Chapter Twenty-Eight: Collusion

Registration Number: Xiang B2-20100081-3
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Network Culture Business Permit: Wenwangwen [2010] No.128

On the hotel terrace, Christine leaned against the railing, pressing her body against it as she gazed at the distant, dazzling city lights that shimmered with a captivating brilliance.

She was in no hurry to speak, simply savoring the beauty of the night view.

Behind her, Hugh gently draped a coat over her shoulders, his touch soft and intimate, like that of a close lover.

“I’ve arranged a good opportunity for you, Master Dadaniel,” Christine said without turning around, speaking as if to herself.

“What kind of opportunity?” Hugh asked.

“Close the terrace door.”

Hugh turned and complied.

Christine then faced him, leaning against the railing as she looked at Hugh, her brow furrowing. “Could you take off your glasses?”

“Why?”

“I think you looked better without them at the Lanya Theatre.”

Hugh considered for a moment, then removed his glasses and stepped beside Christine. “You said you gave me an opportunity just now?”

“Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. You could throw me off this terrace right now and tell everyone I slipped. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about anyone exposing you.”

“No.” Hugh shook his head. “A gentleman doesn’t destroy a flower with cruel hands.”

He placed his hand gently on Christine’s cheek. “You’re beautiful, madam. I can’t imagine the sight of your head hitting the ground, your brains splattered, your delicate features shattered, lifeless. Do you know? After death, the body develops livor mortis—a most repulsive phenomenon. In just a day, the beauty you pride yourself on will become terrifying. When your flesh falls away, leaving only bones, all your beauty will be meaningless.”

Christine’s face turned ashen. “Hugh Eglare, don’t use such words and descriptions to disgust me.”

Hugh’s gaze was cold. “That’s because I have no intention of flattering you. Tell me, madam, what do you plan to do? You invited me here despite the risk of angering me and the Empire—not out of concern, right?”

“Answer me first. Why did you come?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Now it is. I’ve already proven once that you are not really Hugh Eglare. If you’ve done anything in Rojo City, it will eventually implicate me.”

“Don’t worry. I value the identity of Dadaniel. If possible, I want to keep it forever.”

“And what about Hugh Eglare? Will he disappear from now on?”

“No.” A mysterious smile crossed Hugh’s face. “He will stir up twice as much trouble.”

Christine stared fixedly at Hugh. “That’s impossible. You can’t split yourself into two. Even if you’re a magician and alchemist, you can’t do that.”

“Maybe I can. For example, tonight I stay at the mansion of a noble countess, while somewhere else, Hugh Eglare is wreaking havoc…” Hugh’s fingers lightly traced Christine’s delicate face.

Christine felt a flicker of shock in her heart. “You want to use me?”

“The greatest difference between winners and losers is that winners always turn disadvantages into advantages. I must say, Madam Christine, your arrival and timely silence have given me a better idea. I believe the city will have plenty of men watching me enter your mansion, only to emerge the next morning. They may go mad with jealousy, but does it matter? What matters is that they will be my witnesses.”

“Don’t even think about it.”

“Madam, you risked your life to invite me to this terrace, surely to blackmail me? Otherwise, you could have made excuses to avoid this. I guess you had some idea when you saw me, which is why you were so persistent. Now I’m just putting forward my terms.”

“Do you know what I want you to do for me?”

“What else could it be?” Hugh sneered and leaned close to Christine’s ear. “In your mind, what else do you think I do besides killing?”

Christine looked at Hugh in horror. She never dreamed he could see through her thoughts completely.

Indeed, when she recognized Dadaniel, her first reaction was to avoid exposing him, as it would surely provoke his deadly wrath. Her second thought was that his presence here must mean he had a major plan—a potential leverage to blackmail him.

But she never expected Hugh to see through her so quickly and turn the tables by presenting conditions first.

The problem was, if she agreed to Hugh’s demands, it would no longer be mere blackmail.

It would be collusion.

