They all call me Great Master

Coste, Emmond are dead?!

So soon!

Arthur narrowed his eyes and looked towards Marinda.

If he hadn't noticed the clues earlier, he might have guessed that the culprits were those insatiable nobles, or perhaps someone from the Coste and Emmond companies planning to take advantage of the chaos to seize the businesses, or even those who previously had no qualification but suddenly found this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But now, it could only be Marinda!

Look at Edwin!

How did this coachman, who never left 6 White Bird Street, know so quickly and accurately about the deaths of Coste and Emmond?

The timely report from the other party was enough to let the imagination run wild.

Furthermore, with Marinda's again candid demeanor while reporting, it made Arthur think even more.

'For the title of Baron Kemir, 6 White Bird Street had long been targeted by those guys. If the deaths of Coste and Emmond were to be accidentally leaked, what would the businesses of Coste and Emmond and some unqualified folks do?

They'd send more people to watch over 6 White Bird Street!

They would keep a close watch over this place!

Because they want to confirm it was Marinda who, in her fury, killed Coste and Emmond, who not only had grievances but now also incited her own maid against her!

To completely kick Marinda out of the competition for the title of Baron Kemir!

And even, to gain even more!'

With such speculation at the back of his mind, Arthur couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly.

He discovered the cleverness of Marinda, who had given those with malicious intentions enough scope for imagination, using 'impossibility' to disguise her real goal.

Arthur could well imagine that those stalkers, while guessing who could have taken out Coste and Emmond, might even joke about whether it was Marinda who did it and then get rebutted by others about how it could be possible.

But they didn't know; their guess was the truth!

Indeed, it was Marinda who killed the men!

Her aim was to draw them all out and kill them all!

Marinda's target was Coste and Emmond.

But Coste and Emmond weren't Marinda's only targets.

Marinda wanted more!

And him?

He, resplendent tonight, was certainly excellent bait!

So the question arises, what could he gain from this?

And...

Where does Marinda's confidence come from?

This is no minor scuffle.

Involving two major companies and numerous smaller businesses, even nobles must tread carefully.

'Hmm?'

'Nobles?'

Suddenly a speculation arose in Arthur's mind, causing his gaze to involuntarily turn towards Marinda, who was nibbling on egg tarts, and just then, Marinda also looked towards Arthur.

Their eyes met, and they both simultaneously curled the corners of their mouths, their eyes both twinkling with a chilling gaze.

That gaze, sharp as a knife, cold and deadly.

But still somewhat different.

Marinda was more inclined towards excitement.

Arthur was inclined towards calm.

Seeing this, Edwin immediately lowered his head and continued.

"Following your earlier instructions, I have already let slip the deaths of Coste and Emmond, and our known associates remain at their respective posts at 6 White Bird Street.

Just now, apart from the original stalkers, new ones have been arriving, their numbers steadily increasing!"

"Hey, the fish are biting the hook!"

"Come on out! All of you!"

"I really can't wait any longer!"

Marinda picked up her pipe once again, the bitterness of the tobacco mingling with the sweetness of the tart in her mouth, making the lady increasingly excited.

When she first detected the scent of gunpowder wafting through, she almost couldn't suppress herself.

Now?

She could finally let loose and have a real go!

Although there were some hiccups, the plan was progressing smoother than ever—

She knew well the character of these fellows, so after Anna left, she had already started preparing.

She showed weakness to the enemy: she withdrew hands from some properties including 6 White Bird Street.

It made those who take advantage of every opportunity think that accidental exposure had thrown her into chaos, forcing her to choose a defensive stance.

It made those guys think this was a chance that comes once in a lifetime.

Even better, to accommodate these people, she was still creating opportunities for them.

Those guys did not disappoint her.

They seized the opportunity!

They naively thought that at this moment, she was pondering how to minimize the impact of the deaths of Coste and Emmond.

After all, from their perspective, the deaths of Coste and Emmond brought no benefits to her whatsoever.

To smooth things over, she would definitely make an appearance to meet with Chief Malz to resolve such troubles.

At the very least, she would send a representative.

Otherwise, once the incident fermented, not to mention competing for Baron Kemir's title, her original situation would likely be impacted.

And this incident needn't take long to ferment, just a few hours, or even less time, would be sufficient.

What about them?

During this time, they would block her staff and either catalyze or let the incident escalate.

What if she took proactive action?

That would be even better!

The lack of her presence at the auction would inevitably raise some suspicions and only hasten the fallout from the deaths of Coste and Emmond.

Then, they could ally with more people to boycott the so-called Lady of the Long Night's salon and completely drive her out!

Similarly, these people would also definitely keep a close watch on Arthur, who had shone bright tonight.

And all of this was exactly what Marinda wanted!

Because under her guidance, these people were hastily prepared and inevitably short-staffed. When they diverted attention to Arthur, their already scarce manpower would be stretched thin.

So, for this opportunity, these people would certainly mobilize their reserve forces from home.

Leaving their stronghold vulnerable!

At that moment, it was time for her people, whom she had sent out early, to act!

From start to finish, her target was them themselves!

Thinking this, the lady turned to look at Arthur.

"Arthur, I need you to do me a favor—you need to help me meet with Chief Malz and convey my goodwill to him.

Of course, most importantly, this will help you draw away those guys outside number 6 White Bird Street!"

Then, the people I've had in place can raid their lair!

It's risky, but I will give you a substantial reward!"

Marinda did not hide anything and spoke very candidly.

Firstly, she genuinely needed Arthur's cooperation.

Secondly, she knew that Arthur had already discovered her plan.

Marinda gained a renewed appreciation for the intelligence of her accomplice before her eyes.

She admired this intelligence and even more so Arthur's calm response at the moment.

She believed that she and Arthur could cooperate even better.

Because she was confident that the substantial reward she offered would be enough to convince Arthur.

"What kind of substantial reward?"

Arthur asked with a smile.

"Mystical Knowledge!"

"It's genuine mystical knowledge, not just some trivial knowledge!"

"Moreover, the knowledge equivalent to Swift Bird Swordsmanship that I promised you before will also be given to you by tomorrow evening along with the mystical techniques!"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Of course, there's also the compensation for the help you've just given - although, I temporarily can't give you gold notes or property, as I need to use most of these to gain that person's support."

Marinda said earnestly.

That person, Marinda did not explicitly mention.

But Arthur had already guessed who it was.

The Earl of South Los!

Apart from the Earl of South Los, who else could give this lady such confidence?

Moreover, compared to taking a chance with Malz, this lady clearly had a deep friendship with the Earl of South Los, so much so that she was certain the Earl would stand by her side.

'Wait a minute!'

'Does the Earl have shares in the Lady of the Long Night's auction?'

Arthur suddenly thought of this.

What kind of 'friendship' is the most solid?

Naturally, one intertwined with benefits!

If that was the case, Marinda might just be the Earl's frontman and possibly even his enforcer on darker dealings.

Then, in the midst of his speculations, Arthur suddenly thought of another possibility.

This possibility alarmed him!

That is—

This whole affair might actually be masterminded by the Earl himself?