Chapter 493
"Knock knock knock."
Heinz, inside the room, was startled and stared at the roller shutter without moving. He held his breath, afraid of making any unnecessary noise.
Shi Lei knew he was inside and continued knocking.
"Knock knock knock."
The boss has a key, so whoever is knocking must be an outsider. Hearing that the knocking didn't stop, Heinz asked with a serious expression:
Who is it?
It's me.
Shi Lei can break through the goal with force, but it's unnecessary:
"The packaging box you sold me is defective; I've come to you to have it replaced."
Heinz felt the reason was somewhat flimsy, but he couldn't refuse the other party's request. If he agreed but didn't leave, it would arouse suspicion.
Left with no other choice, they had to bite the bullet and open the door.
"Splash."
As the roller shutter opened, Shi Lei strolled into the store and said to the tense Heinz:
"Mr. Phantom Thief Refraction, let's have a chat."
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Chapter 567 As Expected (4K)
"What Phantom Thief Refraction? Sir, what are you talking about? I don't quite understand."
Seeing that Heinz was feigning ignorance and refusing to admit it, Shi Lei didn't bother arguing with him. He walked straight inside to the workshop where the jewelry was hidden. He reached in, opened a hidden compartment, and took out a package.
"Don't understand? Then what is this?"
Seeing Shi Lei directly find the jewelry, Heinz clenched his fist behind his back, his expression unusually solemn.
If the guard who stole the Twin Towers Dream tries to trick him after getting the money, there's really nothing to say.
But that only confirms the identity of the Phantom Thief; it doesn't reveal the location of the jewels.
This happened when Heinz was an apprentice. Once, the equipment malfunctioned, and the boss was reluctant to spend money on repairs. So he taught himself how to fix it and made some minor modifications. It wasn't an inherently hidden compartment.
No one else in the world knows this.
Heinz couldn't understand how the other person had discovered the hidden compartment. Could it be that he had secretly installed a camera during his last visit to the store?
But Heinz didn't notice anything amiss at the time, and even the obsidian involved in the transaction was stored in the storage room. Since there were no security cameras, how did he discover the hiding place?
Seeing the other person's serious expression, Shi Lei comforted him:
"Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble."
After saying that, he took out an oval-shaped ruby from his package. Inside was Black Substance, making it look like two tall towers. Perhaps it was because of this shape that it was named 'Twin Towers Dream'.
Under Heinz's utterly astonished gaze, he recreated the exact same Twin Towers Dream on the spot.
The intricate details of the twin towers inside the gemstone are far superior to the genuine article; I wonder if this qualifies as a fake.
"You... you..."
Heinz was so surprised he was speechless; he guessed the same thing had been done with the previous Blood Gem.
Shi Lei weighed the counterfeit in his hand, carefully wrapped up the genuine Twin Towers Dream, opened the device's cover, and stuffed it back in before speaking again:
"The Count Sachsen might be severely punished for failing to hand this over on time, but it won't be a serious loss. I have a solution that satisfies both sides; would you like to hear it?"
Heinz neither agreed nor refused, his eyes fixed intently on the other person through his monocle.
In a split second, countless thoughts of running away or fighting flashed through his mind, but reason told him that he could not win, so he could only remain silent.
Shi Lei had already identified the Jewelry Appraiser and wasn't worried about him escaping. Later, by finding Maena, he could determine whether the Count Sachsen and Viscount Saxony deserved to die or would be spared.
"Don't want to hear it? Fine, then forget it."
In 1077, the Twin Empresses led their people and resistance forces into the tower, ending the reign of the former Witch King Helkhorzoren. This year is 1098, and the 21st Empress Festival is being held.
The Twin Empresses's personal guards, the Empress's Voice, will come to the Count's Mansion tomorrow morning to receive the gem. Shi Lei plans to present the Blood Gem as a gift and will also be present.
If we can get the Count Sachsen a fake of the Twin Towers Dream tonight, and then smash it on the spot when it's delivered tomorrow, we can bring them utter destruction.
