Can't I Cultivate Myself? Chapter 46

"..."

Ryan went numb.

Grand Duchess, why don't you go argue it out with the Princess and see who I'm supposed to be loyal to?

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Chapter 51 Ryan: These Game Women Are Such a Turnoff!

If Ryan had truly been wholeheartedly loyal to Magana, then Cassidy's invitation was undoubtedly the best opportunity before him.

Agree, gain Cassidy's trust, then turn traitor at the crucial moment and claim first blood as an insider!

Woohoo~

Unfortunately, Ryan had never intended to involve himself in the Succession Struggle.

Becoming Magana's lackey had been forced upon him. In the future, he only planned to Muddle Through—if he was lightly injured, he would not go to the Frontline. Others could fight among themselves; he only wanted to live peacefully and cultivate his Alt Account.

Once he had slacked off long enough, Magana would naturally lose interest in him and push him to the sidelines. By then, it would not matter even if he could not clear his name.

But if he became Cassidy's lackey now and Magana found out, would she not put him on an altar?

No, absolutely not!

"I'm sorry, Her Highness the Princess, but I can't agree," Ryan said.

"Why?" Cassidy's expression did not change much. "Do you also think I have no chance of winning? Or do you think there is no future in following me? I can promise to help you become Director. You could even become the mayor of Berman City in the future and become a Noble."

"Neither. I'm not interested in any of that."

"Then why?"

"Because of my mission." Ryan spoke earnestly. "Mr. Jonathan told me that every Investigator of the League of Fire should place Imperial Interest above all else. I was moved by his spirit and had long since decided to regard him as my role model. I'm not afraid of death, but when I finally fall, I hope it will not be in a struggle for the throne, but on the path known as 'protection.'"

"My finger wishes to point toward wherever hope lies."

Cassidy was stunned.

After a long while, she let out a soft sigh.

"With an Investigator like you who cares so deeply for the Empire, I should be happy. Yet my feelings are complicated. The more you are like this, the more certain I am that you are the person who can help me."

Gaining the aid of one capable person was better than gaining countless useless fools.

Ryan thought, My feelings are complicated too. Go find Lin Qi, or wait until Shari appears and find her. Why do you all keep coming after me?

"Let's think about this from another angle." Cassidy shifted the subject. "Ryan, I respect your determination to protect the Empire, but have you considered that if we cannot solve the root cause of the Empire's chaos, then there can be no talk of protection? Father Emperor's health is steadily declining. There are no shortage of ministers and nobles with ambitions like Magana's, and those with succession rights are fighting one another. How can there be peace?"

"I can sense that the flames of war are about to ignite. The Augustus Empire will soon enter its darkest period in nearly a century. At a time like this, someone needs to step forward and lead the Imperial Citizens out of their predicament. I respect those who still hold fast in the darkness, but the League of Fire should move toward New Life rather than stubbornly cling to death. No one cares when a moth flies into a flame, but when it flies toward the Sun, it can always find its own ray of light."

"I am not the Sun, but I have always been striving to become the Sun in the hearts of the Imperial Citizens. I believe I can do it, and I hope you can believe in me too, Ryan."

The League of Fire had existed for a long time and held extraordinary significance for the Empire. Cassidy needed their help if she wanted any hope of reversing the situation.

If she went directly to the Imperial Capital, she would stand no chance at all.

Therefore, she had to establish a foundation in Berman City and use her status as a Princess to gain more support.

That was why outstanding local talent like Ryan was naturally what Cassidy wanted most to recruit. She was even counting on Ryan to help her manage Berman City in the future.

Moreover, if she could win Ryan over, she would indirectly win over the League of Fire in Berman City as well.

Cassidy had always felt that Jonathan treated Ryan differently. Though he was clearly a newcomer, he had been entrusted with important responsibilities. That indicated Ryan's Magic Talent was likely exceptional.

Those were the reasons she had been willing to set aside the airs of a Princess and sincerely invite Ryan.

"Ah, Your Highness, of course I believe you can become the Sun." Ryan was speechless. What was this? He had clearly rejected her, yet she was still clinging to him. How had he never noticed this back when he played the game? These women were such a turnoff!

Cassidy and Magana were both such turnoff women!

