Jorgen-16

Jorgen sat in a chair, watching Galin standing by the window. Galin seemed reluctant to show his profile, leaning slightly toward the corner, occasionally lifting and dropping his right hand. He suppressed his heavy breath, and the leaden gray light through the window lazily adhered to his armor. Since ordering Lawrence's imprisonment ten minutes ago, he hadn't said a word. Jorgen waited, knowing he needed to give Galin some time, as he was a ruler constantly battling his own emotions. Jorgen staying in the room already maximized Galin's self-control.

In the original situation, to complete the mission, Jorgen needed to consider both Galin and Lawrence's wills. Now, without worrying about the thoughts of a serious criminal, the job didn't necessarily become easier, as it magnified Galin's unstable influence.

"Now what," Galin said, not really asking how to proceed, but probing Jorgen's attitude with a resentful tone.

"First, we must be cautious..."

"Enough, Jorgen." Galin turned to face him. "Cautious, calm. I don't need you to emphasize these things every time. Who do you think you're talking to?" He banged the window frame with his left fist, making the glass tremble. "See that? Everything outside this window, who governs it? Who organizes them all so meticulously? Have you ever sneaked into Stromgarde Castle privately? Have you seen my people? Did they complain to you? Someone who doesn't even know what caution is can't achieve such success. And you keep talking, talking, talking, as if you're the only one who understands these simple truths."

"That term is just a reminder to myself of what attitude to adopt, not a sermon to you. If you insist on wasting energy on this single word, we can't discuss anything. I completely understand your displeasure, and, in fact, I believe my own level of discomfort is no less than yours. Because Lawrence betrayed both of us."

"What do you understand completely? You understand nothing. Why keep emphasizing he betrayed 'both of us'? How do you intend to shift the blame? Let me tell you how to understand. It's like this: Lawrence is your agent of Section Seven, and then he betrayed me."

"That's not very rational. I don't intend to shift the blame, and I don't want you to do it—unfortunately, you sound like you are. You've been in charge of Lawrence for these years, and you were the one who refused Section Seven's people to stay in Stromgarde Castle and restrict Lawrence's actions. Moreover, his betrayal involved accomplices, including a cavalryman under Varokar and a family in Stromgarde Castle. Their actions have nothing to do with Section Seven."

Jorgen didn't intend to apologize to accommodate Galin's emotions. The relatively calm attitude he adopted when he first arrived at Stromgarde Castle was no longer beneficial; it was time to draw boundaries. As the lord of Stromgarde Castle, Galin already had the environmental advantage. Jorgen couldn't afford to hand over the psychological advantage of Section Seven. He originally wanted to add, "You probably don't want to hear 'they're all Stromgarde Castle people, now betraying Section Seven,'" but seeing Galin calming down a bit, he stopped. He spoke the truth: both sides were victims, and both had to take responsibility for their own mistakes.

"So much time. So much effort. Just to fall into the hands of that meaningless organization, Ravenholt. The Syndicate is undoubtedly my greatest enemy, but they have their long-standing goals, and in this regard, I can reserve respect. But Ravenholt? Besides sowing seeds of chaos, what have they done for this world? What is Lawrence thinking?" Galin said.

According to the current intelligence, there's no need to be too pessimistic. Although the research data Lawrence handed over to them is important, it's chaotic. The most crucial step is Lawrence's planned escape. Smuggling the data is just preparation for his future work at Ravenholt. Moreover, it's easy to speculate that Ravenholt hasn't had researchers capable of utilizing the data. This is the starting point of Lawrence's rebellion plan—he hopes to gain higher status and more freedom at Ravenholt. Even if they already have suitable technical personnel, there's no need to worry too much, as we have timely thwarted this conspiracy. The things currently in their hands are evidently not enough to support the entire research. Of course, all of this is preliminary speculation. The actual situation requires further interrogation and investigation, whether it's directed at Lawrence or Ravenholt.

"Do you plan to interrogate Lawrence? When?" Galin asked.

Interrogating Lawrence is necessary, but... this matter may not be suitable to be conducted here, and it may not necessarily be something I should handle alone.

"Make it clear," Galin demanded.

"Lord Shawl only authorized me to come to Stromgarde Castle to review the research plan, not to handle such serious unexpected situations entirely. Also, how to conduct an investigation into Ravenholt is something I cannot resolve alone. Therefore, I request to immediately bring Lawrence back to Section Seven."

Jorgen had to bring up this matter first, as it was the core of his mission to come to Stromgarde Castle. As for other things to consider, they had to be determined after this. He could see that Galin wasn't surprised by this request. Galin frowned, but his breathing became much steadier. In his brain, suppressed resentment and anger pondered, like dust reluctantly settling in damp air.

"If I'm not mistaken," Galin said, "you want to bring the individual back together?"

"Yes, that was my original task. It's even more necessary now due to Lawrence's rebellious behavior. We all know the unstable mental state of the individual, and now I highly suspect this is intentional on Lawrence's part—if his ultimate goal is to work for Ravenholt."

In fact, Jorgen didn't believe his own second sentence. Lawrence couldn't spend so many years just to deliberately create a failure to confuse Section Seven and Stromgarde Castle. As someone who lost his family for the sake of research, his nature wouldn't allow him to do so. Jorgen also doubted that Lawrence's rebellious behavior was a long-planned scheme; it was more likely a backup means to address the insecurity of his own position. But now, he had to choose the wording that favored completing the mission.

"Mr. Jorgen, without me saying, you should know how massive a loss I've endured. I can even use these words: gained nothing. Yes, after so many years of effort, the researcher rebels, the individual lacks practical value, and I've gained nothing."

