Chapter 941: The Invitation
Chapter 941: The Invitation
Is this person... an idiot?
The red-haired director's eccentric request left the waiter speechless. After glancing at the empty seat across from her, the waiter's heart began to race with unease. He was about ready to call security to remove this drunkard.
However, on one hand, the red-haired director was an exceptional drinker, consuming enough alcohol to rival four or five strong men by herself, making her a valuable customer on this particular day. On the other hand, her stunning beauty was breathtaking, even in her tipsy state, making it impossible to look away. He couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh.
As the row of large wine glasses was set before her, the tall and slender middle-aged man with a haggard face looked at them and spoke with displeasure:
"Oliviah, have you forgotten? I never drink. You..."
"I know," she replied.
Reaching out, she took a cup of amber-colored honey wine and, tilting her head back, finished it in one go. The red-haired director, her eyes now slightly bleary, smiled and said:
"I wanted to drink this myself, but I've been here for over six hours. I've had so much to drink that they won't sell me any more wine. So, I'm just using you as an excuse."
"..."
"Why aren't you saying anything? If you want to drink too... Should I leave one for you?"
"No need..."
The middle-aged man couldn't help but furrow his brows in dismay as he watched the red-haired director, her eyes now hazy with intoxication, guzzle down all the wine in front of her in no time.
"You weren't like this before. When did you pick up this drinking habit?" he asked.
Hmm?
Upon hearing the middle-aged man's words, the red-haired director, her bleary eyes slightly fixed, looked back at him with flickering eyes. Seeing her sudden change in expression, the middle-aged man realized his mistake and sighed with a hint of annoyance.
"You're still as smart as ever. Not a word can be wrong in front of you..."
"It's not that bad~" she replied casually.
The red-haired director smiled and pressed further:
"Since you're not aware of my recent situation, then... Have you been trapped somewhere with no contact with the mortal world for these past years, and only recently been released by someone? Were you with the Slaughter King's group? Did you conspire with them?"
"..."
"What did you promise them? To eliminate the Western Carleva Kingdom's royalty and weaken the power of the Palace of Observation to allow the true gods to descend? What did they promise you in return? Help you take revenge on the Cleanup Bureau? Revenge against the Western Carleva Kingdom? Or... rebuilding the Eastern Carleva Kingdom?"
"..."
"None of the above? Do you have other plans? By the way, I saw many Luminary Church members on the streets of Lily City these past few days. Are you planning to use the Luminary Church's baptismal pool to relive the glory days of the past...?"
"Enough!"
Facing the red-haired director's relentless questioning, the tall and thin middle-aged man couldn't help but look slightly flustered as he stopped her. With a hint of anger in his eyes, he said:
"Oliviah! I'm here to question you, not provide you with information!"
"I wasn't seeking any information," the red-haired director said, leaning back in her chair.
"You let it slip yourself. I merely asked the questions that came to mind in that moment. Whether you answer or not is up to you. If you don't want to reveal any information, then just don't say anything."
"..."
I could choose to remain silent, but given how much you've managed to uncover with just a few words, does it really make a difference if I speak or not? Fine, you can guess all you want..."
After ending the topic with a sense of helplessness, the middle-aged man sighed deeply as he looked at his old friend, who had matured significantly since the past but remained as clever and cunning as ever. He then spoke with a resentful gaze:
"Oliviah, if you hadn't chosen to betray and instead joined me back then..."
"We would have only made more and deeper mistakes."
Interrupting the middle-aged man, the Red-haired Director held the cup in her hand and spoke with a slightly dark expression:
"Ever since I took on the mission of the Thirteen Ant Nests, I've regretted what happened almost every day... I don't regret using the Thirteen Ant Nests, but rather, I regret not discovering sooner what you were planning, allowing things to escalate to the point where I had no choice but to resort to that..."
"What do you know anyway?!"
Seemingly angered by the Red-haired Director's words, the middle-aged man abruptly stood up from his chair, his dark eyes filled with anger as he scolded:
"Do you have any idea how much resistance I've faced? Everyone knows I'm right, yet they cling to me like barnacles on a turtle's back, dragging me down! Holding me back! Pressing me down! Keeping me down! In such circumstances, what other choice do I have but to take a risk? You betrayed your own beliefs and chose to bow to those stinking old fools, but I never have! You..."
He spat out a string of numbers and words.
"Alright, let's not continue this conversation."
The Red-haired Director waved her hand, signaling for him to stop, and then she was the first to calm down. She sighed softly:
"I just want to have a few drinks today, not argue with you... Since we were young, you've always been like this. Your body has always been quicker than your mind, and you never consider the consequences of your actions. Your mind is as hard as stone, and once you've made up your mind, nothing can change it..."
"I may not have a mind, but you do, don't you?"
Hearing the Red-haired Director mention the past, the middle-aged man's expression softened slightly, and he spoke:
"Do you remember that proverb? Justice and courage are like brothers. True courage stems from upholding justice, and with courage, one can uphold their beliefs..."
"Justice won't become an empty word."
After finishing the proverb, the Red-haired Director raised her cup and took a sip of honey wine, her expression growing dim.
"If you have something to say, just say it directly. This roundabout way of speaking doesn't suit you."
"What I mean is... the relationship between us is like that of the ancestors of the Eastern and Western Carleva Kingdoms. We are the most suitable and best of 'brothers'."
Pushing away the empty cup in front of him with a hint of disdain, the middle-aged man looked intently at the Red-haired Director, who was sitting across from him with her head lowered, and spoke sincerely:
"Oliviah, just like before, come and help me!"
"..."
The middle-aged man's expression changed from the previous scolding of the Red-haired Director as a traitor to a serious and earnest one as he said:
"I have the strength and the skills, and you have the brains and luck. We are the best and most suitable partners! If we join hands, whether it's the Cleanup Bureau or the Bloodhair Slayer Assembly, none of them will be our match! Then, we will have the power to change everything!"
(End of Chapter)
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