The advantage of doing this is that it keeps your hands clean.
Once the deed is done, brush away the dust and leave, concealing your merits and fame.
As for the Phantom Thief Refraction, this kind of chivalrous thief who opposes the nobility is a plus for Shi Lei. As long as he doesn't indiscriminately kill innocent civilians, there's no need to pursue the matter.
Heinz opened his mouth, but said nothing.
He's Phantom Thief who uses magic and Originium Arts to deceive people, not a master thief with exceptional skills.
A difference of just one word makes a big difference.
Holding the counterfeit Twin Towers Dream, Shi Lei turned to leave the workshop. Standing at the entrance to the corridor, he said to the Jewelry Appraiser, whose expression was complex:
"My initial impression of you was quite good, which is why I didn't use any harsher methods. Although there's never a shortage of seeds of hatred on this land, one can't live well if one harbors hatred all the time. I've taken care of this matter for you. Whether you stay here or go out to make your way in the world, it's up to you to think it over."
Watching the customer leave, Heinz became intensely curious about his identity and asked:
Who exactly are you?
"Me? Just a tourist passing through."
After saying that, Shi Lei left the Jewelry Appraisal Institute without looking back, disappearing into the night.
Seeing that the other party had actually left, and instead of using the exposure of his identity to demand hush money, Heinz didn't chase after them. He quickly packed his things and fled that very night.
Shi Lei met up with Maena via mobile phone.
After learning about the Count Sachsen's past deeds, he decided to continue with the plan. According to the investigation, the Earl and his son had committed many evil deeds. Things like blowing up mines were not the first time they had done it.
These insects should be completely eradicated.
He arrived outside the Count's Mansion and controlled the newly made Twin Towers Dream to parachute inside. Once he confirmed that someone had discovered the jewels, he turned and went back to his inn to rest.
The next day, morning.
The sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.
The Count Sachsen found the Twin Towers Dream last night, and after repeated confirmation, it was found to be genuine. This made him very happy, as he was finally able to deliver it on schedule.
As for why the jewel was found and then returned, the Count Sachsen was unsure. Perhaps the Phantom Thief Refraction found it, threw it back, and was preparing to resend the Crime Notice.
But he's handing it over to the Empress's Voice today, and whether or not the Phantom Thief Refraction steals it afterward is none of his business.
Besides the Count Saxson and his son and his son, Shi Lei and his group, there was also a large group of Sargon nobles present.
The Empress's Voice is the Empress's secret agent force of sorcerers, and they are extremely busy every day. Unlike a landlady who collects money door-to-door, they can only collect it from one place at a time. And that place is none other than the Count Saxson's Mansion.
Some nobles noticed Shi Lei's diverse group of people and couldn't help but take a second look. However, they assumed they were people trying to climb the social ladder by presenting a treasure and didn't pay them any attention.
Exusiai and the others learned of the entire plan, they waited like spectators to see what would happen.
They secretly observed the count and Earl son, who seemed poised for great success, suppressing their laughter.
"Do you think he would have wanted to die if he saw the gem shatter on the spot?"
"Trying to fool the Empress with fake jewels should be considered a crime of deceiving the monarch. Whether he wants to die or not, the end result will be the same."
"Shh, keep your voice down, it sounds like someone's coming."
As the Count's Mansion's Butler rushed in, everyone's attention was drawn to him. But following behind him was not the Empress's Voice, but a woman dressed in a black miniskirt uniform and black pantyhose.
She had black horns, black hair, black lips, and a black uniform. Her somber face exuded a ruthless authority, showcasing a regal aura.
Such high recognizability caused some nobles to gape in surprise, their faces filled with disbelief.
Unexpectedly, Hildergard Helinmat, the 'Black Empress' of the Twin Empresses, actually made an appearance!
Good heavens, what is she doing here?
For something like collecting gemstones from the common people, the Empress's Voice could simply handle it. The fact that the Black Empress herself came shows how important this matter is.
"Your Her Majesty the Empress!"
