Chapter 545 Cloud Of Suspicion
Chapter 545 Cloud Of Suspicion
The morning in Leyrudon was shrouded in thick fog, shrouding the entire city in an air of mystery.
Images of Leyrudon all foggy, Sherlock Holmes and the like, always evoked memories of the nobility from the last century, along with those bizarre and intriguing cases in the world of Sherlock Holmes.
Ocantine had set a meticulous trap by cleverly spreading the news that a Blood Lotus was blooming somewhere on River Thomas.
The Blood Lotus was meticulously crafted overnight by Ocantine himself, and then discreetly placed under a hidden spot beneath the bridge of River Thomas.
The photo of the Blood Lotus was soon delivered to Anakin.
Ocantine received the news at ten in the morning. Anakin had quickly dispatched his general, Larry, along with the Four Marquises.
Anakin's deployment of his forces was a wise move. By keeping the key individuals at home and dispatching the Four Marquises, who were inferior to Larry, he didn't have to worry about them disobeying his orders. If they disobeyed, they would be disowned and hunted down by Anakin.
The concept was similar to how a capital need not fear its generals rebelling if it had a stable political system and a powerful army.
Rebellion was a serious crime, so no one would even consider rebelling unless they were absolutely certain about it being successful or had compelling reasons to do so.
The Four Marquises were simply accompanying Larry to find out more about the issue with the Blood Lotus, so they had no reason to disobey orders.
That evening, Larry and the Four Marquises arrived in Leyrudon on a private jet.
Ocantine and his subordinates personally went to pick them up from the airport when they arrived in Leyrudon.
In the veil of night, the private jet landed on the rooftop of the Crown Hotel.
Larry was clad in a silver windbreaker, his stern expression exuding an aura of authority without showing anger.
The Four Marquises, too, had cold and solemn looks on their faces.
Ocantine stepped forward, brimming with enthusiasm, and said, “Larry, you're finally here! I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival!”
Larry didn't dare behave arrogantly when faced with Ocantine. “Hello, Your Highness!” Larry greeted him and paused for a moment, before continuing with a smile, “Did you know we were coming, Your Highness?”
“How could I not know about such a significant event?” Ocantine replied.
Larry's face took on a strange expression as he said, “It seems we're a step too late, then.”
Ocantine said, “That's not quite right.” He paused, then continued, “Never mind, it's hard for me to
explain. Larry, come with me under the bridge and you'll understand.”
“Your Highness, I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you mean by that,” Larry said.
Ocantine said, “Here's the thing. I believe His Majesty has misunderstood something. The lotus under the bridge is just an ordinary lotus. It isn't a Blood Lotus. If it were a Blood Lotus, I certainly wouldn't have given it to His Majesty. But, as it stands, it's not a Blood Lotus. If His Majesty thinks I've taken a Blood Lotus, then I'm being accused unfairly. So, you have to prove my innocence, Larry!”
With a faint smile, Larry said, “I can't really prove it. Let's go to the scene and see for ourselves!”
Ocantine let out a sigh of relief. “After you!”
The group quickly left the Crown Hotel.
Ocantine had already prepared three Ford cars in advance.
After everyone got into their respective cars, they immediately headed toward the bridge.
Leyrudon was exceptionally beautiful at night, with lights shining brilliantly everywhere.
Beneath the bridge, a crimson lotus bloomed in captivating splendor.
Larry then instructed a Marquis to retrieve the Blood Lotus. Holding the Blood Lotus in his hand, Larry suddenly smiled and said, “This Blood Lotus has made the news and even reached the ears of His Majesty, and yet, surprisingly, no one came to admire it at night, and it has been living well in the water.
What's even stranger is that this Blood Lotus sprouted overnight.” He then paused and turned toward Ocantine as he asked, “Your Highness, don't you think this is quite peculiar?”
Ocantine replied, “Indeed, it's quite peculiar. The Blood Lotus is of utmost importance to us vampires. It would be fine if this Blood Lotus grew naturally, but if someone deliberately cultivated it, then this person must know about us vampires very well.” As he said this, he suddenly shuddered, saying, “Could it be...”
Larry seemed to have thought of something as well. He glanced at Ocantine to make sure that the prince was not pretending before asking, “Could it be the remnants of old Prince Solorel?”
By remnants, he was referring to Jonathan and his group.
Ocantine asked in a deep voice, “But what are they planning to do by placing the Blood Lotus here?”
“Perhaps they want to lure us over so they can attack us.” Larry replied solemnly and paused for a moment, before looking at the Four Marquises behind him and continuing, “Maybe they want to bring you guys under their command to increase their strength!”
The Four Marquises grew pale instantly. “We are loyal to His Majesty. We will cut those remnants down with our swords if we encounter them!” they declared.
Larry let out a cold chuckle. “You guys had better remember what you've just said.”
