Such a Good Kid, So… Familiar!

“Investigate Francis’s background…” Brockman mused, then nodded. “I believe I can accomplish that quite easily. Francis, that adorable little fool, is far too trusting. He considers me one of his few best friends. The only minor inconvenience will be explaining why I disappeared with Andy, but that’s hardly an issue; I’ll handle it!”

“Lord Brockman, I have great faith in your capabilities. Indeed, this is no challenge for you!” Philip leaned casually against the armrest of his chair, his massive right arm tapping the black wall behind him. *Thump! Thump!* A middle-aged man, around forty, emerged from a side door in the wall. His silver hair cascaded to his shoulders, and his frame was lean but tall. An eerie, sinister aura emanated from his brow, making one profoundly uncomfortable. Most peculiar were his ten unnaturally long fingernails, resembling ten sharp daggers.

“Sir Tendon-Severing!” Brockman greeted the newcomer with a nod.

Philip chuckled, “Compared to our grand endeavor, Francis, while possessing some capabilities, is but a minor inconvenience, hardly a true talent! You may investigate if you wish, and if it proves difficult, there’s no harm in not pursuing it! However, the mission on Battle God Isle *must* be completed! Behold!” He gestured to Tendon-Severing. “Corpse Dissolution is assisting Rogliff in hunting down Ted and his daughter, so I’m entrusting Sir Tendon-Severing to you. He will coordinate with all your actions!”

Brockman was overjoyed, exclaiming gratefully, “With Sir Tendon-Severing’s assistance, my task will surely be accomplished with half the effort and twice the result!” A frown then creased his brow as he hesitated, “Flaying and Deboning should both be on Battle God Isle. If Sir Tendon-Severing also appears there, won’t he be recognized!?”

Tendon-Severing smiled. “My Lord, while I cannot compare to Flaying in the Art of Disguise, nor to Deboning in stealth, as long as I do not confront them directly, I will absolutely not be recognized! You can rest assured on that point, my Lord!”

Brockman offered an apologetic smile, then turned to respectfully listen to Philip’s instructions.

“Phase one of ‘The Prerogative’ plan is called ‘Dazzle,’ which involves covertly dismantling the enemy’s surveillance network to create favorable conditions for our second phase, ‘Purple Blood.’ Lord Brockman, your objective is to obtain the… *hehe*, the item beneath Hot Spring Mountain on Battle God Isle, without exposing organizational secrets. Even if you cannot obtain it, you must destroy it by any means necessary! ‘Number Two’ from the Eminence Project will also provide full cooperation!”

Brockman gave a cautious smile, indicating his commitment to completing the mission. Philip sighed inwardly at his reserved smile. It seemed that after York Town, the flamboyant Brockman, who once viewed all treasures of the world as within his grasp, had subtly vanished.

Nevertheless, he was still the Brockman Philip had rescued from purgatory and personally cultivated! He possessed absolute loyalty!

That alone was sufficient!

…

Battle God Isle.

Du Chen had Alex create several more replicas of the Beast Emperor’s Seal. Without exception, each replica contained a subtle flaw within the golden lion’s nose.

With these tasks done, Du Chen mused inwardly, *Saint Baton Family, come quickly. I can’t wait any longer. Why aren’t you here? If you don’t come, how can I proceed with my subsequent plans?!*

Judging by the time the letter arrived from York Town, Susanna had either been killed or captured half a month ago. Half a month was ample time for a powerful family to accomplish many things. After Deboning had finished several matters, Du Chen immediately hid him within his Precious Lotus Scripture, keeping him close.

Yet, when the Saint Baton Family would come for ‘Thirteenth Master’ was apparently not something Du Chen could control, nor would Du Chen foolishly wait forever—he had many other matters to attend to!

On the evening of his first day back on Battle God Isle, Du Chen, using his Art of Disguise, visited the ‘Tiger’ tavern on the docks.

In the same private room where the Holy Church spy received intelligence, Professor Mina, clad in tight black leather and with fiery red hair, was waiting for Du Chen, legs crossed. She playfully purred, “Little hottie, what brings you to your elder sister?”

“Just a small matter! I imagine it shouldn’t be difficult for the Holy Church!” Du Chen sat opposite Mina. “Arthur has always been a key target of your surveillance. You must know all about his situation, yes? I hope the Holy Church can save General Leonardo’s life. Just his life will suffice!”

