"Well, as I say bluntly, dear professor, how could you know such a person with your range of communication?" Alston looked at Pericles in some surprise

The professor, who became more and more confident after letting go, looked at Leo with some embarrassment

"My lord, you probably know some of my past experiences before, due to my isolation and lack of funds, I had to interrupt my research frequently, and for a long time, my depression was not spoken, and some taverns in the imperial capital became places where I often lingered......"

Hearing the professor say this, Leo couldn't help but think of the scene when he first met him, Pericles was beaten in embarrassment, and the big bag on Antonis's head made Leo and Auston laugh

It was that chance encounter that led Leo to become interested in Auston after asking him, but it now seems that the results are not bad for anyone

Pretending not to look at his lord's exaggerated smile, the professor pondered for a moment and continued to preach

"Last time, ahem, the tavern where I met your lord, because the cheap drinks are the place I go to the most, over time a strange guest caught my attention, as a scholar, you know that I always subconsciously want to study something......"

Nodding, Leo motioned for the professor to continue, from this point of view, if the professor can get rid of the burden of the past, profound knowledge and rigorous attitude, he will definitely become the best helper in government affairs or other aspects

"That strange man always shows up in the same place on time every day, it is the dark and damp corner of the tavern...... and then orders a cheap glass of ale and a small plate of nuts and eats slowly, I don't know if it's my delusion, he always eats and drinks the ale and food in front of him at the same time very regularly, and then leaves on time without saying a word, like the most accurate hourglass"

"Oh?" Hearing this, Leo beckoned Keith to come over, whispered a few words in his ear After watching Keith turn away, he continued to listen to the professor's narration, and he began to have a little interest in this mysterious person in his heart, if it wasn't for the quirks, I am afraid that this person is really a little unusual

"After a few weeks of his strangeness lasted, it aroused my inquisitive mentality, I gave up my research, carried the few silver coins I had, and came to the tavern a little earlier every day, carefully observing everything about him, maybe my reputation in the imperial capital was too bad, and the other party did not pay attention to my actions after noticing"

The professor shook his head and laughed at himself with some embarrassment

"It was in this way that I realized that every time he was in the tavern, there were always some people who sat down mysteriously and hurried beside him, and after a brief conversation, they quickly left, among them were peddlers, farmers, merchants, servants of the nobility and even the lower clergy of the church......"

After carefully recalling the details, Professor Pericles said to Leo, who was listening attentively, "I saw the reflection of the coins many times when they were leaving, and I swear by honor that they must have been making some kind of deal......

"And then? Dear professor? Leo, who was listening, asked puzzled when he saw that Pericles had suddenly stopped speaking

“…… No, my lord, I was a little so absorbed in this observation that the last time I forgot that I had no coins in my pocket, so I ......"

"Well, I see, and then you were beaten out because you couldn't pay the bill, and you happened to frighten Antonis's mount, and our poor Lord Count had to hide in his house with a big bag on his head for a whole week......"

"I admit that what you said is basic...... Correct...... but my lord, literally, you can use it completely~ Well, some similar ...... More neutral adjectives...... For example, 'a dispute arising from some kind of ideological conflict'? ”

Holding back a laugh, Leo pointed at the red-faced professor, "Oh my God, I now understand the reason why you were beaten, I'm afraid even I couldn't help but beat you up at that time, dear professor...... Remember to speak in a language that everyone can understand! ”

"Alright, can Auston please tell the butler to bring you something to eat?" We can wait for Keith to come back while we eat, so we can confirm the professor's conjecture."

"Of course there's no problem, Leo, what do you think of the mutton soup?"

"Whatever you want......" Leo suddenly felt a faint sign of a seizure because of the burning toothache

didn't let everyone wait too long, just after Leo barely ate half a piece of bread with the soup, Keith hurried back, facing Leo's puzzled gaze, he didn't talk nonsense, and nodded lightly, "I think the professor is right this time, my lord......"