"How about this? I'll go back and discuss it with Mr. Jonathan first?" He used a classic trick from his past life—just wait for further notice. Once I have an answer, I'll let you know.

So long as there was no answer, he could keep dragging it out and let Cassidy see how determined he was to lie flat. Yes, just like with Magana, Ryan had decided that from now on, he would simply give up and coast.

These turnoff women claimed they coveted his intelligence, but was that really the case? Did he not know whether he was smart or not? Compared to his handsomeness, his intelligence was not worth mentioning at all.

"Then... all right, Ryan. I'll wait for your good news."

Cassidy did not say anything more.

The private room was very quiet.

Ryan drained his black tea in two gulps, then quickly found an excuse to slip away.

After leaving the Coffee Shop, Ryan went to the East District Branch to find Jonathan and told him what had happened.

Naturally, Jonathan did not want Ryan getting involved in something like this. Since ancient times, struggles for the Crown Prince had always been brutal. Lesser Camillas like them would not even make a ripple if thrown into it.

Cassidy made it sound nice, talking about moths flying toward the Sun and blooming with light. If you flew into a fire, you could at least struggle a little; if you flew into the Sun, there would not even be ashes left!

If Cassidy's words were weaving an illusory cradle for Ryan, then Jonathan's words were much more realistic: know your limits and do what you were capable of. Do not believe in those empty promises.

As for how to refuse the Princess's invitation, Jonathan thought the same as Ryan. You're competing for the throne, after all. You can't stay in Berman City forever, can you?

Just keep dragging it out.

The two of them got on the same page right away. If Cassidy came asking again, Jonathan would help take the heat for him.

Other people looked for wingmen; Ryan had to find himself a shield. Fucking ridiculous.

"...Actually, why don't you try flirting with Miss Lin Qi?" Jonathan suddenly came up with a brilliant idea. "If you can join forces with the Gate of Janus, then even Her Highness the Princess won't be able to force you to do anything. The League of Fire doesn't interfere in this anyway, as long as your heart is with the Empire. Besides, Miss Lin Qi may be a little cold, but she's perfect in every way—great figure, pretty face, incredible talent. Back in Berman City, someone like her would've been impossible to find even with a lantern."

"Yes, Captain, you're absolutely right. From now on, I'll go to the church every day to confess to Miss Lin Qi. First I'll win her over, then the High Priest, then their Saintess, then their Pope. After that, I'll have the Gate of Janus under my control. What do you think?"

Jonathan felt utterly fucked over.

You brat, you'd been planning to lose yourself in decadent pleasures at the Gate of Janus all along, hadn't you?

Three in the afternoon.

A bookstore in the East District.

When Ryan entered the bookstore, Kaisa was arranging the shelves.

"Mr. Ryan." She turned around, a flicker of delight appearing on her face. "You finally came."

"Lord Adler is dead," Ryan said quietly.

"Yes, that is precisely what has been making me uneasy. Lord Adler told me to follow your orders, but now that he is dead, what are we supposed to do from now on?"

Ryan carefully observed Kaisa's words and behavior but found nothing unusual. To be honest, this woman was more professional at being an undercover agent than he was. That expression—anxiety tinged with panic, panic tinged with anticipation. A seasoned actress.

"Don't worry, Kaisa. The Grand Duchess has already contacted me. I'll be in charge of Berman City from now on, and our support will arrive soon."

"That's wonderful. I believe Lord Ryan will surely lead us in striking back."

"Aren't you sad? Lord Adler is dead. He had always treated you well, hadn't he?"

Kaisa gently shook her head. "He gave his life for the Grand Duchess's cause. I am proud of him. If one day Lord Ryan needs me to do the same, I will not hesitate either."

"Ah, yes. Everything for the Grand Duchess."

Ryan looked around the bookstore, his gaze lingering briefly on the Ninth Shelf Ninth Floor Ninth Book. "I haven't finished the book from last time. I'll bring it back to you later."

"That isn't important. Lord Ryan, weren't you looking for information on Cassola Prison last time? Do you still need it?"

"No. The Grand Duchess told me to lie low for the time being and not do anything unnecessary."

A trace of disappointment surfaced in Kaisa's eyes, but she quickly returned to normal. Bowing, she said, "If you need any help, please command me at any time."

