Hugo took a deep breath and continued [After the dark ages war ended, many countries had been destroyed, and many people were not only commoners but also influential rich people who fell victim to the black Dragon's rampage, because of the deaths of those important people there was a void in the power's pyramid that occurs not only in government but also in business and social and then causing an upheaval movement in every country from people and groups who want to fill that void]
Zhao Li Xin tilted his head he didn't look surprised nor worried let alone worried, with a flat voice he muttered indifferently [So when the tigers and bears left the mountain, monkeys, and weasels started popping their head, huh?]
Hugo chuckled [Yes, you could say so, but these guys are neither Monkeys nor Weasels…no, they are far worse than that, they are ruthless, cunning combined with unimaginable resources but what worries me more is that they have eyes everywhere and they have been watching us like a pack of wolves, they are waiting for any signs of weakness before they attack…and they indeed strikes us with devastated moves] the frown on his face became more apparent as his brows gradually furrows.
[They really almost got all of you?] Curiosity lit up Zhao Li Xin's face.
[Fortunately, Garrof and you thwarted their plan so we managed to escape] Hugo took a deep breath.
[For now...] Zhao Li Xin gave a sharp comment.
a smirk played on the edge of the old man's mouth [For now…that's why I need your help, playing defense doesn't work anymore] Hugo lifted the teacup then poured it into his and Zhao Li Xin's glass [With your help I will be able to gather people -people who might share the same views as me using the excuse of fellow ink painting lovers]
Zhao Li Xin lifts the teacup [How are you going to use my painting in this?] he sipped tea calmly without making a sound.
Hugo's face beamed with excitement [I'm going to have the world's largest ink painting exhibition ever in the art city of Lixandra to be precise in the azalea which is the largest and most prestigious art building in the country]at Hugo waiting for Zhao Li Xin's reaction as a painter to get having their work featured on Azalea is a dream that few painters in the world can achieve.
Beyond expectations, Zhao Li Xin's face remained as calm as the surface of a lake in winter.
[You know the Azalea art building, right?] Hugo couldn't believe that there were people who didn't know the Azalea building which was famous as a world art center that even children knew about.
[Should I?] Zhao Li Xin asked nonchalantly.
Hugo looks at him with shock in pity in his eyes, he wonders if Zhao Li Xin just acting cool but it doesn't seem so, the old man really wants to cry now!
[Anyway...] With an exaggerated sigh Hugo waved his hand [This is why I need a great talent like you cause even if I can hold a big exhibition it steels your painting that should impress them and that will not be easy but I know you can do it and I will pay you handsomely for your hard work, you don't have to worry about that] he making the gesture by rubbing his thumb with over the tip of the index finger and middle finger.
Too bad the great Lord didn't know what that gesture meant, he just thought it looked indecent.
[Why did you bother with such a big event to invite important people?]
Hugo shook his head [I told you they are watching us and I mean everyone in important positions including my family] he took a sip of his tea and then tasted his lips [Try browsing on your phone about the Zahrainne family...] Hugo said.
Zhao Li Xin didn't understand the old man's purpose but she was curious so she took out her cell phone and did as she was told. Not long after, news came that the whole family died in a plane crash.
[Now look at the Levingston's, and the Savalli's] Hugo said again.
Zhao Li Xin also typed in the names and backed out the news that the family had died in another car crash and house robbery that killed the entire family.
[You think they were killed?] Zhao Li Xin looked on curiously.
Hugo's whole face went stiff [Darren Levingston was a late friend of mine son, thought we weren't close but we kept in touch from time to time, I was glad he and his family survived the war so I never expected he would die from a house robbery. ..that child is quite strong, after all, he is a talented person even though he is not very strong but he is also not soft cotton so how can he let his family die without a fight still]
[Are you sure about that?] Zhao Li Xin asked.
[I know someone who suspected this, that person owed me money so he told me but he said the case was suddenly closed at the request of superiors and the perpetrator was just a group of young thugs who were indeed involved in house robbery and they were all found dead because of fighting with each other] Hugo breathed out in frustration.
[Sounds like a cover-up,] Zhao Li Xin muttered.
[Furthermore, I got information that their daughter is a healer working at Domus Angelica which is the headquarters of the S.A.I.N.T. organization, I heard that her daughter Sarah suddenly came home for some reason then two days later the whole family was killed due to a robbery]
Zhao Li Xin's eyebrows shot up [Huh?!]
[Huh, indeed...] Hugo narrowed his eyes [And Levingston wasn't the only one, Kamal Zahrainne who was Bahruth's minister expressed his dislike for Saintess coming to his country, especially to S.A.I.N.T. The same thing happened with Edgar Savalli's who was the governor of Ilwing city, he also refused to accept the S.A.I.N.T organization's help in building schools and such in his town for some reason]
Zhao Li Xin was silent for a moment, it seemed that this organization was even more ruthless and powerful than she thought [Did people not say anything about this]
[So they could become the next victim?] Hugo grits his teeth [After all, this news was being covered up, and no media would dare to release this news, therefore, most ordinary people in the world were clueless about any of this, well, they wouldn't believe it anyway….Unless] he pursed his lips and swallowed his next words sadly.
[Unless?] Zhao Li Xin subtly forced him to continue.
Hugo took a deep breath then said: [Unless King Lucas said something about this, when it happens millions of people from all over the world will rally behind him, heck, I will rally behind that young man]
Zhao Li Xin's movement stopped the many flashes of emotion on her face luckily Hugo was deep in thought he didn't notice the change in Zhao Li Xin's face.
[Maybe he doesn't know?] said Zhao Li Xin.
[I'm not sure, there hasn't been much news coming out of Harland lately and it really make a lot of people on edge] Hugo rubbed his hands together looking slightly nervous as if he was watching a disaster unspooling in slow motion.
[Is that normal...?] because it involved Lory's brother, Zhao Li Xin, who couldn't help to pry.
Hugo rubbed his chin then said: [Unlikely, although the Lucient family always maintain their privacy and tend to avoid the public eye but they still appear in public at important events especially the King so this is quite unusual]
[When was the last time the King appeared in public?] Zhao Li Xin tried her best to hide his emotions from the rising storm in his heart, however, it wasn't because he cared so much for Lucas after all he doesn't know him however it was Lory he worry the most.
Hugo crossed his arms over his chest trying to remember [six or seven months ago I think]
Zhao Li Xin clenched his fists he remembered Lory also expressed concern about Lucas' strange absence though Lory later said with a cheerful face that nothing would happen to Lucas with Fredhardt and the others with her brother despite knowing that Lory was still bothered by That, the problem was they couldn't contact anyone in Harland with their current situation perhaps he could use this opportunity to contact someone from Harland or better yet they could enter Harland's kingdom.
[By the way back to your plans about the exhibition...] Zhao Li Xin changed the subject abruptly.
[Oh, do you agree? I will guarantee your safety] Hugo waited expectantly.
Zhao Li Xin smiled faintly, the old one couldn't even protect his Grandson how could he protect him, fortunately, he didn't need protection nor did his valiant wife.
[I believe you, it's a deal, then] Zhao Li Xin gives a half nod.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