Chapter 1444 - 1408: Rebellion (2)

"It’s not the same? As long as the money is right and the benefits promised, they can forget what the North gave them in an instant and rush to the South to ingratiate themselves with Enshir? People call this ’people move upward, water flows downward.’"

At last, the spy of Vizimir looked coldly at Lann: "You think you’ve already made your confrontation with Niflgaard clear, but to speak bluntly... who knows what you are like in private?"

"What if, I mean what if... the price Enshir offers you is enough to erase the conflicts and grudges between you?"

Trust.

One of the hardest things to come by in this world, some people even lay bare their heart and stomach and still cannot win others’ trust.

Because people tend to believe in things they are willing to believe in.

Just like Dikoschek right now.

He believes most people have a price, as long as someone can pay that price, nothing is off the table. Thus, he thinks Lann is also that kind of person.

But what he doesn’t know or believe is that there are people, things... that are indeed not negotiable.

Lann, who had been silently listening to his answer, suddenly let out a sigh.

"So there is always someone like you reminding me where I am, Dikoschek."

The young Demon Hunter spoke with a hint of undetectable melancholy.

But Dikoschek suddenly breathed a sigh of relief; from this sentence, he could not quite discern any murderous intent.

Lann remained angry and dissatisfied with their actions in Airetusa, but if their motives were purely as he claimed, then the lesson Lann intended to teach him wouldn’t start at such a critical moment.

Revolts, rebellions... timing is key! Catching the opponent off guard!

"Geralt, leave here."

Lann nodded his head sideways at his old friend.

"Tonight will be chaotic, stay with Yennefer. Ciri... Tishaya needs her help; she’s likely heading to Gastang Palace, don’t worry."

Geralt had already realized what was about to happen tonight, and without stopping, he walked directly back the way he came.

And as he passed by, Dikoschek no longer spared him a glance.

"Yennefer and I won’t rest easy, we’re going to Gastang Palace too."

Geralt spoke as he hurriedly walked away without looking back.

Lann turned his head back to look at the spy master, whose expression was humble.

"Put away that fake ridiculous expression. Starting now, you must stay with me. I will monitor your every move."

"I hope you can be like before, only capturing and not using more aggressive means, understood?"

At this point, Lann couldn’t help but curse softly.

"Damn it! I don’t necessarily oppose what you’re doing! But one by one you hide it away, and now look at this mess!"

Although Dikoschek put away that expression, he deliberately kept several meters of distance from Lann due to his palpitating heart, still doubting the Demon Hunter.

And he knew that the Demon Hunter continued to doubt him too. The previous complaints might even be a form of probing.

Distinguishing who is the enemy and who is the friend—this has been an ancient and persistent dilemma.

Merely having great power has limited effects. Speaking of brainless powerhouses, who are swayed and tricked to turn around and kill their allies in the scene, not just Lann, young people interested in historical accounts.

Even Dikoschek could easily recount many such occurrences that happened in the magical middle ages of history.

The Redanian soldiers, who weren’t seriously injured, followed Dikoschek. Under Lann’s supervision, they seemed wilted like neglected crops.

No sign of the decisiveness and skill they showed in easily ambushing and subduing a Great Mage earlier.

They walked for a while and reached the crossroads of a corridor, where the magical candlelight had similarly extinguished, leaving only the cold glow of magical orbs illuminating the ornate vaults and walls.

This place was filled with Redanians and Wizards, with Liddercliff of the Warlock Supreme Council, and Sabina all present, dressed in gray casual clothes instead of banquet attire.

It appears they are using clothing to distinguish friend from foe.

When Lann saw a group of Redanian soldiers approaching, it looked as though the place had quarrelled for a while.

Tishaya also changed out of her extravagant gown into a daily dress, fiercely glaring at Philippa with her chest heaving.

"We’re going to Gastang Palace, Tishaya mentor." Philippa’s face was cold but not lacking in confidence, almost righteous in her words, "Everyone, including the traitors we’ve arrested, including Viggo Fortez, will go."

"We’ve done the right thing, and we’ll prove our correctness in Gastang Palace, in full view of the public!"

"Keira, find Doregale, Caduin, and bring them to Gastang Palace too. We need to let Hidaris’s Essien and Kovir’s Istrad know about our actions and results to gain more support in future wars."

"You say you did the right thing?" Tishaya said with some sarcasm, "By using the summit’s timing as a convenience to gather people for you to arrest?"

"The Talent and Skill Association, the Warlock Supreme Council... the political rights and independent status of the warlocks have been trampled by you to what extent today?!"

"Bringing the king’s lackeys to arrest people in Airetusa, do you know what you are doing?!"

"I know." Philippa firmly replied, "But I won’t back down."

At this moment, Dikoschek and Lann’s figures emerged from the shadows in the distance.

Among the warlocks present, those wearing drab clothes immediately jumped as if agitated.

But others who seemed uninvolved and merely called as witnesses, upon seeing the heavily armored and imposing Lann, merely felt subconsciously tense without much reaction.

Among the many warlocks, Philippa’s expression was the stiffest and most noticeable.

"You seem to think I should be overwhelmingly busy tonight?"

Lann spoke, somewhat sarcastically, as he approached Tishaya.

"I..." Philippa’s lips moved awkwardly, "I did arrange a little trouble for you, but I promise, it’ll be limited to just trouble."

"But since you’re still here, and you haven’t killed our dear Dikoschek... I think you’re trustworthy, Lann. Well then, Dikoschek, withdraw your men from Airetusa; they’re not needed here anymore."

Earlier, Tishaya angrily rebuked Philippa for summoning the king’s lackeys to walk in Airetusa, yet Philippa remained unyielding.

But now, turning around, the Female Warlock immediately wanted to dismiss this group of Redanian soldiers.

But Lann frowned deeply, looking at Philippa Eilhart, as if wanting to see any trace of discrepancy on her face.

"Only limited to trouble?" The Demon Hunter suddenly asked, "Are you serious, Philippa?"