Exploring Technology in a Wizard World-Chapter 1448 - 1446: Truly Unexpected

In the early and middle stages of the struggle for the throne, the Tenth Prince did not show any desire for the throne, nor did he take any actions to compete for it. Instead, he was manipulated as a pawn by various forces, pulled back and forth amidst the chaos.

In the end, everyone finally realized: the Tenth Prince, seemingly an ordinary piece on the board, was the real player in the game. It was uncertain when he started strategizing, but by the time his intentions were revealed, he had already gained an absolute advantage, eliminating all competitors and inevitably inheriting the throne.

A very patient emperor—this was the evaluation many had of the Tenth Prince. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Richard, however, had a different view. The Tenth Prince was indeed patient, but the true masters of patience were the Truth Society that stood behind him.

Yes, the Truth Society.

Through collaboration with Zong Hu and Long Shu in leading the "Spider Web," coupled with the intelligence work from Shalin and his own deductions, Richard concluded long ago that over ninety percent of Shaya’s chaos was caused by the Truth Society.

And the Tenth Prince becoming the new emperor had an inextricable link with the Truth Society.

After all, the Second Prince, Third Prince, and Fourth Prince, who were strong contenders for the throne, were not foolish. Before attempting to ally with the Tenth Prince, they thoroughly investigated his faction to assess whether he could truly be utilized.

If the Tenth Prince was truly powerful, he might deceive once, but he couldn’t deceive everyone.

The reason the Tenth Prince was left unguarded was that he actually had no power, and his astonishing final eruption was nothing more than gaining support from the Truth Society.

The power of the Truth Society needed no further explanation. Even though their headquarters were destroyed, remnants certainly remain. At least, according to his understanding, the Truth Society should have four Colorful Rings generals. Excluding the "Dead Sea," who was dead, and the "Gray Mist," who Richard had sent to heaven, there were still half left, which meant two.

The Colorful Rings can practically be seen as entities beyond Level 4 Wizards. If they choose to lay low and plan, with the Truth Society’s bizarre methods, almost nothing is impossible if they are willing to put in the time and effort.

This poses a significant threat to him and to Shalin.

He had contemplated more than once that if given the chance, it would be better to eliminate the remnants of the Truth Society with all his might.

However, the hidden Truth Society is far more challenging than the exposed one. Just like the previous conversation with Long Shu, if they make a move against the hidden Truth Society, even if one slips through the net, it could cause endless trouble.

Considering this point, and the fact that over the past three years, the Truth Society had not deliberately caused trouble, he slowly changed part of his thinking.

In his view, if the Truth Society learned a lesson from the destruction of their headquarters and ceased to make enemies of him, instead turning to other endeavors such as infiltrating the Alliance or attempting "resurrection," he could cooperate in forming a temporary "Peace Treaty."

This way, the Truth Society could complete their plans without interference, and he could dedicate more time to his research—once the Truth Society succeeds in their "resurrection" and decides to trouble him, he would deal with the Truth Society after understanding the world’s truth. In any case, forming a "contract" now benefits both parties.

Perhaps the emperor controlled by the Truth Society had this in mind, which is why he invited him to meet.

This seems like a wise choice.

If the Truth Society could be wiser and one day turn enmity into friendship, limited cooperation between the two sides wouldn’t be impossible.

After all, he is quite curious about some of the top secrets of the Truth Society, about the so-called True God of the Truth Society.

With these thoughts in mind, Richard stepped into the palace and halted. Facing the Alliance Emperor—Byron Romanov, he displayed a warm smile and bent in a formal Noble’s bow.

"Lord Richard from Shalin greets His Majesty, the Emperor of our great Soma Alliance," Richard said.

After completing the bow, he slowly straightened up and looked at the Alliance Emperor.

As Richard expected, the next step would normally be the Alliance Emperor’s courteous greetings, followed by a discussion on the Judgment Court, a reassessment of interests, and wrapping up this meeting.

Yet in the next moment, the emperor’s cold response caught him off guard.

Sitting on the high throne, the new Alliance emperor, after watching Richard bow, expressionlessly said, "Lord Richard of Shalin... do you know your crime?!"

Do you know your crime?!

Your crime?!

"Bang!"

With the emperor’s words, the door to the palace slammed shut.

The Alliance Emperor looked directly at Richard. Richard’s expression was somewhat frozen, with a hint of surprise, some bewilderment, a bit of unexpectedness, and a touch of... bewilderment.

Hmm?

For a full three seconds, Richard neither spoke nor made any movements.

These three seconds led Richard to reassess himself and reevaluate his hidden opponent—the Truth Society.

Although reluctant to admit it, he had to acknowledge that with just a short opening line, the Alliance Emperor had already revealed much information, uncovering many things.

Perhaps... he was not as feared as he thought, and maybe the hidden Truth Society was not as rational as he imagined.

Inquiring about guilt upon meeting... what was the intention here?

Anxiously preparing to act?

If that’s the case, this so-called meeting was never a "negotiation," but a trap.

But this trap was too clumsy, blatantly luring him in and harming him without any concealment.

This was really too straightforward, almost like a street gang’s trick.

However, on reflection, although it was simple, he indeed got deceived. Mainly because he never expected the Alliance Emperor to use such means against him, nor did he expect that the Alliance Emperor believed such means would work on him.

Richard’s lips curled slightly, forming a somewhat odd sneer, as he slowly turned his head, scanning everyone in the palace. He saw the varying expressions of the court officials, some were calm, some surprised, some shocked, and some fearful. Clearly, they also were unaware of the Alliance Emperor’s decision beforehand.

Especially Cyril Sack, the diplomatic ambassador, who genuinely seemed to think this meeting was sincere, so upon hearing the Alliance Emperor’s words, his eyes were wide open in disbelief.

"Heh..."

Richard chuckled softly. After a glance over everyone, he looked back at the Alliance Emperor and calmly spoke, "May I ask Your Majesty, what crime am I accused of?"

He already knew the intent of the Alliance Emperor, or rather, the Truth Society’s intent, and was somewhat interested in cooperating with them, curious to see how far they intended to take this.

Would they try to force him to voluntarily confess, or self-righteously convict him directly, or perhaps go as far as dispensing with even the barest veneer and attempt to kill him on the spot?