LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 818 Lanqi: Who dares to kill me?
Chapter 818 Lanqi: Who dares to kill me?
The next day, night.
The central area of Manhot, Blida.
As the night deepened, Lanci and Talia strolled through the wide Broadway Center Square, where the fountain in the center sparkled under the lights.
It is now November 5th, 7pm.
Overtaking the slow-moving vehicles and rushing through the newly changed lights at the intersection——
It is only about one kilometer away from the Brillda Opera House and the Hallworth Crossroads where the Imperial Special Operations Office is located.
But Lanqi came here tonight not to go to the opera house nor to work in the Operations Department.
It was an invitation his family received during his previous trip to the film world.
Captain Maguire wanted to host a banquet for him and have a chat with him.
So Lanqi brought Talia to this restaurant.
There are spies from the Imperial Special Operations Department everywhere outside now. The more people go out, the more likely it is that unnecessary loopholes will appear.
It would be best for them to keep a low profile in the half month before the decisive battle in Blood Moon City.
After Lanqi's persuasion, Talia and Sigrid finally stopped insisting on the three of them going out together.
But according to the inexplicable agreement between Talia and Sigrid, the next time he encountered a situation where he needed to bring his fiancée to a party, it would be Sigrid's turn to accompany him.
Tonight he brought Talia with him.
Talia has excellent liar detection skills.
And the most important thing is, if she is not allowed to attend dining occasions, it would be a bit of abuse of the elderly.
"Ok?"
Talia glanced sideways at Lanci.
"Tata, we're almost late."
Lanqi said seriously while looking at the building in the distance.
Upon hearing this, Talia nodded slightly hesitantly, then quickened her pace.
The Eleven Madison Park restaurant they were going to today was opened by the famous imperial chef Thomas Keller. It was located on the eleventh floor of the Liberty Memorial Building in West Vancouver near Broadway Square. It offers exquisite modern imperial cuisine and first-class service. It is also one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city of Brillda.
The restaurant offers a seasonal nine-course traditional Imperial menu and a nine-course vegetarian menu, with each menu being slightly different to ensure a unique dining experience.
Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the open-air sky park and the charming night view of Brillda Circle.
The two of them headed to the building and took the elevator upstairs.
As soon as Talia stepped out of the cabin and arrived at the door of the restaurant on the eleventh floor, she sniffed and knew she was in the right place.
"This is a restaurant that usually requires reservations a month in advance. If you don't make a reservation, it seems difficult to eat there."
Talia tells Lanci what she learned from Brillda's gourmet weekly.
In this restaurant, men are required to wear suits or formal gowns, and women should wear cocktail dresses or little black dresses. Almost everyone wears formal attire.
So today she and Lanqi dressed up like a newlywed couple.
It shouldn't arouse Captain Maguire's suspicion.
Through the automatically revolving glass door, you can see the overall high-quality pure black style of the restaurant interior and the sky courtyard and terrace outside the window.
When night falls, the stars seem to be reflected on the windowsill, giving customers a dreamy beauty.
"Sir, are you Mr. Maguire's companion?"
The polite waiter came to the two people immediately and figured out which table they were at based on the customers' reservation time and number of people.
"correct."
Lanqi smiled and nodded.
"Okay, please follow me."
The waiter spoke at a professional and steady pace, leading them to their seats while handing them a carefully crafted black cowhide guide.
Talia flipped it open and walked forward with Lanqi on her arm, reading the guide.
The hot-stamped words were neatly arranged on the black cover. When they opened it, they saw the menu. However, Captain Maguire, who was treating them to dinner today, must have already ordered.
The aroma of flowers intertwines with the smell of truffles and black pepper that permeates the air.
Waiters in neat uniforms shuttled back and forth between the tables or stopped at other tables. They carefully poured the guests decanted red wine, and from time to time, the crisp sound of cutlery touching each other could be heard.
The two soon saw a table at the end of the aisle, which the waiter was pointing to.
Maguire, who was sitting on the side, raised his hand to them.
Maguire was not wearing his leather jacket today, but was dressed in a formal suit and tie to treat the Landrys to dinner.
"Captain Maguire, sorry for the wait."
Lanqi quickened his pace with Talia and walked to the sofa opposite the booth dining table where Maguire was sitting.
"No, I just arrived."
Maguire shook his head and smiled, looking at the two people who were seated.
"I ordered some food without your permission. See if there's anything you want to add."
he asked Professor Landry and his wife.
