Chapter 518: Water and Fire Do Not Mix
g-billed bird swooped down, diving towards the reddest flower atop the mountain. Its aim was clear, but unfortunately, in the next second, the center of that face-sized red flower’s pistil extended se...Ripples and Rhoden said their goodbyes, and on their way back to their residence, they encountered Emilio who was taking a stroll in the garden with Leah. Upon seeing Ripples, Emilio's eyes lit up, and he greeted her with a smile:
" Lian, did you just go see your father"
"Well, my father instructed me on matters to be cautious of during my journey of experience and urged me to depart as soon as possible."
"Father cares about you."
Of course, this is my first time traveling so far.
Ripples and the other party were practicing Tai Chi, saying meaningless things, and also showing off about their favored status.
Emilio's eyes flashed, and the smile on his face faded slightly. As if unintentionally, he asked:
"I just saw the heads of the Henei, Soa, Lati, Senro, and Dylan families leave. According to the butler, they came to see you."
"Yes, their son went missing, and they came to ask if I had seen him. Unfortunately, I didn't even leave the house that day, so there's no way I could have seen them!"
Ripple spread his hands.
"Missing You didn't go out that day, did you"
"Yes, she disappeared! It was the day Leah arrived here for the first time. My father sent someone to tell me as soon as he knew you were coming, so I definitely wouldn't have gone out."
A ripple of a smile touched her lips, her violet eyes gazing at Emilio with a peculiar depth.
Emilio blinked with the same violet eyes, though a smile played on his lips, one that didn't reach his eyes.
" Lian, have you broken through yet"
Suddenly, Leia, who had been ignored, inserted herself into the conversation, smiling and asking.
"Well, breaking through to the Bronze Knight, this way our external training grasp will be greater, tomorrow we can set off!"
"It's a shame that Emilio has to stay in Lava City to help his father, otherwise he would have joined us and this journey would have been even more exciting."
The ripple carried a double entendre.
"It's a pity, though. I could ask Uncle Rodeman to have Emilio join us on our journey."
Leia smiled and said.
"Leia, Lian, I'm so sorry! Although I want to go on a training journey with you both, as your older brother, I think it would be better for you to complete this journey independently. If I were with you, you might rely on me and wouldn't be able to break through your own limits as well. That's something I don't want to see happen."
Emilio said seriously, afraid that Leia would really go to her father.
Okay! I'll listen to you, big brother.
Leia was a little disheartened, but the reason convinced her. As a magic wielder, she did need to hone her skills, and choosing Lian was also because his knightly level had already reached intermediate, with enough martial prowess to complete their trials.
So, the ripples are intentionally trying to disgust Emilio. He's been constantly showing off in front of Leah anyway, so let him have his fill and see how it feels to have a rock he throws hit himself.
And with ripples so certain, after he leaves, Emilio will definitely start establishing the persona of his heir apparent. Then he'll make more appearances in Lava City, even trying to curry favor from his father and strive to diminish his presence as the youngest son of the Rhodemans during those three years of absence, laying the groundwork for himself to become the heir.
If possible, he would also secretly bribe some people to eliminate him completely. After all, a dead heir is the least threatening competitor.
Ripple speculates that if Lotus hadn't helped her in her past life, she would have most likely died in the Dark Forest and wouldn't have faced this trial. But since it exists now, Emilio must have other plans.
The course of events was much as the ripples had speculated. Back in his palace, Emilio's face grew grim before his confidants. He said coldly:
"That little brat, Lian, actually dared to scheme against me! He deserves to die! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been away from Lava City for so many years, and I wouldn't have lost my only heir."
His confidant, a member of the Kenny family, immediately replied upon hearing Emilio's words:
"Master, in my heart, you are the only heir to the Rhodes family. He's just a minor, doesn't even have a phantom beast, what can he do to compete with you At most, he's just talking tough. You don't need to take it to heart."
"I know! It's a pity those guys didn't kill Lian, they disappeared themselves!"
Emilio said with a touch of regret.
“Young Master, since this matter has already passed, let’s not interfere anymore. When those five families came to the door today, I heard that the head of the family was also there. Since the head of the family knows about it, even if the disappearance of those people is related to Lian, he will help cover it up. We can't let the head of the family find out that we have a hand in this.”
The trusted aide, very responsible and intelligent, immediately reminded.
"I know, just asking you, are all the follow-up things handled Don't involve us."
"Don't worry, Young Master, it won't happen."
"That's good! When they leave Lava City, arrange for someone to follow them. When the time is right, strike as quickly as possible."
Emilio said calmly, not wanting to wait a moment longer.
"Master, this is exactly what I wanted to tell you. I've had people ambushed in the East Continent, and we best not make a move in the West Continent."
The confidant immediately lowered his voice and explained.
"Are you afraid your father will find out"
Emilio wasn't stupid; he immediately understood the meaning in his confidant's words.
“Yes, young master! The Western Continent is the territory of the Rodelman family. Whether it's our contacts or those mercenaries, the family will find out sooner or later. Those people won't keep secrets for us, so it's safest to strike in the Eastern Continent.”
That place isn't Rhodesman family territory, even if Lian gets into trouble, the Rhodesman family wouldn't be able to reach there. The Eastern families of the Eastern Continent wouldn't allow it either. This gives us room to operate.
His confidante analyzed things for Emilio in detail.
"But how can you be sure that Lian will definitely go to the Eastern Continent"
"My lord, you forgot, his birth mother is from the Lotus Clan of Eastern Continent. He's grown up so big and hasn't even visited his maternal grandparents' home once, so he will definitely go to Eastern Continent. If you want to be more certain, you should trouble yourself to remind Lady Leia about this a few times."
"I understand! Though it may take some time, as long as we can ensure it's foolproof."
"Yes, Young Master! What we need right now is stability. Then we gradually let the head of the family recognize you. When Lian leaves, I will help the young master establish a good reputation as soon as possible and gain the recognition of everyone step by step."
"I understand. Everything is going according to plan. We just need to get rid of him before Lian turns eighteen! I will never let him bond with a phantom beast."
The next day, Lian Yi and Leia each brought a follower and a silver-armored horse. Under Rhodem's watch, they left Lava City and began their own journey of training.
Leia just said goodbye to Emilio, she felt a little sad, but she was still very much looking forward to going out to experience life outside of her parents' watchful eyes.
"Lotus, where are we now"
"The closest to Lava City is Tze city, it's about the same as Lava City, nothing special. Let's go check out Ang Town instead!"
"Angleton, I've heard, is the most complete town for potion-making in the Western Continent. Eighty percent of the residents there are potioneers. Are you going there to replenish your supplies" you so eager I've already met your sister. It's just that you're not ready to meet her right now. Wait for a while, and I'll arrange for you two to meet.""Mother, you haven't told elder sister to mar...