Qiao Yelan narrowed her eyes.

"I need detailed intelligence."

“Five years ago, I was unable to return to Lontinim, and therefore unable to retrieve the intelligence personnel I left there. When I re-established the intelligence network, the other side reported that he had seen Princess Alexandrina in the slums by chance, but only once.”

"Can you be sure he wasn't lying?"

Old Windermere nodded.

“Those are my old subordinates, they don’t lie, and after the coup, there was indeed no news of His Highness being murdered—after that, I had them conduct a thorough search and interview in the slums, which also proved His Highness’s existence.”

"Did you never see him again?"

"Yes, they never saw His Highness again."

The information about the other party made Qiao Yelan frown.

"...That's a bit contradictory."

Logically speaking, if the prince could be found by intelligence agents in the slums, it would mean that he was not under the control of any force. However, when Windermere's intelligence agents began to pull in their net, how could a little guy who is only eleven years old at the time have the ability to evade the search without the help of outside forces?

"Yes, if it weren't for the fact that His Highness's existence was confirmed by the common people, I would also be completely baffled."

Grand Duke Windermere was also somewhat helpless. If he could find Vina, he would have done so long ago, but the problem was that he just couldn't find her.

"Alright, hand over your intelligence agents in Lontinim to me, and the deal is done."

"make a deal."

Old Windermere said without hesitation.

At this point in the conversation, he finally relaxed a little and began to cough violently.

How much longer do you have?

"Probably one or two years, it depends on luck."

He smiled.

"Actually, I've always been worried that if you find out about this information, I'll be in big trouble—after all, I really can't think of anything else that you would be interested in."

"There's no need to belittle yourself, Your Excellency. Babel Tower will not give up a Grand Duchy. Rather than supporting an unknown entity, it's better to continue trading with our existing partners."

Qiao Yelan said casually.

He can't exactly say that you were just an extra, and that signing an agreement is the biggest help you've ever given, can he?

"However, I am more surprised—after all, you have always been a royalist, and you and the entire Windermere Territory have fallen to this state because of that war five years ago."

"And now, you're actually willing to use that information—that the Aslan royal family might be the last direct descendant—to make a deal with me?"

Hearing Qiao Yelan's words, which were half teasing and half doubtful, Grand Duke Windermere simply sighed softly.

“I remain loyal to King Aslan. After all, Windermir was promoted by King Aslan and was able to gradually rise to his current position. But even though I am now a powerful lord, I do not have enough power to help Your Highness regain the throne.”

"But Her Highness's status remains unchanged. Whether she likes it or not, she will inevitably be manipulated by various forces because of her bloodline and drawn into the murky vortex of Victoria."

He and Qiao Yelan looked at each other.

“I can’t help her at all. I can’t even protect myself now. And the Duke of Cumberland is already dead. The other dukes... they were all the murderers who killed His Majesty the King five years ago.”

"Isn't there also the Duke of Wellington?"

“He’s a Tara—besides, he didn’t fight five years ago, so he has even less reason to fight for Aslan after that.”

Old Windermere simply shook his head; over the past few years, he had come to a complete understanding of the situation.

"Since we can't escape the fate of being pawns, we might as well hand that fate over to the strongest person!"

"If there is any force that can help Your Highness regain the throne, then I think it is only you."

Qiao Yelan raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you for the compliment."

“I’m not praising you, I’m just stating the facts—as long as the Grand Dukes of Victoria don’t dare to directly confront you and choose to establish their own factions, Your Highness will still have value to you, and as long as Your Highness has value, she is undoubtedly safe.”

“It’s even safer than under my protection.”

The Grand Duke said very seriously.

"I must say, you are much more rational than I thought, Your Excellency. I always thought you were just a simple soldier, but I never expected you to be so impressive."

"Just think of it as a dying person having a final burst of energy before death."

Old Windermere gave a wry smile.

“Alright, in that case, I’m going to the Duchy of Wellington for a state visit right away. Have your son-in-law come with me. I’ll help you out and greet the Duke of Wellington first, so we can skip some formalities later.”

Qiao Yelan nodded and offered his new form of assistance.

"Wouldn't it be better to let my daughter go with me? As the future Duke of Windermere, she would be even more awe-inspiring if she could bring this treaty back with her."

"You really aren't afraid of death—if your daughter dares to leave Windermere territory even half a step today, she'll receive news of you dying from a mere cold tomorrow. Do you believe it or not?"

The man revealed a mocking expression.

"Now I'm starting to believe your 'last gasp' theory—that the heir is away, so they can kill you and start dividing the inheritance. Even if the treaty is signed, do you think your daughter will still be able to get into Liincarden?"

Grand Duke Windermere fell silent, realizing he had said something foolish.

"From now until you die, do not let your daughter leave here even a step, especially not the army. External liaison and some political affairs will be handled by your son-in-law. I think he has some talent and won't cause any trouble. That's enough."

Qiao Yelan gave her instructions.

"Okay, I remember."

Old Windermere nodded seriously.

"That's settled then. Let's both get some rest—this is probably the last time we'll see each other."

Qiao Yelan maneuvered her wheelchair and left the secret room.

"Goodbye, Grand Duke Windermere."

Goodbye, Your Excellency Qiao Yelan.

Chapter 113 The Duke of Wellington

"Your Excellency Qiao Yelan."

“Ah, Mr. Kent, I was just wondering when you would come, and here you are.”

Qiao Yelan waved her hand warmly, gesturing for the man to sit down.

"I think His Excellency the Grand Duke has already told you the specific reasons for inviting you here, hasn't he?"

"Yes, I will act as Windermere's envoy, leading your delegation to the Duchy of Wellington, and will also visit the Duchy of Wellington to try to establish friendly relations with the Grand Duchy of Wellington."

Qiao Yelan nodded.

"What is your wife's opinion on this, that is, Mrs. Windermere?"

"She was very supportive of me going, believing it was a good opportunity to increase my reputation and prestige."

When talking about his wife, Kent couldn't help but smile, clearly showing that the couple was very much in love.

“This is indeed a great opportunity. Ms. Windermere values ​​you highly.”

Qiao Yelan praised.

"However, apart from that, His Excellency Duke Windermere actually has other expectations of you."

Uh?

Kent blinked, somewhat puzzled.

His father-in-law didn't treat him very well at first, but later, seeing that his son was determined to marry him, he became much kinder to him.

It's just a matter of how much you value yourself...

Really?

"Do you know what price Grand Duke Windermere offered me after you left yesterday?"

"I don't know. His Excellency the Grand Duke didn't say. Even when Anfelis pleaded with him, he didn't tell us. He just told us to do as we planned."

Kent shook his head.

“He can’t reveal his price—especially to his daughter.”

Qiao Yelan said calmly.

"The price he offered me was—the whereabouts of Princess Alexandrina Vina Victoria, the last descendant of King Aslan."

"This is impossible!"

The man suddenly stood up, his voice rising eight octaves. Only after he finished shouting did he realize he had lost his composure. He glanced nervously at Qiao Yelan before awkwardly sitting back down.

“Well, I mean, His Excellency the Grand Duke has always been the most steadfast loyal subject of His Majesty Aslan. He would not, and could not, do such a thing—five years ago, he risked his life to confront the combined forces of several Grand Dukes in order to rescue His Majesty!”

"So he couldn't possibly betray his lord's daughter, right?"

Qiao Yelan was not angry at Kent's almost interrogative tone, but remained as friendly as ever.

"Yes."

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