Hodwen’s face looked extremely unpleasant, but at this moment, he absolutely could not admit to anything. Once he admitted to this matter, it would truly be the end.

So now, no matter what, he had to cover it up. The matters of the antidote and side effects could be resolved slowly later. Otherwise, there wouldn’t even be a chance to resolve them.

“Privately investigating other territories isn’t a very good behavior,” Hodwen said.

“What’s not good about it?” Mephilia asked in return. She had been bottling up anger for a long time as these people tried to bully Liana. “Isn’t observing whether other territories have problems something we should do as heirs?

“Would you relax your care and management of a region just because that region has some dissatisfaction with you? After this incident, I specifically sent a batch of priests to provide support. Lord Darriss should remember this, right?” Mephilia asked.

Although what Mephilia said sounded somewhat domineering, wasn’t this the reality? You’re under the protection of the Lisat Kingdom, so you must accept the management of the kingdom. Moreover, Mephilia was helping you.

Of course, if you’re doing something shady, you would indeed be afraid.

“...Indeed, that happened,” Lord Darriss’ face didn’t look much better, because...

“But I remember that when the medical team arrived at the Darriss Territory, they were forbidden from entering,” Mephilia continued. “At that time, I thought Lord Darriss already had a solution and didn’t want outside help. But thinking carefully now, it seems quite intriguing?”

Worthy of Mephilia—even without Liana asking for help, she could provide assistance. Liana really wanted to pick her up and kiss her.

Though it seemed like she would be the one being picked up.

Lord Darriss didn’t speak, only visibly gloomy. He needed Crown Prince Hodwen to give him a reasonable explanation.

“Just as you said, Mephilia, as heirs, we naturally need to know about various events occurring in our Lisat Kingdom. Something like this is not a small matter, so I had already sent priests to help. This is also why Lord Darriss didn’t accept your goodwill,” Hodwen said.

“After all, having already accepted the goodwill of one heir, accepting another heir’s would seem a bit strange, wouldn’t it?”

“I didn’t think this was strange at all,” Mephilia refuted. “As heirs, our ultimate goal is to make the Lisat Kingdom better, isn’t it? Since our goals are the same, the urgent matter is to prevent our strength from weakening. This kind of widespread disease, if not dealt with promptly, might leave some ‘aftereffects.’ “

Mephilia had also noticed what Darriss was afraid of, so she followed Liana’s direction.

Indeed, after hearing the words “aftereffects,” Lord Darriss’ face became even more unpleasant.

He knew very well that this was forbidden magic. He had repeatedly inquired whether there were any particularly serious effects before using it, but now he was being told that there were even more serious effects that hadn’t been mentioned.

But Lord Darriss hadn’t lost his rationality. Liana might indeed know about the forbidden technique he had used, but she had no actual evidence, which is why she spoke this way. If she really had evidence, she wouldn’t need to go to such trouble.

So, this was very likely just a lie fabricated by Liana.

But even knowing this, what could be done? They couldn’t take the risk. Moreover, those who had used the forbidden technique indeed found their magic becoming quite unstable. But who could resist the temptation of breaking through their magical limits?

Some people might never touch the threshold of being a Judge in their lifetime, but after using the forbidden technique, they could briefly touch this threshold. This point alone was enough to tempt a group of people to touch this taboo.

But if there was an antidote, they could use this forbidden technique without any worries or concerns.

“I know what your purpose is in saying these things. You’re just trying to intimidate and make Lord Darriss panic, making him think there are irreversible side effects after using forbidden techniques. But have you considered that if they haven’t used it, then they haven’t used it. Even if there are some frightening side effects, it’s not an important matter for Lord Darriss,” Hodwen said.

If there really were side effects, they could find a puppet to use it and let the effects manifest in front of everyone. At that time, Father certainly wouldn’t let them die, and perhaps they could get the antidote. There were many solutions. But if they admitted it now, not only would they not get the antidote, but his heir status would definitely be revoked.

“As heirs, we naturally should trust the other territories of our Lisat Kingdom. Lord Darriss was indeed a bit impolite to you earlier, but Mephilia and Liana, it’s not good for you to keep suspecting the Darriss Territory over these small matters, is it?” Hodwen said.

“No, no, no, when did I ever suspect the Darriss Territory? What I suspect is you all,” Liana spoke up at this point. “Crown Prince Hodwen, you’re good at avoiding the main point. I’ve been saying all along that you purchased forbidden techniques from the Angus Commerce Guild and gifted them to the Darriss Territory, not that the Darriss Territory obtained the forbidden techniques themselves. Understand?