"You don't have to think like that. First, I believe Lord Shawl would agree to provide you with certain financial compensation. More importantly, although there's a current setback, it doesn't mean our plan has concluded. With the right new candidate, the research will continue, and you will still be the first true beneficiary; that won't change."

"What guarantees do you have?"

"Very simple. This time, I won't take away any research data, not even a piece of paper. Moreover, Lawrence's indispensable assistant, Tusha, will also stay with you."

From a mission perspective, this conclusion is indeed straightforward: let Galin think he still has all the research resources except Lawrence. But this is not the truth. Mardias is gradually dismantling various aspects of the research plan outside of Stromgarde Castle and suspending the supply of the Original. Galin has guns and a shooter, but he won't get any ammunition, not to mention the remaining shooter probably won't be eager to cooperate with him. Although leaving the data here carries some risk, after the events with Lawrence, Galin would have a deeper fear of leaking data and thus better precautions. Even if he eventually learns that the plan has been terminated, there's no reason to transmit the data.

Jorgen couldn't propose more suitable conditions. He certainly remembered telling Glocara, "I can help Tusha," but it wasn't a commitment from the start. Even so, it's not something that must be adhered to in any situation. Jorgen told himself that leaving Tusha here wasn't much of a sacrifice because the troll never sided with anyone—

Except perhaps Glocara.

Galin walked to the center of the room and sat down. Jorgen believed that, no matter how easily agitated Galin was, he had a bottom line—he wouldn't let emotions affect matters that truly concerned the future of the country. Unfortunately, Galin didn't understand that he was facing an entire deception. Lawrence, Tusha, Renner, Jorgen—no one told him the truth. Perhaps, in terms of achievements, he did qualify as a lion on the plains, but he didn't know he was isolated on a small island in the middle of the ocean. Jorgen wanted to tell him that it was a scam, but it was beneficial for you and for Stromgarde Castle. Your people don't need a fearless knight. That kind of research is our way of solving problems, and it's not suitable for you. Now that we've given up, you'd better end it as well.

"It seems I have no better choice," Galin said. "But you must guarantee that Section Seven will inform me of the results of the interrogation, and about how to continue the plan, we must discuss and decide together. Of course, not now."

"Thank you very much for accepting these conditions."

"Listen to me; there's one more thing. That woman following Tusha, take her away too. There's no point in her staying here, whether you release her or kill her, it's your business. I'm not interested in continuing to support her, and I'm always worried that she'll reveal some secrets to my subjects. Some bored maids like to sneak into her room."

"Of course, no problem." Jorgen originally thought he would have to make more effort to persuade Galin to release Glocara. This was the most pleasant thing he had heard from Galin since coming to Stromgarde Castle.

But one issue remained unresolved.

"Prince Galin, I believe it's best to avoid as much criticism for Stromgarde Castle as possible during this period when the plan is suspended due to certain rumors."

"I agree. There should be a period of calm."

"So, I will take Crecyda away as well. As a source of certain rumors during the plan's suspension, it's better for her not to stay here."

Jorgen hadn't even finished his sentence when he mentioned the name, and he noticed a change in Galin's expression. The calm that only manifested through self-restraint disappeared; he looked like someone who suddenly realized he had stepped into a trap, carrying surprise, anger, fear of pain, and even a hint of embarrassment. When Jorgen completed the sentence, these dim and blurry emotions immediately swelled from Galin's words.

"Take Crecyda away too? Together with him?"

Galin stared at Jorgen, left hand pressed firmly on the table. At first, Jorgen thought "him" referred to Lawrence, but he immediately understood it was about Renner.

"Will you let them meet?" Galin continued to ask.

"No, there's no such plan. It's just..."

"You're lying to me." Galin stood up. "There's no need to take her away. Absolutely no need. That woman... she can't stay here. But she also can't leave with him. Do you understand?"

"Prince Galin, I need to know the reason for your saying this."

"Reason? A reason." Galin paced to the window, raised his right hand to his mouth and put it down, then immediately walked back. "You're not qualified to ask me for reasons. I am the ruler of this land, not obligated to answer every one of your questions, you dirty rats from Section Seven, wanting to steal how much from me..."

Something was wrong. Every word he used was wrong, the whole sentence made no sense. Jorgen was sure something had happened between Galin and Crecyda, but he almost completely forgot about it in the smoothly flowing conversation just now. He realized he let the situation confuse him and rashly made the request about Crecyda. The brief mutual trust built up was at risk of shattering. "Dirty rats" was a completely out-of-bounds accusation that shouldn't be used under any circumstances, but it wasn't the focus of what Galin wanted to express.

"I don't believe what you're saying, Jorgen. You don't plan to let her see him... Is such a promise useful? Even if you really want to, how can you guarantee it? That woman only thinks of one thing, and if you take her away with him, she'll know. She'll definitely guess something. This won't work. Crecyda, she..."

"Do you want to continue personally monitoring her?"

"No. What are you implying? Are you ordering me? Don't joke. I can't keep her, letting her spread those stupid disgusting lies in Stromgarde Castle. Not just Stromgarde Castle. Nowhere. That woman... shouldn't..."

Galin put his right hand to his mouth again, but this time he didn't put it down quickly. He bit the edge of his fingernail with trembling teeth, right in front of Jorgen. His restless and confused eyes looked at the ground, seemingly unaware of whether his actions were appropriate.

"I'll tell you what to do," he said. "Crecyda can't go anywhere. Kill her, Jorgen. She should die in Stromgarde Castle because of her sins. That's the only condition for all the transactions between us. Only when Crecyda is dead can you take Lawrence and the individual away."

If there was one thing in this statement that concerned Jorgen the most, it was Galin strongly indicating one thing: he didn't intend to do this himself. It seemed like he couldn't.

"I accept this condition," Jorgen said. "Such measures are indeed safer."