Brambus Manor.
In the luxurious hall, the bright white light of perpetual illumination mingled with the surrounding candlelight, creating a bright and warm environment.
The dining table was filled with exquisite dishes.
In the basket at the center were freshly baked, fluffy white bread, thick red meat dripping with gravy, sweet corn, mashed potatoes with cream, and various salads.
The moment Princess Renner entered the room, her golden beauty and bright blonde hair seemed to momentarily dim the light.
She looked at the figure she had been anticipating, seated directly across the dining table.
A hint of twisted longing appeared on Princess Renner's face, but it quickly returned to a normal smile. She gracefully and impeccably walked over, holding the hem of her skirt with her fair, delicate hands.
"Greetings, master of the manor."
Renner walked to the side of the dining table, bowed slightly, lowered her head, and knelt on one knee, performing a very elegant and dignified bow:
"May I ask how I should address your current identity?"
Princess Renner's eyelids curved upwards, and she raised her chin again, asking with a beaming smile.
At this moment.
Tang Zheng was not wearing his usual white priest robe, but a red and black magic robe.
Princess Renner had also noticed earlier that a white, faceless mask was placed beside Tang Zheng's right hand as he dined.
"Just a little disguise."
Tang Zheng picked up the glass beside his plate, took a sip of warm water, and gently shook his head:
"It's evening now, and it will take some time to return to the Royal City from this manor. Let's eat first."
"It is my honor."
Princess Renner once again lifted the hem of her skirt, curtsied, and politely and appropriately sat down opposite Tang Zheng. The smile in her eyes deepened slightly.
Her visit to Brambus Manor this time.
It was not because Princess Renner was invited. From the attitude of the guards at the manor entrance, she could tell.
In fact, this was Princess Renner's "sudden" and unexpected move.
It was precisely because of this spontaneous decision!
From the dispatch of people to greet her to the well-prepared dinner before her, everything indicated that her unexpected move had always been within the other party's sight.
Such a situation of being "monitored" would likely cause unnecessary vigilance and caution in an ordinary person.
However.
Princess Renner not only felt no tension or caution, but an irrepressible joy surged from the depths of her heart.
Her Highness, Lord Tang, was always paying attention to her!
Confirming this was enough.
Click!
Princess Renner unconsciously leaned forward, picked up a piece of salad with her silver knife and fork, and with a flick of her pink tongue, swallowed it. She chewed slightly and licked her lips.
"How did you figure it out?" Tang Zheng looked at Princess Renner opposite him, dressed in a pure white formal gown.
"Money~"
Princess Renner immediately put down her knife and fork: "The funds you provided to the Magic Caster Guild are difficult to investigate."
"But in the entire Royal Capital, there aren't many who possess such vast funds and the means to conceal it from all the nobles."
In fact, she was also somewhat surprised.
An immense organization like the Eight Fingers was actually controlled by this man in its most crucial part.
To be precise, it should be Zuranon.
A barely perceptible hint of possessiveness flashed in Princess Renner's eyes. The more mysterious this man became, the more her heart stirred.
Renners, the "Free Will" squad, the Eight Fingers, Zuranon.
This vast power was all in this man's grasp, and the incident in the hills could now be definitively linked to it!
"Hoo~"
Princess Renner's nostrils quivered slightly, and the expression on her cheeks became even sweeter and more humble.
Every time she peeled back a layer of the veil, she could sense another veil hidden beneath. Even with all the secrets she had uncovered, In Princess Renner's eyes, Tang Zheng remained a bottomless abyss. Even with her intelligence, she could not discern or analyze even a shred of Tang Zheng's intentions or his plans.
At least based on the strength and power she had perceived so far.
Princess Renner believed that the other party could easily overthrow the current Re-Estize Kingdom.
"Is that so."
Tang Zheng nodded almost imperceptibly.
In fact, what he was more curious about was how Princess Renner had managed to pinpoint this manor, the headquarters of the Eight Fingers' security department.
There were a few other points, but none of them were important right now.
Tang Zheng looked at the person opposite him with calm, serious eyes. It was a waste to leave such a mind idle.
"What's the progress with the Magic Caster Guild?" Tang Zheng asked casually, while internally contemplating how to utilize Princess Renner's intellect.
