Can't I develop my own character?

But things won't always go as planned. There will always be people like Ryan who are kind-hearted and cannot bear to see the suffering in the world.

Just when he was thinking about what to do next, he suddenly received a message from a colleague saying that Chief Jonathan brought people to the municipal office, threw the evidence in his hand in Holder's face, and then handcuffed him in public!

Jonathan then interrogated Holden at lightning speed, linking together all the evidence of the municipal government approving the land for the mafia and making it public.

Because of this incident, a group of people from the entire housing and construction department were implicated. Seven people from the management alone were arrested, two of whom were minor aristocrats.

In an interview with reporters, Jonathan publicly stated that the Administration Bureau would preserve the last piece of land for the homeless people of the empire.

Collecting evidence, arresting people, interrogating, and publicizing the case, a series of processes were all completed in less than a day. The efficiency was so high that even the people in the administrative office were unable to react.

Jonathan did not inform Ryan and others in advance because he knew that the people in the Administrative Bureau were not loyal only to the Administrative Bureau. Once the people in the Municipal Office knew about it in advance, there was an 80% chance that this matter would not be accomplished.

As for now.

It’s all done, what can we do to him?

After the news was made public, Ryan discovered that the people in the municipal government had collectively chosen to remain silent. Although public opinion was on Jonathan's side, it was probably related to his identity as a Fire Covenant investigator.

After all, the affairs of extraordinary people are secrets to ordinary people, but this is not the case for some nobles and powerful people.

It is just predictable that Jonathan will be targeted after this incident.

"Director, aren't you afraid that the higher-ups will give you a hard time if you do this?"

Inside the office.

Ryan asked curiously.

Jonathan lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled, saying slowly, "This world can't be filled with noise, but it can't be silent either. Someone has to stand up. It's okay, this little thing won't kill me. As for you, stay out of this. Remember, do what you can do."

"Do you know why I won't continue the trial? There must be someone behind Holder, but I can't handle it all by myself, so let's stop here."

Ryan nodded slightly and said nothing.

"Do you think I'm hypocritical? I want to do something but I'm timid?" Jonathan smiled faintly.

"No, I think you are very smart, Chief."

"Oh? Tell me."

"Because if you die, there won't be anyone left to do even this. It's like a spring. If it's compressed too tightly, you need to loosen it up to prevent it from breaking. That's what's happening in the Empire right now."

Jonathan looked surprised: "How dare you say that, kid."

Ryan smiled and said, "Just say it in front of the director."

"It's better not to say these things outside." Jonathan took another long drag and then stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. "The situation in the empire is unstable, and chaos is starting to appear everywhere. You're right, if you suppress it too much, it will break down. We can only do our best to loosen it up a bit. It's a temporary solution, not a fundamental solution. The key lies in the people at the top."

"Come on Ryan, let's stop here and go with me to see someone who can cure the problem."

"Who?"

"Princess Casradi."

...

Ryan didn't expect that Casradi would actually contact them on his own initiative.

Jonathan himself was also very puzzled. He just found out that the princess had actually arrived in Berman City. Since the princess summoned him, he naturally had to go.

7 p.m.

In a private room at a restaurant in Dongcheng District.

"Director Jonathan." Casradi sat at the dining table and nodded slightly, "Nice to meet you."

"It's my pleasure."

The director, who usually looks so imposing and domineering, behaved like a gentleman at this moment.

That's right, after all, the girl in front of him is the fifth princess of the empire, the most beloved princess of His Majesty the Emperor.

"I read the news report today. You did an amazing thing." Casradi said suddenly.

Jonathan was stunned for a moment, then said, "It's just a small matter."

"A friend of mine once told me that the fate of the lower class depends on the attitude of the upper class. After experiencing this incident, I understand the truth of her words more and more." Casradi stood up and stretched out his arms.

Jonathan gestured, taking a step forward and bowing slightly.

Casradi placed his hand on his shoulder, his expression solemn: "You are like a noble knight. The empire needs talents like you."

Ryan stood aside. He knew that this was a ceremony of the Augustus Empire, and also a form of honor and recognition, usually used between nobles and their subordinates.

Once this ritual is used, it means that the noble has reached a certain level of trust in it.

