Cats and Dogs

Rein had already noticed that they had become the focus of everyone's attention, but he didn't mind.

Anyway, he's destined to be the star tonight.

He held Canossa's incredibly supple waist, his feet moving in perfect sync with hers.

Before the dance was even over, the observation was already complete.

Canossa pressed her cheek against his ear affectionately and whispered, "The message has been sent out, and we can act at any time. However, it would be best to force those experts from City of Radiance to show themselves beforehand. Otherwise, if our people show up, they might be scared away and run away, making it difficult to reclaim the totem."

Rein: "Okay. Let's proceed with Plan B then. We'll create some trouble first."

Canossa: "Okay~"

We've now seen Elder Habu at the auction house, and the remaining captured Kolman Warrior are probably in the auction warehouse. We definitely need to rescue them. But none of the carriers of the fire, wood, and Divine Power Totem have appeared, so it's clearly not the best time to act.

Both sides' high-end combat forces are operating in the shadows, giving the impression that there are no targets to shoot at.

However, this situation was anticipated and had been planned.

Before long, the music ended, and the pre-auction dance party also came to a close.

The two originally intended to create some trouble to "lure the snake out of its hole," but trouble came knocking on their door instead.

Canossa watched as a few noble youths walked towards them, and chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Looks like we don't need to go looking for trouble."

"Yes."

Rein looked at the group of people walking towards him, a cold smile crept onto his lips.

The leader of the opposing group, sporting a distinctive head of green hair, was none other than an old acquaintance—George Rosas, the eldest son of the Black Wind Territory.

Young Master George Canossa, whose figure alone was enough to make one's breath catch in their throat, he no longer had eyes for anyone else.

He walked over, completely ignoring his male companion, Rein, and gave what he thought was a very gentlemanly aristocratic bow to Canossa, introducing himself. "Beautiful Miss Canossa, I am George Rosas, and Valentine Rosas is my father."

Under normal circumstances, if a young master from a duke's family took the initiative to make overtures, even a professional businesswoman like Canossa would have to exchange a few pleasantries, no matter how much she disliked it.

But now, she glanced at the young master and coldly replied, "Oh. Is there something you need?"

"."

Upon Young Master George's expression stiffened, and a fleeting look of doubt flashed in his eyes.

The members of the "Redwood Merchant Guild" are all being held in the city lord's prison, and no one can bail them out without his permission.

This young master originally thought he had Canossa completely under his control, and had even fantasized that she would obediently climb into bed and beg him to release her.

Unexpectedly, after waiting for a long time without seeing her, they found out that Canossa had actually come to the banquet hall.

George made no attempt to hide the lewd look in his eyes and spoke again, "President Canossa, it's an honor to meet you."

Before he could finish speaking, Canossa interrupted him, saying, "No need for honor. I have no desire to know you."

Every word he uttered was a nitpicking exercise.

"."

Upon hearing this, George's smile vanished instantly, and he frowned.

Wait, this opening isn't right.

Does Canossa not care about the lives of the Redwood Merchant Guild members, and has no intention of continuing to do business in their Black Wind Territory?

However, the fact that a high-ranking nobleman like himself had been offended by a lowly merchant still made him quite furious.

Since they won't listen to gentle persuasion, let's try a tougher approach.

The next instant, Young Master George's expression changed, and he dropped the pretense of aristocratic composure, becoming utterly impolite, and coldly sneered, "A mere merchant, do you think I'm giving you face?"

Merchants, no matter how wealthy, are considered inferior to nobles.

Since he was already planning to take over the "Black Gold Merchant Guild," he didn't intend to give the chairman any face anymore.

Seeing that he had revealed his true colors, Canossa lost interest in paying any more attention to this spoiled brat whose mind was full of filth.

This kind of opponent is too low-level.

She rubbed her forehead and pointed to Rein beside her, saying, "This is His Majesty Rein of 'Black Dragon City,' who can fully represent my Chamber of Commerce. You can talk to him about anything you need to discuss."

"Hehe?"

After being rebuked again, Young Master George's face completely fell.

Oh, so you've found a powerful backer. No wonder you don't seem so confident.

I'd like to see who can be your protector in the Radiant Kingdom!

Only then did he turn his gaze to Rein, who was standing to the side, and asked with a crooked mouth and a sidelong glance, "Who are you?"

Because Rein wasn't wearing a mask this time, and his attire was completely different from his previous hunter image, I hadn't recognized him even though I'd glanced at him before.

But after making eye contact, George felt that the face looked vaguely familiar.

Before he could think further, Rein gave him a half-smile and greeted him, "Young Master George, we meet again."

"Do we know each other?"

George looked on with confusion at the tone of his voice.

A moment later, he remembered something, and as if struck by lightning, he froze on the spot.

It sounded like a familiar greeting, but to George it sounded like the death knell wielding a scythe, his voice a death knell.

He knew that voice all too well.

That look in his eyes... he finally remembered!

Holy crap, isn't that the "devil" with the crow's beak mask who almost killed me several times in the desert ruins?!

