Indeed, just as Yang Yi had stated, conflict was clearly erupting everywhere. Whether within the British Royal Family, the Mafia, the Leisai Family, or even the Weeping Blood Assassin Guild—even Chinatown itself was far from peaceful at this moment.
After assigning the necessary tasks to his son, Ace Karon, the Mafia Godfather, Ace Lind, settled back on the sofa with his legs crossed, his composed expression utterly baffling to onlookers.
“Godfather!” a middle-aged man entered, calling out softly.
Ace Lind, seated on the sofa, slowly opened his eyes. A sharp glint flashed unexpectedly, as if the events about to unfold were entirely within his expectation. He asked, “What is it?”
“Godfather, His Excellency Earl Rhys has requested a meeting with you tomorrow afternoon!”
“Oh? Rhys wishes to see me?” Upon hearing this, a smile spread across Ace Lind’s face. He waved his hand dismissively. “Mmm, I understand. You may go!”
“Yes, Godfather!”
After the man departed, Ace Lind muttered to himself, “That old fellow John has a Duke-level figure by his side, someone named Ross, I believe. It seems Rhys is coming to see me tomorrow to monitor me? Heh heh… Interesting!”
The following day, early in the morning. On the side of the Leisai Family, Sima Ke and Xu Ling were already gathered with Yang Yi, as if a momentous matter was about to be discussed.
“Dragon Lord, must we really proceed like this?” Xu Ling asked, still harboring significant doubt after hearing Yang Yi’s instructions.
“What? Do you see any issues remaining?”
Hearing this, Xu Ling’s expression froze, and he quickly cupped his hands in salute. “Your subordinate dares not!”
“Enough, don’t worry about it; I didn’t mean anything else. Go on, voice any further questions you have.” Seeing Xu Ling’s startled demeanor, Yang Yi simply waved his hand with a slight smile.
“Yes!” After responding, Xu Ling laid out his confusion. He said, “Dragon Lord, since the Mafia is cooperating with us in this charade, why must both of our major factions still mobilize? Isn’t that a bit too…!”
“I understand what you mean,” Yang Yi said, glancing at him faintly. “The reason I require both your major factions to act alongside the Mafia in this performance is to blind outside observation. Furthermore, it is to make that old man who has long occupied the throne even more convinced, granting me ample opportunity to deal with him.”
“Deal with him?”
“Precisely. You will simply execute your duties tonight. However, pay close attention; this matter tolerates absolutely no sloppiness.”
“Yes!”
Thus, under Yang Yi’s arrangements, both the Weeping Blood Assassin Guild and the Leisai Family exerted their utmost efforts to perform their play with the Mafia that night, all while needing to maintain absolute secrecy. Undeniably, the true purpose of this elaborate show was hidden from outsiders. Yet, for Ross and Rhys, currently stationed at the British Royal Headquarters, while the effect wasn't immediately apparent, they were powerless to reverse the situation, because within a nation, the King's decree was absolute.
That afternoon, in a conference room within London’s International Financial Center.
“Your Excellency Rhys, may I ask the purpose of your visit?” Ace Lind asked with a placid smile.
“Hmm?” Rhys frowned upon hearing Ace Lind’s question. He said, “Respected Mr. Lind, have you not yet realized that the Mafia has attracted the attention of the Black God Gang?”
“The Black God Gang?” Ace Lind feigned astonishment, saying, “What do you mean by that, Your Excellency Rhys?”
“Mr. Lind, I hope you have clearly considered your position.” Rhys held Ace Lind in high disdain. Furthermore, given that Ace Lind was the Mafia Godfather while Rhys held the rank of Earl within the British Royal Family, by status, Rhys inherently felt superior to Lind.
“Oh, I sincerely apologize, Your Excellency Rhys, please be clearer. I truly have no idea when the Black God Gang started targeting me.”
‘Still playing dumb?’ Rhys muttered internally. Although he didn't know why Ace Lind was feigning ignorance—and he had personally witnessed the Black God Gang meeting with his son, Ace Karon, just yesterday afternoon—he decided to probe further for his objective. “Mr. Lind, I received a report yesterday stating that your son conversed with the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord. How do you explain this matter?”
