The investigation team fell into a hushed silence

After the man's chilling voice echoed, all eyes shifted to Sivir, standing behind Xiaomu Yu. It was well understood that the seemingly perpetually aloof commander's actions reflected, in a sense, the thoughts of the battle-hardened prince.

Noticing the collective gaze upon her, Sivir nodded expressionlessly and stated, "Mr. Ye is indeed here at the invitation of His Highness, Prince Jarvan, to assist us in apprehending Jinx. His Highness believes in Mr. Ye's capability to capture her, and I hope you all can share in that trust."

With an unyielding gaze sweeping across the faces of her colleagues, Sivir continued impassively, "Of course, as Mr. Ye mentioned, if any of you harbor discontent or doubt regarding his abilities, you are free to leave the investigation team and return to your usual posts within the garrison. I assure you, as the commander of the royal guard, that those who choose to depart will not face any unjust treatment."

"Now, I invite you to make your choice," Sivir addressed the assembly. "Those who are willing to place their faith in Mr. Ye may remain; those who do not wish to believe in him should leave the investigation team and seek the garrison captain to resume their former duties."

A profound silence enveloped the room as everyone turned their attention to Ilt, clearly signaling that the decision lay with the team leader. 

Once again, the investigation department was steeped in quietude. Ilt regarded the two impassive figures before him, then lowered his gaze in contemplation. Finally, he lifted his head and declared, "Our investigation team is willing to accept Mr. Ye's leadership; however, we do so because we trust Prince Jarvan. But if..."

Here, Ilt fixed a steely gaze on Xiaomu Yu's frigid visage, resolutely stating, "If Mr. Ye's future actions fail to earn our trust, we will not hesitate to defy Prince Jarvan's orders."

"Oh? If you are a feckless charlatan, would he still risk defying the prince's will to expel you? Heh... This middle-aged man seems to have a sense of integrity. What do you think, young human? Heh... Shouldn't someone as dark, selfish, and cold-hearted as you feel quite irked by this upright gentleman? Yet, why do you appear so indifferent?" 

"..." After a moment of silence, Xiaomu Yu coldly nodded, "Agreed."

Thus, the deal was struck. 

However, Izeerel, who had been fixated on Xiaomu Yu, suddenly interjected, "No! Absolutely not! We cannot entrust the investigation department to him!"

Izeerel, filled with indignation, pointed at Xiaomu Yu and exclaimed, "Sivir, do you have any idea who this guy is? He is that infamous..."

"Izeerel!" Sivir sharply raised her voice, interrupting the blonde youth before he could continue. "Mr. Ye is a criminal expert personally invited by His Highness, Prince Jarvan. His Highness is fully aware of Mr. Ye's identity and accomplishments! Yet, he still chose to enlist Mr. Ye's assistance because he trusts in his abilities."

At this point, Sivir softened her tone slightly, addressing Izeerel, "Regardless of any past grievances between you and Mr. Ye, both of you are esteemed guests and friends of our Demacian community. His Highness hopes you can coexist amicably and avoid any unnecessary conflicts."

"But..." Izeerel looked at Xiaomu Yu's still indifferent face, unable to suppress his desire to argue, but was once again cut off by Sivir.

"Mr. Izeerel, you must understand... some matters are not suitable for public discussion." Here, Sivir paused, and to everyone's astonishment, this renowned aristocratic ice queen slightly bowed her head in a gesture of entreaty toward the young man.

"Regardless of your past interactions with Mr. Ye, I implore you to temporarily set aside your prejudices and collaborate with him," Sivir said, her head lowered, obscuring her expression, yet her cold voice resonated in the ears of the onlookers, "At the very least... before Mr. Ye commits any irrevocable actions, I hope you can assist him."

The investigation room descended into an eerie quiet. 

All seven members, including Ilt, gazed in astonishment at the future queen, who was bowing in supplication, and then their eyes involuntarily shifted back to Xiaomu Yu. It was evident that this proud ice queen commander was doing this entirely for the sake of the man who called himself "Ye."

Who is this man? 

This question simultaneously surfaced in everyone's minds. 

It was clear that this self-proclaimed "Ye" had crossed paths with Izeerel in the past, and judging by the younger man's reaction, he seemed to have left an unpleasant impression. 

Yet, Izeerel was a ninth-tier expert, and for this man to have interacted with him, eliciting such a gritted-teeth expression... could it be that this "Ye" was also a ninth-tier expert? 

However, as everyone's gaze fell upon Xiaomu Yu, a profound silence ensued. 

The man remained coldly stationary, his icy gaze not on the future queen, who had lowered her proud head for him, but rather locked onto the little fox perched on his shoulder, returning its cold stare.

Under the weight of Xiaomu Yu's frigid gaze, the little creature shrank back, quietly releasing the tuft of gray-white hair it had been playing with.

"..." Perhaps sensing the collective scrutiny, Xiaomu Yu finally turned away after the little fox relinquished its hold on his hair. 

His eyes, cold and unyielding, met those of the others, his indifferent expression unchanged, save for the little fox on his shoulder, whose bewildered eyes seemed to convey a singular message—Why are you all staring at us?

At that moment, Izeerel, startled by Sivir's unexpected gesture of humility, finally regained his composure. The blonde youth, with a complex expression, glanced at the silent Xiaomu Yu and spoke in a tone layered with ambiguity, "Sivir, I... I agree to your request."

Sivir exhaled a sigh of relief.

Raising her head, she offered an apologetic smile, "I appreciate your understanding... but Mr. Ye is someone entrusted to us by His Highness, and I know your concerns; I find myself in a difficult position as well."

"I understand, Sivir," Izeerel nodded, signaling his comprehension. He then turned to Xiaomu Yu, a simmering hostility brewing in his eyes. "Xiaomu... Ye, listen closely! While our investigation team has accepted your leadership, it does not mean we will blindly follow any foolish orders you might issue."

"All directives you provide will be scrutinized for their reasonableness, and we will decide whether to adhere to your instructions. Of course, if your commands are indeed rational, I swear by my name, Izeerel, that I will not intentionally make things difficult for you. However, if you believe that your association with His Highness grants you carte blanche, then I must inform you," narrowing his eyes and glaring at Xiaomu Yu, Izeerel stood his ground, "You are sorely mistaken!"

"..." Cold eyes met the blonde youth's challenge for a fleeting moment, but Xiaomu Yu appeared to disregard Izeerel's warning entirely, shifting his gaze away as if he were nothing more than air.

Xiaomu Yu approached Ilt, "You must be Team Leader Ilt. I would appreciate it if you could compile all case files regarding Jinx; I will take them home for review tonight."

After a moment's thought, he added, "Thank you." Yet, the frigid tone made it difficult to discern any genuine gratitude. 

"..." Everyone stood in speechless awe at the seemingly unflappable demeanor of this cold figure. Were we really to be under his command from now on? Surely that would be acceptable?