Can't I raise myself?

But things don't always go as planned. There will always be people like Ryan, kind-hearted and unable to bear witnessing suffering.

Just as he was contemplating his next move, he suddenly received a message from a colleague: Director Jonathan had taken people to the Municipal Office, thrown the evidence he had in Holder's face, and then handcuffed him under the eyes of everyone present!

Immediately after, Jonathan swiftly interrogated Holder, piecing together the entire chain of evidence for the Municipal Office approving land for the mafia and then making it public.

Because of this, the entire housing and urban-rural development department was implicated. Seven people from management alone were arrested, two of whom were minor nobles.

In a report on interviews with reporters, Jonathan publicly stated that the Public Security Bureau would protect the last piece of land for the homeless citizens of the Empire.

Collecting evidence, arresting people, interrogating, and making it public – the entire process was completed in less than a day, with an efficiency that surprised even the Public Security Bureau's own staff.

Jonathan hadn't informed Ryan and the others beforehand because he knew that not everyone in the Public Security Bureau was loyal solely to the bureau. If the Municipal Office had found out in advance, the matter would likely have fallen through.

As for now...

It's already done, what can they do to him?

After the news broke, Ryan noticed that the people in the municipal government had collectively chosen to remain silent. Although public opinion was on Jonathan's side, he guessed it also had something to do with his identity as an investigator for the League of Fire.

After all, matters concerning Transcendent beings were a secret to ordinary people, but not to some nobles and powerful individuals.

However, it was predictable that Jonathan would be targeted after this incident.

"Director, aren't you afraid of people above you causing trouble for you after doing this?"

In the office.

Ryan asked curiously.

Jonathan lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled, saying leisurely, "This world can't be filled with only one voice, but it also can't be silent. Someone has to stand up. It's fine, this little matter won't crush me. As for you all, don't get involved. Remember this: only do as much as you are capable of."

"Do you know why I didn't continue the interrogation? There's definitely someone behind Holder. But after this, I can't handle it alone. So, we stop here."

Ryan nodded slightly, saying nothing.

"Don't you think I'm hypocritical? Wanting to do something but being hesitant?" Jonathan chuckled.

"No, I think you're very smart, Director."

"Oh? Explain."

"Because if you die, then there won't be anyone left to do even this much. It's like a spring; if you compress it too tightly, you have to loosen it a bit to prevent it from breaking. The Empire is like that now."

Jonathan looked surprised. "You really dare to say that, kid."

Ryan smiled. "I only say it in front of you, Director."

"It better be. Don't go around saying these things outside." Jonathan took another deep drag, then extinguished the cigarette butt in the ashtray. "The Empire's situation is unstable, and chaos is starting everywhere. You're right, compressing too tightly will cause it to break. We can only do our best to loosen it a bit. It's a temporary fix, not a cure. The key still lies with those people upstairs."

"Let's go, Ryan. This matter ends here. Come with me to meet the person who can cure it."

"Who?"

"Princess Cassidy."

Ryan hadn't expected Cassidy to contact them proactively.

Jonathan was also puzzled. He only then learned that the princess had already arrived in Berman City. When summoned by a princess, he naturally had to go.

Seven o'clock in the evening.

A restaurant in the East District, in a private room.

"Director Jonathan," Cassidy said, sitting at the dining table, nodding slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"It is my honor."

The director, usually imposing and powerful, acted like a gentleman.

After all, the young lady before him was the Fifth Princess of the Empire, the Emperor's most beloved daughter.

"I saw today's news report. You did a remarkable thing," Cassidy suddenly said.

Jonathan was taken aback, then replied, "It was a small matter."

"A friend once told me that the fate of those at the bottom depends on the attitude of those at the top. After this incident, I understand her words more and more," Cassidy stood up and extended her arm.

Jonathan gestured and took a step forward, bowing slightly.

Cassidy placed her hand on his shoulder, her expression solemn. "You are like a noble knight. The Empire needs people like you."

Ryan stood aside. He knew this was a ritual in the Augustus Empire, a sign of honor and recognition, usually used by nobles towards their subordinates.

Once this ritual was performed, it indicated that the noble had reached a certain level of trust in them.

