Yes, Madam Prime Minister

"What? Someone is beating the grievance drum?"

"What? Someone carrying a crossbow, and you couldn't stop him?"

"What, the princess's maid?"

"What? Your valuable treasures were stolen by the gang, and you were almost kidnapped?"

"Uh, my stomach hurts. You guys figure it out yourselves." After saying that, the dean closed the door and went back to his room. After such a terrible thing happened, he decided to have some morning sex to cheer himself up.

Three minutes later, someone knocked on the door again. If he hadn't been efficient, he might have been so frightened that he couldn't get an erection.

"Who is it?" The dean walked over and opened the door with a displeased look. He was already preparing how to curse. He was the dean of the court in the southern district of Haijin City, a big shot who had everything under control, from arresting people to judging cases to sentencing people. But as soon as he opened the door and saw that it was Baron Gate's butler, his face immediately changed. "Speak your business."

"Baron Gates hopes you can handle this case. You must investigate it thoroughly, ensuring that no innocent person is wronged and no guilty person is let off the hook," the Baron's butler said righteously.

But who is the dean? Couldn't he understand the key point of that sentence? The so-called thorough investigation and further investigation, translation, is just a way to stall, and this case will forever remain in the state of "under investigation."

The dean mounted his horse and rode straight to the courthouse.

Don't let his current bloated appearance fool you; in his youth, he was a military executioner and the captain of the commando unit during battles. But the officialdom really toughens people up, turning a brave, decisive, and intolerant man into a fat, eccentric master of disguise with a bad stomach.

Soon, the court president arrived and took his seat. He had no objection to Princess Dinya attending the hearing, but he also showed no intention of flattering her.

Ronan understood this perfectly.

Because Princess Dinia was actually the daughter of a duke on the border of a kingdom, much like the daughter of a military governor in ancient Seris, and a rather peripheral one at that. Otherwise, why would she have been so easily given to a tribal chief in the Lovac Empire?

If Dinia hadn't been able to break down the city gate in one go, would she have been qualified to listen in?

Right off the bat, the dean, in a very classic Seresian style, beat up the old woman who was the tainted witness, beating her senseless.

Okay, now there are no witnesses.

As for the physical evidence, namely the old woman's records, they were collected, and it was announced that a thorough investigation would be conducted based on them. A solemn promise was made that no bad person would be let off the hook, but no innocent person would be wrongly accused.

Throughout the entire process, Dinia remained completely silent, like a clay sculpture, offering no opinions.

A long time ago, she would have turned hostile, but now she's not surprised at all.

Just as the portly dean was about to announce the end of the proceedings, Dinia suddenly spoke up, "Wait, there's one more case."

"Huh?" The chubby dean was completely bewildered.

“Someone set fire to my house yesterday, trying to burn me to death,” Dinia said.

The fat dean's face twitched. "Damn it, you didn't start that fire? If you didn't, I'd have diarrhea on the spot."

Of course, he couldn't say that. "This is the brothel that was burned down. It can't be said that they wanted to harm you, can it?"

“The fire station is right next to the mayor’s residence. If the fire spreads, the mayor’s residence will definitely be affected. And I live in the mayor’s residence. If it’s not coming for me, then it’s coming for you, right?” Dinia said, then changed the subject. “My safety is not guaranteed at all right now. I need someone to protect me.”

The fat dean's eyes darted around. "Then how about we send some city guards and troops over to protect you, Princess?" He was certain that the princess was plotting something with the new mayor, so he decided to send people over to "protect" them.

Dinia firmly denied it, "No, there are traitors colluding with the enemy and betraying the country in the city guard and garrison."

"You can't just say things like that," the fat dean said.

“I have a very important mission on this trip to marry into a foreign country. I have already encountered assassination attempts on the way here. Some of the assassins were Rovacs, which means that there are people in the kingdom who are colluding with the Rovacs. And the people of the Kingdom of Haijin are so close to the Rovacs, I have reason to suspect that there are traitors among them.” Dinia’s ability to lie through her teeth has reached five or six tenths of Ronan’s level.

Then, Dinia revealed her true purpose: "I will have the mayor organize a guard, but the money for that will naturally need to come from the locals."

The fat dean stopped talking and left.

The farce has come to an end.

Soon after, Baron Gates learned the whole story.

"Lex, come here." Baron Gates beckoned to his trusted butler. "Prepare dinner. Tonight, I'd like to invite His Excellency the Mayor and Her Highness the Princess to savor the specialties of our Haijin City."

At noon, Dinia and Ronan received the invitation.

"Heh, they've come with ill intentions," Dinia sneered.

“You are the one who has come,” Ronan said from the side.

“I’m just a passerby,” Dinia said. “I’ll be leaving sooner or later, won’t I?”

Ronan smiled knowingly, "That depends on whether Baron Gates is willing to pay to send you away, he probably won't be so quick to part with his money."

“Let him experience what a surprise is without paying him anything,” Dinia said.

"Just money?" Ronan asked again.

“That depends on his attitude,” Dinia replied meaningfully.

