Chapter 533: Fish and Net IV (2/2)

Outside the office, Du Feng looked frustrated. He confronted Li Gui antagonistically, ”Gui, why'd you stop from me from speaking just now?”

Li Gui was familiar with his friend's temper, and was not offended. He smiled and said, ”Come on, don't XXXXX. What kind of man yells at his best friend?” Du Feng felt embarrassed. He knew that he was in the wrong.

Li Gui immediately turned serious and said, ”Indeed, the situation's not that simple. Think about it, the Legate pays a sudden visit. That in itself is unusual. Besides, didn't you see how Sir Ming Xiao's expression changed when you were explaining how we got into trouble with the three newcomers? Maybe the Legate is here because of those three.”

Du Feng recalled what happened in the office and felt riled up again.

Li Gui took a glance at Du Feng and continued, ”There's something else. That Sir Huang was not properly introduced to us, but even Sir Ming Xiao seemed to offer him great courtesy. He must be someone important. You remember also, don't you, that Sir Huang seemed very interested when you were recounting the incident. He even interrupted you to clarify some details. I suspect that he is here because of the new owners of the manor.”

”Those men came with Sir Huang, what do you think of them?” Li Gui asked abruptly to Du Feng.

Being absorbed in Li Gui's narrative, Du Feng replied without thinking, ”They're strong!” Du Feng remembered all of them clearly. They all looked expressionless, but Du Feng could tell that those few men were definitely competent.

Li Gui continued asking, ”What Level do you think those shooters are?”

”That's hard to say,” Du Feng replied hesitantly.

Li Gui gestured the figure eight with his hand.

Du Feng looked shocked.

”Of course, it's just a guess, but I think they're not far from that,” Li Gui added.

Du Feng kept silent. Li Gui's words were often prophetic.

”Certainly, these men are not your average shooters! No, they must be exceptional! Not everyone can command the powers of these men. Think about it, even our Legion has only but a few of them. Exactly three of them, I'm sure you know. But that Sir Huang has brought seven of them with him. That's eight in total, including Sir Huang himself. Who can possibly command a force like this?”

Li Gui did not hesitate to surprise his friend, ”Only His Majesty!”

Du Feng was stunned.

He never imagined that those three commoners could gain the attention of the King.

Li Gui went silent. He knew that he needed to give Du Feng time to absorb the news. In fact, Li Gui could still feel his own heart thumping heavily as he too was surprised by his own conclusion.

Nevertheless, being seasoned as he was, he quickly composed himself.

He tried to delve deeper. There was something missing, he felt.

Suddenly, Li Gui's eyes lit up in realization.

”I understand now!” Li Gui's exclamation shook Du Feng out of his confusion. He quickly asked, ”Gui, what is it?”

”I think I understand what Sir Huang and his men are here for. His Majesty must be very interested in these three commoners, that much is obvious from the people he had sent here. However, if the King only wanted to protect the manor owners, he could have just sent guards to the manor directly. Instead, the King had ordered Sir Huang to visit our camp on the quiet. This seemed to suggest something to me,” Li Gui's eyes shined with wisdom as he explained.

”And what is that? Gui, stop keeping me in suspense!” Du Feng asked anxiously.

”I think that His Majesty has sent Sir Huang here partly to protect them. On the other hand –” Li Gui hesitated to continue.

”Just tell me!” Du Feng urged him.

Li Gui looked around them. Seeing that they were alone, he whispered, ”On the other hand, I suspect that if those three people try to leave, or do anything suspicious …” Li Gui made a cutting motion with his hand.

Du Feng felt his heart went cold.

”It's only a suspicion. Who knows what the real story is? But if things are really as I suspected, then that will be the only time for us to make our move,” Li Gui said, his eyes glistening brightly.

”What if they do nothing?” Du Feng asked.

”Then we will do the same!” Li Gui looked at Du Feng and replied, slowly but firmly.

Both men lapsed into silence.

After a moment, they both received orders from the Legate to return to the office.

They exchanged a quick look before making their entrance.

Sir Ming Xiao had reverted back to his inconspicuous look. The sharpness in his gaze had faded.

”Listen to me now, both of you. If I hear that you get into more trouble again, humph, I'll not let you off so easily! I think you've missed a good ol' whipping from me, you *sses! Humph!” Sir Ming Xiao berated them loudly.

Du Feng and Li Gui had both trained under the Legate personally. He would not go easy on them both. Both of them had received his whipping when they were younger, when he was only a Brigade Commander. Despite the fierce berating, it was clear that he meant to keep them out of harm's way.

”Yes sir!” Du Feng and Li Gui replied together, touched by his concern.

Ming Xiao nodded, satisfied. ”That's more like it! Come, let me introduce to you, this is Sir Huang!”

Du Feng and Li Gui quickly bowed in greeting. Sir Huang took a glance at Ming Xiao and lifted his chin a little, ”I've heard that you two are Sir Ming Xiao's beloved soldiers. Indeed, you look like excellent military men. My men and I will be staying here for some time, I thank you for your hospitality,” he spoke coldly. His words were cordial, but it still brought a chill to his listeners.

The two men in question quickly returned the gesture, despite their discomfort, ”You're most welcome, Sir Huang. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you!”

Sir Ming Xiao smiled and said, ”Sir Huang's position is unique, so you can stop with your guessing. As long as you obey his orders diligently, His Majesty will not forget your services. The camp will operate normally, as Sir Huang will not be interrupting with your affairs. However, any orders from Sir Huang must be carried out to the letter, understand?”

Both men accepted their orders in quiet surprise, ”Yes sir!”

Sir Huang finally broke into a thin smile, but it only brought a sinister look on his face.