Ocantine said, “Larry, this Blood Lotus doesn't seem to be a real one.” He paused for a moment, then added, “This matter is too strange. If it really involves those remnants, then you must be extra cautious! They are not easy to deal with!”
Larry nodded, saying, “Leave it be, then. Since there's nothing amiss here, let's hurry back and report our findings!”
“No way! If they really have come, then you would be walking right into their trap if you leave now!” Ocantine exclaimed.
He then changed the subject by saying, “Larry, you've traveled a long way to get here. As the host, I should at least extend my hospitality. How about this, you come and stay at my place for the night, and I'll escort you guys back tomorrow!”
Larry was also extremely vigilant and cautious. He took another glance at Ocantine and said, “If Your Highness is willing to escort us, then please come to Crown Hotel with us right now. We will leave tonight to avoid any unexpected complications!”
Ocantine was slightly taken aback when he heard that. He seemed somewhat displeased as he asked, “Do you think there's something fishy about my castle, Larry? Are you suspecting that I'm with those remnants?”
“I didn't say that. Those remnants aren't foolish. They know that you and our king are the most knowledgeable and familiar with each other. That is why they chose to stir up trouble in Leyrudon of all places. Whether they have any connection with you, Your Highness, I dare not say. However, I have to be cautious! I hope you will understand my concerns, Your Highness!” Larry replied nonchalantly.
There was a flash of anger in Ocantine's eyes. He took a deep breath to calm himself down as he said, “In that case, I won't say any further. I'll take you to the Crown Hotel right away!”
“Thank you very much!” Larry said calmly.
Everyone then got into their respective cars and sped off.
They safely arrived at the Crown Hotel, entered the elevator, and headed straight to the rooftop.
Upon reaching the rooftop, the group found that the pilot had already passed out, and the control panel of the private jet had been destroyed by brute force.
“Someone really is causing trouble!” Larry said coldly.
This rooftop was on the eighty-ninth floor of a skyscraper, from which one could see almost half of Leyrudon.
At night, Leyrudon looked resplendent with colorful lights everywhere. The illumination on the overpass converged into a beautiful sea of lights.
The wind was blowing strongly at night, and there was no one else on the rooftop.
Larry raised his voice and shouted, “I know you guys have returned, Jonathan! Well, I'm standing right here! If you have the guts, then come out and fight me fairly and squarely! Stop hiding like a bunch of cowards!”
All they heard was complete silence.
Noticing that Ocantine was quiet, Larry turned toward him and asked, “Don't you have anything to say, Your Highness?”
Ocantine's voice was filled with irritation as he glanced at Larry and asked, “What do you want me to say, Larry? I respect you as the king's subject, but what do you take me for? What else can I say about this? You'll always find me suspicious no matter what I say anyway!” He then continued after a brief pause, “How about you tell me what I should do to prove my innocence?”
“There's no need to get angry, Your Highness! It seems we won't be able to leave tonight, so how about we spend the night at your castle?” Larry replied solemnly.
Ocantine said, “Of course, you can stay over at my castle if you wish. However, we need to be clear about this. What if you suspect again that I'm in cahoots with them?”
With a faint smile, Larry replied, “His Majesty would blame you if something were to happen to us in your castle tonight. Now, let's get going, Your Highness!”
Ocantine looked displeased, but he didn't say anything in response.
Afterward, the group departed from Crown Hotel and set off for Ocantine's castle.
It was smooth sailing all the way there.
The moon was shrouded in darkness, and the wind was strong that night.
Ocantine's castle was located in a remote area of the suburbs.
As they headed toward the outskirts, Larry told the marquises, “Be alert, you guys. If those remnants decide to strike, they'll likely choose to do so here.”
Everyone agreed with his statement.
Larry then called Ocantine, who was in the car ahead, and warned him to be careful.
Ocantine's expression grew solemn as well. “I will!” he replied.
However, their journey ahead remained smooth, and they arrived safely at Ocantine's castle without a hitch.
After the car pulled up within the castle grounds, Ocantine got out and said to Larry and the others, who had just gotten out of the car, “Finally, we've arrived safely!”
Larry, however, was extremely doubtful. “These remnants wouldn't do something without a reason. What they have done so far can't simply be to confuse us!”
“Regardless, we are a lot safer within the castle! Security is tight here, so it's not easy for anyone to break in,” Ocantine replied. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“Let's hope so!” Larry said.
Subsequently, everyone entered the main hall of the castle.
“You guys must be hungry, I'll arrange for dinner to be made!” Ocantine suggested.
Larry declined Ocantine's kind offer by saying, “No need; it's getting late, so we should rest now.”
“Very well, then. I will have someone make the arrangements for your lodging!” Ocantine said.
“Thank you very much!” Larry replied, his tone cool and indifferent.