Although Jonathan knew this was Cassidy's way of winning hearts, he had to admit he was still very happy. After all, he gained nothing from doing this, but being praised by a princess like Cassidy made him feel it was worth it.

Recognition was a very important attitude.

However, Ryan felt something was amiss. He knew Cassidy wasn't the naive, sweet type. Even if she admired Jonathan, there was no need for her to risk being discovered to meet him.

"And who is this?" Cassidy looked at Ryan.

Jonathan smiled. "He's the deputy captain of our criminal investigation department. He's quite capable."

"I see," Cassidy nodded slightly. "Getting back to the matter at hand, Jonathan, I will be arriving in Berman City by train tomorrow. I wanted to ask for your help with something."

Jonathan asked doubtfully, "If it's a bodyguard job, we'll naturally do our best. If you're still worried, you can contact the General Bureau directly, or contact the Mayor. He'll definitely send more people to escort you."

"Do you know why Mayor Bill wasn't here last time?" Cassidy asked.

"This..."

"It's because I told him not to come. The train station is dangerous, you know that, right?"

"Your Highness, please rest assured, I promise the same thing won't happen again this time!"

"Jonathan, I believe in your loyalty, but resolve alone can't solve anything, can it?" Cassidy's gaze was calm. "After all, the ones who want to kill me are a group of Transcendent, and only a Transcendent like you can help me."

"..."

"..."

The room was quiet for a while.

After a long pause, Jonathan sighed and smiled with relief, "I didn't expect Your Highness to already know my identity." He then asked with slight confusion, "If that's the case, why did Your Highness still have to go to the train station? Even if we protect you perfectly, there's always a slip-up."

"Regarding this matter, I'd like to invite a friend of mine to join our discussion."

"A friend? Is it a friend you have in Berman City? Your Highness, your safety is paramount. If I may be so bold, it's best not to let them know your location if they can't be absolutely trusted."

Cassidy smiled slightly, "Don't worry, she's a friend who is absolutely trustworthy."

As soon as she finished speaking, the compartment door was knocked.

"Your Highness, the person has arrived."

"Come in."

Echo opened the door from the outside and made a gesture of invitation at the entrance. Then, a figure dressed in a milky white priest's robe walked in, to the astonished gazes of Ryan and Jonathan.

"Good evening, everyone," 'Lin Qi' said with a cool tone.

4k5, starting today with extra updates~

Chapter 27 Ryan: Miss Lin Qi is right, Lin Qi: Mr. Ryan is right

"Let me introduce you. This is Lin Qi, a priest of the Gate of Janus," Cassidy said with a smile. "Lin Qi, these two are..."

"We've met."

'Lin Qi' said indifferently.

"Met?"

"It's like this." Jonathan recounted the incident of capturing Sam with a helpless expression.

"I see. Since we're old acquaintances, there's no need to say more."

Cassidy didn't care much about the situation with the Blood Cult. Their followers were as common as cockroaches in a sewer. It wasn't strange for a group of lunatics shouting 'blood sacrifice to the blood god' to do anything.

"Lin Qi, please sit down first. We were just discussing tomorrow's events."

Cassidy gestured for 'Lin Qi' to sit down, then explained her plan to Jonathan and Ryan.

Cassidy's purpose for going to such lengths was simple: to deal with the Hand of Darkness and expose the mastermind behind it.

A heretical cult wouldn't attack an imperial princess for no reason. The mastermind behind it must be among those in the Empire capable of competing for the throne. Therefore, Cassidy wanted to use this opportunity to try and find leverage against them.

If she could find evidence of a prince colluding with heretics to kill her, as a princess, handing such evidence to the old emperor would at least strip that prince of his skin, if not kill him.

In addition, Cassidy also wanted to take this opportunity to build good relations with the higher-ups of the Gate of Janus. The High Priest Lia was the second target she wanted to win over... well, the first was 'Lin Qi'.

It was worth mentioning that in the game Empress Online, she had successfully won over Lia and accumulated strength for her bid for the throne.

The key to this win-win situation was that she had to personally appear as bait. Lia had no reason to refuse. She had stayed in Berman City long enough, but the core figure of the Blood Cult she was looking for had been lurking in the shadows. Those captured so far were just a few low-level members.

