After enjoying an Intis feast, Lex returned to the hotel and was informed that he had received a letter.
Entering the bedroom, Lex did not immediately throw Macaw into its cage, giving it time to move freely. He sat on the single sofa, opened the envelope, and began to read.
The letter was from Bison.
'My dear son, I have received your telegram, yes, along with the one from a few days ago. I didn't expect so much to happen in Tingen. It's great that you weren't injured. As for you accidentally killing that gunman, there's no need to worry; I will find a lawyer to handle this matter.'
'Regarding the mastermind, I probably know who did it; there are two suspects. One is my elder brother, Sir Harry Disraeli. He has always been jealous of me, jealous of my achievements, and even jealous that I have a better son than him, as his son is an idiot.'
'The other is my biggest competitor, Rivikon Peter. He is a big businessman and has a somewhat shady background. Both of them have the motive and the ability to do this. Therefore, I have already sent warnings to them through some channels, and I believe this will make them restrain themselves, but you still need to pay attention to your own safety.'
'Do you remember what I mentioned last time about your arrangements? There has been progress on this matter, so I feel it's necessary to tell you first. After you finish handling your affairs in Tingen, I will arrange for you to go to Sea. You will join the Loen Kingdom's Navy, entering a special department as a baron's son and a Beyonder.'
'The path you are about to take may not be as comfortable as before, but believe me, the merits you accumulate on Sea will be of immense help to yourself and to our family.'
"Perhaps by the time you return, you will already be a general. I sincerely look forward to that day!"
Lex read the last sentence, his heart unable to calm for a long time.
So this was Bison's arrangement for him.
He wanted him to join the army and gain a certain position to strengthen his political standing and influence.
Thinking a layer deeper.
If he could indeed achieve something on Sea and even become a general, then a general's son would naturally attract more attention from the outside world and those with ulterior motives in the darkness than an underage boy!
"But this is also an opportunity for me."
Lex murmured softly.
More than one Watcher has mentioned that Hunters, the army, and war are related. Joining the Loen Kingdom's Navy now might not be a bad thing.
If it's the Navy, then my future enemies, could they be pirates?
At this moment, his shoulder sank.
parrot landed, looking at the letter and saying, "What's written on this? Of course, it's not that I can't read; as a Dragon, I possess extensive knowledge. I'm just too bored and wanted to test you, that's all."
No, you just can't read! Lex glanced at it and put the letter away.
Evening.
He arrived at the Hunter Club's hall as 'Duke' and immediately saw Arbiter.
Cromwell was sitting quietly at the bar, holding a wine glass. He hadn't drunk a drop of the wine and was lost in thought.
Lex sat next to him and said to Mr. Parker, "Please give me a glass of wine."
Hearing the voice, Arbiter looked up, his eyes regaining focus, and a forced smile appeared on his face: "Good evening, Duke."
"Good evening. You don't look very well. Why aren't you resting at home?" Lex took the wine from the old man and took a sip.
Cromwell got off the chair: "I wanted to see you. Would you like to have a drink at my place? Just the two of us."
Lex knew he wanted to talk about Meyers, and it was indeed not suitable to discuss it here, so he finished the wine in his glass: "Please lead the way."
Arbiter's house was near the Tassok River, with an elegant environment. When it quieted down at night, the sound of rushing water could be heard.
A ginkgo tree was planted in front of the house, and there was also a swing in the open space, but it was covered in dust, indicating it hadn't been cleaned for a long time.
Cromwell opened the door and turned on the lights before inviting Lex in.
The living room seemed a bit messy. It appeared Arbiter had been living alone. He tidied up briefly, clearing two sofas and a table, then brought out two bottles of Nanville Beer.
"I only have Nanville Beer here. It's the only thing I drink at home," Cromwell said with some apology.
Lex didn't mind. He sat on one of the sofas and took a sip of the beer: "As expected of our best self-produced beer, the aroma is so rich. Other beers are simply as bland as water compared to it."
"Is that so? I haven't studied it."
Arbiter cleared his throat and got straight to the point: "I have already disposed of Meyers' body. At least for a year, it won't be discovered."
"Also, to avoid some trouble, I plan to leave Tingen for a while."
Lex asked in surprise, "Where are you going?"
"Backlund," Cromwell said calmly. "I've already had a friend there rent a place for me. I'll leave tomorrow. If you need to find me, write to this address."
He took out a notepad from the table, found an absorbent fountain pen, and wrote down an address.
'12 Evergreen Street, Hillesden.'
Lex put away the notepad: "I've noted it. Is there anything I can help with?"
Cromwell shook his head and smiled: "No need, you've already helped me a great deal. Don't worry about me. My trip to Backlund this time is partly because of Meyers' matter, but more importantly, I want to go there to seek the next stage of the potion."
"I've been at the 'Arbiter' stage for a long time. It's time to take the next step."
Lex nodded and casually asked, "What exactly did Meyers do to be targeted by your officials?"
"Human trafficking."
Arbiter revealed without reservation: "Behind him is another, larger, more powerful force. So this matter ends here; do not delve deeper, as it will bring you unnecessary danger."
Human trafficking?
Lex immediately thought of the Black Bowties in Enki Town, and the slaves and laborers in that ship who were treated as sacrifices. The events of that night seemed to replay before his eyes, causing him to be slightly distracted.
"Are you alright?"
Cromwell's voice brought Lex back to his senses. He shook his head and said, "Since you're leaving tomorrow, then I wish you a smooth journey."
Lex raised his glass.
Arbiter showed a genuine smile: "I hope to see you in Backlund one day. If you have the chance, you must visit that city."
"Truly, it is the Capital of the Kingdom, the most prosperous city on the North-South Continent."
"It is... the Land of Prosperity!"