Sitting at the desk in the audience room, Todd flipped through the report submitted by Huggins and asked: "Is this all there is?"
"The Dolson family acts cautiously. Most of them have a very regular schedule and basically travel to and from several fixed locations every day." Huggins touched his chin and said: "I asked the people from the Security Bureau,
Divide into several teams and keep an eye on their homes 24 hours a day. After three months, the information in the report is the only thing we have."
"Rutledge Dolson returned home at 6:30 p.m., had dinner with his family at 7 p.m., and then went into the study to handle official business. He stayed there until 12 p.m. and went back to his room to sleep."
Todd looked at this report, thought carefully for a while, and asked Huggins: "Where did these records come from? People from the Security Bureau dressed up as servants and sneaked into their homes?"
Huggins shook his head helplessly: "The Dolson family and some other business families have very tight security in the mansion. Our people tried to sneak in over and over again, but they all failed in the end. These records are
Written by a stalker through surveillance in a street or building."
Todd put the report on the table, frowned and asked: "In other words, Rutledge's activities at night were all the results of observing with the naked eye from a distance."
Huggins paused for a moment and nodded uneasily.
Todd observed Huggins's expression and movements, and suddenly asked: "Has anything happened within the Muxi Security Bureau because of these business families?"
Huggins gritted his teeth and said in a low voice: "Just some time ago, after verification, it was found that seven people in the Security Bureau were bribed by the Chamber of Commerce Alliance. While doing surveillance work, they sold information at a high price. I have already transferred these people to
Executed secretly..."
"However, these seven people may not be all. There may be other moles hidden in the Security Bureau..." Todd looked at Huggins and said quietly: "The magic of money is enough to make former partners completely betrayed."
The original belief..."
"Your Majesty, I have been loyal to you from beginning to end! If you have any doubts about me, I can be here..."
Todd interrupted Huggins: "Old man, I don't doubt you, I'm just worried about your decision-making."
Todd stood up from the chair, walked to Huggins, and said slowly: "You are a person who values loyalty. You can treat those brothers who have been with you through life and death sincerely and trust them with their lives. But the problem is
, when those who have followed you in the past are blinded by money and power and choose to betray you, can you be ruthless and eradicate them?"
Huggins's face suddenly turned pale.
Todd patted his shoulder: "Some things you can't do well are because you still retain a touch of softness and hesitation deep in your heart. This is your shortcoming and your advantage, so I don't blame you.
.”
"But someone has to do it to get their hands dirty."
Todd turned his back to Huggins, turned his gaze to the scenery outside the window, and said softly: "Huggins, give yourself some time off and take your family out of the city to enjoy the vacation."
Huggins' body was shaky: "Your Majesty, is this your order?"
"No, this is my protection for you. Because you definitely don't want to see what is going to happen in the kingdom next."
There was a moment of silence in the room.
A bitter and depressed voice sounded: "I will obey the Holy Will."
Listening to the footsteps fading away, Toddla rang the bell on the table and said to the guard who appeared at the door: "Ask Miss Rachel from the Alien Association to come to my place."
Half an hour later, Rachel opened the door to the audience room and saw Todd lying on the armchair without saying a word, his eyes closed.
Rachel walked up behind Todd, put her hands on his forehead, rubbed it slowly, and whispered: "You look very tired."
"If possible, I would use all my wealth to exchange for those days on the ship."
Todd closed his eyes, a faint smile appeared on his face unconsciously, and the sound of the waves of the sea and the laughter of sailors seemed to echo in his ears.
"Endless responsibilities, the future of the kingdom, the expectations of the people...Only when we truly face these things can we discover how precious the days of ease and leisure are."
"From the first day I sat on the throne, I have been living in anxiety and doubt. The first thing I get up every day is to worry about whether the kingdom is well and the people are safe. Countless nights, I will be
The horns of war and the wails of the dead wake me up from bed. Looking at myself in the mirror, I always ask myself again and again, what else have I not done well, will I live up to the expectations of the people...
"
Rachel leaned down and kissed Todd gently on his forehead: "If I advise you to let go now, will you agree?"
Todd opened his eyes, looked at Rachel and smiled bitterly: "If I advise you to give up the alien race and fly away with me, will you agree?"
Rachel's mouth curved into a smile, she pinched the bridge of Todd's nose gently, and smiled: "Yeah, you and I are really similar in some ways, we both have unfinished things...
Tell me, why did you come to me?"
"Let's talk about the Beacon Tower first. How is the translation of the notes brought by the Presbyterian Council?"
"I found two old men who are proficient in ancient Tyrian and they are doing the translation work. If everything goes well, the first draft will be available in half a month."
"This matter involves serious matters. Can they be trusted?"
"They can be trusted."
Todd nodded with satisfaction, and then said: "The second thing is, I just gave Huggins a period of vacation, and I need to find someone to temporarily take his place."
"Muxi Security Bureau?" Rachel's thoughts changed: "Is it because of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance?"
"Although Huggins has no intention, it is difficult for the people under him to resist the temptation of money. Moreover, I always feel that the purpose of the business alliance is not as simple as campaigning... Therefore, I hope you can use the Alien Association
On the one hand, we use our power to eliminate the traitors in the Security Bureau, and on the other hand, we keep an eye on the major families in the business alliance."
Rachel smiled and said: "How far do you want me to do it?"
"Find out the forces behind the business alliance and figure out their true purpose."
Rachel walked to Todd's side and whispered softly: "Let me state in advance that the methods of the alien species are not bright and may even be bloody. Are you sure this doesn't matter?"
"On the premise of ensuring the stability of Muxi City, I allow you to use any means."
Looking at Todd's resolute face that flickered in and out of light under the firelight, Rachel felt inexplicable heartache.
"Todd, as I have said to you before, you cannot protect this kingdom and your people forever. Sooner or later, you will leave here, and you will have to let go of everything here."
Todd took a long breath, patted Rachel's hand, and said sadly: "I understand, but before I leave, all I can do is to find a way for this kingdom and all its people.