Chapter 165 The First Joint Operation of the Justice League
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars for 40+ more chapters
Upon hearing Hobert's words, Audrey immediately responded, "There's a ball tonight that I was planning to decline, but now I've changed my mind."
Glaint also chimed in, "I will do whatever I can to help."
Hobert smiled, "In addition to your help, Xio and Fors are also assisting in finding witnesses. This is our Justice League's first joint operation!"
Audrey's eyes shimmered with an inexplicable brilliance. While the Tarot Club was prestigious, it felt elusive to her, whereas the Justice League and its members' experiences were tangible and enhanced her sense of involvement.
The other members were also visibly excited, feeling a newfound closeness among them.
Hobert smiled, "Alright, enough about business. Let's move on to free exchange and trade."
Audrey added, "Miss Xio and Miss Fors have completed the task I entrusted to you. They had traced Qilangos, which forced him to act prematurely, increasing the likelihood of exposure."
"And you both took on considerable risk. This is your reward," Audrey continued, surprising Karl, "Qilangos? Vice Admiral Qilangos?!"
For several days, the disappearance and alleged death of Admiral Qilangos in the storm had been reported. He was said to have prepared for a ball but was discovered and killed after a fierce battle.
As for which ball he attended and why, the public was unaware. However, the three nobles present knew the answers to these questions. Karl, however, did not. Qilangos' death was related to Audrey, the "most dazzling gem of Backlund," and the two ladies before him.
Karl's astonishment pleased Audrey, who nearly disclosed her role in the event.
"Yes," Audrey finally restrained herself, "We played a certain role in this matter."
Upon seeing Audrey's reward, Xio and Fors couldn't help but smile. The risks they had taken made it all worthwhile.
They then realized that since joining the Justice League, their income had doubled.
Finally, they thought back to how difficult it would have been to escape without Hobert.
Thus, Xio said to Hobert, "Thanks to you for stopping Qilangos' attack and misleading him. I think our reward should..."
Hobert waved his hand, "That was entirely coincidental. Even if I hadn't intervened, you would have found another way to escape. No need to thank me or split the reward with me."
Karl once again scrutinized Hobert, reshaping his perception of the young lawyer, who could withstand attacks from Vice Admiral Qilangos, a pirate general widely recognized as one of the world's strongest! This excited Karl, who felt he was in the right place, even seeing his bright future ahead.
Upon hearing Hobert's words, Xio and Fors did not insist further, and they made a verbal agreement with Hobert regarding the main materials for the "Sheriff" and "Trickmaster."
Karl fell completely silent, surprised that a single gathering had resulted in trades for three main materials.
The other members also belatedly felt somewhat incredulous at achieving such fruitful results at only their second gathering.
Audrey then brought up a new topic, "I hope to get clues about the 'Psychology Alchemists' or the 'Spectator Pathway.'"
Fors said, "Recently, I heard a clue about the 'Psychology Alchemists.' It's a mysterious gathering held at the medical school. When they hold their next meeting, I'll invite you to join."
Previously, in order to save Xio from imminent imprisonment, Fors had promised to help Audrey and Glaint find clues about the "Spectator" and "Apothecary."
At Mr. A's gathering, they obtained a clue about the "Apothecary" and later completed the trade of the "Apothecary" potion formula and main materials with Hobert.
As for the clue about the "Spectator," it still remains elusive.
"Alright," Audrey took out a painting she had prepared long ago, "Hobert, this is a painting I specially made for you. I wish you success in your lawsuit."
She presented a painting depicting a young lawyer laughing heartily, a reluctant judge, and a stern middle-aged lawyer.
"Thank you," Hobert examined the painting, "I will hang it in the living room."
He asked, "Does this painting have a name?"
Audrey shook her head, "Not yet."
Hobert thought for a moment, "Then let's call it 'Shadows of the Court.'"
...
As night fell, it was time again for Backlund's noble socializing.
Their way of socializing was through balls, under various pretexts!
Here, they exchanged political and commercial information within their circles. The ladies also kept busy, trying to help their husbands gain information and the favor of others in the circle.
During their conversation, the ladies began discussing the recently much-discussed "industrial injury compensation case." They forgot who initiated the topic, but it was highly appropriate and reasonable.
Through information obtained from other ladies, they speculated that Arnold had deceived them. Originally a profit-seeking merchant, he caused many workers' injuries but refused compensation, thus concocting an incident where workers excessively demanded compensation.
The credibility of this news was very high, based on their analysis of information inadvertently revealed by others.
Watching the ladies, each seeming to have exclusive information, Audrey finally smiled slightly.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, a group of noble youths also discussed the case. Viscount Glaint embellished Arnold's despicable methods but didn't mention the Backlund Chamber of Commerce's explicit support for Arnold.
The young nobles also realized that Arnold had issues, and this case might not be as glorified as widely believed.
As the ball neared its end, Audrey happened to meet Glaint. Both smiled brightly.
After the ball, Audrey, who had battled continuously for three to four hours, finally relaxed.
Sitting in the family carriage, Count Hall smiled and praised Audrey, "My dear, your thinking was excellent!"
Then he said to his wife, "Our daughter has grown up, understanding how to avoid major conflicts."
Audrey smiled, "The wise Count Hall, nothing escapes your eyes. But you surely didn't know who gave me the inspiration."
Count Hall was stunned. Wasn't this Audrey's own idea? Or was someone teaching Audrey how to do it?
Glaint? It didn't seem like it.