First Arrangement with Renner: An Irresistible Bait

Brambaus Estate.

In the luxurious hall, the bright white light of the Everlasting Light lamps mingled with the surrounding candlelight, creating a bright and warm environment.

The table was filled with exquisite dishes.

The central basket contains freshly baked soft white bread, thick slices of red meat dripping with gravy, sweet corn, potatoes topped with cream, and various salads, among other things.

The moment Princess Renner entered the room, her golden beauty and bright blonde hair seemed to dim the light for a moment.

Looking at the figure I longed to see right across the table.

Princess Renner's expression held a twisted longing, which quickly faded into a normal smile. With her fair, delicate hands lifting the hem of her skirt, she walked over with elegance and impeccable manners.

"Hello, owner of the manor."

Renner walked to the side of the dining table, bowed slightly, and pressed one knee down in a very elegant and graceful manner.

"May I ask how I should address you in your current capacity?"

Princess Renner's eyelids curved into a smile, and she raised her chin again, asking with a beaming smile.

now.

Tang Zheng was not wearing his usual white Priest's robe, but a red and black magic robe.

Princess Renner had already noticed that there was a white, faceless mask placed to Tang Zheng's right as he was eating.

"Just a little disguise."

Tang Zheng picked up the glass next to his plate, took a sip of warm water, and gently shook his head.

"It's already evening. It will take some time to return to the Royal City from this manor. Let's have dinner first."

"My pleasure."

Princess Renner lifted her skirt again and bowed slightly, sitting politely and gracefully opposite Tang Zheng, her smile growing even stronger.

This time, I came to Brambaus Estate.

It wasn't that Princess Renner had been invited; one could tell from the attitude of the guards at the manor gate when she first arrived.

In fact, this was Princess Renner's "sudden" and unexpected action.

It was precisely because it was a spur-of-the-moment decision!

From sending someone to greet you to the well-prepared dinner before you, everything shows that your unexpected actions have always been in the other person's sight.

Such a situation of being "surveilled" would likely cause unnecessary vigilance and defensiveness in the presence of an ordinary person.

However.

Princess Renner felt no tension or wariness whatsoever; instead, an overwhelming joy welled up within her.

I've always been the focus of His Excellency Tang's attention and concern!

Confirming that is enough.

Click!

Princess Renner leaned forward unconsciously, picked up a piece of salad with her Silver knife and fork, curled her pink tongue around it, swallowed it, chewed it slightly, and licked her lips.

"How did you figure it out?" Tang Zheng looked at Princess Renner, who was dressed in a pure white dress.

Money~

Princess Renner immediately put down her knife and fork. "The funds you provided to the Magic Caster's Guild are difficult to investigate."

"But in the entire Royal Capital, there aren't many who possess such a vast amount of funds and have the means to deceive the various nobles."

Actually, she was also somewhat surprised.

Such a powerful force as [Eight Fingers] has actually been controlled by this man, who has mastered a crucial part of it.

To be precise, it should be [Zurrernorn].

A barely perceptible glint of controlling desire flashed in Princess Renner's eyes; the man before her grew increasingly mysterious and alluring.

Lainas, the "Free Will" squad, [Eight Fingers], [Zurrernorn].

This enormous force is entirely under the control of this man, and the events at Abelion Hills Incident can now be definitively linked to it!

"Phew~"

Princess Renner's nostrils twitched slightly, and her expression became even sweeter and more humble.

Each time she lifted one veil, she could perceive an even deeper veil hidden beneath, even now that so many secrets had been discovered.

In Princess Renner's eyes, Tang Zheng remained an unfathomable Abyss. Even with her intelligence, she could not discern or analyze any of Tang Zheng's intentions or what he intended to do.

Based at least on the strength and power currently perceived.

Princess Renner believed that the other party could easily overthrow the current "Rie Yestize Kingdom".

Is that so?

Tang Zheng nodded almost imperceptibly.

What he was more curious about was how Princess Renner was able to determine the location of the manor where the Security Department headquarters of the [Eight Fingers] was situated.

There were a few other points, but none of them matter now.

Tang Zheng looked calmly and seriously at the person opposite him. It was a real waste to have such a mind left unused.

"Any progress with the Magic Caster's Guild?" Tang Zheng asked casually, while inwardly pondering how to utilize Princess Renner's intelligence.

