Chapter 174: Chapter 141: Trial
"Kid, I’ve relayed the message as you requested, but you have the right to refuse. The Hagrid Family is a prestigious one even in the Imperial City, and by provoking them, you might be putting yourself in danger. The court indeed provides protection for witnesses, but the protection period is limited. You need to think carefully," Captain Big Beard gravely advised. It was clear he didn’t want Long Yi to fall into danger as he saw potential in him. Being a Dragon Knight, he hoped he wouldn’t invite troubles for such matters. Especially since Long Yi’s dragon was still immature and not on official duty, provoking a powerful family could do him no good.
But, the Captain’s good intentions acted like fuel to the fire, Long Yi immediately prepared to journey to the Imperial City to deal with Joseph!
On the night that Long Yi decided to become a witness, a sneaky figure slipped into his dorm, only to be tripped over by Bajie’s tail. The figure was pinned under Bajie, unable to move.
"I’m not an enemy! I’m not an enemy! I’ve come in peace!" The person cried out hurriedly, obviously trying to keep his voice low.
"Go ahead, tell me about your ’good intentions’," Long Yi turned on the desk lamp in the room. Once charged with Fighting Aura, the lamp immediately brightened, illuminating the man’s face.
His skinny complexion lacked color, like he was malnourished. His black clothes were good for moving at night, but he lacked any sign of Fighting Aura.
He was just an ordinary person.
Bajie pinched the man’s arm and he cried out in pain, but still, he kept his voice down.
"Bajie, let him go," Long Yi said to Bajie, he wanted to see what the man’s ’good intentions’ were. It wouldn’t be fun if Bajie ended up squishing him.
Bajie bared his teeth, showing off his clean set of pearly whites. The lamp’s glow reflected off Bajie’s teeth so much that the man could probably see his reflection in them.
"Sir, Lord Long Yi, I-I’m just a nameless soldier. I-I come from the Hagrid Family... um you, you know of the Hagrid Family right?" the man carefully asked.
"Hagrid Family, huh? I definitely know of Joseph in the Hagrid Family," Long Yi laughed. It was about time the Hagrid Family dispatched people to him. "But you arrived rather quickly. The plaintiff’s messenger just left this afternoon," Long Yi said.
Seeing Long Yi laugh, the man also nervously chuckled, "We’ve been waiting at the academy for news the whole time. As soon as we saw the plaintiff’s messenger, we hurried over."
"You left no stone unturned indeed. The Hagrid Family’s actions are swift. Fair enough then, show me your ’good intentions’!" Long Yi hated beating around the bush, he got straight to the point. Whether the man had brought rare treasures or threats, he wanted him to spell it out.
"Um, um, on behalf of the Hagrid Family, I extend our sincere apologies to you, Lord Long Yi. The Hagrid Family agrees to compensate you with 300,000 gold coins, to ask for your forgiveness. We will also give you a mansion in the center of the Imperial City, complete with servants. If Lord Long Yi is still not satisfied with this settlement, I can immediately contact the family to negotiate a greater benefit for you," the man completed his speech and watched Long Yi’s face closely for his reaction. Wearing a please smile, he asked, "Sir, what do you think?"
Such generosity!
This was Long Yi’s first reaction. 300,000 gold coins were an astronomical sum for the citizens of the Empire who had an average yearly income of just 1,000 gold coins. A mansion in the heart of Imperial City was invaluable! However, were these so-called compensations genuinely sincere?
"So, the Hagrid Family means?" Long Yi feigned ignorance and continued his inquiry.
Hearing Long Yi question the details, the man felt a glimmer of hope and quickly replied.
"The Family hopes that Lord Long Yi will not accept becoming a witness in this lawsuit, or if you have already agreed, just go through the motions of the process without causing any trouble. Lord Long Yi, you must know that the Hagrid Family holds considerable prestige in the Imperial City. The joint plaintiffs don’t stand a chance in the case this time, as they can’t find any evidence! To tell you the truth, the influence and power of the Hagrid Family are much stronger than those small families. They can easily manipulate the Imperial Magic Research Institute. This kind of litigation isn’t enough to shake the Hagrid Family. "
The man spoke in a soft but firm tone, cautioning Long Yi not to take any rash steps.
"So, did you bring the money?" Long Yi asked.
"This...this is impossible. I can’t carry 300,000 gold coins. It’s the Family’s intention to personally deliver the compensation to your door once Master Joseph is exonerated," the man exclaimed in excitement when he heard Long Yi ask about the money. His greatest fear was dealing with people who were tough negotiators. If you showed even the slightest sign of bending, it meant there was room for negotiation!
"Do you take me for a fool? You’ve said so many things but in the end, I don’t earn even a single penny and have to do work for you? Are you trying to insult my intelligence?"
Long Yi was furious!
"Go and tell your so-called family that with this insincere gesture, don’t even think about getting my help! Also, remind those fools in your family, is the Imperial Magic Research Institute so great? When it comes to practicing psychic magic, who in the institute can outperform the Female Demon? If they don’t believe it, they can try it out for themselves!"