"No, no, thank you for the expense."
Lanqi quickly denied it.
If Talia was allowed to eat as much as she wanted, when Maguire saw the bill, she would probably be offended and they would become enemies.
Talia suddenly became a little angry, as if she had guessed what Lanqi was thinking.
"There is another lady, isn't she here yet?"
After Maguire confirmed the menu with the waiter, he asked Lanqi.
"I'm sulking at home, don't mention it."
Lan Qi sighed.
"It's not easy, Professor Landry."
Maguire understood something.
It's Landry's ability to take care of the moods of two wives at the same time.
"Professor, do you know what Director Dax's attitude was when he heard that you brought your two fiancées to Brillda?"
Maguire picked up the glass and toasted Landry.
"You must be very disappointed in me."
Lanci responded to Maguire with water instead of wine.
"No, you underestimate Director Dykes."
Maguire sipped his drink and preached.
"how to say?"
Lanqi asked sincerely.
"Director Dykes is not afraid of his subordinates being greedy or lustful. Such people are easier to control."
Maguire looked around. There were no other spies from the Imperial Special Operations Department here. He had already checked them out, and they could speak freely.
Landry now has two fiancées, which makes Dax look at him with more favor.
If there was only one fiancée, Dax might have suspected that she was just someone hired to do the job, but that was definitely not the case with two of them, unless they were all a makeshift team and something went wrong.
The same goes for Maguire. Maguire is greedy, and Dykes sometimes turns a blind eye to Maguire's looting and tricks when he is on duty.
As for Nicholas the Red Kestrel, there is no flaw in him, but since he is the favorite student of Duke Dax, Dax cares for Nicholas very much and may doubt him, but he will not express his doubts to him casually.
So Maguire was very worried that Duke Dykes would favor Nicola, and he wanted to find a way to let Nicola make contributions at this juncture and surpass him, Maguire, so that Maguire would have no choice but to accept it.
"So that's it..."
The two exchanged pleasantries before the main course began.
Talia remained mostly silent, occasionally looking at the food on the next table and swallowing.
In the Imperial Special Operations Department, since Professor Landry was always monitored by Nicholas the Red Falcon in the name of "protection", and Director Dax also tacitly agreed to let Nicholas be in charge of Professor Landry's itinerary, Maguire and Professor Landry rarely had the opportunity to chat alone.
Most of the time, we met at the Operations Department headquarters and exchanged a few polite words.
Maguire had a good impression of Landry, because Landry and Nikola didn't get along, but Landry always respected Maguire, so Maguire had long wanted to win over the professor.
Soon, dinner began.
The waiter presented each guest with an appetizer of corn puree with caviar and black truffle.
The milky white corn puree is spread softly at the bottom of the bowl, with a spoonful of caviar piled into a small hill in the middle and garnished with thin slices of black truffle.
Talia scooped lightly with a silver spoon, and the sweetness of corn, the salty freshness of caviar and the fragrance of truffle intertwined in her mouth, creating a wonderful feeling.
Next came the appetizer. The waiter brought a round white porcelain plate with foie gras mousse and figs on it.
The pink foie gras mousse is cut into small cubes, coated with a layer of caramel honey and dotted with fig jam.
The richness of the foie gras, the crispness of the caramel, the sweet and sour taste of the figs, Talia had no intention of listening to the conversation between Lanqi and Maguire, she just wanted to savor it wholeheartedly.
As soon as she finished eating, the confit lobster with black pepper sauce was served.
The crystal clear lobster meat exudes luster after being soaked in butter. The meat is firm and tender, with the freshness of the ocean.
The lights danced in the corners of the floor tiles, the glittering handmade ice, the sheen of the wine bottles, the mist of the newly served dishes, everything was refracted in the light.
"Brother Landry, please forgive me. This is the first time I've invited you out for dinner in such a long time. I don't mean to be disrespectful. It's all because of that guy Nicholas who always makes trouble and prevents me from getting along well with you."
Maguire drank his wine and preached as if he had found a soulmate.
"With great power comes great responsibility, and I understand that."
Lanqi smiled politely and sighed,
"But it's true that when I talk about Duke Dax's intention to retire, I get a headache. I really don't want any changes at this juncture. I always feel like something big is going to happen."
Soon, Lanqi seemed to have remembered something troubling him and muttered to himself in a wavering manner.
For a neutral figure like him in the imperial capital, if he does not have a clear inclination, any disturbance or reshuffle of power would be a bad thing.