He was initially wary.

After all, given Princess Renner's intelligence, if she were to defect, she would reveal far too much crucial information.

Therefore, the tasks Tang Zheng had Princess Renner perform were not of paramount importance, and even if the information were leaked in the future, it would not have a significant impact.

And now!

Princess Renner's sudden arrival was an attempt to prove her worth to him.

"The Magic Caster are working on it, but progress is indeed slow," Princess Renner said, bowing her head.

Developing "0th-tier Magic" was the task Tang Zheng assigned to her, which is also why she has been in contact with the Magic Caster's Guild recently.

The official statement.

The intention was to draw the attention of the Royal Family and nobles to magic, and to be the first to develop some simple and practical magic to attract their attention.

The Kingdom has a "Warrior culture," and it would be very difficult for it to suddenly adopt a magical culture. The reason for gradually increasing the importance of magic, coupled with the identity of the "Golden" princess, would not arouse any suspicion.

This has nothing to do with you.

Tang Zheng wasn't disappointed; on the contrary, he seemed to have expected it. "Just continue to provide additional funding."

Having the means to use skill points to upgrade "0th-tier Magic", he naturally had some interest in this area.

Developing magic is not like cooking; even "0th-tier Magic" cannot be created in a short period of time.

It would be great if we could get results in a year or two.

so.

Although Tang Zheng had made preparations and had ideas in this regard, he did not have high expectations, mainly because he did not have much time left.

If you want to acquire more powerful magic to enhance your strength and cope with the diverse battles of the future, there is only one way!

World Item: [Nameless Spellbook]!

"Are you aware of what happened in the Great Forest of Tob on the border of the Kingdom?" Tang Zheng asked suddenly, having made up his mind.

"The Great Forest of Tob. I've heard of it."

Princess Renner seemed to sense something, quickly Calmness herself and replying in a steady voice, "It's said to be related to [Zurrernorn]."

It's probably a terrifying monster like the "Forest Lord."

"The specific situation must be more complicated."

Several thoughts flashed through Princess Renner's mind in an instant, and a strong desire to explore arose in her heart.

She hadn't paid much attention to this matter, only occasionally hearing about it. The fact that Tang Zheng asked about it itself indicated that the matter was not simple.

"The monster problem has been effectively resolved."

Tang Zheng smiled slightly, "However, contrary to the rumors, it wasn't the Adventurer's Guild that actually dealt with this problem, but rather the Slane Theocracy and the Council State."

Upon hearing this!

Princess Renner's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

"The situation is currently very calm between the two countries."

It is "unknown"!

"Oh?"

"The Slane Theocracy and the Council State must have clashed over this matter, and as a result, both sides suffered losses."

Princess Renner's thinking was very clear; she made judgments and explanations simultaneously.

"Hmm~, the basis for this judgment is probably the Theocracy's ' Human Supremacy ' philosophy. The possibility of the other party cooperating with the Council State is extremely low; on the contrary, the probability of conflict is very high."

Snap! Snap!

"A very correct judgment." Tang Zheng smiled and clapped his hands.

Thank you for your compliment.

Princess Renner bowed her head slightly in humility.

Tang Zheng leaned back in his chair and said, "The possibility of cooperation between the Theocracy and the Council State is indeed extremely low. So, what methods are there to help them reach an agreement?"

Princess Renner pondered for a moment, then responded, "I believe that only a 'threat from a third party' or an 'irresistible lure' can create the possibility of cooperation."

"Historical feuds and ideological clashes mean that any suggestion of cooperation from one side to the other will be seen as a conspiracy or a trap."

Even if a cooperation agreement is reached, it is still difficult to truly trust the other party, and various unforeseen events may occur during the cooperation process.

This is indeed a difficult thing!

"An irresistible lure." Tang Zheng murmured these words to himself, lost in thought.

Princess Renner noticed this scene, her pink lips parted slightly, and she looked at Tang Zheng expectantly. "If we utilize some kind of intelligence advantage, combined with a trap, perhaps we can achieve the possibility of 'unconscious cooperation'."

Tang Zheng's gaze sharpened, as if he had thought of something.

"Mr. Tang, if you don't mind..."

Princess Renner immediately suggested that even if she didn't know what Tang Zheng was planning, she could still use the limited information she had to assist him:

"I can utilize the Kingdom's cooperation."