"Don't worry, Kaisa. There'll be a time for you to prove useful."

Ten minutes later, Ryan left the bookstore.

He still had no idea what Kaisa's true face was. He couldn't shake the unease in his heart. He needed to get an alt account to test her out as soon as possible.

That evening.

Jonathan suddenly called and told Ryan to prepare to attend a banquet at Aideburg.

The invitation had been personally sent by Cassidy.

"A banquet? Me?" Ryan was somewhat puzzled. "Someone like me can attend that kind of high-society banquet?"

Anyone who could enter Aideburg belonged to Berman City's top circles. Ryan, a mere captain, really wasn't of sufficient standing.

"It's not like you're low-class either," Jonathan said. "Anyway, Her Highness the Princess invited you. The food inside is pretty good too. No point turning down free food."

True enough. Ryan loved getting things for free.

Ryan went back to change into a suit, then drove to Aideburg's outer gate.

"Over here!"

Jonathan was standing some distance away, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cigarette.

"Why aren't you going in?" Ryan asked as he walked over.

"Hey, they don't allow smoking inside. I'm taking a couple of drags before I go in." Jonathan gestured toward the gate with his chin. "Look, they're all big shots from Berman City. Congratulations, Ryan. You've squeezed into the big shots' circle."

Ryan spread his hands. "We've caught plenty of big shots ourselves."

"Haha, true. But when you go in later, if anyone comes over to chat with you, don't get too involved, and don't believe what they say. Remember, we're here to eat. Making friends isn't appropriate."

"Making friends?"

"For example, there are always certain noblewomen, you know? Even some Noble Lords. Tsk, tsk. Looking like that today, Ryan, you're bound to get plenty of greetings."

"?"

A question mark practically popped up over Ryan's head.

No, was this what people meant when they said high society was a mess?

After Jonathan finished his cigarette, the two of them walked to the gate. He took out two invitations, and the guards let them through after a quick look.

Beyond the gate lay a spacious courtyard, with paths dividing it into stretches of lawn and greenery surrounding all of Aideburg. The castle rose grandly beneath the night sky, ancient and sacred from the outside. Yet once inside, it was an entirely different experience. The lights cast a pale, dazzling glow across the floor, while colorful crystal ornaments were embedded around the hall. Further in stood rows of long tables covered with white cloths.

The tables were laden with food, wine, and fruit, with candles lit for added atmosphere, yet the guests merely gathered in twos and threes without touching any of it.

Ryan followed Jonathan into a corner. Jonathan asked a servant for two glasses of wine, and the two drank and chatted.

Just as Jonathan had said, before long, a noblewoman came over to strike up a conversation with Ryan.

"She was a baroness." Jonathan smiled. "Twenty-four, unmarried, with five or six lovers she was close to."

The corner of Ryan's mouth twitched, but he said nothing.

Then another noblewoman arrived.

A banquet was a circle of its own. Everyone wanted to meet any new face who could enter this place. Ryan had appeared in the papers twice, but the people here did not care who had solved what case or who had been promoted to what position.

Only after entering the circle would they acknowledge that you had reached their level and finally look you in the eye.

Ryan had no interest in such socializing. He waited until Cassidy and Bill appeared before the banquet finally began.

Jonathan was thoroughly familiar with the place. He immediately went to get food, then returned carrying a huge plate and set it on the table, signaling for Ryan to eat his fill.

The two of them immediately became the banquet's "odd ones out."

While everyone else was busy making connections, Ryan and Jonathan were busy eating.

"Jonathan, Ryan."

At that moment, Cassidy and Bill suddenly walked over.

"Your Highness."

"Ryan." Bill held a glass of wine and smiled. "I'm very glad that Berman City has such an outstanding talent as you."

Ryan was puzzled. Why had this old man suddenly taken an interest in him?

I wasn't the one who killed your secretary-general. It was "Lin Qi."

Bill had a neat head of brown hair and was in his fifties. Mature and steady, he looked like an old hand in officialdom, without the slightest hint that he might be an inside traitor.

"Her Highness the Princess just told me that the position of Director of the Department General Bureau suits you very well. Do you think you can take it on?" Bill suddenly asked.

"Me? Director?"

Cassidy, standing beside him, smiled and nodded.