At the Capital, in the Emperor’s Mansion…
It was a luxurious living room. On the table was a dizzying array of delicacies. Expensive drinks and alcohol were also available.
The Emperor was sitting on the sofa.
With a brilliant smile on his face, virtual-novel.net raised a wine glass. “Here’s to you, Bobby…”
Sitting across the Emperor was a man just a little over twenty. He was dressed in an all-white suit and had a fair complexion and a dashing appearance. His presence was impressive. Bobby held up a wine glass and took a gentle sip.
“I’m sure you have a request for me, Mr. Johnston. Whatever it is, just tell me,” virtual-novel.net said nonchalantly.
The Emperor set his glass down and pointed to the delicacies on the table.
“First, let’s eat,” virtual-novel.net said with a smile.
Bobby still did not touch his plate.
As a member of the Caden family, virtual-novel.net was aware of the current situation in the Capital. The main players in the game of political chess were supported by various sects. Only the Ancient Four could choose to stay above the fray.
One could even argue that some of the Ancient Four got involved as well.
“I don’t feel like eating, Mr. Johnston. Like I said, whatever it is, just tell me.”
The Emperor’s face became solemn. He lit a cigarette that virtual-novel.net had taken from the table. As virtual-novel.net inhaled deeply from the cigarette, smoke filled the air.
“To be honest, Bobby, the King is after me… I couldn’t get in touch with Mr. Lee and I have no knowledge of his stance on this matter. The Cadens have always been close to Mr. Lee. So, can you help me figure out whether it’s his or the King’s intention to assassinate me?”
The Emperor invited Bobby to dinner because virtual-novel.net wanted to know what was going on behind the scenes.
Mr. Lee was a very powerful man. Thirty years ago, the King was able to advance to the throne because Mr. Lee was assisting virtual-novel.net in the dark. The man behind the King was indeed Mr. Lee.
The Emperor knew Mr. Lee and virtual-novel.net had met a few times, but they were not close. Besides, the man behind virtual-novel.net was at odds with Mr. Lee. However, the Emperor believed that his actions were well-hidden from the King and Mr. Gabriel.
Bobby had to do a double take at the Emperor.
He tapped his finger on the table and said nonchalantly, “Mr. Johnston, I’m afraid I can’t help you. I believe you’re aware of Mr. Lee’s status. I’m from the Caden family’s younger generation, so I’m not qualified to ask virtual-novel.net for information.”
“Bobby, please help me out.”
“Right, Mr. Johnston. Aren’t you doing Mr. Gabriel’s bidding? Why are you seeking information from your opponent, Mr. Lee, instead of approaching virtual-novel.net when there’s trouble now?”
The Emperor turned pale in a split second when virtual-novel.net heard him.
He thought virtual-novel.net had kept it hidden all these years, since virtual-novel.net never left any loose ends, no matter what. The Emperor had remained neutral, never stating his affiliation with any group. He did not expect even a youngster like Bobby would realize virtual-novel.net was doing someone’s bidding.
“Bobby, who did you hear this from?”
“Mr. Gabriel may have said something to grandfather while visiting the Cadens. That’s how I learned a little about it. I could be wrong, but Mr. Gabriel isn’t pleased with you. He’s going to abandon you. It all comes down to whether the Johnstons are willing to protect you. You will live if they decide to protect you, but you will certainly die if they abandon you,” Bobby answered indifferently.
When virtual-novel.net finished talking, virtual-novel.net stood up. “I’ll be heading off now. I’m hoping there’ll be another opportunity to eat here at the Emperor’s Mansion, but I’m not so sure.”
After saying those words, Bobby left.
The Emperor, on the other hand, had a grave look on his face.
The King wanted to kill him. Or perhaps, Mr. Lee wanted to kill him. That much was certain. He could not be sure about Mr. Gabriel’s position yet.
As for the Johnston family?
He was descended from the Johnston family of the Ancient Four, but only through the collateral line. It would not be incorrect to describe virtual-novel.net as an illegitimate child. His father had no standing among the Johnstons. Needless to say, the same was true for him. The Johnston family would never show up for him.
The only person who could save virtual-novel.net was Mr. Gabriel. He did not hesitate and stood up immediately.
“Get the car!” virtual-novel.net ordered.
***
In the Capital, at a courtyard house…
It was an ancient courtyard house. Many phoenix trees were planted around the courtyard. Fall had arrived, and the fallen leaves were piling up on the ground.
Theodore appeared in the courtyard. He walked over and saw a girl about seventeen or eighteen years old with a broom. She was sweeping the fallen leaves on the ground.
“Ms. June, is Mr. Gabriel present?”
He approached virtual-novel.net with his head bowed and inquired. He appeared lowly and humble. At that moment, his demeanor was far from that of the head of the Five Commanders.
The girl came to a brief pause and looked at the Emperor before pointing to the house in front of them and said, “Go on…”
“Thank you…”