Their simultaneous words took Jimte and Carral aback.
Then both narrowed their eyes at the same time-
"You're not going to say Count Bette's nephew, are you?"
Jimte asked with a smile.
"Surely you know Count Bette's nephew has a mistress?"
Carral countered with an equally pleasant smile.
"Surely you know he uses that mistress as bait?"
Jimte's smile grew warmer.
"Surely you know that mistress has another identity-as the Old Lion's hidden pawn?"
Carral's smile grew brighter.
"Surely you know that mistress has already confessed her identity to him?"
Jimte's smile began to fade.
"Surely you know he actually knew her identity all along and approached her deliberately?"
Carral's smile also grew a little strained.
Then both stopped smiling and fell silent together.
Neither had expected the other to have already noticed that fellow, much less investigated him so thoroughly.
At once, they scrutinized each other through narrowed eyes.
Unlike any of their previous exchanges, this time they regarded each other with complete seriousness.
There was even a faint edge of confrontation!
Having both pledged their loyalty to Arthur, these two proud men were bound to measure themselves against each other.
It was not deliberate, but instinctive.
Just as placing two gems together would always make people unconsciously compare them.
In fact, it was not limited to gems.
Even two stones placed side by side would invite comparison.
But-
Could the poor fellow you two have set your sights on even sleep at night?
Seated atop the mound of bones, Arthur sighed inwardly.
His "coastal transport" plan required the three territories of West Berlin, Einhaas, and Bette to be linked.
He had originally intended to select a suitable candidate in Count Bette's territory.
But now, it seemed there was no need at all.
Jimte and Carral had already chosen