Chapter 581 - 381: Is That All? That’s All

Chapter 581: Chapter 381: Is That All? That’s All

"You’re here," Ronan Mellon said calmly. "Have a seat."

Li Wei looked around and noticed a small folding stool next to Ronan’s chair. He took a seat beside him.

Ronan wore a cashmere cardigan over a plain shirt, paired with ordinary slacks and standard leather shoes. He looked completely average. Beside his feet sat a small tin bucket, completely empty.

"Take a look for me," Ronan said, his gaze fixed on the lake. "I think there’s some movement."

Li Wei glanced at the bobber resting motionless on the water’s surface.

"Guess not," Ronan muttered to himself. He didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed, just quietly continuing to watch his fishing rod.

While observing Ronan from the corner of his eye, Li Wei summoned the [Chattering Royal Jester’s Skull] and activated [Adaptability (Bronze)].

The [Jester’s Skull] floated out of his inventory. Its Ruby eye sockets flickered as it carefully circled Ronan Mellon.

[A grand noble from a long lineage... a Kingmaker.]

"What is he thinking?" Li Wei asked inwardly.

[What is he thinking?]

[He’s thinking that he seems to have bad luck today, not catching any fish.]

The Rubies in the [Jester’s Skull]’s eye sockets burned with light as its jawbone clattered open and shut.

"Is that really all?" Li Wei was somewhat surprised.

[That is all.]

The [Jester’s Skull] flew up and down around Ronan Mellon, clacking its jaw in marvel.

Li Wei had originally thought Ronan Mellon would fit the image of a traditional grand villain—an amplified version of Alexander, someone even more twisted than Alister. After all, the Alexander Family was bizarre enough as it was; from Timothy to Alister, they were an endless parade of weirdos.

But Ronan Mellon was so normal that it actually felt abnormal.

As if sensing Li Wei’s thoughts, the [Jester’s Skull]’s upper and lower jaws went CLACK CLACK CLACK.

[HEH HEH HEH... A Kingmaker and a King are not the same.]

[From the moment a grand noble, a Kingmaker, is born, he is surrounded by endless wealth. Within his domain, he is a true God. Holding absolute power over the lives and deaths of everyone in his territory caused him to lose interest in everything at an early age. His floors are paved with Gold; the rivers in his lands flow not with water, but with fine wine and milk.]

[My master, to you, securing the Kingdom Garrison’s liquor order is a highly troublesome affair.]

[But to him, to put it bluntly—and please forgive this old bone for overstepping—it is no different than casually tossing a Gold Coin to a beggar by the side of the road.]

[Would you expect a beggar to give you anything in return? Or were you merely acting on a whim, just wanting to show a bit of kindness?]

"Shut up," Li Wei thought.

This damn skull was mocking him, calling him a beggar in front of Ronan.

[But you must be careful when dealing with such a person, HEH HEH HEH.]

[Did you think that just because he helped you, you two are now friends?]

[No, he is the true tyrant, someone who genuinely cares for no one. Nobles and slaves make no difference in his eyes.]

[He might reward a beggar with a Gold Coin out of amusement, and on the very same day, kill that beggar simply for being an eyesore.]

Li Wei stowed the [Jester’s Skull] back into his inventory and pondered. Taking advantage of the fact that [Adaptability (Bronze)] was still active, he tentatively spoke up.

"This lake is quite beautiful," he said. "Do you fish here often?"

"Occasionally," Ronan replied.

"Catch anything today?"

Ronan glanced down at the empty tin bucket by his feet. "What do you think?"

"Well, based on my previous impression of you," Li Wei said, "I figured there would be divers waiting in the lake right now to catch fish and hook them on your line."

"Then what would be the point of fishing?" Ronan smiled, as if he genuinely found the thought somewhat amusing.

Three minutes were up. [Adaptability (Bronze)] took effect.

This skill was not a Mind Reading Technique or hypnosis. Its effect was to make the target view Li Wei as a close confidant, thereby causing them to lower their guard and spill secrets.

However, Ronan Mellon didn’t change at all. He didn’t become any friendlier with Li Wei, nor did he speak more. Even his expression remained exactly the same.

"Not much luck with the fishing today," Ronan said, half to himself. "But it doesn’t really matter." He turned his gaze back to the lake.

"That beverage of yours is quite interesting," he suddenly noted. "I tried it. It tasted alright."

"Thank you," Li Wei said. "Which flavor did you have?"

"I don’t remember," Ronan replied.

Li Wei just stared at him silently.

The two of them sat on the pier by the lake—one fishing, the other keeping him company. They chatted idly for an hour.

Ronan did ask Li Wei a few questions, but to Li Wei’s surprise, he didn’t seem to care about military affairs or how Li Wei’s order was going. He didn’t ask about the Free Port, nor did he ask about Elizabeth or the internal affairs of the Alexander Family.

Instead, he asked how rugby was scored and what it felt like when Li Wei used to play. After that topic concluded, he stopped talking and went back to focusing entirely on his fishing.

Finally, as noon approached, Ronan reeled in his fishing rod.

The effect of Li Wei’s [Adaptability (Bronze)] had also passed, making him feel like he had completely wasted an opportunity this time.

"Let’s go," Ronan said, standing up. "Time to eat."

Li Wei followed Ronan back along the path by the lake. As they passed a cluster of beehives, a few bees circled around Ronan. He raised a hand and waved them away, and the bees scattered.