Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2606: 1435: Straight to the Point
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Chapter 1435: Straight to the Point
Despite the layer of seductive charm in Sina’s tone, her inner thoughts were actually as cold as ice. Previously, while surveying the crowd at the Shadow Market, the idea that Leo Ray had orchestrated everything crossed her mind, but she had quickly dismissed it.
She believed it was impossible for the Human Clan, a weak faction that had only recently arrived in the Outer Region under Leo Ray’s command, to pull off such a feat. Her suspicions shifted when she spotted a Light Half-Elf in the marketplace; she assumed this individual was the true source of the equipment, backed by the vast resources of the Light Elves.
She was unaware, however, that the "Light Half-Elf" was actually Little Jie. As Stone Spirits, they possessed the ability to mimic not only Humans but any of the Ten Thousand Clans, provided they had encountered powerful members of that race. Having spent time with Ruth and her companions, Little Jie could replicate the appearance of a Light Half-Elf with ease.
Sina’s eyes glittered as she continued to study Leo Ray. It was becoming clear that this young Human Emperor was far more formidable than she had presumed. He had intentionally crafted this elaborate scenario specifically to lure her and Loris into his presence.
Normally, she would have looked down upon a request for a meeting and refused to see him. This raised a vital question: why had Leo Ray brought both her and Loris together? If his goal was simply to gain leverage or negotiate a retreat, meeting with each party privately would have been the logical strategy.
“I certainly wouldn’t take such a small matter to heart.”
Leo Ray gave a slight nod, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. He had anticipated their reactions. Though everyone wore pleasant expressions, he knew they were all hiding their true agendas.
His objective was precise: to display his strength, identify the hidden mastermind, rescue Dana and Davis, and then exact his revenge. His tactic was to be blunt, forcing the two leaders—who knew each other well—to turn on one another while he watched for a slip-up.
Realizing that one of the two people before him was the culprit who tried to destroy his allies, Leo Ray’s smile took on a dark, dangerous edge. At that moment, the Administrator showed Loris and Sina to their seats, which were positioned near Leo Ray.
“Both of you have likely realized by now that I am not here today merely to trade weapons.”
Leo Ray’s smile vanished as his gaze shifted between them. He spoke with a calm intensity: “Someone is attempting to bring the shadow of war and death to my doorstep, and I will not remain passive.”
“Perhaps Your Majesty is being a bit too sensitive?”
The smile on Loris’s leonine face also faded. He tried to maintain a neutral tone: “The deployment of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance troops to the border is a standard maneuver. Our main forces are stationed in various sectors, not just near your territory. It is clear that we are not singling out the Human Clan.”
“The Desert Alliance follows the same principle, merely preparing for any unforeseen events. We certainly won't be the ones to strike first.”
Sina’s response was even more elusive as she continued to smile at Leo Ray. “Furthermore, if Your Majesty is inclined, the Desert Alliance is open to negotiations. We might find common ground quite quickly.”
“Hah! Your words are always sweet. You said the same thing when we were clashing with the Half-Giants,” Old Susan interjected, unable to stay silent. She glared at Sina before turning a strained, awkward smile toward Leo Ray. “Your Majesty, you must be careful. They are only pretending to retreat to gain a better position. Behind those smiles lie nothing but malice and murderous intent.”
“It’s hypocritical for you to say that,” the Masked Man countered immediately. He then looked at Leo Ray. “Your Majesty, they have always been heartless. Do not place your trust in these wolves and tigers.”
Leo Ray remained expressionless as he listened to their bickering. He steered the conversation back: “I wouldn't care if it were just soldiers at the border; that is your right. However, someone has crossed a line I cannot ignore by harming my powerful allies. I intend to find the truth.”
“Therefore, in today’s high-level trade, only one of you will be permitted to complete the exchange. That person will also receive a special gift from me.”
As he spoke, Leo Ray turned his hand, revealing a Tier 6 Magic Medicine that filled the air with a potent, exotic aroma. It was an energy-restoring type, and while not as rare as healing pills, it was a treasure that third-class factions rarely possessed. He used it as bait, hoping to provoke the two leaders into exposing each other's secrets.
The sight of the medicine caused everyone’s eyes to widen, yet they also looked perplexed. Based on their reactions, none of them seemed to understand the "intolerable" act Leo Ray was referencing. Leo Ray watched their faces closely for any sign of guilt.
“Your Majesty, exactly what incident are you referring to?” Loris was the first to ask.
Sina remained quiet, but a flicker of genuine confusion crossed her face as she waited for an explanation.
“I will be direct then.”
Sticking to his plan, Leo Ray detailed the events that had transpired near the Forest-side Fortress.
“Your Majesty, it was definitely not us!” Thomas exclaimed, his brow furrowed as he gestured wildly upon hearing that Centaurs were involved at the border. “Someone is clearly pulling strings from the shadows!” He shot a meaningful look toward Sina and her group.
“Exactly. Such an obvious clue suggests an attempt to spark a conflict between us,” Loris added coldly. “The identity of the one who benefits from this is quite clear. It is a very devious plot.”
“Are you suggesting I am responsible?” Sina’s expression turned icy. “My territory is hundreds of thousands of miles from the Forest-side Fortress. To get there, one would have to bypass dozens of your forts and cities undetected. If I wanted to act, I would use simpler methods.”
“Your Majesty, it seems the Desert Alliance has been planning to incite war between us for a long time!” Old Susan stood on her chair, snorting in derision. “Why else would they have thought of 'other methods' so quickly?”
She lowered her voice, adding firmly: “And there is something else. The Desert Alliance’s Vice Leader is missing. They must be the mastermind! They likely attacked the Dragonborn Queen and haven't had time to return, which is why they aren't at this Shadow Market!”
“You old hag, you’re talking nonsense!” Sina snapped, her face flushing with irritation.