In the afternoon, Dinya got her hair done and changed clothes.

Her hair was styled into an elaborate updo.

She put on a corset-style blouse with a waist belt, which tightened her waist and lifted her breasts. Then she wore white stockings, not ordinary stockings, but stockings with magical power, just like those in the real world. The threads of these stockings came from a special creature from the frigid northern regions.

It's no wonder it's Ronan's dream; even in an era before firearms were invented, such a thing exists.

After putting on her inner layer, she changed into a white dress with lace embellishments on the neckline and cuffs. The skirt was made of multiple layers of lace tulle, gorgeous but not over the top, not to the point where she needed a maid to hold up the skirt to prevent it from dragging on the ground.

Finally, there was a pair of embroidered satin high heels.

As Dinia took her first steps, revealing the insteps covered in white stockings, Ronan felt a surge of heat in his abdomen, and his breathing became rapid.

Dinia was already used to Ronan's quirks and was no longer surprised by them.

“Let’s go, Mayor,” Dinia said as they walked.

“Yes, Princess,” Ronan said.

Upon hearing the "yes," Dinia felt a long-lost feeling return.

Instead of taking a carriage, the two rode directly to Baron Gate's castle.

Baron Gates' castle is located in the southeast of Haijin City, near the estuary. The small fortress-like castle has three layers, with a tall watchtower in the middle that overlooks the northern district across the river and the sea.

Chapter 229 Shameless, even more shameless, I'm a professional when it comes to infiltration.

The castle is not a single building, but a complex of buildings of varying heights. Dinia and Ronan entered through the main gate, crossed the stone walls built according to the terrain, and came to a street inside the castle. After climbing several stone steps, they arrived at the third floor of the castle. After crossing an open space, the two arrived at the main building where Baron Gates lived.

Led by the middle-aged butler with a mustache, Dinia and Ronan arrived at the banquet hall on the fourth floor.

There were only three people at the dinner: Baron Gates, Dinia, and Ronan. The table was a round table, and no servants were arranged to serve the food, because there was no need for them.

In the center of the table was a copper pot filled with golden broth that was about to boil. On the table were marinated fish pieces, fresh shellfish, and chicken pieces.

Baron Gates pointed to the copper pot and said, “The majority of people in our Haijin City are river workers. River workers eat for convenience, so they just throw together some fish and scraps of meat in a pot and cook them. I myself have always been one of the citizens and I also enjoy this kind of food. However, when entertaining two guests, I am a little more particular. Normally, I am just like the river workers.”

After saying that, he poured wine for the two of them himself, and then poured one for himself.

"I've heard that 30% of the tea, pottery, cotton cloth, and grain that travel from the south to the north passes through Haijin City. You, Baron, manage all these businesses. You are the richest man in the north. How come you usually eat miscellaneous fish and scraps of meat?" Dinia asked.

Baron Gates waved his hand, “Rumors, all rumors. I have to feed the tigers and wolves in the north of Haijin City, and I can’t skimp on the garrison in the south. I have to take care of the food for hundreds of thousands of people inside and outside the city. No matter how much money I have, it will just pass through my hands and be gone. Do I have money? No, I am the poorest man in Haijin City.”

After saying this, Baron Gates raised his glass, offered a toast to Dinia and Ronan, and took a small sip.

Dinia put down her glass. "Then how did so many castles come about?"

"It was all because the citizens felt that I was fair and impartial in handling affairs that they voluntarily funded the construction," Baron Gate said. "To be honest, I was afraid of letting down the citizens' good intentions. Otherwise, I really wouldn't want to live in such a big place. It's too deserted and lacks a sense of life."

“Well done! The citizens of Haijin City are truly blessed to have met someone like you, Baron.” Dinia exclaimed, slapping the table in praise.

“We in the South are sorely lacking in fair men like the Baron,” Ronan said, playing the straight man.

Baron Gates quickly waved his hand, "You flatter me, both of you."

Dinia ate two pieces of fish and spoke again, "There are some things I was hesitant to say, but since the Baron is such a fair person, I'll say them. I may have to stay in Haijin City for a while longer, but some recent events have frightened me. I need to get some people to protect myself. Could the Baron help me think of a way?"

"Forgive my ignorance, but I really have no good ideas. Perhaps you could find a safer place to stay, Princess?" Baron Gates knew what Dinia meant and cleverly changed the subject.

Dinia looked at Ronan. "Ronan, what place do you say is safe?"

“I’ve only been here for two days, I don’t know that,” Ronan replied.

“I think it’s very safe here at Baron Gate. Neither the gangsters in this city nor some traitors who collude with foreign powers dare to come here, right?” Dinia asked, her gaze shifting to Baron Gate, her words clearly carrying a hidden meaning.

“It’s safe, but it’s not very convenient,” Baron Gates said, making an excuse. How could he possibly let Dinia stay with him?

“I think it’s best to find some people to protect me,” Dinia said, getting straight to the point. “However, I’m a little short on cash. Could you perhaps find someone to lend me some, Your Excellency? We can have our mayor pay you back later.”