Because he can only go with the flow, he may suddenly be suppressed or become a victim of the power struggle.
"If Brother Landry has any ideas, please share them with me."
Maguire said to Ranch.
Lanqi groaned.
"I just know that if Nicholas lives well, I certainly won't be able to live well."
Lanqi looked back at the corridor. He seemed to have a psychological trauma from the Red Falcon Nicola. He made sure that there was no one around before answering Captain Maguire.
"..."
Maguire stared into Landry's blue eyes. It was a sincere look from the heart. He seemed to very much hope that this operations captain could become the new director of the Imperial Special Operations Department.
"It seems that everyone thinks the same way."
Maguire nodded slowly and gradually in agreement.
In fact, if you think about it carefully, Landry came here to see him today, obviously he understood what he meant.
Even though their interests do not completely overlap, Nicholas will stand in their way no matter how high or low.
Even without considering Landry's current status and potential in the Empire's military industry, Maguire was very sure that there was nothing wrong in making friends with Landry. After all, today's simple conversation had made Maguire feel a lot better about Landry.
He does not have the rebellious character of a genius in magic engineering, nor does he think that he does not need to consider other people's feelings just because he is famous.
There is no need to rush to find out anything from Landry now. The more critical the information, the more likely it is to arouse vigilance.
"Your wife is really quiet. She hasn't said a word since coming here."
Maguire suddenly changed the conversation and looked at Tata diagonally opposite.
She is still eating.
Like someone who had just come out of a starvation prison.
"..."
Talia looked up from between bites of shrimp and stared at them in confusion.
Could it be that she was suspected by the captain of the action team because her fiancée was not pretending to be like her?
"She had a period of time before where she couldn't eat well. She was hungry all day and had to fight with cats for food."
Lanqi burst out laughing.
"Tsk, it was you who tricked me into feeding the cats, and the rest belongs to me."
Talia became angry when she recalled the past.
"It seems like the history of your two meeting is quite interesting."
Maguire commented as he watched the interaction between the two which couldn't be more genuine.
He didn't really doubt Mrs. Landry, she was so serious about her meal.
This noble country girl who looks like both a princess and a country girl is not acting.
"Just eat your meal with peace of mind. Don't be stressed. Captain Maguire and I will chat about our business."
Lanqi patted Talia's forearm and said to her.
Full of flaws is equivalent to no flaws.
Tata doesn't need to act at all.
Talia nodded and continued eating.
The presence of Lanci and Maguire had no effect on her, she was just there to eat.
The atmosphere in the restaurant became calm, like a black treasure box with only small lights flickering.
Cutlery and glass containers were placed on the black tablecloths on the tables in the restaurant. There was a small menu next to each table, and most of the customers who were dining were silent or spoke softly.
The night lights of Brillda outside the window streaked across the sky like shooting stars, and the air was filled with the aroma of imperial cuisine. Time passed by.
"The Kreihe Empire is in the midst of unprecedented changes. Since the national popular faction became strong, many aspects have undergone earth-shaking changes, including this war."
Maguire lamented.
"First, in the cultural field, the royal family vigorously promoted nationalism and heroism, reawakened the pride of the Cretan nation, suppressed the aristocracy's usual dominance before the 'Bloodbath Day', and allowed the people to begin to balance it."
"In terms of social life, Saint Bardo the Great implemented a series of policies aimed at shaping the image of the Cretans. As a result, some commoners such as the Estes and Roma, whose ancestors migrated from many kingdoms in the north, were increasingly excluded in the central city-states, further dividing the contradiction between the nobles and the common people."
Maguire and Lanci talked about the situation in the empire in recent years and trade.
"We are currently vigorously developing the military industry, improving employment conditions, and making the Krewe Empire stronger in the southern continent. Although we are in a turbulent era, under the banner of the revival of the empire, the internal problems of the Krewe nation have gradually spread outward. In the short term, it should indeed show a vibrant posture. What do you think we should do at this time?"
He asked Lanqi questions, wanting to test him.
"In the service of the Empire?"
Lanci asked uncertainly.
"Hey, brother Landry, you are really honest."
Maguire waved his hand.
"We should reap the benefits now. If you don't build up enough wealth now, when will you do it in the future? Our current life, current status, and current comfort are all earned by us, aren't they?"
Maguire tapped his other hand on the table as he preached.
His hint was obvious.