“The words you just said seem to have completely eliminated your own problem? I haven’t had a good chat with you about Count Ige’s matter yet,” Liana said.

“Don’t say you knew nothing about Count Ige’s matter. We’re not children anymore. No one would be fooled by such inferior lies. It’s just that you wanted to create some troubles for Erinna, preventing her from helping Mephilia.”

“This is just...”

“Some despicable and foul methods that you were able to employ. If you truly considered the kingdom’s best interests, your minds wouldn’t be on these matters, understand?” Liana directly interrupted the conversation.

There were some things that the King of Lisat, due to being their father and also being the king, couldn’t say well. Saying them would seem unfair. So, Liana would let herself say them.

“Mephilia, before, because of my matters, how much opposition and opinions did she face? How many malicious rumors? Does she not care? That’s impossible, right? Constantly hearing those rumors and malicious words must have had some impact, right? But what was her approach? She didn’t explain ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) those malicious matters but continued to do what she should do as an heir.

“I know that at this point, you definitely want to say that my situation compared to what you’re facing now is nothing, right? But what I want to say is, what are you rushing for? Just do your own things well. The residents of Lisat will see your actions.

“This is also why, despite Mephilia accepting me, many people are still willing to support her. It’s precisely because she didn’t let my situation affect her and continued to do what she should. This is her responsibility.

“On the contrary, you all seem too eager. Shouldn’t you just continue to do what heirs should do? Time will prove everything. If what I said is false, if I deliberately misled others to wrongly accuse you, wouldn’t that be good for you? And Mephilia would once again be caught in a storm of public opinion because of this. Isn’t that what you most want to see?”

Liana’s consecutive statements left Hodwen speechless for a moment.

“Then let’s do this: I’ll apologize to both of you in front of everyone, okay? This way, you’ll be satisfied, right?” Liana said.

“No need,” Oester, who had been silent for a long time, now spoke. “Making Liana apologize to us at this point, how is that different from us forcing you? Liana, what you said is right. At this point, doing what one should do is enough. Time will prove everything.”

“Sigh,” The King of Lisat sighed. For the outcome of today’s meeting, he only had one words: disappointment. The behavior of Hodwen and Oester was truly disappointing.

How could the King of Lisat not know about some of their private behaviors?

The test the King of Lisat mentioned was precisely this: the corrupt side of the Lisat Kingdom. These two seemed to be acting for the good of the Lisat Kingdom, but they were actually the culprits.

The King of Lisat had given them many chances and reminded them many times, but they seemed to have been blinded by power, doing things that crossed the line.

This was also one of the reasons why he wanted to retire.

He had originally thought of directly passing the his crown to Duke Venus, but Duke Venus always had endless excuses to decline. And at that time, Mephilia had shown extraordinary talent.

However, Mephilia’s entire situation with Liana made the King of Lisat feel very pained.

Rationality told him that if he had been determined to deal with Liana at that time, perhaps Mephilia would have returned to the right track. But in the end, he hadn’t acted.

But in terms of results, the monarch was completely wrong. Mephilia had not only become more excellent, but Liana had helped Mephilia a great deal.

So, from four months ago, when Minoga told him the truth about Liana, the position of heir already had a clear candidate. The so-called test was entirely to see how Mephilia would handle the matters of her two brothers.

Obviously, there had been progress, but the only drawback was that no substantial evidence had been found yet.

But this couldn’t be blamed on them. After all, time was somewhat tight. Moreover, Liana’s words had given them more time, and for a period in the future, those two would also be more well-behaved.

“So, do you all have anything else to discuss with me?” Liana asked.

“...” The Lady of Angus had many things she wanted to say, but seeing that Liana seemed to have done her homework thoroughly, it was better to remain silent for now.

Moreover, what she should be considering was the subsequent revenge from the three. Liana’s words undoubtedly pointed the source of everything towards the her.

What was more fatal was that she couldn’t refute because this was the truth. Who was it? Who on earth leaked this matter?

Did that forbidden technique really have other side effects? Impossible, right? The Angus Commerce Guild had already conducted many human experiments. Only after confirming there were no problems did they sell this forbidden technique to Crown Prince Hodwen.

But now, whether what Liana said was true or not was no longer important. The Angus Commerce Guild would face a significant impact for a period in the future.

And now, the most important thing for her was to find the mole first; otherwise, her life would be in danger.