“This is what you call a ‘small matter’?” Mina’s lips parted slightly in shock as she stared at Du Chen. “Heavens, don’t you know that the Azure Heaven Continent is where the Holy Church’s power is weakest? I estimate that even if several Godfathers intervened simultaneously, they couldn’t change the Lionheart King’s military decree!”

Du Chen and Mina exchanged startled glances. He had initially thought Leonardo was merely a general who had made a minor mistake. Surely, with the Holy Church’s prestige, even if they couldn’t reinstate him, saving his life wouldn’t be a major issue!

“It seems you truly don’t know!” Mina shook her head helplessly. “Let me put it this way: you know who Arthur’s grandfather is, don’t you?”

“Of course. The Tenth-Tier Titled Battle God recognized across the continent, Lionheart King Alonso. How could I not know him?”

Mina rolled her eyes at Du Chen and waved her hand. “Good that you know. On what grounds would the Holy Church ask him for face? The Holy Church’s authority comes from the common people’s respect for the gods, from the deities it worships! But Alonso himself *is* a god in their eyes. The Renault Empire’s people have their own gods of worship, so how much respect do you think they have for the Holy Church!? How much influence can the Holy Church exert over the Renault Empire’s affairs!? For example, why am I, your sister, collecting intelligence within the Battle God Academy established by the Holy Church!? It’s precisely because there’s a Zigurd here, a Titled Battle God! Battle God Isle is completely outside the Holy Church’s control! Conversely, the situation in the Renault Empire is the same!”

Du Chen’s brow furrowed. He had indeed been inconsiderate on this matter. He quickly asked, “Is there truly no way at all for the Holy Church!?”

“Alonso governs his army with strictness. Once a correct military order is issued, it is never changed. And Alonso handled Leonardo’s case entirely according to military regulations. Moreover, Leonardo had voluntarily sworn a military oath, and he indeed caused the deaths or incapacitation of three thousand excellent soldiers. In such circumstances, trying to change Lionheart King Alonso’s stance is simply too difficult… It’s not that your sister won’t help you, but it’s said that various ministers within Renault have already tried numerous methods, yet not a single one succeeded in rescuing Leonardo!”

Mina’s beautiful eyes sparkled as she playfully chuckled, “Of course, if you could persuade His Holiness the Pontiff, and have him humble himself, earnestly pleading with Alonso, perhaps there might be a turn of events!”

Have the Pontiff beg shamelessly? Could his own ‘face’ be that important? Impossible! Mina saying this meant… Du Chen suddenly stared into Mina’s eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Are you asking me to approach the Pontiff… to test my influence over His Holiness!? Or perhaps His Holiness’s regard for me!?”

“Little fellow, why did you have to say it? It ruins our sibling-like camaraderie!” Mina gazed at Du Chen with a wronged expression. Her intention just now truly was to probe Du Chen’s hand. How could such a young man, barely a teenager, have risen to the position of White-Robed Archbishop in just over a year!? Why!? Mina desperately wanted to uncover the answer to that question!

Du Chen stared coldly at Mina, then suddenly smiled again. He realized that while this beautiful spy, Mina, was unfathomable, with hardly a single true word among ten, she was far easier to deal with than the endlessly entangled Avril or Annie! Because she wasn’t sincere with him, things were much simpler. Many tactics he couldn’t use on Avril or Annie could be deployed without reservation against her!

Mina’s expression became more serious. “But honestly, changing Alonso’s attitude is extremely difficult! At the very least, the Holy Church cannot help you!”

Du Chen pondered for a moment. “Dean Zigurd? No, that old stubborn man would never meddle in Renault’s internal affairs; seeking him would be futile. But who else could possibly change Alonso’s mind?” He couldn’t think of an answer!

Mina crossed her legs, gracefully sipping the red wine from her glass, her voice turning cold. “Why bother? What does Leonardo’s life or death have to do with you? Your sister advises you: Leonardo was thrown into a death row, yet imprisoned and not executed… This is not as simple as you imagine! Too many matters are involved here!” Waving a hand, she averted Du Chen’s questioning gaze. Mina continued, “Don’t ask why, because without Boss Mars’s orders, I cannot tell you the full truth about Renault. This is Crystal-tier classified information! Only the Godfather has the right to inquire. However, considering your sister is flattering you, a future Eminence of the Curia, I’ll offer this advice: even His Holiness the Pontiff is unwilling to easily wade into the treacherous waters of Renault, let alone the entire Azure Heaven Continent!”

