Chapter 180 Reigns, why don’t you open a winery?
Although the Beggar King is plainly dressed, standing among a bunch of homeless people and real beggars is still quite eye-catching, especially when he wears a signature gold With his seal ring, all the beggars and vagrants passing by would bow their heads and salute him.
When he was with other decent people, he didn't feel that now that the environment around him had changed, he stood out from the crowd and was extremely arrogant.
Oaks waited patiently for the Beggar King to return to his "palace" and quietly escaped into the shadows.
Seeing all the thugs around the Beggar King exit the room, Oaks knew that his time had come.
The dagger is unsheathed and the poisonous snake spits out its message.
But the wonderful world always makes things develop in unexpected ways.
"Since we're here, let's talk."
The Beggar King's voice suddenly sounded, causing Oaks to pause.
The snake sect demon hunter's eyes were filled with confusion. Could it be that the other party had seen through his infiltration? Just the guy in front of me who is so thin that he probably can’t even swing a sword?
Oaks kept his dagger unsheathed, frozen in his hiding place, not daring to move rashly.
But they saw that the Beggar King made no other moves after shouting those words. He neither called for thugs to come in to protect him, nor ran away or hide, but continued to do his own thing.
Reading books, counting belongings, and organizing documents, he really looks like a little noble.
I wonder what kind of documents he is looking at. Do beggars and tramps also have things to give to the "King" for approval?
In the silence with only the sound of turning paper, Oaks pulled out the dagger again.
"Since we're here, let's talk."
He put the dagger back.
After shouting, the Beggar King made no further moves as before. Oaks frowned and had a guess in his mind.
He held his breath and counted the time silently -
"Since we are here, let's talk."
The third time, this voice sounded.
As an excellent assassin, Oakes is very sensitive to time gaps. The time between the Beggar King's third call and his second call is exactly the same as the time between the second and first call.
In other words, the person in front of me will shout like this every once in a while!
So that's it, Oaks showed a clear look on his face, this guy didn't see through the disguise, but was deceiving himself.
His infiltration was still flawless.
But there is still a very serious problem here: Does the Beggar King already know that the Snake Faction has defected to Lann? Do you also know that Lan made a plan to assassinate the gang leader? Do you know that they have been waiting for five days and are coming tonight to carry out the assassination?
If it is true, then several of his companions may be in danger.
Oaks's snake eyes lit up slightly. He needed to know the truth before killing his target.
In the room, the Beggar King opened his mouth for the fourth time and was about to shout when he suddenly heard a strange noise coming from the roof.
His attention was immediately attracted, and when he looked up, he saw a hand glowing with white light.
[Axi Sigil]
The ether element, which represents the "spiritual" attribute, invaded the Beggar King's brain without any hindrance.
Oaks does not have the power to hypnotize people like Lann. His seal can only make people enter a trance-like state without resistance.
It wasn't long, but it was enough for a top assassin.
When the Beggar King regained consciousness, his body had been tied up. He looked around and found that he was on the roof of his house.
This is a place that no thug can reach. For Oakes, it is enough to kill the target in an instant and leave the "corrupt forest" like a snake within ten breaths.
"I ask, you answer; if you dare to scream, you will die. Do you understand?" The
self-made beggar king was able to bend and stretch, and nodded like a bachelor.
"Do you know which side I am on now?"
"I don't know, but I can deduce it based on the information." The Beggar King said, "The information from the North converges on Novigrad, and the information on Novigrad converges on me "
"Nilfgaard is indeed far away, and a lot of news has not yet reached there, so the warlock and the emperor of Nilfgaard do not know some key information, but I know it clearly: the Lannister and the lord of White Orchard There was a conflict, and a goat-horned demon was killed there, and it all started to save a demon hunter. A demon hunter wearing a viper badge." The Beggar King showed a disdainful expression. This
expression Targeting Reigns: "I knew from the moment you appeared that you would never become Lannister's enemy. The Warlock's plan could not go as smoothly as planned." Oakes was silent. It turned out that he was waiting
for Is a person's identity always exposed in front of the Beggar King?
"Do you know that I am coming to assassinate you, and that it is today, right now?"
The second question is the one that Oakes attaches most importance to.
"I don't know." This time the Beggar King gave a different answer, "The tramps and beggars are my spies, but they just saw you leaving the Lannister residence late at night, and then quickly I have lost your whereabouts.
