Instigator and Protector of Violence-Chapter 358: [The Second Person]

In that moment.

It was as if the entire courtyard fell silent, even the sound of the fountain beside them seemed to fade away.

The only sound remaining was Adrian's chewing.

He continued to chew, eating venison, but his eyes were fixed on Ethan.

"Your Highness, you've had too much to drink."

Ethan remained silent for a moment and then said.

Silence.

Still silence.

After a long time.

Adrian suddenly burst out laughing, "It seems I've indeed had too much, Ethan, the wine you provided is quite good."

Indeed, it was Ethan who had given the wine.

Not long ago.

Small gifts like these were always a good move.

Of course, Palon was the one who usually took care of such matters, Ethan didn't really concern himself.

Afterward, they continued chatting for a while.

As their conversation was about to end, Adrian said, "For matters in the South District, you can always go to Joseph, he will sort everything out for you. Go ahead and do what you need to; the South District is yours. If there's any real trouble, come find my steward; he can reach me."

So it turns out the weapons factory wasn't the reward after all; this was the real reward.

The South District.

Ethan already had development plans for the South District, and John Hott had been waiting for a long time.

With Adrian's assurance today, everything would be fine.

No one would trouble him anymore.

Upon leaving Adrian's estate, Ethan intended to walk for a bit to sober up, so he didn't get into the car right away.

Anya drove the car, trailing behind Ethan.

After walking for a while, Ethan suddenly noticed someone waiting for him on the road.

It was a woman.

Lady Sosde.

She stood quietly, not knowing how long she had been waiting. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Madam, why are you here?"

Ethan stopped in front of her, maintaining a respectful demeanor.

"I was waiting for you."

Lady Sosde never had a kind face for Ethan, and today was no exception.

"Waiting for me? Madam, I'm not sure…"

"You handled sending off Sofia very well. I hope you can continue doing well in the future."

It was rare for Lady Sosde to praise Ethan.

Ethan said nothing.

"I know you're about to go home; don't provoke Sofia anymore. If I see you bringing her back again, you'll realize what a mother can do."

Was tonight still about threats?

Lady Sosde seemed indifferent to Ethan's reaction, and after speaking, she was ready to leave.

However, before completely leaving, she paused.

"Adrian is a madman; you'd better leave as soon as you can."

"Isn't it true, Madam, that you'd rather see me dead sooner?"

Ethan finally spoke.

"Sofia would be upset if she knew."

After saying this, Lady Sosde didn't linger.

Ethan didn't say anything more either; he just turned his head to look at the incessant river beside him.

Can one really turn back?

Probably too late.

——————————

After meeting Adrian, the second person Ethan wanted to meet was Azertu.

This electricity tycoon had once hoped Ethan would arrange a meeting between him and Depp.

Of course, that chance was gone.

Because Depp was dead.

So Ethan thought the matter was over.

Unexpectedly, after the incident in the Port District was resolved, Azertu contacted him again, expressing a desire to meet with Maurice.

Ethan pondered for a moment, guessing it was because Maurice has been quite prominent lately and was recognized as the new chosen one by the gods.

Azertu believed he might have inherited the powers of the wind.

After all, it was no secret that the night Lockeby's home was struck by a strong gale.

Naturally, Ethan had no objection to this.

The film industry still needed Azertu's support, and this was a trivial matter.

Moreover, when Maurice, the ambitious one, found out Azertu wanted to meet him, he agreed without hesitation.

Since Lockeby had publicly apologized after losing a hand, Maurice's status in the Sea God Sect had risen once again.

He had become the church's hero, even more influential than during Depp's time.

In the end, Depp hadn't accomplished anything significant, whereas Maurice had indeed achieved two considerable feats visible to everyone.

The meeting destination was set at the dock.

As a clergyman, it wasn't suitable for Maurice to appear in overly upscale venues.

So Maurice chose the place, a seafood restaurant by the sea, which he had liked a lot in the past.

Now he had become almost a deity there; as soon as he arrived, the owner was at the door, welcoming him and pleasingly informing him that dinner was ready, using the freshest ingredients, including his favorite tuna.

In the past, Maurice had to make do with the scraps of tuna, begged for, while enduring disdainful looks.

Today, those who once looked down on him had no choice but to lower their heads and fawn over him.

This is what power tastes like.

Maurice indulged in it.

However, upon seeing Ethan, he slightly toned down his demeanor.

Because he couldn't read Ethan.

To this day, he still didn't know who Ethan really was.

There were traces of Ethan's manipulation in many things.

Maurice was no fool.

"Ethan, my dear friend, so glad you made it. It's been a long time since we had a drink together, hasn't it?"

He still adopted a familiar posture, but it was no longer the subservient favor-seeking as before.

He considered himself changed too; even if Ethan wasn't simple, neither was he.

Ethan didn't undermine him, giving him due respect and warmly greeting him.

He then silently indicated that their distinguished guest was inside.

Yes, Azertu had already arrived with Ethan.

"Is that so? Let's go quickly then."

Maurice promptly adjusted his attire, feeling somewhat nervous about facing someone as prominent as Azertu — a renowned figure, great inventor, and major businessman. The difference from his past was too vast; he had never interacted with anyone of this caliber before.

Following Ethan to the private room, Azertu graciously stood to greet him.

"Lord Maurice, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

He kindly addressed Maurice as "Lord Maurice."

This once again brought an unprecedented sense of comfort to Maurice.

Lord, oh Lord.

Oh, what a wonderful title.

To think there would come a day when he would be addressed as "Lord," and by someone of such esteem.

"Lord Azertu, I'm sorry to keep you waiting, please have a seat, please have a seat."

Maurice energetically guided Azertu to sit down with him.

Ethan followed alongside them, taking a seat as well.

This gathering really no longer required him, but he decided to stay and listen.

After all, he had arranged this meeting, and surely Azertu would express some gratitude?

Ethan didn't really pay attention to the subsequent conversation, sipping his drink as he once again realized he did miss Wenster a bit.