Ethan soon learned something.

Joseph has already been suspended for investigation.

The reason is colluding with rebels.

"Do you often go to a restaurant called West's Secret Garden?"

"Yes, what about that place?"

"The owner, West Wallis, is closely associated with the Moerma rebels. I came back this time to eradicate those people. This assassination attempt on the Eldest Prince is suspected to be their doing."

Heisenberg spoke while watching Ethan's eyes.

"You don't trust me?"

Ethan sensed his intention.

"The records show West is also a student of Hughes Derton, who is your senior sister."

"You should know what kind of person I am, Heisenberg. I only make money; there's really no need for me to get involved in such matters."

"That's also why I'm going to protect you, considering we've fought side by side before. But you also know very well, your background isn't clean at all. The Kingdom Defense Bureau can easily get hold of your data, and you have many enemies, one of them being Johnny. They have already started to act, aiming to take you and Joseph down in one go today."

Ethan stayed silent.

He truly didn't expect things to turn out this way.

The Royal Capital is indeed a vast, bottomless pool, far beyond the comparison of a small pond like Winster.

You can never know what lies beneath the water, or which breeze will ultimately swallow you whole.

"Where is Joseph now?"

"He's still under interrogation, and he's in deeper trouble. Furthermore, it seems his family isn't intending to protect him."

"Can I see him?"

Heisenberg didn't answer immediately; he looked at Ethan for a moment and then asked, "Are you sure?"

"Do I seem like the type to kick someone away as soon as there's trouble?"

"It's not about seeming, but in this situation, you indeed should get out as soon as possible. For instance, look for that Princess. As for Joseph, you should wish him good luck."

Ethan shrugged his shoulders after hearing this: "Joseph and I are allies, aren't we?"

"Ten minutes, no more than ten minutes."

Ten minutes later.

In a temporary lounge.

Ethan met Joseph.

He seemed somewhat dispirited, but fortunately, he hadn't sustained any injuries. After all, he was part of the Kingdom Defense Bureau; a direct assault was unlikely.

"I thought I wouldn't see you again."

"Do you see me as such a cold person?"

Joseph seemed to remember something upon hearing this, his eyes flickered, then he shook his head.

"It's my elder brother. My elder brother framed me."

He added.

"Your elder brother?"

Ethan didn't expect this kind of answer.

"Ridiculous, isn't it?"

Joseph revealed a self-mocking smile.

"This is my family, the Evans Clan. This family name holds no unity, only scheming and slaughter. The ultimate winner is the only Evans."

"But..."

Ethan was puzzled. Clearly, this matter wasn't something his elder brother could have managed alone.

"My elder brother, or should I say, my father, they chose the Eldest Prince. This was an act of betrayal, and I am the price of that betrayal, a sacrifice."

"Are you saying..."

Ethan furrowed his brows.

The depths of this matter were truly terrifying.

The Evans Clan originally steadfastly supported the Second Prince. Joseph's smooth path in the military was due to the Second Prince's support.

Including his previous appointment as the head of the Investigation Bureau of Winster Kingdom, it was due to the Second Prince's influence.

And the Second Prince had always been at odds with the Eldest Prince.

This time the Eldest Prince was assassinated, but Joseph said it was a betrayal by his family.

Then there's only one answer — this assassination might have been staged by the Eldest Prince himself.

The purpose was to direct suspicion towards the Second Prince.

Is this really a battle for the throne?

"My elder brother has long known about West's issues, even..."

Joseph, saying this, showed an expression of uncontainable pain.

Ethan understood his meaning. He felt that West was also one of his elder brother's people; everything was a façade.

Indeed, everything was a façade.

But...

"West has nothing to do with your elder brother; about that, you can rest assured."

Ethan didn't know if this counted as consolation.

Joseph nodded, then said, "No matter what, I'm glad you could still come to see me, Ethan. But let's stop here, this isn't something you can get involved in. I can see the Princess holds special feelings for you. With her protection, you won't be troubled. As for me..."

He smiled as he spoke here.

"Go, Ethan, go, return to Winster. Forgive me for what I said before, the Royal Capital doesn't suit me, and it doesn't suit you. I was wrong."

Ethan didn't speak.

"By the way, if possible... could you take West away for me?"

Ethan remained silent.

Is this what it's like for a man caught up in feelings?

Ten minutes passed quickly.

Joseph was taken away again.

Heisenberg came back, watching Joseph's back, and couldn't help shaking his head. Then he said, "Let's go, someone has come to safeguard you. It seems, in the Royal Capital, you hold quite an influence. The Princess vouched for you personally, so you should be fine. But... leave here as soon as possible, this place doesn't suit you."

He said the same thing as Joseph.

After that, he led Ethan out of the temporary lounge and handled some paperwork.

Eventually, Ethan, under the guidance of a familiar Ainebez attendant, left the huge building of the Kingdom Defense Bureau.

Ainebez's car was waiting outside.

The attendant led Ethan to the car and then stepped aside.

Ainebez didn't get out of the car but rolled down the window. After carefully inspecting Ethan to make sure he wasn't hurt, she sighed lightly in relief and said, "I'm glad you're okay."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"No need to say that, I know you did nothing. I won't let you be wronged."

Ainebez shook her head.

After that, she hesitated slightly.

"However, from now on, I'm afraid I can't see you. Take care of yourself, it'd be best... to temporarily leave the Royal Capital until this matter is resolved."

"I understand, Your Highness."

"Alright."

Ainebez was about to say something more, but in the end, she said nothing more. With a wave to Ethan, she rolled up the car window and left.

Ethan stood alone at the entrance of the Kingdom Defense Bureau, looking at the colossal structure in the night, and suddenly felt like smoking.

At this moment, someone emerged from the darkness; it was Anya.

Anya seemed to understand Ethan's thoughts, pulling out a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, she handed one to Ethan.

She also shielded it from the wind with her coat, lighting it for Ethan.

Ethan took a deep inhale of the smoke, then slowly exhaled.

"Master, should we leave?"

"No."

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