“Whether forbidden techniques were used or not, time will give the answer. Forbidden things being sealed away is not without reason,” Liana stood up.

She bowed towards the old king. “I’m very sorry, Your Majesty, for troubling you with such small matters and wasting everyone’s time. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first. After all, there are many matters in the Venus Territory that I need to handle. Oh, I almost forgot, you all seem to have more urgent matters to deal with than I do,” Liana mischievously added.

“Liana...” One of her oppositions wanted to say something, but at this moment, the King of Lisat spoke.

“Today, let’s end it here,” The King of Lisat stood up. “Regarding the truth of what Liana said, I will investigate it thoroughly.”

Although he already had the answer now.

“This matter doesn’t need to trouble Your Majesty. This is something we heirs should do. If such matters still need to be handled by the semi-retired king, how can we continue your legacy?” Mephilia spoke at this point.

“That’s true, but I will also investigate it thoroughly,” This was the King’s final warning to certain people. “Let’s all disperse.”

Before leaving, Liana glanced at the Lady of Angus. “The methods you used are truly low-level, malicious, and repulsive. But rest assured, it will end soon.”

“Are you declaring war on me, Princess Liana...?” The Lady of Angus wanted to say something more, but Liana had already left.

“Your Majesty, we’ll take our leave first and won’t disturb you anymore,” The others also successively left the room.

However, obviously, they wouldn’t leave separately. They came to Oester’s room.

“It seems things have become a mess. The election was already in a very disadvantageous situation, and now showing such an ugly side in front of Father. If I were Father, I would definitely choose Mephilia,” Oester said.

“What? You don’t seem very surprised,” Hodwen’s face was terribly gloomy.

“Indeed, I’m not very surprised, because I’m doing this now, aren’t I?” Oester said. “Didn’t I tell you we need to get rid of Liana? She’s no longer the waste she used to be.”

Hodwen didn’t speak. Liana’s previous behavior could at most be considered provocation towards Hodwen, but now, it was a naked declaration of war against Hodwen, and it had caused an extremely significant impact on him.

“Hodwen, you seem to be completely led by the nose,” Lord Darriss didn’t give Hodwen any face and directly addressed him by name in private.

“Moreover, it’s best if there really aren’t any so-called side effects. Otherwise, even your status as heir won’t protect you,” Lord Darriss blatantly threatened.

Hodwen naturally understood that Lord Darriss had this power. So now he could only vent on someone else.

He raised his hand and directly gripped the Lady of Angus’s neck. “All of this is because of you. Shouldn’t you give us a reasonable explanation?”

Not to mention the side effects now. According to the original course, they shouldn’t have known about this matter.

Why had Liana directly named all the transactions they had made?

Obviously, there was a mole among them. Someone had leaked this intelligence.

“...” The Lady of Angus truly wanted to say she didn’t know. She was also a victim.

But saying she didn’t know at this point would make the problem even more serious.

“I will investigate this as soon as possible...”

Thud!

This wasn’t what Hodwen wanted to hear. He directly punched her in the stomach.

“You now have only one way to remedy this. Otherwise, the Angus Commerce Guild will forever disappear from the Lisat Kingdom, understand?” Hodwen blatantly threatened.

“...What way?” Actually, the she already knew. The only way was to eliminate Liana.

“Kill Liana.”

In the current situation, Hodwen didn’t want to act personally. Father was already investigating this matter. If he acted at this point, it would be no different from seeking death.

So this was the method?

She also hated Liana to death now. The Angus Commerce Guild, which had been meticulously managed for a long time—even if someone came to investigate, they could be dismissed with a small gift. When had they ever encountered someone like Liana?

Unafraid of the Angus Commerce Guild’s threats, directly flipping the table and cursing, doing these things without considering the consequences.

But it had to be said that Liana’s current behavior had indeed affected them. Correspondingly, Liana now also had to prepare to face their retaliation.

“As the Angus Commerce Guild, you should have many channels and methods to deal with Liana, right?” Hodwen said.

“You have no choice now. Surrender and join Mephilia’s side? But would Mephilia forgive you? It’s impossible. You can only do this,” Hodwen threatened.

“...I understand, Crown Prince Hodwen,” Lady Angus also knew very clearly that only by taking care of Liana could her guild possibly return to how it was before. Moreover, such matters would have to stop for a while.

“But, Crown Prince Hodwen, Second Prince Oester, you have to help me,” She wasn’t stupid. If her hands were stained with blood, once this matter ended, she would have no more value, and instead, they would use it to hold her by the throat.