I don’t know your purpose. There are many possibilities for late-night operations. But coming to assassinate me, the gang leader, is also one of these possibilities. I can’t take the risk. I only think about cheating every once in a while. You once, and when the information about your return comes back, I will be safe."
He is worthy of being a self-made beggar king. Under this calm and calm posture, is there such a suspicious and cautious heart hidden under it? ?
Oaks' heart dropped halfway. At least the actions of himself and others were not exposed, and the other two people in the school would not be in danger.
Next is the third question, which is also an extension of the answer to the Beggar King's second question.
"You seem confident that I won't kill you?" Oakes said.
Oakes has seen too many life-saving tactics used by big shots. The more advanced ones can swap clothes and become a stand-in, the lower-level ones can ask their subordinates to surround themselves for protection, and even if things don't work out, they can find a place to hide.
The Beggar King did not choose any of the above methods. Instead, he used "cheat every once in a while". This very reckless and dangerous method even seemed to use himself as bait to lure Oaks out.
"I am not able to achieve what I have achieved today by hiding in hiding." The Beggar King replied, "Novigrad is about to face war, and I will naturally choose the winning side." "I know you may want to kill me
. I'm done with it, and I think Novigrad without the gangs would be better. But that's not how it is considered. You can go and convey my sincerity to the Lannister, and he will understand: Novigrad with only the Eternal Fire is definitely not The best Novigrad for him, even if the eternal flame is his friend now." "
I can also give you a piece of news for free: I am your friend, and among the other two representatives of the underground, Machete is not Your enemy."
Oaks's face was covered, so his expression couldn't be seen, but his expression under the mask was now extremely distorted.
The Beggar King gave a lot of information. Generally speaking, it was Lei Suo's job to think about these issues.
The Beggar King couldn't see Oakes's expression, but perhaps he was too familiar with that kind of doubtful atmosphere. At this moment, he took the initiative to explain: "Machete received a dwarf merchant named Zoltan some time ago. This Zoltan is a Lannister It is said that he met Lannister in White Orchard.
Logically speaking, Lannister is a friend of Zoltan and a friend of the dwarves, so Machete will not deal with Lannister; in fact, Machete In fact, he doesn’t have much ambition or desire. The promises of Warlock and Caleb Manji cannot attract him, so he is even less likely to attack friends of friends for unattractive promises." The Beggar King sighed
: "I just don't know if he is as lucky as I am today to escape from your fangs."
Oaks Snake's eyes flashed and he began to think.
Who went to assassinate that dwarf? If I remember correctly—Kolgrim?
.........
Lann poured a glass of water for the returning snake sect demon hunter in front of him and watched him happily gesturing in front of his eyes.
"So, the dwarf nicknamed 'Machete', the talker of the inhuman race in Novigrad, is not actually our enemy?"
Kolgrim nodded, confirming Lan's question: "Do you remember Zhuo Zoltan?"
"I just climbed in through the window and saw the machete hitting Zoltan!" "
I drank with him several times in the White Orchard, and I almost couldn't help but throw the dagger directly at him. Helped. But then I was very keenly aware of something wrong - the dwarves from Zoltan's team were also present, and they were cheering and cheering happily!"
Kolgrim told Lan about his wonderful experience tonight. "Assassination" experience.
Among the three Serpent assassins who went out, Kolgrim was the first to come back. However, he did not kill the mission target, but brought back some other news, which also added a new possibility to Lann's plan. .
"I looked carefully and found that they were wrestling, and after deciding the winner, they were laughing and drinking together. So I hesitated: If the machete is Zoltan's friend, even if I have to kill him , then we have to clarify the matter first. After all, our ultimate goal is to prevent citizens from being disturbed by riots, not simply to kill someone, right?" If it is the third attendant, in this case, it will
definitely He gave priority to completing the tasks assigned by Lan without any explanation. However, the snake sect demon hunters have a strong subjective initiative. Fortunately, it was them who took action this time, and they achieved unexpected gains.
"As a result, I found that the machete thugs didn't look like they were going to riot at all. There was no equipment preparation or personnel arrangement. Everything was the same as usual. Then I waited for a while and waited until they dispersed and went to see them alone. Zoltan, and then Zoltan introduced me to the machete with a look of joy on his face."
Lann became interested: "Have you talked to him face to face?"
Kolgrim nodded: "I believe Zoltan, and I have also observed the environment there, and escape is not a problem. I communicated with him while ensuring my own safety."
