My queen is rebelling!

Helmut paused abruptly, a hint of murderous intent involuntarily leaking out, his brow filled with coldness.

The other party had already begun investigating his whereabouts, yet he had been completely unaware.

The feeling of things being beyond his control sent a shiver of fear straight to his chest.

Fingal seemed oblivious to the murderous intent emanating from Helmut, instead moving closer to him, his voice lowered to a whisper:

"Guess what, could it be that some children playing in Bayside Park, while digging in the dirt, might accidentally unearth those memory stones?

Picking them up as uniquely shaped rocks and taking them home to collect?"

The muscles in Helmut's cheeks twitched involuntarily, his eyes gleaming with an eerie light.

After speaking, Fingal suddenly burst into hearty laughter, striding out of the room.

Helmut's face completely darkened, staring at Fingal's figure, an uncontrollable murderous intent radiating from him.

Inside the secret chamber, Vaughn naturally witnessed this scene, hearing Fingal's whispered words.

Could there be evidence left behind?

Fingal's final words before leaving weren't directed at Helmut, but clearly intended for Earl Vaughn, who was secretly listening.

It seemed Fingal had anticipated that Vaughn Collins would eavesdrop on their conversation.

His purpose wasn't to scare Helmut, but to plant a seed of doubt in Vaughn's mind—that Helmut was no longer safe and could be sacrificed if necessary.

His words were intended to sow discord between master and servant.

Although Vaughn certainly wouldn't abandon a loyal servant of many years based on just a few words, it had already planted a trigger in his heart.

When a greater threat arises, Vaughn will not hesitate to discard this pawn!

While pondering, Vaughn had clearly considered things thoroughly and began to act.

He pressed several mechanisms in the secret chamber, and a crystal stone shimmering with an ethereal blue light emerged. He softly chanted a spell, and soon, a blurry figure appeared on the surface of the crystal ball.

With the fluctuation of magic, the figure became clearer, and a gloomy face slowly emerged.

At the same time, Vaughn's expression became respectful.

In the Shadow Plane, Cohen was also suddenly startled when he saw the figure inside the crystal ball!

The newcomer's face was as pale as paper, with sunken eye sockets, and a pair of eyes burning with ghostly blue flames, filled with endless depravity and madness.

Seeing this not-so-unfamiliar face, a name was on the verge of being spoken:

"Black Tomb" Third Councilor, Master of the Third Layer of Hell, Legendary-Rank [Hell Poet] Mammon!

The Mammon from whom Cohen tricked the dragon egg!

So Vaughn's collaborator behind the scenes was him.

Seeing Mammon appear, Cohen instantly understood many things.

Such as the royal palace attack a year ago.

The reason "Black Tomb" was able to succeed smoothly in attacking him under the Queen's tight protection.

Was because of Vaughn Collins, this mole!

This was truly a case of searching high and low to no avail, only to have it delivered effortlessly!

He had very deep feelings for this old friend who had given Cohen a "dragon egg" upon their first meeting!

He was just thinking about finding an opportunity to have a good exchange of feelings with this boss of Pawnshop No. 8, but he didn't expect to get Mammon's clue from Vaughn.

Just as he was pondering, Mammon's dry and piercing voice rang out from the crystal stone:

"Have you figured it out?"

Vaughn's expression faltered, and after hesitating for a long time, he said:

"Does it have to be the souls of transcendents?

Can't it be the souls of ordinary people? I can give you ten times more, my lord!"

Mammon sneered and said:

"What would I do with the souls of those Muggles?

It seems you're still considering it. Don't come looking for me until you've made up your mind!"

Vaughn quickly said:

"My lord, I've encountered a little trouble that I need your help to resolve."

Mammon's piercing laughter echoed through the secret chamber:

"It's hard to imagine that there's anything in Afain that could trouble Vaughn Collins."

Vaughn's face became very ugly, and he recounted what happened today in a low voice.

"Lord of Shadows!"

Mammon's voice suddenly rose several octaves.

When Vaughn subtly pointed out that the Military Intelligence Agency was very likely a product of the collaboration between the "Lord of Shadows" and the Afain royal family, Mammon's figure on the crystal stone suddenly grew taller!

Seeing this scene in the Shadow Plane, Cohen thought to himself, it seems that the bad memories he brought to Mammon were truly unforgettable!

Mammon shouted sharply:

"Lord of Shadows!

That shameless thief who is full of lies!

The despicable swindler who fools the great Lord of Hell!

He has violated the teachings of the gods and dares to steal the precious treasures of the great Hell Poet, Master of the Third Layer of Hell, Minaulos!