Although Jonathan knew that this was a way for Casradi to win people's hearts, he had to admit that he was still very happy. After all, it was done and he didn't actually get any benefits, but being praised by a princess like Casradi made him feel that it was worth it.

Recognition is an important attitude.

But Ryan felt something was amiss. He knew that Casradi was not the kind of naive person. Even if she admired Jonathan, there was no need for her to risk being discovered and come to see him.

"Who is this?" Casradi looked at Ryan.

Jonathan smiled and said, "He's the deputy captain of our criminal investigation department. He's quite capable."

"I see." Casradi nodded slightly. "Let's get back to the point, Jonathan. I'll be arriving in Berman City by train tomorrow. I've come to ask you for a favor."

Jonathan was puzzled. "If it's a security job, we will naturally do our best. If you are still worried, you can contact the headquarters directly, or contact the mayor. He will definitely send more people to greet you."

"Do you know why Mayor Bill was not here last time?" asked Casradi.

"this..."

"Because I told him not to come. The train station is dangerous. You know that, right?"

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I promise that the same thing will never happen again!"

"Jonathan, I believe in your loyalty, but determination alone won't solve anything, will it?" Casradi said calmly, "After all, it's a group of transcendents who want to kill me, and only a transcendent like you can help me."

"..."

"..."

The room was quiet for a while.

After a while, Jonathan exhaled and smiled in relief, "I didn't expect His Highness to already know my identity." Then, with a hint of confusion, he asked, "If that's the case, why did Your Highness go to the train station again? Even if we protect you the best, there will always be times when we slip up."

"I'd like to ask a friend of mine to come and talk about this."

"Friend? Is it your friend in Berman City? Your Highness, your safety is of paramount importance. With all due respect, if the other party is not absolutely certain, it is best not to let him know your location."

Casradi smiled slightly: "Don't worry, she is a friend you can absolutely trust."

Just as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door of the box.

"Your Highness, the people have arrived."

"come in."

Echo opened the door from the outside, stood at the door and made a gesture of invitation. Then a figure wearing a milky white priest robe walked in under the surprised gaze of Ryan and Jonathan.

"Good evening, everyone." Lin Qi said in a cold tone.

...

4k5, more updates starting today~

Chapter 27 Ryan: Miss Lin Qi is right, Lin Qi: Mr. Ryan is right

"Let me introduce you. This is Lin Qi, the priest of the Gate of Janus." Kasradi said with a smile, "Lin Qi, these two are..."

"We've met."

Lin Qi said coldly.

"Have you seen it?"

"It's like this." Jonathan recounted the story of capturing Sam with a helpless look on his face.

"I see. Since we are old acquaintances, there is no need to say more."

Casradi didn't care about the situation of the Blood Archbishop. The latter's followers were as common as cockroaches in the gutter. It was not surprising that a group of madmen who shouted "blood sacrifice to the blood god" all over the world would do anything.

"Lin Qi, sit down first. We are talking about tomorrow's matter."

Casradi asked Lin Qi to sit down, and then explained her plan to Jonathan and Ryan.

The reason why Casradi went to so much trouble was simple: to deal with the Hand of Darkness and to find out the mastermind behind it.

It is impossible for pagans to attack an imperial princess for no reason. The mastermind behind this must be someone within the empire who is capable of competing for the throne, so Casladi wants to take this opportunity to try to see if he can find any evidence against the other party.

If she really wanted to find evidence that some prince colluded with pagans to kill her, she was after all Her Royal Highness the Princess. If she handed the evidence to the old emperor, the other party would be severely punished even if he didn't die.

In addition, Kasladi also wanted to take this opportunity to establish good relations with the top leaders of the Janus Gate. High Priestess Leah was her second target to win over...well, the first one was 'Lin Qi'.

It is worth mentioning that in the game Empress Online, she did succeed in winning over Leah and accumulating strength to fight for the throne.

The key to this two-pronged approach was that she would show up in person to act as bait. Leah had no reason to refuse. She had stayed in Berman City long enough, but the core figure of the Blood Archbishop she was looking for had never appeared, and only a few minions had been caught.

