not see any worry or unease on Sasso's face. If it was not due to his strong psychological素质, then he must have a confident grasp of his safety.

"A mysterious young and talented high-ranking swordsman is indeed suspicious, but Your Highness can rest assured that he will not be your enemy. Of course, he does not have the qualifications to be your enemy."

Xia Lan understood what Sasso meant. He did not believe that a young and talented high-ranking swordsman could have achieved such a level without the careful cultivation and guidance of some power.

One must understand that geniuses are envied, and geniuses often die young.

Very few geniuses can reach Xia Lan's level without protection. Sasso's subtle words implied that he did not believe Xia Lan had the ability to become a high-ranking swordsman on his own.

Perhaps what he did not expect was that in Xia Lan's mind, there was something called a "system."

Would he believe it if Xia Lan told him?

What Xia Lan needed was just to express his stance. Perhaps to Sasso, his background was not important; what mattered was his choice.

"Helping Noven solve his debt at the right time, mysteriously killing Anbofen, and during the school festival, rescuing the leader of the riot, Tylant, was probably you, right?"

After hearing Xia Lan's words, Sasso nodded slightly, raised his wine glass, and sipped it, speaking casually with a hint of meaning.

Xia Lan nodded expressionlessly, but his body tensed involuntarily, and his hand, hidden under the tablecloth, instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword.

This was his instinctive response to sensing danger.

Because he did not expect that most of his actions in the capital were known to someone in such detail. For him, this was a terrifying thing.

He had seriously underestimated his potential enemies.

"Young people always leave some bad traces when they act... Otherwise, do you think you could still be alive now?"

Sasso shook his head, sighing as he swirled the bright liquid in his glass.

"First, I would like to thank the eldest prince for your help."

Understanding the implications, Xia Lan stood up and bowed in gratitude.

Sasso smiled but did not respond, just gesturing for him to sit down and said, "I do not mind offering a little help to every stranger who can benefit me."

Xia Lan remained silent, listening as Sasso continued, "What I am interested in now is, what is your purpose?"

Purpose?

"After a while, Xia Lan looked at Sasso seriously and said, "A gambler who is at the end of his rope will bet everything he has when he is desperate, and I am that gambler now."

"So, your purpose is to attract my attention through this indirect method and then pledge your loyalty to me?" Sasso smiled with a meaningful expression.

"Yes, since Your Highness has seen through it, there is no need for me to hide it. I need Your Highness's help," Xia Lan said, bowing with a sincere look.

"Is that so? If you want to pledge your loyalty to me, why be so roundabout?" Sasso seemed to ignore Xia Lan's actions.

"Your Highness's household is full of capable people. If I were to directly pledge my loyalty, it might not attract your attention. People often value what they cannot easily obtain. To attract Your Highness's attention, I can only do it this way... Moreover, given the current situation in the capital, hidden assistance might bring more benefits to Your Highness. Unfortunately... all the pretense has ended."

Xia Lan's serious explanation made it difficult for outsiders to discern the truth, as if he were speaking the truth.

Sasso tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes gleaming with interest as he looked at Xia Lan.

He would not easily believe his words; he needed to understand him further.

"How can I trust a person of unknown origin who claims to be loyal to me?"

Xia Lan sneered inwardly, having already prepared his response.

"My real name is Norvid Silandor Alre, the second son of the Norvid family in Doran Province. My father designated me as the legitimate heir to the Norvid title before he passed away. However, after my father's death, my brother colluded with outsiders to seize my position as head of the family and even attempted to kill me... To avoid my brother's pursuit, I had to hide my identity and slowly seek the strength to reclaim what was once mine..."

Deception was an important skill for gaining trust, and after so many years of missions, Xia Lan had perfected it. The look of hatred and the clenched teeth made it impossible not to feel his intense emotions.

The Norvid Silandor Alre he mentioned and the events that happened to him were all real, with no fabrication. Moreover, Norvid Silandor Alre was well-known for his swordsmanship in the noble circles of Doran Province.

The difference was that the real Norvid Silandor Alre had been killed by Xia Lan many years ago.

No one could refute it.

Therefore, in impersonating Norvid Silandor Alre, Xia Lan had no qualms. He believed that even if the eldest prince Sasso investigated again, he would only reach one conclusion.

He was the real Norvid Silandor Alre, who had been missing for many years and was now plotting his revenge.

The explanation of his background and purpose was flawless.

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