Chapter 2008: Chapter 1127: Probing and Seeing Through_2

“Your Excellency, there’s no need to keep up the facade. The reason I believe you are probing is for another reason.”

Leo Ray calmly finished his tea, first nodding towards Maid Celeste to refill his cup with hot tea, then said, “This reason is the very foundation of my certainty.”

“Oh? I’d like to hear more.”

Durant, with an expression of great interest, rested his chin on one hand and said, “In my opinion, isn’t it your Highness playing the bluffing game?”

Hearing this, Leo Ray did not answer Durant’s question. Instead, he turned to the unassuming Deputy Vice President, Rupert, beside Durant and smiled, “Your Excellency, last time you told me about the tavern next to the Central Plaza of the Royal Capital, and the wine there is indeed excellent. Thank you for your recommendation.”

The people present couldn’t help but exchange puzzled glances at Leo Ray’s inexplicable words, each wearing a bewildered expression.

Only Rupert, after pondering for a moment, finally responded with a smile, “If your Highness likes it, that’s good, but it seems now is not the time to discuss wine. Please return to the main topic, Your Highness.”

“This is the main topic. The tavern Vice President Rupert recommended to me never had wine; it’s renowned in the Royal Capital for its craft malt beer.”

Leo Ray gently swirled the teacup in his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on the other’s eyes, smiling, “Although your Excellency disguised as Rupert, matching his demeanor, you couldn’t possibly remember every conversation I’ve had with him, could you?”

“What? This Rupert is an impostor?”

Upon hearing this, our people once again began to exchange baffled looks.

Among them, especially Landel, seemed almost unable to believe his ears.

He and Rupert have been friends for over ten years, remaining close even before being trapped in the Endless Passage, yet even he hadn’t noticed anything wrong with Rupert, illustrating the issue perfectly.

“But, Your Highness, all the Detection Arrays within the palace have been fully restored, with comprehensive detection mechanisms. Illusion disguises won’t work within the Royal Capital.”

Asher exclaimed in disbelief, “How, then, did the other side manage it?”

“In my hometown, there has always been a technique called disguise, referring to altering one’s appearance on a physical level through remarkable shaping makeup techniques. After all, we don’t have any wondrous illusions.”

Leo Ray calmly smiled and replied, “I suppose that’s the technique this individual used? It’s not illusion disguise–merely a makeover–and mimicking voices is hardly a challenge. Let’s not even get started on those trained experts; even various magical means are innumerable and cannot be detected by a barrier.”

Leo Ray’s words made the atmosphere in the conference room instantly become rather peculiar.

Our subordinates still wore expressions of disbelief, while the individuals from the opposite side, including Rupert, remained silently bowing their heads.

“Your Highness, that’s quite the wild imagination…”

Before Durant could finish his awkward laughter, “Rupert” raised a hand to interrupt.

“Rupert” rested his chin in one hand and smiled slightly, “Indeed, worthy of the famed Holy Lion Prince, making me ponder. It’s been at least a century since anyone’s seen through my disguising art.”

Asher and Randell’s eyes widened, seemingly unable to believe their ears.

“Rupert’s” voice had transformed from that of a middle-aged coarse man to a captivating feminine voice, with graceful movements remarkably different from the previous stiff movements.

Before our people could react, “Rupert” swept a palm across the stubbly cheek, revealing an exquisite and handsome face to everyone.

At the same time, the individual swiftly changed attire, and the leather armor disappeared, replaced by an elegant purple gown.

“Was it really a disguise technique?”

Staring at the suddenly appearing beautiful lady in front, Landel, despite his shock, suddenly realized something and blurted out, “Master of disguise and wearing a signature purple gown, could this senior be the legendary Gray Diamond Mercenary, Diana the Thousand Forms?”

“I am indeed Diana.”

The mercenary named Diana gently raised her brows and smiled, “You’re from the Mithril-level Dragon Tooth Mercenary Corps, Randell, right? As one of the old mercenary corps of the Coldflame Kingdom, you’ve been doing well recently.”

“But hasn’t the senior disappeared for a century now? Younger generations like me only heard of the senior’s name through the verses of wandering poets.”

Landel frowned slightly and said, “I thought the senior had long since fallen.”

“Landel, mind your words.”

Durant crossed his arms and frowned, “In front of you is Mercenary Guild Headquarters Vice President, Diana, also a Black Diamond level mercenary of the guild.”

“A Black Diamond Mercenary, only those of half-step Tier 6 can receive this title?”

Landel was stunned, then quickly clasped his hands and bowed, “I see Vice President Diana.”

One must understand that the Mercenary Guild Headquarters is extremely mysterious as well.

Aside from the occasional appearances of punitive squads scattered across regions, few mercenaries understand anything about the high-ups; even someone like Landel, a Mithril-grade mercenary renowned in his area, is clueless.

“There’s no need for formalities, only a hollow reputation. It’s nothing much.”

Diana lightly waved her hand, maintaining her gentle smile like a blossoming flower.

“A half-step Tier 6 expert? And ‘one of’? The Mercenary Guild surely has remarkable depth. No wonder neither Taylor nor Rednight noticed any suspicious signs. If I’d known, I’d have brought Louise along.”

Leo Ray slightly furrowed his brow upon hearing the conversation.

One has to admit that facing a half-step Tier 6 expert with unclear intent is quite stressful.

After all, a half-step Tier 6 expert can hold their ground against five Tier 5 Powerhouses. From last night, with Louise guarding half the city wall alone, evidence is clear.

“Never mind, though a half-step Tier 6 expert is formidable, they’re not a true Tier 6 expert. Even if the other party suddenly attacks, my subordinates and I won’t be utterly passive.”

“This is the Coldflame Palace, after all. Everywhere is filled with intricate magic mechanisms, like this very conference table I’m at, which possesses an Absolute Defense Barrier.”

“Furthermore, if the opposing party intended to act, the initial meeting would have been the best time. Since no attacks occurred, there must be room for discussion.”

With these thoughts, Leo Ray’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed.

Since the Mercenary Guild sent such a heavyweight character, it shows their tremendous attention and caution towards the current situation.

With no understanding of the opposing party’s power structure, while directly recruiting them might be challenging, striving to keep them neutral remains possible.

“I apologize, His Royal Highness the Holy Lion, that was indeed a probe from me earlier.”

Diana gently nodded and offered a charming smile to Leo Ray, “Please don’t be offended, Your Highness.”

“Vice President, you’re too kind. The Human World’s currently in great turmoil, and our Coldflame Kingdom lies at its core, so caution is natural for anyone.”

Leo Ray, looking unconcerned, smiled in return, “How did you find my reaction, Vice President? Satisfactory?”

“Upon hearing that the Mercenary Guild intends to align with the Temple of Light, Your Highness’s reaction indeed exceeded my expectations.”

Diana looked at Leo Ray with interest, raising an eyebrow, “According to my intelligence, Your Highness might not break out in anger, but should at least look surprised. Yet Your Highness remained as steady as a mountain, which truly impressed me.”

“You flatter me, Vice President. I merely considered things more thoroughly, that’s all, it’s nothing significant.”

Leo Ray smiled slightly, as if chatting with an old friend.

“Indeed, Prince, you are both humble and wise.”

A hint of curiosity appeared in Diana’s starry eyes. She then asked, “May I ask, how did your Highness eventually see through my disguising art?”