Letso was also standing aside with his arms folded, noncommittal about Kolgrim's response.
"What did you talk about?"
"Here's what he said." Kolgrim recalled it and said -
"
You actually let the assassin come in and let him stay for so long. Will my ability to survive in the future all depend on the kindness of my enemies!"
"Are all your brains full of pig iron? If it's not enough, just hit it with a hammer!"
They all say that there is only a wrong name, not a wrong one. Nickname: Machete is known for his hot temper.
There is a joke circulating in the alleys and dark taverns of Novigrad that Carlo Varese, nicknamed "Machete", one of the three local gangsters, is the best spokesman for racial harmony. However, this principle of his was practiced selectively.
It is said that he was a butcher when he was young and was proficient in killing pigs. But not long after, he suddenly realized that it actually made no difference what was under the knife.
The inhuman races in Novigrad rarely act in a high-profile manner, and Machete is the tallest among the people who act in a high-profile manner. He exposes his chest and likes to show off his tattoos and jewelry in public, which makes the oiled Mojo Ke's hairstyle sparkled under the light of the oil lamp, making it extremely conspicuous.
At this moment, in front of his mohawk, which was more proud than a cockfighting cock, was a group of trembling younger brothers. Among them, Kolgrim could find almost all non-human races except elves.
After scolding his thugs for their poor sentry, Machete turned around and looked at Kolgrim:
"My people are all good players. For being able to sneak in so quietly, you deserve the title of 'Master'. Then. Master Demon Hunter, do you have any lessons to teach me?"
Kolgrim stood at the edge of the room with cold eyes, moving his fingers from time to time, ready to draw his weapon or escape at any time.
Zoltan crossed his arms between the two, looking at the machete for a while, then looking up at Kolgrim.
"I received the mission to kill you because Chapelle didn't want the riots to harm civilians."
"Ha! That's how the plan was known. Fortunately, I didn't decide to follow the warlock, otherwise we would all be together in two days. Turned into a torch in the square!"
"Go back and tell Shapet that I am a gangster, but not a damn villain. We have been opponents for so many years, and he still doesn't understand me? I hope to win for my compatriots. Rights, so that they can buy bread and wine at the same price as humans, but they never threaten others with sticks to give us food!" "A
minority like us living in Novigrad always have to stick together. . Although sometimes sticks and knives are indispensable in order for tall people to talk to us on an equal footing, we are indeed honest people who live a stable life." The machete shook his head, and the tattoos on his body were beating together: "The city is more chaotic, and
we Wouldn't my life be even worse? A peaceful life makes me have fewer and fewer thugs, but I know that once there is danger, everyone around me is a warrior. Caleb Manji and the warlock's proposal came to me It's bullshit, and I have no interest in dealing with a friend of a friend because of it." "
Not just me, but I guess Francis doesn't want to follow Caleb Manji either. Although that guy's nickname of 'Beggars King' is self-proclaimed, it's also He is recognized by his people. You may not believe it, but that guy is a good person. He often gives shelter to homeless people, and occasionally helps others with great kindness. Although this may only happen for several years. It will happen once, but it is understandable, this damn world..."
At this point, one of the three underground giants of Novigrad proudly raised his chest: "So we are both good people!"
.........
" Later, Zoltan used his mother's name to vouch for the machete, and I believed it." Kolgrim said, "After all, the purpose of our assassination is to prevent citizens from being disturbed by riots, right? Then I don't think there is a need to go. Kill him."
Lann nodded, approving Kolgrim's handling method.
Zoltan temporarily separated from Lann when he arrived in Novigrad, saying that he was preparing to raise a caravan to go to Sintra. Now it seems that he is planning to cooperate with Machete to run the caravan together.
In this case, the machete can barely be considered a "friend".
As for whether it would be good for the citizens of Novigrad to stay as a gang like the Machete, that's not a question that Lan should consider. Does it have anything to do with him?
To take a step back, even if the political force of the gang really disappears, it is really difficult to say whether the outcome will be good or bad for Novigrad and Rann. After all, Novigrad is not the "holy city" of the Eternal Fire, but the commercial center and the city of freedom in the north.
I have been really busy recently and haven't paid much attention to Zoltan. Maybe I should find an opportunity to have a good chat with him...
Lann was thinking about it when there was a "bang" and a sound of landing suddenly sounded on the balcony.