Moments ago, Mina had been all smiles, charming and alluring; now, she was as cold as an assassin.

Du Chen narrowed his eyes at Mina. “I made a promise to Arthur, and I must deliver an explanation!”

“Explanation!? Hmph!” A sneer flickered across Mina’s lips, quickly replaced by a seductive smile. “Your sister truly cannot help you with this matter. The Holy Church will likely find it very difficult as well. Oh, by the way, may I ask you a personal question?” She raised an eyebrow, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “I heard you were forced into marriage in Saint John City? And that the girl is quite remarkable, even chasing you all the way to Battle God Isle now! Could it be that you truly have no interest in beautiful women?!”

She was indeed a spy; her ability to Swiftly change demeanor was beyond imagination!

Du Chen instantly felt a headache. He helplessly said, “Chief Liaison Officer Mina, as a White-Robed Archbishop, I tell you, I do not wish to hear similar questions again!”

With that, Du Chen slammed his hand heavily on the table. *Thump!* Given his current status, treating Mina, who was half a rank below him, this way was perfectly justifiable.

“I have many other matters. Miss ‘Rose,’ please briefly inform me of the important events that have occurred in the academy during my absence!”

Mina gazed at Du Chen with a pitiful expression, her big eyes blinking, as if resenting his lack of romantic interest. But she quickly spoke. “Nothing major, but there is a small matter concerning your teacher, Zigurd!” She pointed at Du Chen, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “You have a new Senior Brother!”

“My mentor has taken another personal disciple? Haha, that’s news! Anyone chosen by my mentor as a personal disciple must be extraordinary, right?”

“Funnily enough, your junior brother, and your brother Arthur, are quite a pair!” Mina, pleased by Du Chen’s curious gaze, stretched her soft voice, laughing, “They are jointly known as—the Three Continents’ two great wasted princes!”

Du Chen’s expression immediately turned cold.

Mina laughed. “Don’t be unhappy. It’s not *I* who says your brother is a waste; everyone on the Three Continents says so! However, your junior brother Cassian is different from Arthur. Arthur lacks battle qi but is incredibly diligent. But your junior brother, like you, possesses a Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Body…”

“Why are those with Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Bodies called wastes!?” Du Chen asked, puzzled.

Mina’s eyes darted playfully. “Let’s hypothesize a situation. If you were a powerful minister of a nation, aiming to usurp the throne, and your king was also a debauched, cowardly waste, only barely holding onto his throne with the help of loyal subjects… But then, the king is foolish enough to entrust his crown prince to you for cultivation. How would you treat this crown prince!?”

Du Chen sneered. “If I were that powerful minister, I would make the crown prince completely trust me, and at the same time, I would train him to be a High-Caliber Talent proficient in all forms of hedonism. That way, if such a ‘talent’ were to ascend the throne later, even if I didn’t want to hold power, I probably couldn’t refuse. Oh… are you saying…”

Mina nodded. “Cassian is that crown prince. However, there are three powerful ministers, constantly scheming against each other. But making Cassian a waste is their common interest. Therefore, your junior brother is a waste!”

“Ha, that’s interesting! And how did that kid end up on Battle God Isle!? And become my fellow disciple?”

“Originally, this matter was considered an internal affair of a nation, and the old stubborn Zigurd was unwilling to interfere. But Cassian’s country truly had a few loyal subjects, one of whom was an old friend of Zigurd from when he was just an ordinary Battle-Warrior. He couldn’t bear to see the Crown Prince become a waste, so he knelt before Zigurd’s door, pleading on behalf of their country’s tens of millions of commoners for Zigurd to rescue the Crown Prince from those powerful ministers. You know Zigurd’s character—he thought that if Cassian became a scoundrel and a waste, the people of that nation would surely suffer in the future. So, relying on the reputation of Battle God Academy and his own name, he accepted Cassian as his closed-door disciple and brought him back to Battle God Isle! He plans to personally educate him!”

Du Chen listened quietly, then suddenly chuckled. “To what extent is that kid a waste now?”

“Uh, he’s twelve this year. Someone with a Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Body, if they started cultivating battle qi from a young age, would easily be a Second-Tier Battle-Warrior or above by twelve. But that kid can’t even beat a wild boar now!”

Mina pouted. “Besides being a waste, that kid is also a complete little scoundrel: eating, drinking, whoring, gambling, swindling, and deceiving…”

“Wait, eating, drinking, gambling, swindling, and deceiving I can understand, but whoring… He’s only twelve!” Du Chen stared at Mina in disbelief.

