"Hey! What makes you think my answer is wrong? How could I be wrong? It's a simple word riddle!" Harper shot up in anger.She was defiant. As a prodigy, she was prideful. It was impossible for her to be defeated by a simple word riddle."Dear guest, please calm down. The answer has been set beforehand, and your answer is indeed wrong," Keanu tried to explain."Fine! Since you said my answer is wrong, reveal the correct answer now! I want to see what can be a better answer than mine," Harper demanded indignantly."Dear guest, since the other guests have yet to make a guess, it's against the rules for us to reveal the answer at this time."If no one is able to answer this riddle, I will reveal the answer afterward. Please, calm down for now," Keanu replied humbly. "Oh, Harper, just admit you were wrong. A prodigy like you shouldn't be a sore loser, don't you think?" A sarcastic voice rang out beside them. It was Lana who spoke out, holding a wine glass."Who said I'm a sore lose
After returning to his senses, Cody regretted it so much that he wanted to slap himself. He should have listened to Dustin.He not only failed to bask in the limelight, he even succeeded in embarrassing himself."How could it be time? Just how could it be time?" Harper mumbled to herself, finding it hard to accept. "Well, Ms. Talented Busch, do you have anything else to say?" Lana smiled mockingly. Harper was at a loss for words. Even though she didn't want to accept it, the truth was undeniable and left her with little room for argument. After listening to the explanation, she had to acknowledge that time was indeed much closer to the answer. "Congratulations, Ms. Camron, for getting the first point." Keanu clapped. He then flashed a smile toward the rest of the attendees. "Of course, there's no need to feel discouraged, fellow guests. We have a few more questions prepared. "If you can answer them all correctly, there's still a great chance for victory."Upon hearing
"Hmph! What would you know? How could the riddles from Regal Court be deduced from common sense?" Harper's expression was grim. "Don't think you can boss me around just because you got lucky. You're still unworthy and lacking in talent!"In her view, Dustin had simply been lucky earlier. But blind luck like that couldn't last. "Is that so? Seems like you're very confident in your answer, Ms. Busch." Dustin smiled ambiguously."Of course!" Harper cocked her head."I'm well-versed in poetry and have exceptional talent. If I can't figure out a simple word riddle, how could I ever show my face in public again?"Upon hearing this, Dustin sniggered. Harper's confidence was truly remarkable."Dustin, why don't you share what you think? We can discuss it together," Cody said."Since you're willing to listen, I'll share my opinion."Dustin took a sip of tea before saying, "I am the beginning of everything, the end of everywhere. I'm the beginning of eternity, the end of time and sp
The crowd broke into a quiet discussion. Some of the VIPs who pretended to be knowledgeable regretted not being quicker in their responses. "Ugh! I was just about to say death, but this guy beat me to it. What a rookie mistake!""Me too! If only I hadn't hesitated, this young man wouldn't have stolen the spotlight!""Death … seems like a profound answer!"Everyone thought that was the answer since Cody answered so confidently."How about it, Mr. Jankow? Did I get it right?" Cody smirked, looking smug. "I'm … sorry. You're wrong again." Keanu responded politely. "What? Wrong again?" The smile on Cody's face froze. "Mr. Jankow, you're not joking, are you?""How can I joke about something like this? You indeed have the wrong answer." Keanu shook his head. After hearing this, Cody and the rest of the students of Harmony Healers looked at Harper with puzzled expressions. "How is that possible? I clearly understood the poetic sentiments behind those lines. Why am I still
"Ms. Camron has won two rounds in a row. If this continues, we're at risk of losing Harmony Healers!" Brooke's eyebrows were set into a deep frown, looking grim. If only he knew this would happen, he never would have agreed to this gamble. If they lost, he would lose half of his life's work."Lana obviously came prepared. We've fallen into her trap.""This woman is despicable!"The students of Harmony Healers grumbled in anger, but there was nothing they could do. There was no turning back now. The bet had been made in public. They couldn't just go back on their word. Their only option was to find a chance to turn the tables. They heard Lana's mocking tone once more. "Harper, you lost again. A few more rounds and Harmony Healers will be mine.""Hmph! Don't celebrate too soon. We're just getting started!" Harper said darkly. She had heard that there would be ten riddles in total. As long as she answered six correctly, victory would still be theirs. She still had a chance
"Cody, what do you mean by that?" Harper was upset."Who does he think he is? Can he even be compared to me? Are you telling me you'd rather trust an outsider?""Just shut your mouth!" Cody yelled at her. "I trusted you twice, but you got it wrong both times. How am I supposed to trust you again?""I—" Harper was rendered speechless. Her face reddened. Cody was like a brother to her. He had never raised his voice against her. What had gotten into him today? "Harper, this is not child's play. You made a bet with Lana. If we lose, we'll lose Harmony Healers!"Cody softened his tone and said sincerely, "Besides, your talent lies in the literary arts. Your strength is not in riddles. You should let Dustin give it a try." He was determined to win. He couldn't let Harmony Healers and Enchanting Elegance fall into someone else's hands. Allowing someone else to act recklessly was also out of the question. "Fine, I'll give him a chance to showcase his skills. But once he answers inc
Keanu was taken aback, and his gaze betrayed a hint of surprise. He didn't expect Cody to get the right answer.The third riddle was much trickier than the previous two. When he drew this question, he thought no one could answer it. He almost even considered discarding it. Yet, Cody, who seemed inexperienced, was the first to answer. It was surprising. Perhaps someone knowledgeable had pointed him to the right answer. "Mr. Jankow, why are you just standing there? Just announce the results. Did I get it right?" Cody urged. He was confident at first. But after seeing Keanu's unusual expression, he felt nervous again. "Mr. Ostrower, I'd suggest you stop struggling. You clearly got the wrong answer again just by looking at Mr. Jankow's expression," Lana teased. "Step down if you don't know the answer. Don't embarrass yourself here!" the attendees echoed. "I can't possibly be wrong again, can I?" Keanu frowned slightly. He was close to losing his composure. "Hmph, you acted
In Harper's eyes, Dustin had only managed to answer correctly through pure luck. If it wasn't that, he must have come across similar riddles in the past to be able to answer that fast. "Dustin, we're counting on you for the remaining riddles. I'll be deeply grateful to you if you succeed," Cody pleaded. "I'll do my best for Dr. Brooke's sake." Dustin yawned. If it weren't for saving Harmony Healers, he wouldn't have bothered getting involved. "Harper, I didn't expect someone smart to be hiding amongst you," Lana spoke again. "But don't get ahead of yourself. We're still in the lead. The next seven questions will decide the winner.""Hmph! Bring it on!" Harper raised her head without a trace of fear. "Mr. Jankow, please present the next riddle!" Harper demanded. Keanu nodded and took out the card containing the fourth riddle."This is the fourth riddle. Always approaching, I dance in the skies, never to land, though I'm eager to rise."As soon as he finished speaking, Dus
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d
Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome.After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important—their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice."You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk—I'll tell you everything."Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and wa