He had been cautious before.
After all, with Princess Renner's intelligence, if she were to defect, she would leak too much crucial information.
Therefore, the tasks Tang Zheng assigned to Princess Renner were all relatively unimportant, things that wouldn't have a significant impact even if the information were leaked in the future.
But now!
Princess Renner's sudden arrival was her way of proving her worth to him.
"Those mages are working on the development, but the progress is indeed slow," Princess Renner said, lowering her head.
Developing "Tier 0 Magic" was the task Tang Zheng had given her, and it was also the reason for their contact with the Magic Caster Guild during this period.
The official explanation was that they wanted to draw the attention of the royal family and nobles to magic, by developing some simple and practical spells first to attract their notice.
The Kingdom was steeped in a "warrior culture," making it difficult to accept magical culture all at once. The reason given for gradually increasing attention to magic, coupled with her identity as the "Golden" Princess, would not arouse any suspicion.
"This matter has nothing to do with you."
Tang Zheng wasn't disappointed; instead, he looked as if it was exactly as he expected. "Just continue to provide additional funding."
Possessing the means to increase "Tier 0 Magic" using skill points, he naturally had his own plans in this regard.
However, developing magic wasn't like cooking. Even "Tier 0 Magic" couldn't be created in a short period.
It would be good if they saw results within a year or two.
Therefore, Although Tang Zheng had preparations and ideas in this area, he didn't hold out much hope, mainly because his time was running out.
And to acquire more powerful magic to enhance his strength and prepare for future diverse combat, there was only one way!
—World Item: [Nameless Spellbook]!
"Are you aware of what happened in the Tove Great Forest on the Kingdom's border?" Tang Zheng asked suddenly, his thoughts solidifying.
"Tove Great Forest... I've heard some things."
Princess Renner seemed to sense something and quickly calmed down, responding in a steady voice, "I heard it's related to [Zuranon], likely a fearsome monster like a 'Forest Dominator'."
"I imagine the specific situation is more complex?"
Several thoughts flashed through Princess Renner's mind, and a strong desire to investigate arose within her.
She hadn't paid much attention to this matter, only hearing about it occasionally. Tang Zheng's inquiry itself indicated that it was not a simple issue.
"The monster problem has been effectively dealt with,"
Tang Zheng smiled slightly. "However, contrary to rumors, the ones who truly handled this trouble were not the Adventurer's Guild, but the Slane Theocracy and the Council State."
Upon hearing this!
Princess Renner's eyes widened, then a sharp glint flashed within them.
"The two countries are currently very peaceful..."
"It's 'unknown'!"
"Oh?"
"The Slane Theocracy and the Council State must have clashed over this matter. In the end, both sides suffered losses."
Princess Renner's thoughts were very clear as she made her judgment and explanation:
"Hmm, as a basis for judgment, it's likely due to the Theocracy's 'Human Supremacy ideology.' The possibility of them cooperating with the Council State is extremely low; rather, the probability of conflict is high."
Clap! Clap!
"A very correct judgment," Tang Zheng smiled and applauded.
"Thank you for your praise."
Princess Renner lowered her head slightly, responding humbly.
Tang Zheng leaned back in his chair. "The possibility of the Theocracy and the Council State cooperating is indeed extremely low. So, what method could make the two sides cooperate?"
Princess Renner fell into thought and, after a moment of silence, responded, "I believe that a 'third-party threat' or an 'irresistible bait' would create the possibility of cooperation."
"Deep-seated grudges and ideological opposition would lead to any cooperation proposal from one side being viewed as a conspiracy or a trap by the other."
"Even if a cooperation agreement were reached, it would still be difficult to truly trust each other, and various complications might arise during the cooperation process."
This was indeed a difficult matter!
"'Irresistible bait'," Tang Zheng murmured the words to himself, falling into thought.
Princess Renner noticed this, her delicate lips parting slightly as she looked at Tang Zheng expectantly. "If we utilize some form of intelligence advantage, combined with a trap, it might be possible to achieve 'unconscious cooperation'."
Tang Zheng's gaze sharpened; he seemed to have an idea.
"Lord Tang, if you don't mind."