By then, he will become the director of the Imperial Special Operations Department, and Landry will become the chairman of the Kreming New Energy Organization Committee. The two of them will have plenty of business to do.
"But... I essentially want to become the head of the Kreihei New Energy Organization Committee for the sake of the empire. As for personal gain, I don't dare to pursue it even if there are ways to do it."
Lanqi hesitated, and looked at his wife who was eating comfortably beside him, feeling a little uneasy.
"Brother."
Maguire sneered.
He could see Landry was wavering.
It would probably cost Landry a lot of money to support such a wife. Naturally, he wanted to give his wife a life of a rich lady, but he couldn't give up his faith in the empire.
"The bigwigs in the empire talk about ideology but their hearts are full of business. Aren't they just sitting there doing nothing and doing nothing? They are much worse than those of us who actually work for the empire. It's not your turn to feel guilty."
Maguire whispered to Lankey, speaking faster.
"..."
Lanci was stunned, and his eyes slowly raised to meet Maguire's.
That straight look in his eyes was like some greed was aroused.
"I see, Mr. Maguire..."
Lanqi put down the cutlery and muttered.
His voice was hoarse, and the desire that had been dormant in his heart for so long seemed to be uncontrollably stirred.
"That's it."
Maguire raised his glass.
Lanqi also came to his senses, raised his glass to clink with his, and drank it in one gulp.
A long time passed.
The two continued to chat and eat their dinner lightly.
"Landry, if you have any clues, please tell me at any time. I know you don't trust that kid Nikola, but I will definitely help you with all my strength."
Seeing that the two of them had almost finished their meal and conversation, Maguire pressed the table slightly and moved a little closer to Landry.
He was now increasingly convinced that there was an Allied spy inside the Imperial Special Operations Division.
Although he most hoped that the spy was Nicholas, he knew it was unlikely. Nicholas was a native of Brillda nobles. Maguire had been competing with Nicholas for so long that he was very familiar with Nicholas the Red Falcon.
As for the others, he didn't have many clues to start with for the time being, because under the instructions of Director Dax, Nicholas the Red Falcon was always able to contact Landry earlier.
In a way, it was because Nicholas was too clean that Dex trusted him more.
"Connor, the director of the confidential office, and Atticus, the director of the laboratory, do have access to my research results."
Lanqi pondered for a while, glanced around, and then answered hesitantly.
"It's indeed a bit suspicious."
Maguire pondered on his own.
But Maguire still had doubts in his mind.
If these two were the traitors, there's no reason why they could have stolen his ID.
After all, Connor, the director of the confidential room, and Atticus, the director of the laboratory, would not run to the action team, and it was impossible for them to bypass many members of the action team and investigate him in his office without being noticed.
Maguire raised his eyes and observed Landry.
Landry's answer was more like a perfunctory one.
Landry looked a little uneasy, with a lingering hesitation, as if he was struggling over whether or not to say something.
"Brother Landry, just say whatever you need to say. You should have heard about me anyway. I'm definitely not the Allied spy."
Maguire pulled a portable soundproofing and shielding magic device from his pocket and deployed a small barrier so that Landry could only hear the sounds at their table.
There was another long silence.
Landry said nothing more.
Just thinking.
"Captain Maguire, you have never had any private contact with the Allied forces, right?"
Lanqi took a deep breath, his expression became much more serious, and asked Maguire.
"Of course not."
Maguire did not get angry and answered patiently.
It was natural for Landry to suspect everyone, but by asking the question openly, Landry was gradually dispelling the suspicion about him.
"It should have nothing to do with the Silver Moon Reform Society?"
Lanqi tried again.
"Of course not, otherwise Nicholas would never let me go."
This question was too straightforward and made Maguire laugh.
Even if most people have this kind of doubt in their mind, they won't ask it directly.
But Professor Landry seemed too innocent. Before he was about to reveal a crucial piece of information, he wanted to get a sense of security from Maguire.
You can tell that Landry is scared and uneasy.
Maguire couldn't help but wonder what Landry knew.
"Excuse me, Maguire, can you guarantee that you are loyal to the Empire?"
Lanci asked Maguire again.
That heavy tone probably indicated this was the last question.
"of course."
Maguire nodded without hesitation.
"..."
Lanci stared at Maguire for a moment and nodded.
Talia had already picked up the glass of water and was taking a sip.
Lanci had told her what to do before they came.
She does nothing to represent the truth.
Drinking water means something is fake.
