170 Im Not a Fool (2/2)

”Nothing, I suppose.” Roland shook his head. ”They're still the real masters of the city, but their commands are unlikely to reach the bottom level of it.”

The bottom level? Bard was quite interested in the phrase.

Because of Language Proficiency, the phrase was properly translated and he understood it quite well.

Bard secretly remembered the phrase. He had a strong desire to study the Golden Sons and wouldn't let go of their vernacular. He then said, ”In any case, I don't want you to hurt John's family anymore. The situation now is quite good. They have a chance to regain their power, and you can also claim enough interests. If you take it a step further, the balance will collapse.”

Roland nodded slightly.

Then, they chit-chatted for a while, before Bard left the house with an excuse.

He took a carriage to John's house.

The gate of the castle was being repaired, and the castle itself was gloomy. There were sufficient guards and servants, but they were obviously timid and in low spirits.

Bard sighed and soon met his old friend, John Junior.

The hot beverage on the table between them was steaming. John's chin was stubbly, not nearly as charming as before.

”It's been more than three months, John,” said Bard calmly.

John Junior put on a regretful smile. ”Yes, it has. The world has changed in three months, hasn't it?”

”I'm sorry about what happened to John Senior,” Bard said sincerely. ”If you need my help, please tell me. I'll help you as long as I am able.”

John Junior suddenly raised his head grimly and crazily. ”What if I say I want all the Golden Sons to die? You can do that, surely.”

Bard felt that his skin was stinging under John Junior's killing intent. He frowned and said, ”That's impossible. I can't do that.”

”But your family can.” John Junior stared Bard in the eyes. ”As long as you cooperate with the other three families, it will be very simple to kill the Golden Sons in Delpon and suppress them back to level zero. You should know that the Golden Sons lose power after dying even though they're immortal. If they die enough times, they would be no better than ordinary people.”

Bard narrowed his eyes. ”It was the noble families in the capital who spread the intelligence. Of course we know.”

”If they're the same as ordinary people, I'm confident we can imprison them in the Temple of Life for good.” John Junior whispered like a demon, ”I know that you won't help me easily, but if you do, I'm willing to give you two-thirds of the territory near Delpon City, including 27 towns, 38 villages, and four mines.”

Hearing the terms, even Bard, who had been born and raised in a wealthy family, was greatly shocked. ”Have you lost your mind? Your family will be handicapped without those properties.”

John bashed the table so hard that all the tableware jumped and crashed, fluids splashing everywhere. His face tightened and eyes bloodshot, John Junior declared, ”Can it be any worse than our life right now, which borders on imprisonment? It will be difficult for my family without the estates, but we'll lose everything if we don't have freedom.”

After a brief silence, Bard said, ”Your terms are very tempting.”

John Junior was delighted. ”Are you going to accept them?”

”A sculpture appeared outside of the capital,” Bard said casually. ”It's quite marvelous. It can't be broken or moved, but you can pick up a special ability by throwing a gold coin at it.”

John found it odd. ”It does sound marvelous, but does it have anything to do with our discussion?”

Bard looked at him with absolute tranquility. ”That sculpture looks identical to Roland.”

John Junior's pupils suddenly constricted.