The Count Sachsen's voice trembled with joy, feeling that happiness had come so suddenly. If she could see his Twin Towers Dream, wouldn't that be a great reward for him?
To everyone's astonishment, the Black Empress Helinmat ignored Count Sachsen and walked straight to Maena, pointing at Shi Lei and asking:
"Is this Mister Zhongli?"
"Yes."
The Black Empress wasn't there for the jewels, but to see a young man in his early twenties. This greatly surprised the Sargon Nobles, who began asking those around them about the man's identity and background.
Who is he?
"I don't know, it seems to be from overseas."
"Even if he's a distinguished guest, he should go to the Royal Palace to pay his respects when he comes to Sargon. There's no reason for the Empress to come out and greet him personally. Judging from his appearance, he's no ordinary person."
Herlinma, hailed as 'Sargon's Sharpest Sword,' always maintained a serious expression.
"Mister Zhongli."
After saying this, she took the initiative to bow, her attitude unexpectedly respectful:
"You've come from afar, why didn't you send someone to inform us beforehand? Why did you have to present your treasures like they do? It's really too much for us sisters."
Upon hearing her explanation, Shi Lei immediately understood. He guessed that his identity had been exposed, allowing the Twin Empresses to learn some things, which was why she had taken the initiative to come to him.
He estimated that it was most likely related to the breaking of the Star Pod last month. As Victoria's neighbor, it was reasonable for Sargon to send someone to investigate the celestial anomaly.
Moreover, the Duke Windermere's residence is located on the border between Victoria and Sargon. It's not impossible that information could leak from her.
Regardless of the specific scenario, this development, while unexpected, is also quite logical.
"If it hadn't been so late when I learned of your arrival yesterday, I would have come last night. I hope Mister Zhongli. Zhongli will forgive me for not being able to greet you immediately."
The nobles present were dumbfounded, never expecting that the high and mighty Black Empress would apologize to a man.
Who exactly is he?
The Count Sachsen felt a sudden pang in his heart as he recalled how he had treated them like lackeys and driven them away the day before. He felt as if he had missed out on a fortune, and was extremely frustrated and disappointed.
Shi Lei felt that the Black Empress probably wanted something from him, otherwise her politeness would be a bit excessive.
"Don't say that. This trip was just a long journey with my family. We were just passing through Sargon, so there's no need to make such a fuss. The gem offering is about to begin here, so why don't we find another place to talk?"
"Alright, I've arranged for someone to handle the gem matter. Mister Zhongli, this way please."
Seeing that the Black Empress and her distinguished guests were about to leave, Count Sachsen, wanting to try one last time, said with a forced smile:
"Your Her Majesty the Empress, if you have important matters to discuss, you may wish to meet in the Council Hall of my residence. Though it is not as magnificent as the Royal Palace, it is certainly quiet and peaceful."
The Black Empress already knew about the Count and Viscount of Count Sachsen's past misdeeds and didn't give them a friendly look. She looked at Shi Lei, leaving the choice to him:
What does Mister Zhongli think?
Shi Lei understood the implication and thought to himself that this would save him trouble, as he wouldn't have to break the fake on the spot.
"No need, it's too much trouble. I'd like to go out for a walk and enjoy the scenery around here."
Helinmate nodded, indicating that she understood.
She gave a signal to the Empress's Voice behind her, and immediately three sorcerers surrounded the Count Sachsen.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Earl and Viscount, please come with us."
Seeing the Empress's Voice take action, the Saxony Father and Son were bewildered and repeatedly begged for mercy:
"Father, what have you done? Why are they arresting us, Father!"
"No, why are you arresting me? Your Her Majesty the Empress, there must be some misunderstanding!"
As a result, the Black Empress didn't even glance at him, and temporarily acted as a guide to lead the way for Shi Lei and his group.
Lappland noticed the envious looks from the Sargon nobles and straightened her back. It was still more comfortable staying by Shi Lei's side; no one dared to look down on her.
The group left the Count's Mansion and headed towards the Central City District along the main road.