**********************

In the private residence of the second prince Rolf near the palace, there were no books or documents in the small study, all the delicate weapons and armor hung on the walls and corners, and on the mahogany desk used for writing, Rolf was carefully cutting a large piece of fatty steak, without the slightest sense that it was not suitable for breakfast

He put a large piece of meat covered with sauce into his mouth with a fork, chewed it for a while and swallowed it with satisfaction, opened his mouth and spit out a tendon, and Rolf wiped his hand on the cloth casually, and then looked up at the figure waiting at the table

"What's the interesting news lately?"

The figure in front of him was extremely burly, and even the wide cloak on his body could not completely hide his strong muscles, probably because he didn't like the early morning light very much, or maybe it was a habit that he had developed cautiously for a long time, even in front of Rolf, the hat on the cloak was not removed

"Your Royal Highness, your recent actions have made Lealdo a little noticed, he is now more protective of His Royal Highness the Grand Prince and His Majesty the King than before, most of the nails we planted in the Knights of Glory have been investigated, and some of the officers loyal to you are also under surveillance at all times......"

Perhaps it was the cloak that didn't fit well that made the visitor a little uncomfortable, and he slowly turned his neck and made a few crisp sounds, and continued after glancing at Rolf, who had not said anything

"In addition, there is some conflict between the church and Leo, but the reason for the conflict is not clear for the time being, only that Elijah has suppressed the matter, and now there is no major change in the overall church, and at the same time, the Lancaster family and their allies have released rumors, proposing that the House of Lords should conduct noble certification for Leo as soon as possible."

Rolf listened quietly, unconsciously turning the silver knife in his hand, and asked after staring at the mysterious man for a moment

"Has there been any change in the attitude of the church leadership towards my support?"

"No, a few days ago I found an opportunity to meet the Pope again, and the terms of him and several cardinals are still the same, as long as you can guarantee that all the members of the royal family will be baptized by the Church after ascending the throne and have the belief of the Most High God as the Empire, then they will support you to obtain that position"

After a moment's hesitation, the mystery man added, "Including any means!" ”

"Any means? Hehe, these seemingly benevolent religious madmen really dare to say it" Shaking his head, Rolf stood up and walked slowly to the window, muttering to himself in a moment

"You've been with me for 10 years, and I've been using madness to cover up my true self for 10 years, and now sometimes I'm a little skeptical, which one is the real me, I don't know when it started, blood and killing began to fascinate me, many people think I'm just an idiot dressed in royal skin, but!"

Speaking of this, Rolf's expression suddenly became a little crazy, and he didn't pay attention to the palm that was cut by the dinner knife, and roared with a slightly distorted face

"Even if I'm an idiot, it's better to see my dear brother completely destroy the empire and the Bernadotte family one day......"

After speaking, Rolf looked at the bleeding wound, threw away the knife casually, turned around, his eyes returned to clarity, and ordered the mysterious man in a resolute tone

"Agree to the conditions of the church, as long as they can support me on the throne with all their strength, the Duke of Lancaster will leave it alone for the time being, and I will slowly clean up these nobles when the dust settles, as for Leo...... Let's put it aside for now, as long as we don't cause trouble, the Northern Leader is too far away from us, and you have seen those knights around him, the powerful ones are a little terrifying......"

"You have every chance to be friends with Leo, Your Highness, if you hadn't sent that idiot Perrin out then!" The mysterious man shook his head with some regret, a little unimpressed by his master's approach

Rolf, who was bandaging his wound with a napkin, also regretted it, but he quickly looked up

"Impossible, I know a little bit about Leo's personality from your intelligence, and it is impossible for that kind of hypocritical aristocrat to agree with my ideals! Now you have to hurry up and get the things I have arranged to get done, as for Uncle Lealdo? I will satisfy his loyalty......"

"Also, don't come to me anymore lately, time is getting tighter, we can't afford any surprises, understand?" After thinking about it for a few seconds, Rolf reminded the mystery man

"Then Your Highness, do we still need to maintain a hostile attitude towards Leo?"

"Go ahead...... I can let Perrin and others provoke occasionally, otherwise I'm afraid that someone with a heart will notice my abnormality, after all, I am in the eyes of outsiders, and I am also Elena's fanatical suitor, hehe! ”

Nodding silently, the mysterious man turned and left the room gently after seeing that Rolf had no other instructions

(To be continued.) Pen, Fun, Pavilion www.biquge.info)