"Are you sure it's us, not you?" Nick wasn't about to fall for his bluff so easily. He calmly pulled out the chair in front of the desk and sat down without waiting for an invitation.
Renard returned to his seat, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Adalind's mother, Catherine, just arrived in Portland. She came to me wanting to know where her daughter is."
"That's the trouble you were talking about?" Would the illegitimate son of a Hexenbiest and a member of the Royal Family worry about another Hexenbiest arriving? Nick thought that sounded like bullshit.
"Catherine isn't the problem. It's the news she brought. My foolish younger brother has finally lost patience and sent a special envoy, who should be arriving in this city very soon."
Seeing Nick's indifferent attitude, Renard couldn't help making his tone more emphatic.
"They're coming for that key you have. My brother knows it's in your hands. Taking it was originally my assignment, but clearly, I can't stall any longer."
Nick had already discussed the key with him before. Hearing this, he frowned. "Don't tell me you actually believe that legend, too-the one about how the treasure connected to the keys can let you rule the world."
"No, I really have no interest in anything like that. You don't understand. Finding the keys was an assignment my family gave me, and it was also the opportunity that let me escape their control and come to Portland.
"The New World isn't within the House of Habsburg's traditional sphere of influence. I've been working hard to recruit people for more than three years, but it's still not enough for me to stand against them."
Renard tried to make his gaze look sincere enough. "I need at least another two years. Once I become Mayor