That bastard deserves to go to hell with me!

Tell me, where is this shameless thief now!"

Vaughn was also startled by Mammon's sudden outburst.

It seemed that the mysterious "Lord of Shadows" a year ago had truly left an indelible psychological shadow on the dignified Legendary-Rank transcendent.

He carefully chose his words, fearing that he might further provoke the furious Mammon:

"He hasn't shown his face in Florence yet, but that warlock girl who is very close to him has been active outside."

"Where is she?"

"She seems to be staying in the royal palace all the time. It is said that she is now the closest person to Her Majesty the Queen."

Hearing about the Queen of Afain, Mammon calmed down a little:

"Forget it, that woman is a bit powerful. Your Afain royal palace is not what it used to be.

It's not so easy to get in. Let her go for now. Since the 'Lord of Shadows' has chosen to return to Florence and has reached an agreement with the Afain royal family.

Then, given his nature, he will definitely be involved in the upcoming changes in Afain. We'll wait here and settle the score with him when he reappears!"

Vaughn slightly wiped his forehead and replied in agreement:

"Yes, yes, yes.

Then what about this trouble…"

Mammon's face was gloomy as he said:

"Although that shameless thief and swindler is very despicable and hateful.

But I have to admit that this bastard still has some tricks up his sleeve. Since he is his subordinate, then of course we can't underestimate him.

Your concerns are correct. Although it is not certain whether he has any evidence, it is still necessary to prepare in advance.

I will send someone to monitor Fingal's every move.

At the same time, I will also keep an eye on Helmut. Once he makes any unusual moves…"

Hearing Mammon say this, a hint of reluctance appeared on Vaughn's face, but this reluctance was quickly drowned out by greater fear.

He had paid too much to get to his current position, glory, and power. He could not tolerate anything that threatened the existence of the Collins family and himself.

Even if that person was his trusted assistant and advisor for decades.

The matter in the northern region was just a small matter, nothing more than killing a few civilians and occupying a few farmlands and pastures. Even if it was really brought up, as long as there was no solid evidence implicating him, no one could touch the Collins family.

But if his secret collusion with "Black Tomb" was exposed, the entire Afain would no longer be a place for him to stay.

Especially since the person he colluded with was the mastermind behind the royal palace attack a year ago, which caused His Majesty the King to lose his memory.

If this matter were to come to light, even Prime Minister Angus would not be able to protect him.

The protective Queen of Afain would definitely freeze the entire Collins family into an ice tomb!

Vaughn shuddered. No, he absolutely would not allow this to happen!

The only person who knew that he had dealings with "Black Tomb" was Helmut White, and all these dealings were handled by Helmut on his behalf. As long as he couldn't open his mouth, he would be absolutely safe.

Mammon's voice came again:

"Recently, the quality of magic ore and rare metals has been getting worse and worse. What's wrong, are you thinking that since the "Black Tomb" northwest branch has been destroyed, no one is supervising you?"

Vaughn's face suddenly stiffened, and he quickly explained:

"My lord, I have always been loyal to you.

The problem with the quality is not my fault. Recently, the Queen of Afain suddenly began to investigate magic ore and rare metals throughout the country.

It seems to be preparing for something in advance, and has also begun to control the export of many military raw materials.

Most of my mines in the northern region have been listed as key supervision targets, and it is simply not realistic to secretly mine…"

Mammon snorted coldly:

"It better not be!

Let me tell you the truth, the 'Salesman' has returned to Florence.

The Black Tomb Northwest Headquarters will be rebuilt soon. Listen obediently, don't be greedy, you can only have me above you!"

Vaughn repeatedly agreed, his obsequious appearance making Cohen, who was observing in secret, disgusted.

Mammon's expression improved a little, and then he seemed to have thought of something, and scolded with a sense of disappointment:

"Queen, Queen, it's that Queen again!

I just don't understand how a girl in her twenties can suppress your entire Afain so that you can't hold your heads up. You're really promising!

But she won't be arrogant for long. As far as I know, there are now at least four Saints who are interested in her.

In less than a year…"

In the Shadow Plane, Cohen's eyes became unprecedentedly cold and bloodthirsty upon hearing these words.

Mammon's words confirmed the guess he had always had in his heart.

Someone was really targeting Yadel, and there was more than one force!

Four Saints, Cohen took a deep breath. He could already foresee that Florence would once again shock the continent in the near future!

His face did not show the slightest retreat or timidity because of the appearance of four unshakeable and superior Saints, but instead aroused a sense of wanting to compete with these people.

What are Saints!

As long as there is a health bar, even a demigod can be blown up!