"Tell me your proposal." Tang Zheng snapped out of his reverie and smiled at Princess Renner.

"In terms of national strength, although the Slane Theocracy is the strongest among all human nations, it cannot compare to the Council State. As the weaker party, the Theocracy should be the one most wary and under the most pressure."

"We can use this to make the Theocracy make a wrong judgment."

"For example--"

Princess Renner's voice trailed off slightly, in a nonchalant tone. "My brother has been attacked by the Empire~"

Tang Zheng narrowed his eyes.

He could clearly sense Princess Renner's indifference, even her lack of concern, towards her brother.

Was it just an "attack"?

The reason it's not about killing is because the impact of keeping them alive would be greater, right?

Tang Zheng did not speak, but waited for Princess Renner to continue.

"The Kingdom and the Empire have just ended their Autumn War, so it's normal for the Empire to retaliate. However, in terms of overall national strength, the Kingdom is far inferior to the Empire."

"Given the risk of further retaliation from the Empire, seeking external assistance is only natural."

Princess Renner spoke in a light tone, as if she were talking about something completely ordinary, her gentle pretense vanished.

No!

This is their true nature.

"But," Princess Renner blinked, looking at Tang Zheng with a contented expression.

Tang Zheng: "It's just lacking an 'irresistible bait'."

Princess Renner replied respectfully, "Yes."

Tang Zheng smiled calmly, refocusing his attention on the dinner in front of him, and casually said, "From today onwards, you will control the power of [Eight Fingers]."

"I understand," Princess Renner said.

A moment later.

With a soft "click".

Princess Renner left the hall and went to the lawn in the courtyard.

"Your Highness!" Climb came running up from a distance, panting. "What are you doing here?"

"The wines here have a great reputation."

"I made a special trip to visit the owner of this estate and inquired about some wine-related knowledge, which I can share with my brother later."

Princess Renner, innocent and carefree, responded with a cheerful smile.

"Her Highness remains as kind as ever."

Climb knew that the two princes hadn't treated the princess very well, and he thought to himself, somewhat rudely:

"The two princes are so lucky to have a sister like Her Highness the Princess; they don't even know how to cherish her."

"Has the wine been loaded onto the carriage?"

"It's all set up, Your Highness."

"Let's go then, Climb, thank you for your hard work."

"It's what I should do!"

Inside the manor hall.

As Princess Renner departed, a slender figure descended the stairs with her arms crossed and a cold expression on her face.

Her purple ponytail swayed with her slender waist.

"Looks like I can leave this awful place now," Imina said calmly, her tone completely unwavering.

"Oh, are you unhappy?"

Tang Zheng remained seated in his dining chair, turned his upper body, and smiled at Imina on the stairs:

"You've never really liked this place, and now we've found someone suitable to take over the job for you."

Imina's eyes stiffened slightly, her expression gradually turning cold as she stared at Tang Zheng: "So you're trying to get rid of me."

"Ah?"

Tang Zheng feigned surprise. "We're companions, why would we send you away?"

"With your current strength, there's no need for you to stay in [Eight Fingers] any longer. Brain is more than capable of controlling you."

Imina frowned slightly.

In fact, with the arrival of Brain and Arche, the positions of the other two newly recruited Six Arms members were squeezed out.

She had a vague feeling that Tang Zheng was about to make a new move.

She was still somewhat unhappy, though Imina wasn't sure where it came from. After a brief pause, she looked towards the doorway with her narrow eyes. "I think that woman is somewhat dangerous."

"I think so too." Tang Zheng nodded in agreement.

"You—" Imina's eyes widened.

"Haha, speaking of which, Lainas is now a big celebrity in the Kingdom, while you've always stayed in the shadows, hidden among the [Eight Fingers]."

Tang Zheng shrugged and gave a light laugh, "I just think it's time for you to step into the open."

Wow!

Imina leaned against the stairs, expressionless, and took out the "Magic Gun - Sniper Rifle" from behind her back. She then took out a purple handkerchief from her waist and gently wiped the barrel.

"Would you be interested in going home for a visit?"

Seeing that the other party didn't seem inclined to speak, Tang Zheng smiled with interest and asked, "Not the Empire, but my true home, the Kingdom of the forest."