Chapter 237 - Interrogation (1/2)

“Let’s not talk about your father’s imprisonment first. Financially aiding political enemies should start a new conflict between Redmond and Malcolm. We need to investigate the Normand matter first.”

“Normand, who is that?”

“The black-market alliance that you know right now is actually not the first in existence.

“I heard my father mentioning it before. Three years ago, another black-market alliance was established in Na.s.sau. However, it did not end well. It existed only for a short period of time, and it was dismissed soon that.”

“The leader of that alliance was Normand. We all know Redmond as the most experienced black-market merchant in Na.s.sau. When Normand was still around, he was the most respected black-market merchant on this island, which was why he was chosen as the alliance’ leader. During that time, Redmond was second in command. Not too long after that, the whole thing was managed poorly, and Normand’s reputation was destroyed thanks to that. He left many angry and resentful. After that alliance was dismissed, Normand secretly left Na.s.sau. In the end, I heard he died of some illness in his home.”

“Does this incident have anything to do with Malcolm? He’s been only on the island for a year, right?”

“He made a name for himself during that time. Of course, it fades in comparison to what he’s achieved today. He played a big part in the establishment of the black-market alliance, but he chose to lay low instead. I believe he is not a good man.”

Zhang Heng then pa.s.sed the notebooks to Carina.

“Malcolm incited the black-market merchants against Normand. Why would he do that? Isn’t he one of the supporters of the black-market alliance?” he asked.

“He is one of the supporters of the black-market alliance, but he wants to be the one in charge of it all. It was too soon for Malcolm to do anything when Normand formed the alliance, having only been in Na.s.sau for a year. His position and growth were limited, and it wouldn’t be good for him if the alliance managed to fortify their territory on the island. If he wanted to grow and expand further, he had to put a stop to the black-market alliance. To achieve that, it was done in great secrecy. I heard that he used a courier called Eugene.”

“Eugene? The intelligence trader who lived on our island?”

“Well, he was once a black-market merchant as well. Once the alliance was dismissed, he switched jobs as an intelligence dealer. We need to talk to him. Amongst the merchants, Normand’s reputation was unparalleled. Though the black-market alliance incident had cost him his good reputation, he still holds the respect of many. For years now, his best friend was always Raymond.

“After Normand pa.s.sed away, Redmond took care of his funeral and buried him. If we can get Eugene to testify against Malcolm, we could deepen the conflict between Malcolm and Redmond. With the letters that the two have, I believe it would hit Malcolm harder than exposing your father’s issue. Considering that the black-market alliance isn’t doing well, I believe that we can land him a critical hit if we expose this old incident about him.”

Just as Zhang Heng finished, someone ran into the cellar. It was Cauchy.