Mammon's voice continued to ring out:

"Alright, in short, you don't need to worry too much about the Queen of Afain.

"Take care of your own business, you don't need to worry about the rest.

As for your staff officer, I will entrust ‘Salesman’ to monitor him first, and once there is any unusual movement, they will strike immediately!"

Vaughn nodded blankly, then added:

"If it is confirmed that everything is safe and Helmut is still loyal, then don't take action against him for the time being."

Mamen didn't make a clear statement, which made Vaughn feel a chill in his heart.

In addition to this, Vaughn also wanted to ask a few more questions about the future situation in Effiein, but it was clear that Mamen didn't fully intend to tell him.

As the topic ended, Vaughn didn't dare to disturb Mamen any further and quietly took his leave.

Cohen also didn't stay any longer and left the Collins mansion.

Thanks to Finger's warning, he also had to seize the time to take action and give Vaughn another strong dose.

… …

Because of what happened before, Yadell would no longer come to find her King late at night.

Cohen could also safely go on a secret rendezvous with his “boss,” “partner,” and “lover.”

Looking at the stunningly beautiful girl feasting in front of him, Cohen inexplicably thought of Windsor Della.

Well, they are both foodies.

This was already the sixth restaurant they had changed to. Every time they went out, Melantha would go to a new restaurant to taste the dishes, and she would often give a long appraisal and commentary on the dishes.

Cohen felt that she and Windsor Della must have a lot in common.

Thinking of that gentle and lovely elf lady, a trace of tenderness unconsciously appeared on the corner of Cohen's mouth.

Come to think of it, it had been a while since he had seen her, and he had dumped the entire “Endless Alliance” affair on her.

He wondered if she was complaining about him in her heart.

It had also been a long time since he had given her a massage, and he missed the warm and smooth feel of the elf lady's fair and tender jade feet.

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Well, well, as expected, the Queen's sister's charm was too great, constantly stirring up his desires, causing him to have wild thoughts all day long.

Cohen came back to his senses and found the little beauty opposite him staring at him angrily, biting the thing in her mouth fiercely, and asked:

"Which woman are you thinking about?"

Cohen naturally grabbed Melantha's hand and said softly:

"With such a great beauty sitting across from me, who else could I be thinking about?"

Melantha pretended to struggle a few times, but in the end, she didn't let go.

She snorted softly and said:

"I'm almost done eating, let's talk business."

Cohen told Melantha about the conversation he had overheard at Vaughn's mansion.

Melantha gently wiped her red lips and replied in a low voice:

"Mamen?

After the 'Phantom Corpse' died, Vaughn Collins has been in contact with Mamen all along.

No wonder I couldn't find out all along, it turns out that the person in contact with him is not in the Prime Material Plane."

Cohen said:

"It is estimated that Mamen will issue a task to you through the Black Tomb headquarters in the next few days to monitor a person named Helmut White.

When the time comes, you will act out a play with me, and I will force Vaughn to reveal his true colors.

If Mamen loses this last chess piece, I'm afraid he will really become blind in Effiein."

Melantha quickly understood Cohen's meaning and suddenly laughed:

"Mamen is really unlucky to have you."

Cohen shrugged:

"Don't say that, I regard Mr. Mamen as my dearest friend.

After this matter is over, I am also planning to have a good exchange of feelings with him.

I will wait until after the Collins family is eliminated, and then I will find an opportunity to contact Mamen."

Melantha's expression slightly condensed, and she said with some hesitation:

"Although that Mamen is in the Hell Plane, he has extensive contacts in the human continent.

Many dignitaries on the continent have secret transactions with him, and many shady things are done through Mamen's hands.

Therefore, this person has mastered a large amount of black material of princes and nobles.

If you have designs on him, be careful to arouse public anger."

Cohen waved his hand slightly, indicating that he had a sense of propriety.

Afterwards, Cohen communicated his plan with Melantha.

After the two put their heads together to improve the details, they decided to take action in the next few days.

… …

After Finger returned to the Military Intelligence Bureau, he received a summons from Nephthys.

Nephthys directly handed him a personal letter from Cohen.

Nephthys said to Finger, who was at a loss:

"His Majesty has seen everything you did in Vaughn Collins's mansion.

He is very satisfied with your actions.

This letter contains the content of your next action.

Don't ask why, just follow the plan above."

Finger's eyes were first filled with astonishment - how did His Majesty know what happened in the heavily guarded Viscount's mansion?

Then it turned into excitement, he must not fail His Majesty's expectations and cultivation!

Finger solemnly put away the letter.

