An Long was still dazed. Veronica called him twice strangely. Seeing that he didn't respond, she was about to reach out. At this time, the staff who sent Count Yuri and his party away came back and saw them. Say hello: "Leonard, when did you come? Veronica! We were all worried to death. You finally came back safely. Are you okay?"
Veronica nodded to him lightly, and Leonard smiled and said: "It's okay, it's okay, I just happened to run into it. It was a near miss." He pointed at Anlong: "You haven't seen it, have you? Anlong Ka Duo, he is Earl Xiao's second son." The man's eyes lit up: "Ah, I've heard that you have also come to our agency? Your father is the person I admire the most."
An Long responded with some embarrassment, looking sideways at the figure getting on the carriage at the gate: "Is that Count Yuri?"
With a touch of sadness on his face, the man said cautiously: "Yes, he is here to listen to the investigation report. This is so tragic, poor little Mr. Yuri. I saw him walking with his wife the night before yesterday. Their children are very cute. I really don’t know which damn gangster did such a crazy thing! We will definitely catch the murderer as soon as possible to prevent more people from being harmed. This is also the responsibility of our security agency."
Anlong was stunned and quickly realized that this was probably the official explanation given by the Security Agency... a crime committed by a certain murderer. The Security Agency officer did not know his own details, so he did not reveal the truth to himself.
Leonard patted the man on the shoulder: "Sweeney! He is one of our own!" He winked, "He is the one who sent Winnie back this time."
The man named Sweeney was slightly startled and stared at An Long, making him feel uncomfortable. After a while, he put away his gaze and said with a smile: "I see, he is indeed the son of His Excellency Earl Xiao." ! Please forgive me, I didn’t mean to lie to you. We can only say this to the outside world. We can’t let the outside world know that Mr. Yuri is ours, right?”
An Long nodded lightly. Indeed, letting the outside world know that there are spies from the Security Agency among the nobles who are dedicated to inquiring into the secrets among the nobles will definitely cause a big disturbance. After all, even people at the level of the earl's son and the deputy director-general and secretary of the Legal Affairs Bureau are spies installed by the Security Bureau. Who else in the upper class can be trusted
However, he was also a little puzzled. Why did his cousin-in-law, who was born into a noble family, choose such a path
He asked this, and Leonard spoke first: "Do you still need to ask? Of course it is for the sake of the country. He cannot join the army, and he has no expertise. With his status, he can just do things for the Security Agency."
Sweeney somewhat understood what Anlong meant: "Maybe it's because he is the youngest son? He cannot inherit the family title. His family only allows him to be a clerk. If he wants to get ahead, he has to do it on his own. . I heard that Count Yuri always wanted to get involved in the Security Agency before he retired, but unfortunately he failed. Young Yuri probably did this because he hoped to win a high position based on his merits and fulfill his father's dream. To be honest, if It’s not like this happened. After this case is over, little Yuri will at least get a good position in our agency, which is much better than his title of deputy director and second secretary. Just now, Count Yuri listened to us alone When I stated the truth, I was very sad and regretted that I had ignored my younger son so much that I didn’t know anything about his thoughts.”
Veronica glanced at An Long quickly and snorted: "What's the use of regretting now? You neglected your younger son for the sake of your eldest son. He deserves to be sad! You actually want to get involved in the Security Agency?"
Anlong frowned and looked at her, and Sweeney also said: "Veronica, you shouldn't say that to a sad old man. That was all in the past. Since he retired, there has never been anything like that again." Thoughts. What you said went too far."
Veronica curled her lips disdainfully, and the scene was a little awkward for a moment. Leonard smiled dryly and smoothed things over: "Okay, Sweeney, you must still have a lot to do, right? We won't disturb you." Sweeney also nodded cooperatively: "Then I'll excuse you first." He said calmly He said goodbye to Veronica, but saluted Anlong solemnly before walking back to the office.
An Long whispered: "Veronica! Why did you say that just now?" Veronica pursed her lips tightly and said nothing. He sighed and said: "Forget it, you go to rest first, I want to go back to the Card House." Veronica opened her eyes wide: "What are you going back there for?" "I just thought of Xiao You Mrs. Li is Mrs. Mirabell's niece Silvana. She unfortunately passed away. I want to go back to comfort Mrs. and see if there is anything I can do to help."
"You..." Veronica's eyes widened even more, "Are you crazy?! It didn't matter before. Now that you have met the Earl, you should know that the sufferings you and your mother have suffered over the years are all Is that what the madam did? It’s good enough not to question them, but you actually want to comfort her?! Don’t tell me that it’s because you’ve had such a comfortable life these past few years that you want to relive being ridiculed. taste."
"Veronica!" An Long looked at her helplessly, and quickly glanced at Leonard from the corner of his eyes, who happened to be very interested in an ant crawling around the corner.
