Goblin Reincarnation in Another World (Anime/Manga)

Page 144

Chapter 499

Do you see this as an opportunity?

"Huh? What opportunity?"

"In short, Master will listen to me from now on."

Xin Hai held Niu Zida and whispered something in his ear. On the other side, Misaki Shokuhou and Shi Yu were looking at Su Liya lying on the ground with some concern, not noticing that Xin Hai and Niu Zida were whispering to each other.

After the two finished speaking quickly in a few seconds, Xin Hai hurriedly activated Hua Hai Yue to treat Su Liya. Due to the healing effect of Hua Hai Yue, Su Liya's expression softened somewhat. She slightly opened her beautiful eyes and regained consciousness, but she was still extremely weak and could only speak with difficulty.

"Hmm...from Viscount..."

"Miss Su Liya, it's great that you're awake..."

"I am..."

"You were poisoned, but fortunately, Xin Hai used Hua Hai Yue to treat you and you recovered..."

"So that's how it is..."

Upon hearing that someone had been poisoned, Joel and Ningguang rushed over to check on the situation and surrounded Suliya. Hearing Niu Zida and Suliya's conversation, Xinhai deliberately feigned a worried expression and said to Niu Zida:

“Master, although the poisoning has been temporarily controlled, relying solely on Hua Haiyue is not enough to eliminate the toxins from Miss Su Liya’s body.”

"Hmm? What should we do then? We must cure Miss Su Liya..."

Niu Zida, feigning concern, continued Xin Hai's question. Xin Hai, seeing that the matter was settled, then spoke in front of Su Liya:

"It's not difficult to cure, but Miss Su Liya and her master need to sign a contract. Otherwise, my Hua Haiyue can only sustain life at best, and cannot guarantee the removal of the toxins."

"But... signing a contract is something..."

Niu Zida deliberately feigned difficulty, while the weak Su Liya frowned and softly hummed:

"It's okay, this is also for...detoxification..."

“But Miss Sulia, if you sign a service contract with your master, you will lose your personal freedom and be completely obedient to him. Is that really okay? I think we should think it over carefully. And shouldn't we discuss this with Marquis Julianus? Please rest assured, I can guarantee Miss Sulia's safety with the Transformation of the Sea Moon during this period. There is no time crunch…”

"No need, I can certainly make the decision about this. I'm not a child..."

"But... Miss Su Liya, you should think about it carefully."

"Yes...this is no small matter after all..."

Xin Hai and Niu Zida, working in unison, were actually trying to calm Su Liya down. The shrewd Ning Guang seemed to have seen through something, but secretly watched the two working together with a smile, unseen by Su Liya. Since things had come to this point, she didn't need to say anything more; she could just enjoy the show. The kind-hearted Yu'er, oblivious to everything, continued to squat beside Su Liya, supporting and caring for her, watching her with concern.

“It’s alright… I said I’ll make my own decisions. I’m not my brother’s appendage. As a knight, I will take responsibility for the consequences of my own decisions.”

Perhaps spurred on by Xin Hai and Niu Zida's words, Su Liya, though weak, firmly stated her decision. Seeing that the time was right, Xin Hai then said:

"If you're really determined, then you should sign a service contract with your master. After signing the contract, you'll receive the flow of your master's magic power, which will increase your physical strength, enhance the effects of my Moonlit Sea Healing, and also clear out the toxins."

Hearing Xin Hai say this, the poisoned and weakened Su Liya nodded. Then Niu Zida offered his large hand and placed it on Su Liya's armpit, saying:

"In that case, Miss Sulia, I am willing to sign a service contract with you. Are you willing?"

"I...will..."

As long as the other party voluntarily acknowledges the contract when Niu Zida presents it, the service contract is considered complete, and the maid becomes Niu Zida's maid. After signing, the maid cannot do anything to harm her master, and even her thoughts will be prevented. The effect is very powerful, but the drawback is that the person must personally acknowledge it. If the person does not acknowledge it, even if Niu Zida's magic is powerful, he cannot force the other party to sign the contract.

"However, Master, in order to ensure the effect, you can't give Miss Su Liya too high a title, otherwise the healing effect cannot be guaranteed."

Unexpectedly, Xin Hai pulled this stunt at the crucial moment, leaving Niu Zida completely bewildered. However, seeing the serious expression on Xin Hai's sweet face, he had no choice but to play along and continue the charade. So, Niu Zida said:

"Originally, I wanted to give Miss Sulia the highest maid status, but since Xinhai has said so, I can only ask Miss Sulia to be my mare. However, in the mare ranking, Miss Sulia must be number 1."

