Platinum extended an invitation. “Please come in, Mr. Cook. I've prepared some nice tea. Let us have a quick chat.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Platinum.”
Declan got all self-conceited for being able to enjoy some expensive tea in Platinum's room.
Is this the luxury that Centurions get to enjoy? It feels great.
The two of them chatted for a bit before Platinum cut to the chase. “What good news do you bring with you today, Mr. Cook?”
Declan laughed. “Your plan worked wonders, Mr. Platinum. Phoenixion will launch an ambush on that newcomer tonight. You can get the loot after both parties are worn from battle.”
Platinum smiled. “It's all thanks to your help, Mr. Cook. My plan wouldn't have worked if not for you! You're key to this plan. You don't have to worry. I won't forget about your contributions.”
All of a sudden, Declan added, “Nonetheless, I feel obliged to remind you of something else, Mr. Platinum.”
“Oh? Speak your mind, Mr. Cook.” Platinum studied Declan with curiosity.
“There might be an alternative way in which the situation might develop,” Declan surmised.
“What could it be?”
“Do you think that they might've noticed someone sowing discord between them and pretended to ambush the newcomer just so they could lure us out?”
Platinum smiled. “Why would you say so, Mr. Cook?”
Declan explained, “It's obvious that Phoenix doesn't believe me when I told her the newcomer killed three guards. While she did claim to be leading her men on a crusade against the newcomer, I think they're actually going to verify the situation with him. If that's the case, they would very likely realize something was wrong, which would lead them to stall their assault. I suspect that they coordinated the ambush on the newcomer after her subordinates were killed to lure the mastermind out of hiding.”
Platinum reaffirmed, “You sure pay a lot of attention to details, Mr. Cook. However, you don't have to worry about that, for I already have it sorted out.”
“Oh?” Declan seemed surprised. “How did you solve the problem, Mr. Platinum?”
Platinum disclosed, “I snuck into the newcomer's Centuria and assassinated two of his guards. The blame was then put on Phoenix. The newcomer would definitely assume that Phoenix was the perpetrator. By the time they meet, they would already have the preconception that the other was feigning innocence by calling for a crusade! Given Phoenix's temper, she wouldn't possibly verify the situation with the newbie peacefully. Therefore, a conflict between them would be inevitable.”
Having a grasp on the situation, Declan gave Platinum a thumbs up. “Haha, this is such a great plot, Mr. Platinum! I'm impressed!”
“I have one more favor to ask of you, Mr. Cook,” Platinum requested. “Please update me on their losses if a battle broke out tonight. I need to get a hold of details to plot my next move.”
Declan happily agreed. “No problem! Leave it to me! All right, I'll be taking my leave now. I need to hurry back lest Phoenix comes to me.”
Platinum said, “Sure, I won't keep you any longer. A three-day celebration is due after our success. By then, you shall be an esteemed guest of mine!”
“Sure!”
The two of them had an amiable chat.
Platinum even sent him off from Centuria in person.
After seeing Declan off, Platinum turned to give an order to his subordinates in Platinumion. “None of this is to be revealed to anyone under any circumstance. Those who leaked this will be executed!”
His subordinates answered fearfully, “Absolutely, Sir!”
Platinum then turned his attention to the guard he had chided just now.
“I'm sorry for what I did just now, Jeffrey. I had to scold you due to the circumstances. Let's see... As a token of my apology, you will be given an extra one-fifth of your monthly stipend.”
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