When Rein saw that he recognized him, he glared at him and teased, "Oh, you remember now?"

"You"

That gaze seemed to have a magical power.

Like Second Tier spell, the "Weakness Ray," before it even touched him, suddenly drained all of Young Master George's strength, leaving him completely limp.

The next instant, a pool of yellowish-brown liquid suddenly flowed from his crotch; he had wet himself in fright.

"You... you."

His face was deathly pale, and he scrambled backward, trying to get away from the devil. His eyes were filled with terror, as if he had gone mad, and he cried out, "Don't come any closer! Don't come any closer!"

The few spoiled young masters who had followed along were completely bewildered. What was going on?

The young lord of Black Wind Territory was actually scared out of his wits?

There aren't any ghosts or monsters on the other side, why are they so scary?

Rein and his companion were already the focus of attention in the banquet hall, so what happened to them was naturally seen by everyone else in the hall.

Earlier, when they saw Young Master George go to see Canossa, those people were planning to watch a good show.

The onlookers were also eager to know whether the beautiful Black Gold Club president could escape the clutches of this lustful young master.

And what about that "Black Dragon City" named Rein? Will he be able to protect his female companion?

But clearly, everyone thought it was impossible.

The Rosas Family is one of the "Five Great Families of Glory," and this is currently in their territory. Even if this Young Master George were to use force against the President Canossa, no one could stop him.

Unexpectedly, before the anticipated excitement even materialized, a simple greeting from the man in the white cloak terrified Young Master George.

Could it be that a Mystic System Transcendent used some kind of vicious and underhanded trick?

Rein had originally intended to make a big scene, but he was also somewhat disgusted by the Young Master George had already wet himself in fear. The strong smell of urine made one feel as if punching him would be like smashing a pile of excrement, splattering everywhere.

Rein pursed his lips. He had expected the other party to say something boastful and slap him in the face. But they chickened out like that, leaving him with no sense of accomplishment.

But on enemy territory, there's never a shortage of villains.

Just then, a group of people suddenly burst into the banquet hall.

An arrogant young man led a group of guards dressed in light armor and carrying weapons, walking over menacingly.

Upon seeing the young man, those around him immediately recognized his identity.

Listening to the whispers around him, Rein learned that the guy with the same green hair was Peter Rosas, the eldest son of the Rosas Family, the real prince with real power.

He is the older brother of "Prince Harper," who was killed by Guy in the ruins last time.

No wonder it looked familiar.

Rein just watched coldly as the group walked straight up to him, not in a hurry to make a move, but wanting to see what this guy was going to do.

The young man named Peter glanced at him and said in a completely emotionless tone, "President Canossa, you are suspected of 'illegal business operations' and have violated the territory's laws. We are now arresting you."

He paused, then ordered the executioners beside him, "Men, put him in shackles! Take him away!"

The charges will naturally be fabricated. Once they're arrested and imprisoned, the charges will be entirely up to them.

Finally, a major show unfolded, and the onlookers got excited.

Especially the business owners of those chambers of commerce who were hostile to "black gold" were filled with elation.

"I knew it! The 'Black Gold Merchant Guild' is holding the formula for the [Black Mist Antidote Potion]. They've been making a fortune in silence, but now they're showing off at this auction. Tsk tsk, they're probably not going to make any money now, and they're going to be in big trouble instead."

"Haha, I expected this all along. It's laughable that those idiots from the 'Shark Merchant Guild,' Anthony, even dared to dream of cooperating with Black Gold. How foolish!"

"Yes, I said long ago that the 'Black Gold Merchant Guild' was doomed, but some people just wouldn't believe it. Let's wait and see. This time, Canossa has delivered itself to our doorstep, and the Black Gold will completely collapse."

"."

Everyone could foresee that with Canossa arrested today, the "Black Gold Merchant Guild" would soon collapse!

This is absolutely fantastic news for these small business associations that are usually overwhelmed by the burden of black money.

But the plot took an unexpected turn.

Despite being threatened with knives and axes, President Canossa showed no sign of fear whatsoever.

Instead, she looked expectantly at the man beside her and calmly said, "Lord Rein, they want to capture me too."

Judging from her delicate and pitiful tone, it seemed that she believed this young man named Rein could still save her.

At that moment, everyone thought it was foolish of Canossa to say that.

With swords and axes at his side, his fate was sealed.

Prince Peter is the eldest son of the Rosas Family, and his involvement signifies the will of the Radiant Kingdom's higher-ups.

No one can save her.

Rebellion?

Within the territory, the only consequence of resistance is slaughter.

Even if the Black Gold Merchant Guild has a powerful figure like Sam [Dragon Spear] among its members, he would still be doomed under the legion's encirclement.

Seeing that Canossa had placed her last hope on Rein, Prince Peter sneered and couldn't help but want to expose the truth.

Because he had just received detailed information from his uncle.

The "Rein Hermes" in front of me is nothing but a blustering guy.

