Lana was in awe, her mouth agape. "Wow, did a miracle happen?" What she'd mentioned in passing had magically come true, leaving her shocked.As everyone was still processing this, an even more unbelievable scene played out.Not long after Dustin had walked out, Maximus followed closely, carrying two people. On his left was Pablo, with broken limbs and in agonizing pain. On the right was Hugo, who was so battered and bruised that he was almost unrecognizable. They were like rag dolls, clutched by their collars, as Maximus dragged them out of the Golden Balcony, leaving a trail of blood in their wake.It became clear that it wasn't Hugo who spared Dustin and Maximus. Instead, Dustin and Maximus had fought their way out of an intense situation.Earlier, Hugo had brought the elite martial artists from the Langford family, each capable of taking on a hundred enemies. Yet, in just a few minutes, all the elite martial artists were defeated, and Hugo himself had been captured. Th
"Stop! Who's there?"As Dustin and Maximus stepped out of the car, the two guards at the entrance of the Langford residence immediately tensed up."I'm here to see Mr. Ethan. Can you let him know?" Dustin asked calmly."You can't just barge in to see Mr. Ethan. You'll have to send a request in writing tomorrow and wait for a response," the left guard replied curtly.Without further ado, Dustin made a simple hand gesture.Maximus understood the cue and quickly pulled Hugo out of the car, positioning him in front of the residence's gate."Mr. Hugo?"The guards scrutinized the battered Hugo closely. Their expressions quickly shifted from suspicion to concern. "Who are you? You've got some guts to attack a member of the Langford family!""Tell Mr. Ethan that an old friend has come to visit," Dustin said impassively."Hurry... Please let Uncle Ethan know ..." Hugo, lying on the ground, gasped weakly.The two guards exchanged a glance and didn't hesitate. One stayed on guard whil
Ethan had reached his breaking point and slapped Hugo in frustration.The force of the slap sent Hugo sprawling to the ground, leaving everyone in the crowd bewildered. They exchanged incredulous looks, struggling to process what had just transpired."What on earth is happening here? Shouldn't Ethan be dealing with the troublemaker who barged in?" Some in the crowd whispered. "Why did Hugo get slapped? Is this some kind of mix-up?""Uncle Ethan?" Hugo held his cheek, looking confused. "Wh-why'd you hit me?"Ethan's anger flared, and he threatened, "You blind fool! I'm gonna slap you again!" He stormed over, landing a series of punches and kicks while yelling, "You laze around all day, bully people, and stir up trouble everywhere. "Our family is ashamed to have a good-for-nothing like you! Today, I'm giving you a lesson on behalf of your father, you worthless scoundrel!""Ouch! Please, stop! Uncle Ethan. I know I messed up ..." Hugo winced from the relentless blows and be
In the living hall inside the Langford residence.Ethan took charge, commanding, "Everyone, step outside. Only enter when I say so." With a gesture, he dismissed his subordinates and servants.Dustin signaled to Maximus. "Why don't you take a breather in the adjacent hall for a while? I need a word with Mr. Ethan.""Sure thing." Maximus nodded and quickly exited.As the doors closed, the grand living hall was left with only two people—Ethan and Dustin.Now more at ease, Ethan couldn't resist shedding his formal facade. "Your Grace, what brings you here?"Dustin's presence was a sensitive issue, given his role as the heir to the West Lucozian monarchy. As the imperial court minister, Ethan knew that having a private meeting with Dustin could stir up controversy and accusations of treachery or conspiracy."What's the deal, Mr. Ethan? You're not about to tell me you're unhappy to see me?" Dustin asked with a sly grin.Internally, Ethan rolled his eyes. "Oh, don't give me that!
"Two will do, no need for two hundred," Dustin said with a grin."I'm not sure which two medicinal herbs you're after, Your Grace. But I'll have someone start searching right away," Ethan replied, taking a sip from his teacup."It's pretty simple. I'd like an Iceheart Lotus and an Emerald Corolla," Dustin said casually.Ethan, who had just taken a sip of tea, couldn't help but spit it out when he heard that. His face contorted in shock. "Your Grace, did I hear you right? You're asking for an Iceheart Lotus and an Emerald Corolla?""Exactly." Dustin nodded.He had brought this up because he was worried about the Welch family's slow progress in finding these herbs. Cinna's health was on the line, and there was no time to waste. He hoped that with the Langford family's help, it could speed things up."Do you realize how rare and precious those herbs are?" Ethan asked, his voice quivering."Yes, they're precious, but I trust you could handle this task," Dustin said with a smile.
"What?!"Dustin's request hit Ethan like a bolt of lightning, instantly draining the color from his face. Ethan knew the Purple City rebellion from ten years ago was taboo. The death of the Princess Consort of West Lucozia, still a mystery, wasn't because of its unsolvability but the collective reluctance to investigate it. Even the once-mighty Prince of West Lucozia had to shut down any inquiries, leaving the truth buried. Who, in their right mind, would dare to address it?Despite the royal family's assurance to uncover those responsible for the Purple City rebellion, the issue gradually receded from the public eye. This silence suggested that the elusive masterminds behind the rebellion held significant influence. Also, this matter involved the highest imperial authority.The Langford family might be wealthy and influential but not on the same level as the top royal relatives. So, when Ethan heard Dustin's request, it rattled him. He was uneasy and downright scared.Dust
Dustin had a plan that involved not just the Langford family but also some powerful allies. He knew he needed enough support to take on the mastermind behind the Purple City rebellion.Meanwhile, two cars were parked outside the Langford residence, one behind the other. Lana, looking exhausted, lounged in the back seat. A cigarette in hand, lit but untouched. She let the breeze extinguish it slowly, her mind wandering. Dustin had been inside the Langford residence for almost two hours, and there was no sign of activity. Did something go wrong?Ethan's earlier actions were surprising, but it might have been all a show for outsiders. Once inside the Langford residence, with no witnesses, he could easily deal with anyone.As Lana contemplated this, she couldn't shake an unsettling feeling of unease. She couldn't understand why she was so concerned about Dustin, someone she had just met. Was it merely because of his striking appearance and unique personality?Suddenly, a car pu
Harper and Cody exchanged bewildered glances, completely thrown off by Ethan's strange behavior. They silently questioned, "Is it really wise to respond to hostility with kindness? Are those high-society types really willing to risk their honor?"Dustin smiled faintly. "I've patched things up with the Langford family. Let's put our issues on the table." Harper and Cody couldn't help but notice that Dustin's smile seemed rather insincere.Cody tried to lighten the mood. "Dustin, this mess isn't my doing. I'm a victim here, too. I've been waiting by the door, worried about your safety." But deep down, he couldn't help but think, "This guy's nuts! He even dared to face off with Hugo. I'd be in for trouble if I crossed him."Dustin added, "We can deal with our stuff later. Right now, I need to talk to her." He pointed toward Harper through the car window.Growing anxious, Harper urged, "Cody, let's get out of here, now!""You want to run?" Maximus snorted. He punched through t