Chapter 850: Negotiation
The nobles in District 011 could override the government, and their numbers were certainly not small. Many families had gradually become marginalized due to the successive deaths of their main combat forces, but these families were still cultivating new players. However, compared to clans bound by blood relations, the strength of these family forces appeared weaker.
Lady Lily's maiden family had originally been average in strength. As she said, many of her parents and brothers had died in their prime before they could rise. After she married into the Duke's family, the two houses became in-laws. While their combined strength increased, they also gained greater say in affairs. But now that her husband had just died, with no one yet to fill the position of new Duke, and her own brother suspected of being a "traitor," the leader of the new generation of players had brought people directly to surround their home. It did seem somewhat like bullying the weak.
After all, this was the Duke's residence—the face and leading figure of District 011. This behavior seemed to send another signal: without strength, even a Duke could be dragged down.
If even a Duke was treated this way, what about other nobles?
Lady Lily first showed weakness and then questioned them, which was also a reminder to nobles in similar situations.
"Women really can't be underestimated," Serin murmured in admiration. "This is a battlefield completely different from that of players."
In reality, ever since Rongxin Group had purchased weapons earlier, internal forces within District 011 had already begun their covert struggles. The assassination on the ship was a surface-level conflict. The newly emerging New Wheel Sect being kicked out meant that the forces trying to promote this new religion had been eliminated. Ashis and others stood on the stage, and as nobles themselves, they had turned their spearhead against other nobles.
Xu Huo's gaze swept briefly over the distant Enforcement Team formation: similarly, the Black Epaulets had grown stronger, while the White Epaulets had been eliminated.
"I am not targeting you or the Duke's residence," Ashis said to Lady Lily inside the living room. "I have only one goal: to maintain the stability and prosperity of District 011."
"District 011 absolutely cannot have traitors within, especially among the nobles who control the fate of the entire district. We are all in the same boat, and I will not allow anyone to secretly drill holes in it."
"The Miler family's contributions to District 011 cannot be erased by anyone. But if Leyton Miler has truly done something contrary to the interests of District 011, the glory of a fallen hero cannot cover up this stain!"
This golden-haired man stood up, looking down at Lady Lily. "Please cooperate."
The several elderly people present said nothing more, instead avoiding Lady Lily's gaze one after another, their stance clear.
Lady Lily sneered and stood up. "Leyton is not here."
"Search," Ashis said, as if he had lost all patience. But just as his players moved, the players behind Lady Lily also stepped forward. The two sides confronted each other. No one knew who made the first move, but in an instant, the entire ancient castle, including the gardens outside and the nearby roads, fell into a peculiar silence.
The ancient castle itself hadn't changed much, but looking outward from within, the surrounding space seemed to have disappeared, with darkness pressing close.
At this moment, everyone inside and outside the garden turned their gazes toward the main building of the castle.
"Coming into my home to search—this is going too far!" Lady Lily snapped her fan shut, adopting a tough stance. "If you want to force your way in today, you'll have to leave a few heads behind!"
As her words fell, the floor beneath her suddenly began to bloom like a flower, instantly widening the distance between her and Ashis. At the same time, the interior of the entire castle seemed to be expanding continuously, yet the outer walls remained unchanged. Thus, comparing inside and out, the space exhibited a strange sense of division.
Xu Huo vaguely sensed that the castle's space was splitting in two directions, but his naked eye couldn't directly capture the spatial changes. Just as he was about to move closer, the flower-like floor suddenly contracted, and then a person emerged from below.
"What are you doing out here!" Lady Lily shouted angrily.
Leyton Miler smiled at his sister. "How could I let two families be implicated because of me alone?"
"This isn't just about you!" Lady Lily took two quick steps. "They've clearly come to swallow us up, just using any excuse!"
Leyton Miler directly waved his hand to send her back, nodded to the player who caught her, then turned to look at Ashis. "I can accept the investigation. But if the final result proves my innocence, you will have to accept punishment under noble law."
Ashis's expression didn't change at all. The player behind him raised a hand, and Leyton Miler automatically moved to their side. They weren't worried he would run—these people didn't even bother putting props on him.
After Ashis led his people away, the government players withdrew together with the Enforcement Team. The players behind Lady Lily wanted to act several times to rescue him, but she stopped them.
This woman watched them leave, her tone cold and hard. "Since this is Leyton's decision, I can only respect it. As a member of the Miler family, he is worthy of this honor. I will not let anyone wrong him!"
The aircraft flew into the distance. She turned back and whispered a few words to the players beside her. Five of them left one after another. Then Lady Lily returned to the living room, leaving the remaining matters to be handled by members of the Miler family.
At this time, the nobles willing to help were all allies. The Miler family greeted each of them individually and saw them off separately. As for the other players, they directly promised them generous compensation.
"Boring. I thought there was going to be a fight," a player muttered.
"How could a fight possibly break out?" Serin said meaningfully. "Lady Lily's side only has a few players. They were just making a statement. Once Leyton's matter is settled, the Vilna family will probably have to compensate the Miler family quite a bit."
Xu Huo noticed that Serin seemed to know the inside story well, so he asked, "What's this about Leyton Miler colluding with the Holy Sword Society?"
"How would I know that?" Serin smiled and gestured with his chin toward a Miler member approaching. "Why don't you go ask Lady Lily yourself?"
"Mr. Xu, Lady Lily would like to see you," the Miler member said politely.
Serin looked at Xu Huo meaningfully.
Xu Huo ignored his gaze and followed the player into the ancient castle. On the second floor, he met Lady Lily.
Completely different from the fragile yet strong woman she had been moments ago, she was now lounging on the sofa, swirling a wine glass and motioning for him to come over.
"Aren't you worried about Leyton Miler?" Xu Huo sat down across from her.
Lady Lily gave a light smile. "They can't produce evidence. This time, I'm going to make the Vilna family take a huge fall."
Xu Huo raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were allies."
"Face to face, of course everyone is good friends."