The Angus Territory didn’t have the strength of the Darriss Territory, and neither did they have a Judge. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so submissive. The only thing she could bring to the table was their relationship network.

But after such an incident, whether the so-called relationship network still existed was another question.

So at this point, she had to bind them all together, making them have to protect her.

“Help you with what?”

“The King of Lisat wants to investigate this matter, and our Angus Commerce Guild will definitely be the first to be investigated. So I hope you can help me destroy some evidence,” Angus said.

“With your relationship network and your cautious nature, you don’t need our help, do you?” Oester said unhurriedly.

“Things have already reached this point. The so-called caution no longer exists. There’s a mole among us, so I need help dealing with it,” she reasoned.

“Alright,” Oester agreed. As for how to handle it, that was his business.

“However, I didn’t expect Crown Prince Hodwen would cooperate with Second Prince Oester,” Lady Angus said.

“It’s just the force of circumstances. If we two continue to struggle against each other, it will only benefit Mephilia,” Hodwen didn’t want to cooperate with Oester, but needs must.

“I also didn’t expect that Brother Hodwen would also purchase intelligence that can’t be inquired about from the Angus Commerce Guild,” Oester had been doing this much earlier than Hodwen. Perhaps Hodwen had initially truly wanted to compete using his own strength.

But later, after finding he couldn’t match Mephilia, he also became anxious and finally chose this path.

This was great. If Hodwen hadn’t done this, there would have been some trouble. He had been a great help—providing an accomplice and someone to take the blame.

As they confirmed their relationship and prepared to leave, Lord Darriss raised his hand, and Lady Angus felt a powerful magic pressing down on her, making her kneel on the ground. Several bones in her body shattered. “You’re still as untrustworthy as before.”

“And you’re still as savage as before, only knowing how to use your magic brutally,” Lady Angus wasn’t angry. They were old acquaintances. “But doing this now doesn’t benefit you in any way.”

“If there are truly any serious side effects, I will kill you,” Darriss threatened.

“I’ve conducted many human experiments. The most serious side effect is a reduction in magic reserves. I’ve already told you about this.”

She took some medicine before standing up.

“Find me the antidote. I will give you some compensation.”

“Understood, you barbarian...”

Mephilia and Liana walked on the way back to Mephilia’s room.

Neither of them spoke, walking silently side by side.

Occasionally, passersby would cast glances at the two, after all, they already knew about Liana’s situation, so curiosity was the main reaction towards Liana now.

But no one actively approached to inquire. That would be too impolite.

“Welcome home, Princess, Princess Liana,” Vivian stood at the door, along with an old acquaintance?

“Oliphia?” Liana looked up and saw the tin woman.

This person, after leaving her, had put on this tin suit again. How much did she like this tin suit?

“Congratulations, Princess Liana. Your misunderstanding is gradually being resolved,” Oliphia’s tone clearly showed she was happy for Liana.

“Thank you,” Liana nodded. Anyway, this person already knew, so it wouldn’t be too awkward.

“The words Princess Liana said were truly responsible,” Oliphia said.

Not awkward at all...

Liana could only smile awkwardly.

“Also, Princess Liana is the cutest person in the world,” Oliphia teased.

No, is this your character setting? Is this what you say?

Liana could already feel that Mephilia beside her was trying her best to hold back her laughter.

“Oliphia has changed a lot during her time following Liana,” Mephilia said.

“Because Princess Liana is truly a strange person. Strange, but impossible to dislike. Uh, I mean, after knowing the truth,” Oliphia very generously admitted this point. “But Princess Liana’s acting was so convincing.”

“Please don’t emphasize this anymore,” Liana’s ears had turned a bit red.

Regret, now she was regretting it. Why did she say those words back then? What was even more fatal was that Coco had said these words in front of so many people.

“It’s been more than half a month since we’ve seen each other, Princess Liana. I wonder if your training has slackened?” Oliphia asked.

“Why don’t you test me?” Liana also wanted to use the royal knight’s testing standards to see exactly what level she had reached.

“Good... not right now,” Oliphia quickly changed her words because she saw that Princess Mephilia’s expression was a bit off. Although she had a smile on her face, it gave people a very dangerous feeling.

If she had nodded at this point, the problem would be very serious. She was too eager for progress.

“Why...” Liana wanted to ask why, but Mephilia directly pulled her into the room. “Alright, Liana, you should have some things to explain to me, right?”

Oh no, Oliphia help!