Pluvia understood her brother's little sches all too well, directly bribing the mansion's steward to secretly set fire to it, burning all the hidden weapons and armor to ashes...
Even so, relying on his Southern Frontier connections and excellent eloquence, this Fifth Prince still managed to build up his own power base.
"Who are his co-conspirators?"
"I don't know."
"Since we're cooperating, let's be direct with each other," Kenji smiled. "Look, Mr. Luin, since you've decided to talk, why not tell everything? It would benefit us both."
"You want to know everyone involved?"
"I actually already have a list that's probably quite accurate."
Shenya's expression grew fascinating as Kenji said this.
"However, for Her Majesty, so things require concrete proof. And honestly, while the Fifth Prince's intentions aren't pure, this matter ultimately requires Her Majesty's personal judgnt. I shouldn't get directly involved."
As Kenji spoke, Lina quietly set down her knife. Since Kenji had established communication with the target, she likely wouldn't need to take action anyti soon.
"I'm surprised you'd think that way." Shenya looked unconvinced, clearly skeptical. Though Kenji never expected him to believe it - he just wanted the man on his side. Whether that allegiance was genuine didn't matter to him.
"As far as I know, others are working with the Fifth Prince, but..." he looked at Kenji, "This person, I truly cannot na."
"Why not?"
"I can only tell you he's one of Calot's princes, one who seemingly maintains good relations with Her Majesty. That's all I can say. The previous emperor entrusted to stand by this prince's side. Though His Late Majesty has departed, I must fulfill my final duty as his subject."
Shenya fixed Kenji with an intense stare.
"Very well, if Mr. Luin is unwilling to specify, I won't force the issue," Kenji's expression suddenly grew relaxed, bewildering Shenya - he couldn't understand why the other party would be so flippant now. "Lina, untie Mr. Luin. Regarding the matter of foreign collusion, I believe I arrested the wrong person."
Lina didn't object to Kenji's decision - or rather, she never objected to his decisions. She approached and gently cut the ropes with her small knife.
Shenya flexed his body, then stood in place, waiting for Kenji's next words.
The two stood in silence for a mont before Kenji asked puzzledly: "Mr. Luin? Aren't you going to leave?"
"That's it?"
"Of course that's it."
"Then why did you have brought here, and had this de-" Shenya was about to continue when he suddenly noticed the change in Duke Anos's gaze and swallowed the words "demonic evil cult remnant," instead saying "...this guard threaten with a knife?"
"You overthink things, Mr. Luin. You're an imperial official - how could I casually let my subordinates draw weapons on you?" Kenji smiled slyly. "Today I simply invited you to chat and obtain so information I wanted. How could I do sothing so cruel to soone still willing to serve the Calot court?"
Kenji had considered resorting to torture, but only if the other party proved completely uncooperative. Though this Shenya Luin clearly didn't think highly of him, he seed to have aligned with the Fifth Prince purely for practical reasons. While he yearned for that iron backbone of Calot's scholars, he was ultimately just an ordinary person.
If he truly were the sort whom wealth couldn't corrupt, poverty couldn't sway, and force couldn't bend, he never would have sided with the Fifth Prince while Calot's new regi was still unstable.
As long as his stance wasn't firm, he could be won over.
"Lord Anos, let give you so advice." The long-serving official let out a sigh.
"Please."
"Abandon those thoughts in your heart early. Even if the current Emperor's position is unstable, the throne of Calot will never be yours to sit upon."
The words carried a note of warning. Kenji listened with interest, then smiled and nodded: "I understand, but let be clear - I am utterly loyal to Her Majesty and have never considered that position."
"Let's hope so."
Whether mocking Kenji's hypocrisy or expressing displeasure at his earlier treatnt, Shenya gave a cold laugh and flicked his sleeve: "I'm leaving!"
"Lina, see our guest out."
"No need, I have legs, I can walk myself."
With that, the official strode out of Duke Anos's mansion.
.........
"Just letting him go like that?"
Watching Shenya's retreating figure, Lina rarely furrowed her brow.
"You don't really think I'd dare lay hands on an imperial official? I don't want that kind of trouble right now." Kenji smiled.
Yes, he wielded great power and feared nothing, and Pluvia Calot wouldn't dare move against him now. But her hesitation didn't an others in court wouldn't dare. If he truly hard Shenya, that couldn't be kept secret - it would inevitably reach the court. At that point, his own allies might all abandon him. When everyone in court turned against him, all the troops under his command might not be enough for self-preservation.
Watching the other party leave, Kenji handed Lina a pre-written letter: "Go, help deliver this letter to the palace. Tell them this is an urgent report from Duke Anos to Her Majesty."
"I can do that," Lina stretched lazily, the graceful curves of her figure highlighted by the motion, "but young master, don't forget what else you still need to do."
"I know," Kenji nodded, "I won't forget."
The remaining task was a minor matter.
It concerned Uheya.
Kenji had promised earlier to find ti after everything was settled to catch up with this old friend. Though they represented different countries in public, their private friendship wouldn't be easily discarded.
Of course, Kenji realized he'd probably need to spend so unplanned extra ti.
Because Lina seed a bit unhappy.
Hmm, I should take her out sowhere when I have ti. She'd been by my side for so long, and going to et an old friend without bringing her... that really isn't very considerate.
Thinking of this, Kenji suddenly felt completely overwheld with tasks.
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