Anlong had no choice but to pull Veronica aside and whisper: "Which woman would accept her husband's mistress and illegitimate child without regrets? Mrs. Mirabell did not have this responsibility, but she still tolerated our existence, She allowed us to live a prosperous life for twenty years and gave me the opportunity to receive an education. No matter what she did, without her kindness, I don’t know what I would be like now. I am not without complaints, but I will never forget her kindness." Moreover, he knew very well that his father's years of indifference was the source of his mother's sadness. Even if there was a misunderstanding, it could not erase the fact that his father was irresponsible.
==================I came to the dividing line of the Kaduo mansion====================
Mirabell Cardo is fifty years old this year, but she is extremely well-maintained. She looks like she is only in her thirties. Her golden hair is tied up high, and she is still slender in a bright blue silk dress. With a well-proportioned figure, there is no jewelry on the whole body except for a pocket watch set with sapphire on the chest. She was extremely beautiful, with fair complexion and a touch of cold pride on her face. Her once bright and charming azure eyes were now like a pool of stagnant water, without a trace of fluctuation.
Anlong did not dare to raise his head in front of her. This former most beautiful woman in Ito City was still the most beautiful woman in Ito City even as she aged. Every time he saw her, he would not dare to look directly at her face, and sometimes he would even be confused as to why his father would alienate such a beautiful wife, but fell in love with his mother who was barely beautiful. What's more, Mrs. Mirabell is not an idiot beauty. She is multilingual, knowledgeable, versatile, smart and capable, and has always been her father's best wife.
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, he stated his purpose of coming and quietly listened to his orders. Mirabell nodded lightly: "You are interested. I have also heard about the matter. The Yuri family will take care of the funeral. We will help in the name of Silvana's family, so I will leave this matter to you." Give it to the butler."
The implication was that he didn't need to be troublesome, so Anlong agreed obediently, mentally planning to go to the bereaved family to say hello later. Then there were more greetings and pleasantries. He felt that the time was almost up and was about to leave, but Mirabell suddenly said something that surprised him: "I have read the letter from Your Excellency the Earl. You want to change it back to Xiao I have no objection, I’ve already ordered people to prepare the paperwork, and the people from the trading company are waiting in the lobby. If you have anything to say, just tell them."
"Change back to Xiao? Madam, I don't understand what this means?" An Long was confused. When did his father send the letter
"Didn't he mention it to you? It's the same thing now that you know. I plan to change your last name to 'Xiao-Cado', so that you can remember what the Cardo family has given you, and remember your own Identity." Mirabell stood up coldly, "I'm tired, you go ahead, you will be independent from now on, and you don't have to see me anymore." After that, she slowly left the room.
An Long came to the hall full of doubts and saw two people standing there, dressed very similar to the old steward he had seen before. As soon as he saw him, he happily walked over and said hello: "You are the second young master, right? ? We are waiting for you, and we have good news to let you know." One of them took out a document: "This is a copy of the document to declare your identity. The original has been sent to the Household Administration Department. I think it will be available within two days. Once the official approval is received, you will be one of the young masters of the Xiao family." Another person took out a bag of gold coins and said, "I heard that you don't have a residence in the city. Our manager has prepared a house. You are free. You might as well go and take a look. This is your allowance for the past two days. We will send more after the official approval is received."
Both of them were very attentive and kind, but Anlong just stared, not knowing how to react. This was so sudden. When did father send the letter? What else did the letter say? He was happy to change back to his father's surname, but what about the "young master of the Xiao family" and those gold coins
The sound of footsteps was heard outside the door. An Long heard the sound and went to see a man with black hair and blue eyes, similar to his age, walking in with a haughty look on his face. This is his elder brother Yilong, also known as Xiao Yunlong, the eldest son of his father Xiao Tianjian and his ex-wife.
Yilong stopped in front of the three of them, looked at Anlong for a few times, and asked with a smile: "You're back? You've heard about it, right? Father is really generous, isn't he?" Anlong didn't say anything, just He bowed respectfully as a greeting.
Yilong seemed to be quite satisfied with his attitude. The corners of his mouth curled up, then he turned his head and glanced at the two business bank stewards coldly: "What? You are so eager to curry favor and do it in front of me. Is it right?" Do I have any dissatisfaction? Don’t forget, even if there is a second young master, I will still be the one to inherit my father’s family business!”
One of the stewards smiled and explained: "You misunderstood, eldest young master, we just heard that the second young master was coming, so we came here to take orders. We are just doing what the earl wants, and we have absolutely no intention of being dissatisfied with you." .”
