Why it never ends

Chapter 1266 Trading
In addition, Hershta seemed to have thrown a tantrum at Grass Sprout's house that morning, and there should be many people on the farm right now—not just the children—who all find this matter perplexing.

Although what happened last night wasn't complicated, the lack of any credible explanation has left children to fill in the gaps themselves—and their imaginations are unstoppable in the face of fear. Therefore, what's truly needed is open discussion; otherwise, the whole thing will only be pushed into a more hidden corner and the shame it instills in everyone will intensify.

As an adult, Xia Yixue felt she had to show an open attitude and shift the focus of the children's discussion from what happened last night to what we should do.

This can serve as a starting point for Amel and Grass Sprout to integrate into the group.

Thinking of this, Xia Yixue felt her heart filled with courage.

Taking advantage of Amell and Grass Sprout's absence tonight, she wants to use this group dialogue to help the children reach a consensus on no longer questioning or observing victims.

Perhaps one conversation wasn't enough, and maybe some games would be needed... but none of this frightened her anymore.

No matter how much effort it takes, she is determined to bring Amel and Grass Sprout safely into the group.

……

Almost at the same moment, Hersta sat down across from Arevalo and discussed with him the upcoming trade show voting.

“You have a keen eye,” Arevalo whispered. “This exhibition involves some sensitive technology demonstrations, and although it’s not large in scale, it will facilitate a lot of military trade—this wasn’t your idea, was it? Who came up with it for you?”

“That’s not important,” Hersta said in a low voice. “Askia has just been established, and we do need a stage like this.”

"Do you think that as long as there are assassins causing trouble in the city, I will always grant your every wish?"

“Of course not, Governor,” Hester said. “I just wanted to get your assessment of the feasibility of this matter.”

"Impossible. That's a pipe dream," Arevalo said coldly. "The opportunity to host this trade show would never fall to a party like yours. Do you even know what political parties are for? It's laughable—there are already many industry associations and exhibition companies bidding, plus the Commerce Department of the Twelve Districts Joint Government. It's not your newly established entity's turn at all—"

"That's not a big problem. It's just setting up another subsidiary organization under the Askia Freedom Front to handle specific economic affairs. It's nominally an independent entity, but in reality, all the resources and connections are gathered within the party. I heard that the Wehrton Interest Party is doing the same thing, is that right?"

Arevalo gave Hersta a deep look.

“I didn’t come to you unprepared,” Hersta suddenly smiled. “I did make some preparations.”

“There’s really nothing I can do,” Arevalo emphasized the word “really,” “The awarding of this trade fair was decided by a vote of its committee, and the vote was completely anonymous—no one can guarantee that they have 100% influence over it, even if you go and tell everyone on the committee that it was the governor’s decision…”

Arevalo turned his back: "Do you think they'll listen to you?"

Hester sensed that Arevalo had suddenly become somewhat forceful tonight: "Then what should I do? Can the Governor teach me?"

Arevalo sighed: "Perhaps this time you should make some concessions?"

Hesta leaned back slightly: "For example?"

"I have been friends with the bishop of Emmanuela Cathedral for decades—"

Hesta suddenly let out a shrill laugh that sounded like a cough: "You're not going to plead for the pedophile we caught last night, are you?" Arevalo slowly turned around, looked at Hesta, and said with a serious expression.

“…It really is.” Hesta slowly stood up. “Really? He has the ability to make you come and talk to me?”

"The bishop is a person who greatly values ​​talent."

“Or,” Hesta thought for a moment, “this Simon Albaradar is a very useful person?”

“Do you agree or not?” Arevalo frowned. “Don’t try to bluff me. That man isn’t on the farm right now, nor is he in your hands. There are a million ways to resolve this. I just want to find a way that makes things easier for everyone. We’ll be leaving here soon, and you can take your children with you. His influence won’t reach your base, and he won’t get in your way anymore.”

“What is this deal?” Hester looked away. “You just said that even you can’t influence a completely anonymous committee vote—”

“I can call them all,” Arevalo said.

"Each one?"

"Enough to guarantee the number of times you ultimately win."

“This puts me in a difficult position,” Hersta stood up. “You said it yourself, Albaradar isn’t in my hands right now, so even if I wanted to spare him—”

“I know it won’t be hard for you Mercury Needle to find someone,” Arevalo said in a low voice. “But he’s already escaped, and it’s not your responsibility if you can’t catch him… I don’t want much, just spare his life. From now on, he’ll avoid any place where you or your people are, not just the farm. He’ll never cause you any trouble.”

"The governor's words make it sound like I'm planning to do something to him—"

“He’s a promising young man, very promising,” Arevalo said. “He didn’t do anything heinous yesterday, did he? He just saw a little girl outside at night and wanted to take her to an adult, but your men misunderstood him. He got a beating and was lying in bed unable to get up… He’s learned his lesson, hasn’t he?”

"I'm afraid we'll need to investigate further before we can draw a conclusion, Governor."

“The conclusion is just a matter of your word,” Arevalo said. “You just need to stop things on the farm and not damage a gentleman’s reputation, and he will be grateful to you.”

Hershta narrowed his eyes.

……

"So you agreed to his request?" Stella held her breath. "You promised not to pursue Albarada's actions?"

"No."

"Why didn't you agree!" Stella sighed as expected. "Just lie to him first, get him to do it, and then you can go and get Albaradar's life over! Now things have become complicated again!"

Hester looked away: "...What if someone gets away?"

"You can tell from what I've heard that this guy isn't going to run away. The bishop spared his life just because he still needs him to do some dirty work. Otherwise, why would he go all the way to Arevalo to beg him to do him a favor?"