Chapter 283: Deal
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“No, we have a deal,” Zhou Ling asserted firmly. “I will drive you home. If you want to help, please take care of this little one.”
Zhou Ling gentlv caressed Liao Nai’s hair. his thoughts momentarily clouded
by the absence of Liao Ning.
Lili persisted, insisting, “If you hand me over to the Elder Prince, he will undoubtedly trust you. That way, you’ll have someone to rely on within the royal family and a chance to get closer to Earl Sam. He must know the whereabouts of Lady Liao.”
With conviction, Lili continued, “As an Elder of the elves, there aren’t many of us who possess potion-making skills. The Elder Prince wouldn’t dare harm me. Moreover, I have the ability to manipulate the will of others. I can be your ally when we return together, right?”
Zhou Ling gazed at Lili intently, contemplating her proposal before finally nodding in agreement. The two of them made arrangements for Liao Nai’s care with the remaining elves before embarking on their journey back to Planet Dynasty.
News of Zhou Ling’s return with Lili spread swiftly, prompting the Elder Prince to rush to the gate to receive them.
“Lili! Is it truly you?” he exclaimed, reaching out to embrace her, oblivious to her obvious disgust and resistance.
“Elder Prince, she escaped from the prison. I witnessed her fleeing the other day and followed her out of town,” Zhou Ling informed him, but his words fell on deaf ears. The Elder Prince was completely absorbed in the joy of finding Lili.
Meanwhile, a riot had erupted in the underground prison. The royal family had suffered significant losses, with over half of the captive creatures escaping. Many innocent bystanders were also caught up in the chaos, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Loya had discovered the Elder Prince’s vulnerability and used money to pacify the affected individuals. It was clear that she intended to continue her fight for the throne against him.
Overwhelmed by the circumstances, the Elder Prince had never anticipated Lili’s return unharmed. His focus was solely on this woman before him.
“Olift, you have done an exceptional job,” the Elder Prince declared jubilantly. “From this day forward, you will assume command of the royal guards and the security forces. Accompany me and report back. Your promotion is imminent, and there is much work to be done in this critical time.”
The Elder Prince guided Lili onto the spacecraft, followed by Zhou Ling boarding his own vessel.
Upon returning to the royal castle, Zhou Ling made a beeline for the cell where Count Sam was incarcerated. Due to the prison’s damage, Count Sam’s punishment had been delayed.
In just a few days, Earl Sam had endured unimaginable torment, resulting in significant weight loss.
As someone entered the cell, Earl Sam mustered a smile. “Your Majesty, what more do you have in store? Let’s see how you treat your own brother!”
Suppressing his surprise, Zhou Ling approached Earl Sam and swiftly inserted a truth-telling pill into his mouth.
The pill was a gift from Lili, designed to be most effective during interrogations. Considering past experiences, Zhou Ling wasted no time in beginning his questioning, fearing that the pill’s effects might fade at any moment.
“Are there any more hiding places associated with Sam?” he inquired.
“Yes,” Earl Sam replied mechanically, his eyes lacking their usual luster.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Ling posed his next question, his tone grave. “Where is Sami?”
Earl Sam appeared hesitant upon hearing the question, but ultimately responded truthfully, “In the desolate mountains and forests, there is a military base belonging to the Sam Family.”
Zhou Ling hadn’t anticipated the existence of a Sam Family military base. His thoughts drifted back to Earl Sam’s earlier remarks—it seemed that Sam was connected to the King as well.
Delving deeper, he asked with a stern voice, “What is your relationship with the
King?”
“I am his brother,” Earl Sam replied emotionlessly. “I am a member of the royal family who was fostered within the Sam Family.”
Zhou Ling pressed on with his inquiries. “Why did you form an army? Are you planning to rebel?”
“I am not rebelling. I am reclaiming the throne that rightfully belongs to me. I should be the King!”
In that moment, many previously incomprehensible pieces of the puzzle fell into place for Zhou Ling.
Why did the Imperial Family permit Earl Sam to exert control over the majority of the shipping business? And why did they turn a blind eye to the actions of the Sam Family?
Even when the king fell victim to poisoning, Earl Sam had not been swiftly executed.
Before Zhou Ling could delve further into his inquiries, Earl Sam regained consciousness.
“What did you do to me just now?” He rubbed his throbbing head, unable to recall recent events.
“Would I dare to do anything to the royal family?” Zhou Ling narrowed his eyes, drawing nearer to Earl Sam, his voice laced with intrigue. “After all, you are the king’s brother, aren’t you?”
Earl Sam’s expression turned unfriendly, his eyes filled with suspicion. “What do you want?”
“I wish to strike a deal with you..”
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