Nephthys continued to ask:

"His Majesty asked me to ask you, is the evidence left by Baron Harold true?"

Hearing Nephthys say this, Finger was convinced that His Majesty really knew everything that had happened in Vaughn Collins's mansion.

He suppressed the surprise in his heart and said somewhat embarrassedly:

"Actually, Baron Harold didn't leave any evidence at all.

The garden and the shadow stone were all fabricated by me in order to alienate the relationship between Helmut and Viscount Vaughn.

I know that Vaughn will definitely eavesdrop on the conversation between me and Helmut.

I have analyzed this person's past actions, and Viscount Vaughn is an extremely selfish and exquisite egoist.

For the sake of profit and power, he will not hesitate to abandon anyone."

Nephthys nodded slightly and said:

"His Majesty also thinks so.

And he also asked me to tell you that your alienation plan was very successful.

Vaughn already has the idea of abandoning Helmut, just add more fire!"

"Add more fire?

What fire!"

Finger asked excitedly.

Nephthys pointed to the letter in Finger's hand and said:

"Everything is in the letter. Remember, the content of the letter cannot be revealed to anyone, including your little Lucia."

Finger immediately stated:

"Please tell His Majesty that he can rest assured, I will definitely faithfully fulfill my confidentiality obligations and complete the task in the letter without compromise!"

… …

"It's finally here!"

In the shadows, two secret agents coordinated by the third Black Tomb councilor, Mamen, breathed a sigh of relief.

They were ordered by Mamen to come here to monitor a person named Finger Harvey.

They couldn't understand what kind of person this Finger was that the headquarters had to send someone to investigate?

Originally, Mamen planned to entrust "Salesman" to monitor him.

As a result, Melantha ignored him after receiving the message from Mamen.

Mamen had no choice but to send his own people.

This was also Cohen's idea. Only by letting their people see that scene with their own eyes could it add to the authenticity and persuasiveness.

Finger walked out of the Military Academy leisurely.

Finger was giving a lecture to the younger students as an outstanding graduate of the National Military Academy.

Although Finger has not yet publicly announced that he is working in the Military Intelligence Bureau.

But his establishment and personnel relations are all under the Effiein Military Commission.

As the highest authority that controls the entire military power of Effiein, it is definitely one of the best ways out for graduates of military academies to enter here.

And this matter had been publicized long ago, and Vaughn Collins naturally received the news.

Mamen sent the two people he sent over to guard the gate of the Military Academy, and sure enough, they waited for Finger.

After Finger left the Military Academy, he went straight to the National Audit Department.

After showing his credentials, he directly entered the gate of the Audit Department, and then contacted a staff member named Borden.

The two had a secret conversation in the room for a long time.

After coming out, Finger rushed to the "National Mineral and Rare Metal Control Committee", abbreviated as the Mineral Control Committee, which was newly established by Her Majesty the Queen.

After Finger entered the Mineral Control Committee, it took a long time before he came out.

After coming out, he went straight to the suburbs of Florence and visited several households.

Finger didn't finish until late at night.

The two monitors also told Viscount Vaughn in detail about Finger's actions throughout the day.

When Viscount Vaughn heard all of Finger's actions during the day, his heart was suddenly clenched by a pair of big hands, and his breathing became rapid.

Borden!

He was the staff member who was bought by him and was responsible for auditing the minerals in the northern region!

Mineral Control Committee, now he has more than one mine under the supervision of the Mineral Control Committee.

What's even more deadly is the last thing, he actually went to investigate the guards who died in the palace attack a year ago.

Although there is nothing wrong with all of this, Finger can't find out anything with just these things.

But the act itself made Vaughn sit still.

All of this nakedly illustrates one thing, Finger and the Military Intelligence Bureau behind him have already set their sights on him.

And it's not a matter of land annexation in the northern region, it's his cooperation with Black Tomb!

Although they can't find any real evidence, the act itself is enough to make Viscount Vaughn vigilant and make the final decision!

Regardless of whether the Military Intelligence Bureau can find out the truth, he must take action.

He must immediately cut off all hidden dangers that may be related to Black Tomb.

Without a doubt, Helmut White, the hub of his contact with Black Tomb and the one who has mastered a large amount of black history and secrets of the Collins family, including Vaughn himself, has become his primary target to eliminate!

The two monitors sent by Mamen are naturally not just monitoring.

They have another important task, that is, once things show an uncontrollable trend, they must take decisive action!

Vaughn took a deep breath and said as if comforting himself, old friend, I'm sorry, I will take care of your wife and children!

Then he looked at the two assassins with firm eyes:

"Start the operation!"