Yilong's face was a little gloomy. He stared at the steward for a few times and then sneered: "You guys are really capable." He reached out and weighed the bag of gold coins, then turned to Anlong and smiled: "It's not light, look. You're in luck, brother...brother..., collect it quickly, this will last you a long time. You know, not every prestigious family is willing to allow illegitimate children to have the same treatment as legal heirs, although you can't inherit the family business. , but you get money every year, which is better than many real aristocratic children. With your father's reputation and wealth, even if you do nothing, you can enjoy it for the rest of your life." After saying that, he gave a fake smile and then He went upstairs with his head held high.
The two stewards looked at each other and said softly to Anlong: "Second Young Master, you don't have to take the eldest young master's words to heart. Since the earl left, the manager has taken care of the affairs of the firm himself, and there are rules for everything he does. First Young Master I'm not used to our ways, so I often say some unpleasant things, but that's just words." "That's right, Second Young Master, these are the wishes of the Earl and the Manager. Don't let them down. No matter how big What did the young master say? You are the earl’s son, and these are all things you should enjoy.”
However, Anlong just stared at the bag of gold coins, his face getting more and more ugly, and he walked away without paying any attention to the shouts of the two people behind him.
What does it mean? What does brother mean? Who does he think he is? That attitude... that attitude...
Also, what do those two stewards mean? What does he "should enjoy"? He had never expected such a thing! Whether it was wealth, power or prestige, he had never wanted to take advantage of his father. Why did they say this? !
He felt as if a pot of boiling water was boiling in his heart, but he couldn't let the heat out. He was very depressed and didn't know how to vent it.
In the next two days, his depression deepened. When the news that the epic hero and legendary Earl Xiao Tianjian admitted his illegitimate identity and asked for a noble title for him came out, the entire Ito City was abuzz. The Household Affairs Office quickly issued Anlong's new identity documents. Anlong Kado was officially renamed Anlong Xiao-Cado, and the king also granted him the title of knight. The Royal Knights announced Send an invitation letter to welcome him to join.
Facing this, Anlong didn't feel happy at all. When he heard other people's comments, they all described him as a lucky guy who got lucky, the most blessed illegitimate son in the entire continent. Not only was he officially recognized by his family, but he also immediately gained the wealth and status that others could only dream of. Many aristocratic children who were not the eldest son were very envious of him; families with daughters sighed when they found out that he was married and had a daughter; some curious people asked around where he lived and wanted to visit him.
He has been hiding in the Security Bureau and rarely sees people and rarely goes out, so he has not been pestered by anyone. It's just that people in the Security Bureau who don't know him are fine. Those who know him like to say congratulations when they meet. Leonard always liked to tease him, and Sweeney began to help him think about applying for a civilian position in the General Administration, a decent and safe kind, such as the logistics department or the reference room.
What is this mess? He was twenty-seven years older, and no one was that interested in him before. Why did everyone change their attitude when they heard that he had to return to Xiao
Veronica sneered: "In the past twenty-seven years, that lady concealed your existence. Most people thought you were the adopted son of the Card family, so they were not interested in you. Of course it is different now, The Xiao family has officially recognized you. Besides, the May Day has just passed and everyone is bored. How can you let it go easily if you have a good talking point?"
An Long closed his mouth tightly and remained silent, but in fact, his heart had long been filled with raging anger. What he couldn't bear the most was that others regarded him as a good-for-nothing playboy who got lucky unexpectedly, as if all his hard work in the past twenty-seven years had been wiped out. Wealth, status, and prestige, these are indeed things he wants to get, but never in this way, never relying on others' gifts!
What he wants most now is an opportunity to prove himself, to prove that he is not the useless person who only relies on his father's protection to gain wealth and status as others say.
He didn't expect that the opportunity would come so soon.
He was summoned by Madam Leah, the Deputy Commissioner. When he entered her office, he was somewhat surprised to see a stranger in the room.
This is a man of insignificant age, with white hair but not many wrinkles on his face. He looked indifferent, and when he saw Anlong, he just nodded lightly. Mrs. Leah introduced: "This is Mr. Mallory."
Mallory, the head of the Intelligence Analysis Section, is known as the brains of the Security Agency, a reclusive figure who is a legend in the agency.
An Long's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly felt that he was about to encounter something that would affect his life.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Mrs. Leah quickly got to the point: "I want to know what plans you have for your future now, and whether you are still willing to obey the assignment of the Security Agency? I heard that the Royal Knights have sent you an invitation letter. Now, what’s your decision?”
Anlong replied: "I have no intention of leaving the Security Agency. I will obey your instructions in everything. As for the Royal Knights, I have rejected it. I think it is not suitable for me." The people there are not so much knights. It would be better to say that they are a group of playboys wearing knight uniforms and carrying rapiers everywhere.