Since the Gate of Janus and the Hand of Darkness were also enemies, it was natural to work together to eliminate a common foe. More importantly, Cassidy promised that if the Gate of Janus helped, she would mobilize her own forces to help the Gate of Janus deal with the Blood Cult afterward.

After all, this was Augustus Empire territory. With the help of the Bureau of Governance or even the army, it was possible to eliminate those hyenas of the Blood Cult.

In essence, this was a win-win situation for the Gate of Janus as well.

As for the risks Cassidy undertook, she was willing to bear them herself. Even if something went wrong, the Gate of Janus wouldn't be blamed.

So, the problem arose.

The only pressure now fell on Jonathan, the head of the Bureau of Governance branch and an investigator for the League of Fire.

Relying solely on the forces of the Gate of Janus stationed in Berman City, Cassidy wasn't confident in dealing with the Hand of Darkness. Therefore, she needed the help of the League of Fire, the Empire's official transcendent force.

Jonathan immediately felt immense pressure.

It wasn't that he was afraid of fighting the Hand of Darkness; quite the opposite, he was eager for such a good opportunity!

This involved an imperial princess acting as bait!

If anything truly went wrong, the League of Fire would be held accountable, and the entire Berman City would suffer.

If the bait had been someone else, like Ryan, he would have been the first to step forward.

"Don't worry, Jonathan," Cassidy said with a faint smile. "I know your concerns, but this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, isn't it? And I believe in all of your abilities. Honestly, if it weren't for your actions today, I might not have chosen to approach you. That incident showed me that you are a person with a sense of justice."

Jonathan gave a wry smile, "The weight of this justice is already crushing me."

"Where is Lord Ryan?" Cassidy, for the time being, respected Ryan's opinion. Since he had heard the plan, he naturally had to be included.

"I'm following the Director," Ryan said, stroking his chin. "There's just one thing, Your Highness, how can you be sure the Hand of Darkness will definitely appear tomorrow? They were tricked once before, would they come again?"

"This relates to the second question," Cassidy's tone shifted. "It's precisely because they were tricked once that they'll think we won't trick them again. After all, news of an Imperial Princess arriving in Berman City causing a false alarm once is enough. Too much of that would harm the Princess's reputation among her subjects."

Finishing the last sentence, Cassidy said with a half-joking tone, "After all, I am qualified to inherit the throne, and perhaps the future Empress. Keeping one's word is very important."

Jonathan stared blankly at the food on the table, pretending not to hear this treasonous remark.

"If that's the case, then the commotion within the city hall tomorrow is also very important and requires special attention," Ryan stated.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Cassidy asked.

Jonathan frowned, his eyes signaling Ryan to stop talking.

"During our department's operation yesterday, the Hand of Darkness bypassed almost all sentry posts, indicating they knew our movements," Ryan ignored the Director's good intentions. "Either it's someone within the department, or someone within city hall. One of them has a problem. Of course, the East City branch, under the Director's leadership, is loyal to the Empire and would never do something so treacherous. I can't say for sure about others."

"Ryan," Jonathan waved his hand, looking at Cassidy. "We are unaware of the internal affairs of city hall, and Ryan is merely speculating. I trust the Empire's internal affairs are without issue, Princess, please do not take it to heart."

Cassidy chuckled lightly and didn't mind. She then turned to look at 'Lin Qi'.

"What do you think?"

"I think Mr. Ryan is right," 'Lin Qi' said. "I was also present yesterday. The Hand of Darkness acted very swiftly. Someone was cooperating with them."

"Indeed, within city hall... heh~" Cassidy let out a slightly sarcastic laugh. How could she not be aware of the situation in Berman City? It was just that such matters couldn't be openly discussed, otherwise, it would be questioning the old Emperor's leadership ability. This was also why Jonathan had stopped Ryan from continuing earlier.

But Cassidy didn't care. She certainly wouldn't blame Ryan. On the contrary, the fact that he could openly say these things made her feel more favorably towards him. At least it showed Ryan wasn't some sycophantic good-for-nothing.

"However, who will be responsible for keeping an eye on them?" Cassidy frowned slightly. Jonathan needed to oversee the overall situation and coordinate the League of Fire, so he definitely couldn't go.

"He's quite suitable," 'Lin Qi' slightly raised her chin, looking at Ryan.

"Ryan? Why?"

"His rank is low."