‘So, he knows about it after all?’ Ace Lind sneered inwardly. In truth, he had been waiting for Rhys to bring up this exact point, believing that when the opponent asked this question, anything he said next would carry far more weight than panicked pleas for help. His expression shifted subtly. “Ah, so Your Excellency Rhys is already aware!”
“Hmph, did you think you could hide it from us?” Rhys scoffed coldly.
“Actually, Your Excellency Rhys, this is a matter concerning the underworld, entirely unrelated to your affairs. Therefore, I hope you refrain from interfering.”
Rhys paused, his brow furrowed tightly. “Mr. Lind, that cannot be said. Regardless, your Mafia is a subordinate entity of the King, and we are obligated to assist in times of trouble. However, I still urge Mr. Lind to speak truthfully: why was the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord with your son?”
“Your Excellency Rhys, the situation is actually as follows.” Ace Lind was inwardly gloating, though his face was etched with sorrow. “That Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang intends to expand his underworld influence into Italy and Britain and sought to recruit me into a partnership.”
“And the current situation is entirely due to the Black God Gang’s rage because you refused to cooperate?” Rhys couldn't fathom why, but Ace Lind’s explanation, though flimsy, held a strange level of persuasiveness.
“That is correct. The collapse of negotiations yesterday afternoon immediately triggered this event.” Ace Lind’s performance made his tone incredibly convincing, turning a fabrication into perceived reality. Glancing at Rhys, who already seemed half-convinced, Ace Lind smiled and continued, “Your Excellency Rhys, is this the reason you sought me out today?”
“Precisely. According to our King’s will, we are to fully cooperate with your Mafia in repelling any interference from the Black God Gang.”
“Oh! That is truly excellent news. I was just worrying about this matter. I never expected His Majesty the King would show such concern for us. Ace Lind has nothing adequate to repay such kindness!” Ace Lind paused, then added, “Surely, Your Excellency Rhys, you are aware of the strength of the Black God Gang, so…”
“Mmm, Mr. Lind, rest assured, we will assist you,” Rhys replied with a faint smile.
“I am truly grateful.” Ace Lind smiled back, continuing their polite conversation.
There was a peculiar dynamic between these two men, one willing to strike and the other willing to be struck, conversing with such psychological maneuvering. Indeed, one could not deny that Ace Lind was worthy of his reputation as an old fox.
################################################# Night had fallen, and within the seat of the supreme leader of the Roman Royal Family—the ancient Roman Imperial Palace—John Ausley now sat upon his throne. He was deep in thought, his brow furrowed. Yet, one could tell from his countenance that he currently stood on a knife-edge balance: before him lay a sea of fire, and behind him, a raging torrent. To advance meant annihilation; to retreat meant drowning.
Consequently, his current mood was one of profound anxiety and urgency. The ‘Six Carat’ incident was still causing an uproar. However, the news that had suddenly erupted today placed immense pressure on John, who had been King for ten years. This was because someone had made an external announcement, simultaneously releasing information regarding the truth behind the ‘Six Carat’ virus.
“Good evening, viewers. This is the British News Network. According to the latest reports, new developments have surfaced online regarding the ‘British Royal Six Carat Virus Incident’…”
“Good evening, viewers. This is the China News Network. According to the latest reports, new developments have surfaced online regarding the ‘British Royal Six Carat Virus Incident’…”
“Good evening, viewers. This is the Global News Network. According to the latest reports, new developments have surfaced online regarding the ‘British Royal Six Carat Virus Incident’…”
In an instant, this piece of information swept across the globe, bringing with it waves of pressure from all directions. Yet, the heaviest burden fell upon the residents of Britain, and China, being entangled in matters involving its people, certainly did not miss this opportunity.
Although the source of this information remained unknown, and major nations were vigorously pursuing the hacker responsible for its dissemination, the individual’s skills appeared far too refined; very few could trace them. Even the agents dispatched by John, who sat solemnly upon his throne, could uncover nothing.
“Damn it, who leaked this matter?” In truth, the current paramount concern in John’s mind was tracking down the person capable of betraying him.