Hugh whispered into Christine’s ear, “Madam, you have no choice now. From this moment on, it’s either coexistence or mutual destruction between us. No—more precisely, you die and I escape. The Lance Empire can’t catch me, but it can easily deal with you!”

Christine sighed. “Is this the consequence of bargaining with the devil?”

“It’s the consequence of greed. I didn’t intend to do this, but after seeing your strong will to blackmail me, I realized it’s an opportunity to exploit. Madam Christine, for the Dadaniel family to rise in the Lance Empire, we need powerful supporters. Though we have found some partners, we still need more intimate allies. That’s the only reason I won’t kill you to silence you. Otherwise, what reason would you have to survive? Being trusted by others always requires conditions and bargaining chips, doesn’t it?”

Christine nodded helplessly. “My ex-husband Weston had no children, but he had a brother. According to national law, if I die, he becomes the sole heir. So, among the men in the Lance Empire who most desire my death, he is first. Besides suitors pursuing me, I’m also chased by assassins and killers.”

“Why not let your suitors solve this problem?”

“Too many people are eyeing me, trying to take me and my property together. If my brother-in-law dies, many will investigate his death. I need someone to take the fall—someone capable and unafraid of offending the Empire. Hugh Eglare is undoubtedly a good choice. You just need an excuse, and I can help you create one.”

“Thoughtful plan. Where is he?”

“Wellington.”

“After finishing things in Rojo City, I’ll go there. He won’t be your problem anymore. Meanwhile, I’ll take care of your safety.”

“Also, my business across the Empire is facing trouble. Some guilds bully me because I’m a woman, trying to extort me collectively. They want me to give up some shops; others demand I use my body to trade. Different aims, same methods.”

“I guess you have a list?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations, they won’t be a problem either. You might even take over their shops. Of course, that will take time.”

“Lastly, to avoid the annoying flies constantly pestering me, I told everyone: whoever brings you to me will get my hand in marriage.”

Hugh’s expression was remarkable.

He looked at Christine in surprise. She laughed heartily.

She said, “I hope you’re not angry. Sometimes I really get bored.”

Hugh thought for a moment. “I see you like excitement. How many noble sons plan to win your heart with my head?”

“Probably not few. They won’t act themselves, but some are hiring top warriors to kill you at any cost. I know seven Earth Warriors or higher have accepted contracts, and rumor says there’s even a Star-level warrior among them.”

“Sounds like you have more pull than the Lance Empire. The Empire only sent two Sky Warriors and a level-six mage after me, but you’ve brought me bigger trouble.” Hugh laughed bitterly.

Even more ridiculous, Christine sent assassins after him, yet he is helping her solve her troubles. It sounded unbelievable.

Christine covered her mouth and laughed. “So you know about the Empire’s movements too. I was going to sell that information for a good price—what a pity. But don’t worry, they won’t find this place soon. Just focus on dealing with Kevin Beers and the others. As for later…”

“Even if they come, I won’t worry.” Hugh said coldly.

“Oh.” Christine tapped her lovely forehead, speaking coquettishly, “I almost forgot—you have helpers now.”

“They’re ruthless scoundrels. If they learn about your blackmail and actions against me, they might just rape and kill you first.”

“If that happens, I hope you’ll do the first part.” Christine smiled, showing no fear. At this point, she had nothing left to fear.

“I’m not interested for now. What I need is a reason to trust you.”

“You’re an alchemist. Don’t alchemists have many ways to control others?”

“That was your request.” Hugh was somewhat surprised.

“Better to ask than be forced. I can’t escape this, can I?”

“Right. That’s why you chose to blackmail me. When you saw me, you knew this was the best solution for me. So you sought to maximize your benefit.”

“That’s right.”

Hugh began to admire this woman’s wisdom. He lightly touched the back of Christine’s neck; she felt a slight sting.

“Hope there are no side effects,” Christine worried. She wasn’t afraid of potent poison from Hugh but feared it might affect her appearance.

“DonI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.