Ines and Robert walked on the road, Xiao Chen and others followed from a distance behind, Xiao Chen performed a stealth spell. Although they were not invisible, as long as they were careful, it would be difficult for people to see their figures in the light of dusk.
Xiao Chen used his eavesdropping magic again, and soon the conversation between the two people in front of him came into his consciousness.
Ines was saying, "... Remember, go south to the Conch City in the southern city-state. I bought a house there several years ago. You can live there. Once you settle down, find a woman and have children, so that our family line can be passed on."
"Father. Is the situation really that bad? Doesn't the Baron think that it's not a big problem?" Robert asked.
"Listen to me, there are a lot more eyes in Suero these days, watching the Baron and us. Although they are very careful. However, the thirty years I have been here are not in vain. I keep a clear eye so that I can take action later. I believe that if they don't want to take action, they won't spend so much effort here." Ines said in a deep voice, "The Baron underestimated the determination of these magicians. The ideas of those crazy people are always different from others."
"You didn't tell the Baron this?" Robert asked.
"I... will tell him. But it will be after you leave." Ines said hesitantly, "Listen, I didn't betray the Baron. But I can't help but think about you. If the Baron knew that the crisis was coming now, what do you think he would do?"
"I'm not sure."
"I'm not sure, but what if he pushes both of us out in order to appease the anger of those people? He has already put Ubico in jail on the grounds of incompetence, and the Chinese will throw him out when they need an explanation. But what if Ubico is not enough? Apart from Ubico, you have done the most in that village! If the Baron hands me over to them, I will accept it. If I can stop this for him, it will be a reward for his trust in me for so many years. But you can't, you are my son, you must escape." Ines said firmly.
"Father! Why don't you come with me?" Robert asked.
"I am old and will be a burden to you. Besides, your mother and sister are still at home. If we all leave, even if the Chinese don't come looking for us, the Baron will not let them go. But if I stay, the Baron will let them live considering what I have done."
As they talked about these things, their steps became heavier and heavier. After walking for about ten minutes, they arrived at the door of a shop. This was a blacksmith shop. Ines took Robert into the shop, through the workshop, and came to the backyard. In the middle of the yard stood two brown horses, both of which were saddled and had packages on their backs. A young man who looked like a servant was standing by and waiting for them.
Ines took out a small bag from his clothes and handed it to Robert. "Here is a space bag with things you can use. Matt is a very reliable young man. He will be your servant from now on. Remember, go out from the back door and go directly to the city gate. Leave before the city gate closes."
"Matt, you..." Ines wanted to give him a few more words, but the young man yawned and fell straight down. The two horses beside him clucked, staggered a few steps, bumped into each other, and then fell to the ground.
Ines and Robert turned around and looked around, only to see that several people had appeared around them, blocking the door, the courtyard gate, and the wall.
Ines saw the faces of two of them clearly in the afterglow of the sun and couldn't help but take a step back. He stopped in front of Robert and said, "Mr. Xiao Chen, Captain Kalanda, you actually came here in person."
"Yes, Ines, I still remember our previous cooperation vividly. I never thought we would end up this far!" Xiao Chen sighed and said, "I can tell you that I heard everything you said along the way. So let's not beat around the bush and get straight to the point."
Ines gritted his teeth and said, "It seems that I am right. You will not let go of the puppet master incident. Sir Xiao Chen, I arranged this matter from the beginning to the end. Whether you want revenge or punishment, just come after me."
Xiao Chen slowly approached them, his eyes moving between the father and son, and finally landing on Robert, "Robert, do you see your father's painstaking efforts? But such a trick can't fool a magician. Tell me, whose idea was to hire a puppeteer?"
Xiao Chen was a high-level wizard, and the effect of his mental pressure was very terrifying. When Robert was stared into his eyes, he felt like he was being stared at by an ancient giant beast.
Ines wanted to say something, but found that her throat was blocked by an invisible force and she couldn't utter a word.
"My lord, I... I'll say." Robert spoke with difficulty, he could hardly resist the urge to surrender, "It was the Baron! This was the order from the Baron himself. I took care of it, I found the contact person for the puppeteer, and I also gave him the target for assassination. My father had basically nothing to do with this matter."
"Very good. It seems that you are more cooperative than your father." Xiao Chen nodded with satisfaction and said, "If you want to save your life, you have to cooperate with us."
"Yes, yes, my lord."
"Then tell me, who is your partner in the Tower of China?" Xiao Chen asked sternly.
"I don't know. I only know their middleman, a guy named Hall, and his master is Cole. I don't know who the Chinese behind them are." Robert tried hard to recall, fearing that he would speak too late and cause dissatisfaction among the other party.
"Cole?" Kalanda asked in surprise, "What does he look like?"
Robert replied, "That's the Cole you're thinking of, the half-elf archer from the Blue Flame Mercenary Group. I already knew him. Although I've seen that Hall many times, he always wore a mask, so I know his true face."
Kalanda was a little anxious: "How could Cole be involved in such a thing? I clearly told him to work peacefully at school."
Xiao Chen comforted him, "Don't worry, we can find out what happened when we get back. Maybe he was just assigned by someone."
Kalanda shook his head and said, "Don't worry about me, it's just a little unexpected. Take care of this first."
Xiao Chen asked several more questions about the operation of the nameless village. Robert answered them one by one. From what he said, he mainly followed the orders of the baron and did not do too many things that were harmful to the world.