"Lord Brian, do you really think they'll obediently hand over the money in such a short time?"
Leaving the town hall, Sta couldn't help but ask Brian.
"Sta, are you questioning Lord Brian's plan?" Snow shot his brother a furious glare, then dropped to one knee and begged pardon before Brian: "Lord Brian, punish Sta. Also I'm at fault—I didn't teach him properly."
"You two are my trusted subordinates. Except for highly classified matters, you can bring anything to me. After all, one day you'll each stand on your own—learn as much as you can."
"How merciful Lord Brian is. Sta, kneel and thank him for his kindness."
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Brian."
Sta immediately dropped to his knees.
"Heh." Brian patted Snow and Sta on the shoulders with a smile. "I feel your loyalty. You may rise."
"Yes, Lord Brian." Snow and Sta answered in unison and stood.
"We're Navy—we can't just rob these people in broad daylight. That's true. But remember: the only difference between us and pirates is the uniforms we wear… hehe. You don't need me to teach you the rest, right?"
Brian watched Snow and Sta with amusement.
Compared to Snow, Sta was much smarter.
Sta's face brightened as realization hit him. "Lord Brian, I know what to do now."
Brian smiled in approval. "Then go do it. Snow, you and I will go meet another flock of fat sheep—the ones who are our steady income."
Snow nodded. "Yes, Lord Brian."
They split up. Sta hurried back to the barracks and, in the shortest time possible, mustered 1,200 sailors and seven warships—leaving fewer than a hundred men guarding the camp.
…
Brian and Snow rode hard toward the capital.
On the road Snow couldn't help asking: "Lord Brian, those 'fat sheep' you mentioned—do you mean the royal family?"
"Everything in the Nacian Kingdom will be mine someday, just not today."
"Then you mean the nobles in the capital?"
"Don't guess. Today is my little brother-in-law's birthday banquet. Envoys from other countries will attend, along with the West Sea's famous shipping companies and jewel magnates. Those big merchants want to use the occasion to sign larger commercial contracts with the Nacian Kingdom."
Brian was referring to intelligence Antonio had reported five days earlier.
"Lord Brian, are you going to squeeze money from those merchants? I've heard they have royal backers and ties to other nations—even connections to the World Government…"
Snow hadn't finished when Brian abruptly stopped the two warhorses.
Thankfully Snow had grown noticeably stronger these last six months—otherwise he'd have been thrown from his saddle.
Seeing Brian's expression as cold as ice, Snow realized he'd overstepped and quickly dismounted, dropping to his knees. "Please punish me, Lord Brian!"
Brian picked up his riding crop and lashed Snow twice—left and right—instantly disfiguring Snow's face; blood smeared both cheeks.
"Snow, remember what I'm about to tell you."
"I'll take notes right away." Snow fumbled for paper and pen.
Smack! Brian cracked the crop again, scattering Snow's paper and pen to the dust.
"If you want to stand by my side, learn to solve problems, not just analyze them. I see farther and more clearly than you. If you forget, feel the scar on your face."
"Yes, Lord Brian. I will remind myself." Snow lifted his head and spoke with conviction.
Brian snorted softly. He knew Snow would be utterly loyal and not betray him, but Snow lacked the brilliance for high responsibility. As for Sta—clever, but only in petty ways; useful as a runner, but not for great tasks.
…
By evening Brian and Snow galloped into the capital.
The palace guards recognized Brian and didn't stop them; they rode straight into the palace.
Antonio, who had been waiting, hurried over. He looked around warily, then lowered his voice: "Lord Brian—Duke Ogsger is here today."
Brian kept walking, feigning ignorance. "Duke Ogsger? Who's that?"
Oh no—Brian, you've recently been sleeping with that man's wife!
"Have you forgotten? He's Lady Rolyn's husband." Antonio said cautiously.
"Rolyn… oh, I remember. That woman was pretty good. She's been busy lately so she hasn't returned. By the way, what about her husband?"
How what about him?! Antonio's panic rose.
"Duke Ogsger's come to demand the return of Lady Rolyn, and he's brought Puning—the top disciple of Sword Saint Xinrich!"
Antonio hung his head in regret.
If he hadn't been possessed and drugged Lady Rolyn—then sent her to Brian's estate—none of this would have happened.
Antonio had thought Brian would sleep with Lady Rolyn one night and then send her back. And because of noble face and pride, Lady Rolyn would never speak up. It would have been over.
But to Antonio's horror, Brian had simply taken Lady Rolyn for himself.
Brian asked lightly, "Have they suspected you yet?"
"Not yet… but—"
"What are you afraid of? It's just a disciple of a sword saint. No big deal." Brian dismissed it.
Antonio was beside himself. He didn't have Brian's power or influence, so he had to explain the full seriousness: "If Lady Rolyn isn't returned, it could spark a war between the two countries!"
"War?!" Brian stopped in his tracks.
"Lord Brian—now you see…" Antonio meant: now that you know how serious it is, give her back.
But before he could finish, Brian's words knocked him flat.
"A war is a good thing! There's profit to be had."
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