Mina rolled her eyes. “My dear Francis, a Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Body! Aren’t you aware of the capabilities of a Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Body in *that* particular aspect?!”

Du Chen’s handsome face flushed, and he stopped pressing the issue.

Mina waved her hand as if greatly disgusted. “I’ve met that kid. If you, Senior Brother, are ‘the Glory of Saint John City,’ then your junior brother is… the disaster of Pierre City!”

“Pierre City? Isn’t that the capital of the Nano Empire, the strongest nation on Arcania Continent? So, my junior brother Cassian is the future overlord of Arcania Continent!?”

Mina scoffed dismissively. “Overlord? Hmph, the Nano Empire is on the verge of splitting apart. If Cassian can quell the rebellion of the three powerful ministers internally and repel the formidable alliance of twelve nations externally, then he truly would be Arcania’s future overlord. But from what your sister sees of that kid… *sigh*, anyway, your sister thinks that even if that little bastard were sent to the Curia’s seminary, those old fogeys wouldn’t be able to brainwash him into redemption!”

It was the first time Du Chen had seen such strong emotional fluctuations from Mina. He couldn't help but chuckle. “Miss ‘Rose,’ I didn’t quite catch what you said just now. The light of the gods is omnipresent and omnipotent. Losing your temper is not an appropriate emotion for an excellent spy. What, was your meeting with that kid unpleasant!?”

Mina rolled her eyes. “You’ll soon find out what Cassian is like. Because Zigurd needs to take a long trip soon and is looking for someone to take over Cassian’s tutelage. Coincidentally, you, Senior Brother, have returned… A master traveling afar, with a senior brother teaching on his behalf – this is a matter of course and academy rules. So, you’re in luck…”

Du Chen’s smile instantly froze.

…

The next morning, Zigurd and a twelve or thirteen-year-old… well, still a child, appeared at Du Chen’s dormitory door.

The child had a delicate, sculpted appearance, with blue hair and golden eyes, utterly adorable. His brows exuded a charming liveliness. He was slightly taller than other twelve-year-olds, with a well-proportioned and sturdy physique. Dressed in a pure white student uniform, he stood respectfully behind Zigurd, head bowed, appearing to be nothing short of a perfectly obedient and lovely neighborhood child!

At his first glance at Cassian, Du Chen almost failed to connect him with the “disaster of Pierre City” Mina had mentioned yesterday. This little fellow looked nothing like a disaster!

However, seeing Zigurd’s appearance, Du Chen’s heart gained some understanding. The squint-eyed, goateed, wretched-looking old dean now appeared utterly exhausted, his complexion haggard, likely from excessive worry over some recent matter. He must have been worn out.

Before Zigurd could speak after Du Chen greeted them, Cassian skipped forward from the side and said with a cheerful smile, “Senior Brother Francis, hello! I am Cassian, the Master’s closed-door disciple. Please look after me in the future!”

Such a lively, polite child! So, this kid really was the disaster of Pierre City? Du Chen looked at Cassian’s humble and courteous demeanor, puzzled. Such a fine child, why did Mina call him a scoundrel!?

Du Chen was somewhat dazed.

Zigurd smiled. “Francis, this is Cassian, the Crown Prince of the Nano Empire on Arcania Continent, and also your junior brother… Let’s go inside to talk!”

Du Chen ushered them into the main hall, scrutinizing Cassian the entire way, filled with profound doubt.

“Grandpa!” Beibei opened her small arms and threw herself into Zigurd’s embrace, making the old man’s goatee perk up with joy. But Beibei then spotted Cassian, gasped, and instinctively, secretly probed his mind… *Oh my goodness!*

After they were seated, Cassian, with extreme thoughtfulness, brought drinks for Zigurd, replacing Harry’s usual duty, then stood respectfully behind Zigurd. He even, somewhat unbefitting of a Crown Prince, gently massaged Zigurd’s shoulders.

*This child, he’s too well-behaved, too sensible, isn’t he?* Du Chen thought to himself.

Zigurd inquired about Du Chen’s travels, then lowered his head and said, “Francis, there’s something I’d like to entrust to you. Are you available recently?”

“Master, please instruct me!” Du Chen already knew what it was, secretly observing Cassian.