"Captain Maguire..."
After Lanqi pondered for a while, he seemed to finally muster up the courage and was sure of what he was going to say.
"Think about it. Apart from me, excluding the director of the confidential office and the director of the laboratory, is there anyone else who can access the first-hand documents..."
Lanqi lowered his voice, as if he didn't dare to say any more.
To continue, no matter whether this guess is true or false, it is he, the little Professor Landry, who should lose his head.
"..."
Maguire thought about it and frowned.
Then his eyes opened as wide as copper bells.
Although this is an unprecedented possibility.
But it also coincided with his recent depressing experience.
Why didn't he think of that?
Chief Dykes is no fucking Allied spy.
If Dex is found, it will be more than just a matter of promotion to director.
As long as we can get solid evidence and find the First Military God Hecintus, Hecintus will definitely overthrow Duke Dax. Even if the First Military God Hecintus has a falling out with the Emperor, he will not let the Allied spies go!
What's more, the interests of Hecintus and Dax have long been in conflict. Next, Emperor Saint Bardo is about to secretly support the powerful faction represented by Duke Dax to suppress Hecintus, the first god of war, who is gaining popularity among the people.
"I understand, bro. I'll take it to heart. I'll go back to the Operations Department first."
Maguire stood up and patted Lanci on the shoulder as he passed him, eager to say goodbye.
"Captain Maguire, I didn't say anything, don't think too much."
Lanqi added with some concern.
"Don't worry, we haven't met at all today."
After saying this, Maguire waved goodbye, paid the bill and left.
Lanci watched Maguire leave the Eleven Madison Park restaurant.
Talia was confused.
She seemed to understand Lanqi's hint.
According to Lanci's three questions, Maguire is neither a member of the Allies nor a hidden member of the Silver Moon Reformation Society, but he is not loyal to the Empire, so his identity is clear at a glance.
First let Maguire shoot arrows, then help him draw the target. As long as Maguire becomes suspicious of Director Dykes, Lanci will have plenty of ways to create various signs in the Operations Department to deepen Maguire's confirmation of this speculation.
"Lanlan you..."
Talia said to Lanci as she swallowed her chocolate lava cake topped with vanilla ice cream.
"I didn't say anything."
Lanci raised his hands as if making a disclaimer.
It's none of Maguire's business what he thinks.
"You are such a poisoner."
Talia understands Ranchi too well.
She believed that Maguire would soon fall 100% on his intuition - and with Lanch's further manipulation and alienation, he would be convinced that the Allied spy was Director Dax.
When people encounter a difficult problem that they cannot figure out, and suddenly realize a possibility, and the things that happen next can continue to confirm it, then they will believe it without a doubt.
However, if Maguire dares to investigate Dykes, he will be finished, because Dykes is also investigating who the Allied spy is.
"Eat slowly, it's over."
Lanqi called the waiter and asked Talia to order an extra meal.
Next, he just needs to pay for it out of his own pocket to celebrate.
"Okay, I'm not welcome."
Talia felt that Lanqi was a good boyfriend after all. It was indeed satisfying to have a disciple that she raised herself.
She also relaxed a lot. The Imperial Special Operations Department should not have any trouble with Lanqi in the future. The scapegoat has been found. Red Falcon Nicholas and Duke Dax will also be satisfied and will no longer keep an eye on Lanqi.
Professor Landry should just focus on preparing for his own work and research.
Everyone has something to do and everyone is busy.
Although Nicola is annoying, he is better than someone as disloyal as Maguire.
"But aren't you worried that the Allies will assassinate you next?"
Talia leaned back in the sofa and thought for a moment, then turned her head and asked Lanqi.
She thought that if this continued, Maguire would become an "Allied spy", while Professor Landry would be able to sit back and relax, and would be promoted to the head of the Empire's New Energy Organization as he wished.
The Allies might feel that Landry is gradually becoming uncontrollable.
Not only will they lose the leverage to threaten him, but assassinating Landry will become increasingly difficult.
If you don't kill him now, you may not have the chance to kill him in the future.
"Heh, you dare to break into my house in the middle of the night and kill me in broad daylight."
Lanqi laughed. He felt that Talia underestimated the law and order in Brillda.
What's more, he now has three generals, Talia, Sigrid, and Ifathia, in his family. Anyone who dares to provoke him will be killed by them.
"Too."
Seeing Lanqi's aura of "Who dares to kill me", Talia felt relieved.
(End of this chapter)