Baron Gates's eyes turned serious. "Borrowing money is too much trouble. How about I arrange for someone to protect Her Highness the Princess?"

“This city of Haijin is full of gangsters and traitors. Last night, someone even set fire to it, trying to burn me alive. I don’t trust anyone but you, Baron. Why don’t you give me your men?” Dinia tilted her head and asked.

Baron Gates tapped his fingers. This woman was really difficult to deal with. If his men went out, wouldn't his castle be empty? And if his men fell into this woman's hands, a bunch of people would be labeled as traitors tomorrow.

“I don’t have any money, but I can help you find someone willing to lend you some. I wonder how much the princess would like to borrow?” Baron Gate asked.

"Not much, ten thousand gold coins." Dinia asked for an exorbitant amount.

Ronan then interjected, "Princess, what are you talking about lending or not? I think we should just raise funds under the guise of maintaining city security and stabilizing market order. In the end, we can return the money to the gentlemen in full, and split the money from the citizens 30/70."

Baron Gates smiled slightly, "Ha, the people of Haijin City are simple and honest. Putting aside everything else, the security and order are quite good."

“But there are bound to be a small group of bad elements. If they dare to attack me today, they might dare to attack the Baron tomorrow. You are so fair in your dealings, those bad people can’t stand good people like you. If I really have no choice, I can run away, but you can’t.”

Dinia looked worried for Baron Gates.

But Baron Gates was a normal person, and any normal person could tell that she was threatening him.

Baron Gates waved his hand and said, "I'll give five thousand gold coins to the princess and the mayor to recruit people."

"You have money?" Dinia asked, feigning surprise.

“No, but we can always squeeze some out if we try. It will take some time though. How about a week?” Baron Gates replied with a smile.

"So it's settled then?" Dinia said.

“It’s settled,” Baron Gates agreed.

At this point, the large plates on the table were barely touched, and no wine had been drunk, but the banquet was already over.

After Dinia and Ronan left, Baron Gates sat alone at the table, leisurely continuing to eat his mixed fish hotpot. He admitted that the princess and the mayor were quite something, almost putting him on the defensive, but to think they could take his money based on that alone was to underestimate him.

The reason he said he would wait a week was to have someone investigate this princess; she had serious problems.

A week later, he still wouldn't give them the money. Instead, he would treat them to another meal, saying that he had run into trouble and that if they could help him solve it, he would give them an extra five thousand.

At the same time, Dinia and Ronan had just stepped out of the castle and mounted their horses.

"Do you think you can get this money?" Ronan asked.

"Do you think money is important to me?" Dinia countered.

"It can't be that he's very important to you, can it?" Ronan wondered.

“None of that matters. You’re important to me,” Dinia said. “I’ll take care of him and make you a real mayor.” In reality, Ronan cleared all the obstacles for her in New Sea City, and she wanted to see just how much she had grown.

Ronan sighed. "It seems you're not planning to spend this week quietly."

Dinia chuckled, "I'm going to take care of something right now."

"What is it?" Ronan asked.

“Kill people,” Dinia said. “This Haijin City is too peaceful. Let’s liven up the North District. The Rovacs army’s camp should be easy to find. Don’t worry, I’m a professional when it comes to infiltration.”

Chapter 230 Extortion, Threats, and the Demand to Become a Dragon Knight

“But I’m not a professional,” Ronan said. He had no way of infiltrating the Lovacs’ camp.

Dinia placed her hand on Ronan's shoulder. "If you trust me, then relax and don't resist."

Ronan frowned, not relaxing at all, but instead becoming extremely attentive and on high alert.

Dinia's eyes suddenly turned their original red, a chilling red in the moonlight. "You're making things difficult for me."

Ronan shrugged and agreed.

The next second, Ronan was turned into a mushroom. Dinia held the mushroom Ronan had become, patted his chest, and it went straight into his chest. Then he went back to the mayor's mansion, changed his clothes, and went straight to a bridge connecting the north and south. He threw a mushroom across the bridge guarded by soldiers, and then a mushroom grew out of the one that had crossed the bridge and silently entered the North District.

The next morning, Baron Gates was awakened by his butler Pink's knocking on the door.

Butler Pinker reported something that made Baron Gates frown deeply.

Last night, someone secretly infiltrated the Rovacs military camp in the northern district and silently killed a centurion. This morning, after the centurion's body was discovered, his five personal guards were executed according to military law.

Predictably, the Lovacs will claim that it was done by people from the South and come demanding an explanation.

These Lovacs don't even know how to collect taxes; they can only offer fixed-amount tax packages. They are easily fooled by merchants from the local indigenous Limo people, and when pushed too far, they resort to robbery.

The Rovacs people's way of doing things can be summed up in one sentence: doing business is impossible for them, absolutely impossible; the only way to survive is by robbing.

Baron Gates wasn't actually worried about the Lovaz people. If he didn't have some way of dealing with these barbarians, how could he be the first impartial person in Haijin City?