Princess Renner immediately offered. Even though she didn't know what Tang Zheng intended to do, it didn't stop her from using the limited information she had to assist:
"I can use the Kingdom's cooperation."
"Tell me your proposal," Tang Zheng said, snapping back to attention and smiling at Princess Renner.
"Comparing national strength, although the Slane Theocracy is the strongest among the human nations, it cannot compare to the Council State. As the weaker party, the Theocracy should be the one most vigilant and under the most pressure."
"We can use this to make the Theocracy misjudge."
"For example..."
Princess Renner's voice drew out slightly, and she said with an indifferent tone, "My brother is attacked by the Empire~"
Tang Zheng narrowed his eyes.
He could clearly feel Princess Renner's coldness, even indifference, towards her own brother.
Just an "attack"?
Not killed, because being alive would have a greater impact, right?
Tang Zheng didn't speak, waiting for Princess Renner to continue.
"The Kingdom and the Empire just finished their autumn war, so it's normal for the Empire to retaliate. However, in terms of overall national strength, the Kingdom is far inferior to the Empire."
"Facing the risk of further retaliation from the Empire, seeking foreign aid is also natural."
Princess Renner's tone was light, as if she were discussing an ordinary matter, her gentle facade completely gone.
No!
This was the other party's true face.
"It's just..." Princess Renner blinked and looked at Tang Zheng with satisfaction.
Tang Zheng said, "It's just lacking an 'irresistible bait'."
Princess Renner respectfully replied, "Yes."
Tang Zheng smiled frankly and shifted his attention back to the dinner in front of him, casually saying, "From today onwards, you will control the power of the [Eight Fingers]."
"I understand," Princess Renner replied.
A moment later.
With a soft "click."
Princess Renner left the hall and went out onto the lawn in the courtyard.
"Your Highness!" Climb ran over breathlessly from a distance. "Why are you here?"
"The wine here is famous."
"I specifically visited the owner of this manor to ask about wine, so I can tell my brother about it."
Princess Renner replied innocently and cheerfully.
"Your Highness is as kind as ever."
Climb knew that the two princes did not treat Her Highness very well, and he thought somewhat rudely to himself:
"The two princes are so lucky to have a sister like Your Highness, yet they don't know how to cherish her."
"Is the wine loaded onto the carriage?"
"It's already loaded, Your Highness."
"Then let's go, Climb. Thank you for your hard work."
"It's my duty!"
Inside the manor hall.
After Princess Renner left, a slender figure walked down the stairs with her arms crossed and a cold expression.
Her purple ponytail swayed with her slender waist.
"It seems I can leave this damned place," Imina said flatly, her voice devoid of emotion.
"Oh, unhappy?"
Tang Zheng remained seated, turning his upper body to look at Imina on the stairs and smiling, "Don't you always dislike this place? Now you've found someone suitable to take over this job."
The corners of Imina's eyes stiffened slightly, and her expression gradually turned cold as she stared at Tang Zheng. "So... you're kicking me out."
"Ah?"
Tang Zheng feigned surprise. "We're companions, why would I kick you out?"
"With your current strength, there's no need for you to stay with the [Eight Fingers] any longer. Brain is sufficient to control it."
Imina frowned.
In fact, after Brain and Arshe arrived, they had taken the spots of two other newly recruited Six Arms members.
She had a vague feeling that Tang Zheng was planning something new.
It's just... she was still a little unhappy.
Imina wasn't sure where this unhappiness came from. After a brief pause, her narrow eyes glanced towards the doorway. "I think that woman is a bit dangerous."
"I think so too," Tang Zheng nodded in agreement.
"You..." Imina's eyes widened.
"Haha, speaking of which, Renners is quite the celebrity in the Kingdom now, while you've always stayed in the shadows, hidden within 「Eight Fingers」."
Tang Zheng shrugged, a cheerful smile on his face. "I just think it's time you stepped out into the light as well."
Clang—!
Imina leaned against the stairs, expressionless as she drew the "Magic Rifle - Sniper Rifle" from her back. She took a purple handkerchief from her waist and gently wiped the barrel.
"Are you interested in going home?"
Seeing that she had no intention of speaking, Tang Zheng smiled with interest and asked, "Not to the Empire, but to your real home, the kingdom of the forest."
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