Mrs. Leah and Mallory looked at each other and continued: "Well, I have a task here. Maybe you will be interested, but if you refuse, I hope you will forget what happened here as soon as you walk out of this room. thing."
"Yes, please tell me." An Long straightened up and listened carefully, feeling a little excited in his heart.
"You have also heard about Mr. Yuri. Because he unfortunately died in the line of duty, we need someone to fill his vacancy. This person needs to be a noble child, his status cannot be too low, he must be able to contact people from the upper class, and he must be bold. Careful. Moreover, after learning from Mr. Yuri's lesson, we hope that this person has a certain ability to protect himself. After inspection, we believe that you meet these requirements, and you are currently the center of heated discussion in the city. At this time, enter Social circles are something that can be easily accomplished.”
An Long was startled: "Are you asking me to take over his position as the second secretary of the deputy director of the Legal Affairs Department? But I have never held a civilian position..."
"No, that's not the case." Lady Leah shook her head. "That position was arranged by his family. If Count Yuri had not served as the Director of Legal Affairs, he would not have gotten this position. You are not suitable for that kind of job. Work, and the deputy director is the eldest son of the Heda family, this is too dangerous."
"Then what do you mean..."
"As for the Royal Knights, you declined, but you can join the City Guard Knights. The replacement we are talking about is just to place people in the noble class, but your mission is more focused on the Heda family. .”
At this time, Mallory, who had been silent, spoke: "The third son of the Heda family is a member of the City Guard Cavaliers. He is the only son of the previous wife of the head of the Heda family, and is not taken seriously in the family. The young man has great ambitions. , dreaming of being recognized by your family with your own efforts. You must be able to make friends with this young man, right?"
Anlong somewhat understood what he meant, but: "Since he is not taken seriously, what is the use of me getting close to him?"
Mrs. Leah smiled faintly: "Even if he is not taken seriously, he is still the son of the Hedda family. As long as the Hedda family holds a banquet or dance, he and his friends will definitely be indispensable. Find a way to become a good friend with him, and try your best to Deepen your friendship. We want to know which families have close ties with the Hedda family. Without the support of other families for such a major treason, their family would never be able to achieve what they are today."
Anlong's heart was beating a little fast, and he forced himself to calm down and think: "But... many people know about my work in the Security Agency, and some people saw me riding into the city in a Security Agency car, and Emon will definitely notify me From Hedda’s family.”
"He hasn't had time to report it yet." Mrs. Leah chuckled. "His report came yesterday, saying that two traitors were caught. One was his deputy and the other was a person stationed in Mayton. They were both on the spot because they resisted arrest. Kill him. Unfortunately, an unknown person has done something to Eamon, maybe it was poison. At the same time that I received his report, his subordinates also reported that Eamon died in the line of duty. We have all checked, and he I didn’t report you to the family.”
Mallory also said: "Apparently, your father passed by your place of work and accidentally discovered your condition. He felt guilty and decided to make amends, so he told people from the trading company to send you to the capital to apply for identity confirmation. He met you on the way We, the people from the Security Agency, out of consideration for the relationship between Earl Xiao and the Security Agency, you and the people from the trading company sheltered our intelligence personnel. After coming to Ito, because you did not get along well with your aunt and brother, we In return for your previous help, I let you stay overnight in the department, and you made many friends through it."
After he finished this long sentence, he blinked. Anlong understood and smiled softly. There may be many flaws in this explanation, but...he is willing to give it a try and take the risk. why not? This is Ito. His mission is just to make friends and get information. Compared with the people at Maicheng Intelligence Station, and compared with the little Yuri who just died, what is this danger? This is a great opportunity for him to prove his ability.
The most important thing is that he has to rely entirely on himself to complete this task. If he succeeds, at least in the Security Agency, others will no longer just regard him as "Earl Xiao's son."
"I am willing to accept this task. When will it start?" An Long calmed down.
Mrs. Leah and Mallory looked at each other with satisfied eyes. The former said: "I will ask the City Guard Knights to send you a letter later." After a pause, she added: "If possible, I hope you can take your wife and children over, so as to reduce others' feelings towards you. I doubt it, and a wife can also open up another social circle. I heard that your wife is a very lovable daughter of a viscount."
Anlong was silent. His mind flashed back to the two smaller coffins that accompanied little Yuri's coffin on the day of his funeral. One of them was his cousin whom he had only talked to a dozen times. He took a deep breath and looked directly at Madam Leah: "No, please let them stay in a safe place. Even if I can't be with them, at least they are safe."
Yes, he chose to take risks for himself, but he couldn't let his wife and children face this. He will try his best to complete the task as soon as possible. When that time comes, he will take Dora and Minna over and the family will never be separated again.
(I really don’t have the energy to write another chapter, please forgive me... I’m really not suitable for outbursts...)