Three assassins were sent out tonight, and they should be back one after another. But the sound made by the person who landed was very dull, at least it had to be someone of Lei Suo's size.
Among the three people from the Snake Faction who were arranged to go out, no one could make such a level of noise.
Several demon hunters in the room suddenly became alert.
But then, there was a rhythmic knocking on the door.
This was a pre-arranged code, which made everyone relax their vigilance slightly and raise doubts.
The balcony door opened, revealing Oakes' face.
On his shoulders was a tall, thin man who looked like he had been knocked unconscious.
This was another development that was beyond Lann's expectation: "You... couldn't find a place to dispose of the body, so you brought it back?"
Oakes seemed to realize that his behavior was not very assassin, and explained: "This It's more complicated to say... In short, he knew that I was going to assassinate him, and then he tricked me out and told me a bunch of nonsense. I didn't quite understand, but suddenly I felt that this person might be better off alive than dead. , just carry it back and let him tell you, you make up your own mind."
Lann raised his eyebrows: "He knew you were going to assassinate him? Tell me in detail."
After listening to Oaks' retelling, Lann couldn't help but Sighed.
"To be able to establish underground forces in Novigrad, a place where even the king can't reach out, it's really not easy for these gang leaders... at least they are much stronger than those messy nobles and knights. I don't know Serui What will happen over there..."
Lan En was waiting for the Beggar King to wake up, and was waiting for the last one to return at this moment.
After a while, there was another promised knock on the balcony door.
As soon as Seret opened the door, he saw that his fellow snake sect members who had set out together were already sitting in the house. He asked in disbelief: "How come you all came back so quickly, and I am the last one?" Then he saw the beggar in the corner
. The king was even more surprised: "Why did you bring the body back?"
Everyone did not explain to Serrit, but looked at him expectantly: "Did you kill Hawthorne?"
"Of course." Serrit With a confused look on his face, "Although their gangster family is in a state of preparation for war, the defense is quite tight, and there are many sentries in the middle of the night. But after all, he is just the leader of a gangster family, so it's easy." Then something appeared on his face
. Looking at Kolgrim and Oakes with ridicule and contempt, he asked: "You two came back so early because of a mistake, right? What happened to this corpse?" The Beggar
King suddenly let out a low groan, and he woke up.
.........
"Father!"
This was in a casino. All the tables within sight had been overturned, and a team of thugs were kneeling on the ground with bruises and bruises. They were bound here by their master because of poor protection, and they had obviously suffered a lot.
A young man with dark brown hair lay crying on Hawthorne's body.
When Hawthorne's deputy saw this, he sighed in his heart. This young man usually had tit-for-tat confrontations with Hawthorne, and even fought many times. I thought he was a ruthless person like Hawthorne, but I didn't expect that he still had a heart of flesh after all.
The deputy's sight failed to see the young man's face buried in Hawthorne's clothes, and the corners of his mouth could not stop rising.
He sighed in his heart about the deep love between father and son, and the deputy felt a little more at ease. Maybe if this "emotional" young man inherits the family business, the brothers' lives will be a little easier.
Or even a little more presumptuous...
But now, there is still an imminent matter before us, and we need someone who can suppress other voices within the family for a short period of time.
"Cyprian, I know you are sad now, but don't be sad first." The deputy said, "You need to become a man." The
young man lowered his head and replied: "I know, it's all for business..."
He said Crying, but not a single tear on his face.
The deputy nodded, satisfied with the young man's answer: "Everything has been prepared, and all the people have been sent out. Now that your father is dead, we need to get them back quickly, otherwise they may be killed by our enemies." Seize the opportunity..."
"Why withdraw?" The young man suddenly raised his head, his eyes flashing with the deputy's familiar light.
That's the trait of a gang leader, that cruel look.
"Aren't we going to start a riot? Aren't we going to cooperate with the Eternal Flame? Why should we stop?" "
Go ahead, we will not only start a riot, but also organize massacres and expand our territory as much as possible. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What a good opportunity. The restrained behavior in the original plan is not what the Willy family should be like!" "
Put my message into everyone's ears and say - this is the order of Hawthorne II! "
I originally wanted to update it in the early morning for everyone to wake up and read, but the reaction from the book club was that it was very harmful to the body to stay up late to catch up on the update.
So future updates will be advanced to the current time.
love & peace
(end of this chapter)