"Heh, President Canossa, if you're hoping this guy can save you, you're in for a bad time. He's just an insignificant character under Princess Oma. He can't save you."

Prince Peter's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said arrogantly, "Besides, even if Ymir Spurglin himself came today, the person my Rosas Family wants to capture cannot be saved! I said it!"

The people their Radiant Kingdom wants to capture are beyond saving!

Even the royal families of the two great empires are not an option!

Peter's words revealed the origin of Rein, and everyone then realized that the mysterious "Black Dragon City" was not so mysterious after all.

"Oh, so you're one of Princess Oma's subordinates."

"No wonder, so that 'Black Dragon City' was a new territory created by Princess Ymir? But Princess Ymir isn't the city lord, but rather this person?"

"Heh, just a defeated dog in a political struggle, what waves can she make? No matter where this 'Black Dragon City' is, it's not worthy of being compared to City of Radiance now. Only the title of princess can still fool people."

"Tsk tsk, this guy has quite the looks. I was almost fooled just now. It seems he's not only hooked up with Princess Oma, but now he's also in the arms of Black Gold's President Canossa. He's certainly got a lot of luck with women."

"Could this be a conman? Hah, he was putting on such a convincing act just now, but now that his female companion is about to be arrested, he doesn't dare utter a single word. What a coward."

"Given the current situation, would he dare to speak up?"

"."

One group of onlookers suddenly found things getting more and more interesting.

Originally thought to be just a matter of the "Black Gold Merchant Guild", it turned out to involve Princess Oma, who had disappeared for more than half a year.

There were even some scandalous rumors surrounding it.

Peter seemed to be deliberately trying to humiliate him; he talked about arresting people for a long time but didn't actually do anything.

Rein and Canossa were surrounded by a group of axemen, looking helpless and being judged by the gazes of the crowd.

At this point, no one dared to speak up to help.

Even those merchant guilds and nobles who had previously been on good terms with Black Gold dared not speak up.

Canossa remained silent, appearing disheartened and ready to surrender.

At this critical moment, to everyone's surprise, the guy named Rein spoke up, "Tsk tsk, nowadays even Tom, Dick, and Harry are called princes."

Prince Peter was not angry upon hearing this.

They were just looking for an excuse to arrest them all at once.

He coldly issued another order, "You are suspected of insulting the Rosas royal family, and I hereby announce your arrest. I want to see if your vanished master can rescue you!"

Rein glanced at him, completely unconcerned about the arrest warrant, and asked, "I'll leave you with one last thing. Want to hear it?"

"Your last words?"

Prince Peter raised an eyebrow, showing some interest. "Who wants to hear it?"

Rein mimicked the guy's arrogant tone from before and said, "No one can save your life today. I said it."

Hearing this, Prince Peter felt no threat whatsoever. He shook his head, finding it utterly ridiculous. "Is that so?"

Turning his head, he looked at the silent Canossa and said sarcastically, "It seems that the guy you asked for help, President Canossa, is not only a liar, but also a fool."

Everyone in the banquet hall thought that Canossa and Rein's arrest was a foregone conclusion.

But one person thought differently.

Then there Young Master George was lying limp on the ground to the side.

He was not pleased to see his cousin step forward; instead, he was terrified.

Even though everyone around him thought that guy named Rein was a "coward" and a "fool".

But only he knew that the man in front of him was no pushover; he was the kind of ruthless person who would kill someone at the slightest provocation.

Not wanting his close cousin to be killed, he cried out urgently, "Peter, be careful, he's very powerful!"

"Heh, impressive?"

As if he had heard a joke, Prince Peter scoffed and glanced at George, who was lying on the ground, terrified. The meaning was clear: You're a cowardly coward who's scared out of his wits, but I'm not.

At that moment, George felt only fear. He thought to himself, a normal person might not dare to do that, but this guy in front of him wasn't just powerful, he was a real "madman" who dared to kill!

He opened his mouth to say something, but when he caught a glimpse of Rein's numb expression, like that of a cold-blooded butcher, he knew it was too late.

That expression... he knows it all too well.

Prince Peter didn't take it seriously at all and continued to boast, "Heh heh, would he dare to lay a hand on me here? He couldn't even lay a finger on me, not even if his master Ymir came."

Before he could finish his act, his words abruptly stopped.

A loud bang was heard in the air.

"Smack!"

Before the guards could react, they suddenly felt a gust of wind sweep over them.

They vaguely sensed a sense of crisis, but when they blinked, nothing seemed to be happening.

At that moment, the only Third Tier guard beside Peter saw the rapidly moving afterimage and shouted, "Watch out! Protect His Highness!"

But it was too late.

The guards then realized that there was an extra person among them who had appeared out of nowhere.

With a blank expression, Rein gripped Prince Peter's neck, lifting him into the air.

The prince, whose face was rapidly turning blue from lack of oxygen, struggled to break free. But how could his frail mage body escape those iron-like grips?

"It's over."

George, watching this familiar scene from a short distance away, wore an expression of expectation: This madman really does dare to kill.