It just so happened that the Janus Gate and the Hand of Darkness were also enemies, so why not join forces to eliminate the enemy? More importantly, Kasladi promised that if the Janus Gate agreed to help, she would mobilize her forces to help the Janus Gate deal with the Blood Archbishop afterwards.

After all, this is the territory of the Augustus Empire. With the help of the administrative bureau or even the army, it is not impossible to eliminate the hyenas of the Blood Archbishop.

In other words, this is a two-pronged approach for the Janus Gate.

As for the risk that Casradi took, it was his own will, and even if something went wrong, it couldn't be blamed on the Gate of Janus.

Then the problem is coming.

Now the only pressure comes to Jonathan, the chief of the Administrative Bureau and the Fire Covenant investigator.

Casradi is not sure of defeating the Hand of Darkness relying solely on the power of the Janus Gate remaining in Berman City, so he also needs the help of the Fire Covenant, the official supernatural power of the empire.

Jonathan suddenly felt like Alexander.

He was not afraid of fighting the Hand of Darkness. On the contrary, he was looking forward to such a good opportunity!

This is to use the imperial princess as bait!

If something really happens, the Fire Covenant will be blamed, and the entire city of Berman will suffer.

If the bait is replaced by someone else, such as Ryan, he will definitely be the first to rush forward.

"Don't worry, Jonathan." Casradi smiled faintly. "I understand your concerns, but this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, isn't it? And I also believe in your abilities. Honestly, if it weren't for your actions today, I might not have chosen to seek you out. That incident taught me that you are a man of justice."

Jonathan smiled bitterly: "The weight of this justice is almost making me breathless."

"Where is Lord Ryan?" Casradi still respected Ryan's opinion. Since the latter had heard the plan, he would naturally join in.

"I'm following the Director." Ryan touched his chin. "There's just one thing. Your Highness, how can you be sure that the Hand of Darkness will appear tomorrow? They were fooled once before. Will they do it again?"

"This brings us to the second question." Casradi changed her tone. "It's precisely because they were deceived once that they believe we won't deceive them again. After all, one blunder about the Imperial Princess arriving in Berman City is enough. If there are too many such blunders, the Princess's reputation among her subjects will be tarnished."

Casradi said this last sentence in a half-joking tone: "After all, I am qualified to inherit the throne, and perhaps even the future empress. It is important to keep my word."

Jonathan stared at the food on the table in a daze, pretending not to hear these outrageous words.

"In that case, what happens within the municipal government tomorrow is also very important and requires special attention," Ryan said.

"Oh? What do you mean?" asked Casradi.

Jonathan frowned and signaled Ryan with his eyes to stop talking.

"During our Administration Bureau's operation yesterday, the Dark Hand bypassed almost all the sentries, which means they're aware of our movements." Ryan ignored the Director's good intentions. "Either someone within the Administration Bureau or someone within the municipal government, there must be a problem. Of course, the East City Branch, under the leadership of the Director, is loyal to the Empire and would definitely not do such a treacherous thing. But it's hard to say for the others."

"Ryan." Jonathan waved his hand and looked at Casradi. "We don't know what's going on within the municipal government. Ryan is just guessing. I believe there are no problems with the empire's internal affairs. Your Highness, don't take it seriously."

Casladi chuckled, not caring at all, and turned to look at Lin Qi.

"What do you think?"

"I think Mr. Ryan is right," Lin Qi said. "I was there yesterday too. The Dark Hand acted very quickly, and someone was cooperating with them."

"That's right, within the municipal government... haha~" Casladi smiled sarcastically. How could she not know the situation in Berman City? It's just that such matters cannot be discussed publicly, otherwise it would be questioning the old emperor's leadership ability. This is why Jonathan didn't let Ryan continue.

But Casradi didn't care, and she wouldn't blame Ryan. Rather, the fact that the latter said these words to her face made her feel more favorable towards him. At least it showed that Ryan was not the kind of fool who only knew how to flatter.

"But who will be responsible for keeping an eye on them?" Kasradi frowned slightly. Jonathan needed to coordinate the situation and deploy the Fire Covenant, so he definitely couldn't go.

"He's quite suitable." Lin Qi raised his chin slightly and looked at Ryan.

"Ryan? Why?"

"He holds a low position."