“Master, please allow me to speak!” Having received Zigurd’s permission, Cassian smiled at Du Chen. “Senior Brother, Master is going on a long journey and will temporarily be unable to teach me… This is truly regrettable. However, I’ve heard many Eminences speak of you, Senior Brother, praising your excellent character and scholarship. Your battle qi cultivation ranks second in the academy’s promotion榜 (ranking), and you are renowned as ‘the Glory of Saint John City’ and ‘the Light of the Newin River’… I wonder if I, your junior brother, might have the opportunity to learn by your side, to study your exceptional battle qi and your perfect virtues, comparable to ancient Battle Gods!”

This string of flattery made Du Chen feel lightheaded. *No, not flattery. These are all plain truths! Children, after all, always speak the truth; they are honest! Very good! Excellent!*

Zigurd also looked at Du Chen with hope.

Du Chen had already considered the pros and cons of accepting Cassian. He smiled and said, “Master, as you travel afar, it is my inescapable duty as a senior brother to look after Cassian!”

Zigurd smiled, a hint of relief in his squinted eyes. “That’s good, Francis. You are called the Glory of Saint John City, your conduct is irreproachable. I hope that you will not only teach Cassian battle qi but also guide him with your character through your words and actions, cultivating him into a good person just like yourself!” Zigurd hesitated, as if about to say something else, but held back.

Cassian bowed respectfully to Du Chen. “Senior Brother, please continue to look after me in the future. This junior brother is young and ignorant; if I give offense in any way, please be sure to forgive me!”

*Such a polite child! But why do those words sound so familiar!? Where have I heard them before? I’m certain I’ve heard them!* Du Chen grew even more puzzled. He chuckled, “Master, please rest assured. As a senior brother, I will certainly take good care of my junior brother!”

After further conversation, Zigurd departed in a hurry. Du Chen had already learned from Mina that the Pontiff had sent three invitations within half a month, inviting Zigurd to a secret meeting at the Curia’s temple. Something major must have happened on the Three Continents; otherwise, Zigurd would not have left Battle God Isle before the New Year’s Grand Ceremony.

After Zigurd left, Du Chen’s family gathered around Cassian. The little fellow sat obediently in his chair, eyes straight ahead, even appearing somewhat shyly to everyone.

“Uh, Junior Brother, where are you staying?” Du Chen started a conversation.

“Replying to Senior Brother, I usually stay with Master. Now Master is traveling afar!” He lowered his head, embarrassed. “May I perhaps trouble you?!”

“Oh, no trouble, no trouble at all! Harry, quickly prepare a room for Cassian!” Du Chen quickly instructed, growing even more unable to fathom Cassian. *He looks nothing like a scoundrel, no matter how I see it, yet his appearance also seems familiar? That makes no sense. How could I have met him?! He’s just a twelve-year-old child; can he really be two-faced to an extent many adults can’t manage!? It must be a misconception! It must be!*

Cassian stood up. “Senior Brother, I apologize for the trouble. Also, I know you are a prominent figure of the Lanning clan, a feudal lord. I wonder if there are any rules in your household? If so, please tell me first, lest I cause you trouble in the future!”

“No, just make yourself at home. There are no rules here! However… Harry, be careful when preparing the room. You are now serving a Crown Prince, a future king!” Du Chen was even somewhat flustered by him.

Harry’s spirits immediately soared upon hearing this. *Ha, a Crown Prince, a future king! I, Butler Harry, must not be impolite. I must earn enough noble face for my master!*

Unexpectedly, Cassian spoke earnestly. “Senior Brother, I am now your brother. Please don’t mention being a Crown Prince! Furthermore, Butler, you don’t need to trouble yourself. I don’t require many luxuries; just three meals a day and some books will suffice!”

Harry was almost dizzy with happiness. He couldn’t imagine a Crown Prince, a future king, being so courteous to a Shieb like him…

Du Chen was also close to fainting. *Where was the disaster of Pierre City? But why are his demeanor, actions, and tone of voice so familiar!? Where have I seen it?*

Beibei was also bewildered, scratching her head, thinking, *Good person? Bad person? Beibei is confused!*

Cassian settled into Du Chen’s dormitory. Du Chen secretly observed him all day, but Cassian, whether in public or in private, was always courteous in his behavior, eloquent in his speech, and even more sensible than his age suggested. Yet, such a child bore the reputation of a scoundrel, which truly bewildered Du Chen. *Could it be that a slanderous rumor has become truth?*

*Damn it, why does this kid’s demeanor become more and more familiar the more I look at it? Have I seen him somewhere before!? Impossible!*