It turns out this position belonged to Misaki Shokuhou. It's like Su Liya took Misaki's place after arriving. I wonder if Misaki would be angry if she knew this. But Kokoro is really cunning. To prevent Su Liya from surpassing her in the harem, she deliberately added this. I have to say, Niu Zida admires Kokoro's quick thinking. He could sense it from Su Liya's sudden poisoning. Now, thinking about it, who poisoned Su Liya?

Niu Zida wasn't blinded by the joy of unexpectedly taking in Su Liya. Although Xin Hai had seized this rare opportunity to help him unexpectedly accept Su Liya, the poisoning issue remained unresolved. Who wanted to harm him? Or did they know about Su Liya's sudden visit?

Chapter 500

Was he poisoned? The person who served the tea and snacks was a servant sent by Julianus to serve him, but it was strange. He had been there for several days without any problems, so how could Sulia be poisoned so suddenly after her visit?

While Niu Zida was still pondering this matter, Xin Hai had already used Hua Hai Yue to help Su Liya eliminate the toxins. Su Liya had initially recovered some strength and was able to sit up. In fact, there was no need to sign any contract to detoxify; it was just that Xin Hai took advantage of this unexpected event.

After Xin Hai's careful treatment, Su Liya's complexion improved significantly, and her color gradually returned. Considering that she might still have toxins in her body, Xin Hai was asked to stay and take care of her. After watching Xin Hai help Su Liya away, Ning Guang, who remained behind, said to Niu Zida:

"Master, you didn't orchestrate this poisoning incident, did you?"

"Of course not."

"Seeing how skillfully Xin Hai and you cooperated, I thought it was all part of your plan."

"It's really not like that. To be honest, I was also shocked when I found out that Su Liya was poisoned, but Xin Hai's mind reacted really quickly. Almost instantly, he whispered in my ear about signing a contract using this poisoning incident."

Hearing Niu Zida's explanation, Ningguang believed him. Niu Zida had no reason to lie to her about something like this. So the question was, who was the one who poisoned her this time, and what was their purpose?

"The poisoner was most likely a servant or someone from the kitchen. We should quickly order all the servants to be gathered together for interrogation. What was their purpose? Was it the master, or Miss Sulia?"

Hearing about the poisoning, Yangyang, Asuna, Shiyu, and even Rosalia, who was usually lazy during the day, all rushed over. Following Ningguang's suggestion, Niu Zida ordered Yangyang, Asuna, and Rosalia to seal off the entire mansion and interrogate the servants together. Afterwards, Niu Zida briefly explained to Ningguang what had happened during Su Liya's visit. Ningguang, listening intently, suddenly asked:

"Wait, you're saying Miss Shiyu was here before you arrived?"

"Yes, I am here, but I left before Miss Sulia arrived."

"why?"

"I hate Niu Zida."

"Oh, that's a perfectly normal reason."

Hearing Shi Yu's cold and blunt answer and Ning Guang's affirmation, Niu Zida said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry:

"Hey, when you're asking me questions, could you please refrain from attacking me?"

"Master, please don't take it to heart. We're just reviewing what happened to help us analyze the facts."

Ningguang smiled and took a puff from the mouthpiece of her exquisitely carved gold pipe, gently exhaling a little smoke, filling the room with the refreshing scent of tobacco.

"Analyze the facts?"

"Yes, I've roughly guessed what's going on."

"Huh? So fast?"

"Isn't the logic simple? The target wasn't the master; the enemy wanted to harm Shiyu. The tea and snacks were originally intended for Miss Shiyu, but after she left, Su Liya came and sat in Shiyu's seat. However, the servants didn't know this, so I speculate that the real culprit isn't a servant, but someone in the kitchen. Otherwise, they would have had plenty of time to find an opportunity to switch them, since Miss Su Liya chatted with you for a while before drinking the tea."

Ningguang's analysis was indeed very reasonable. Niu Zida quickly asked Joel to carry him, and together with Ningguang, they first escorted Shiyu to Suliya's room to rest, where Xinhai was. Only then did he go to the kitchen to interrogate her personally.

Chapter 359 The Truth About Shi Yu

Chapter 359.

Niu Zida took Shi Yu to Xin Hai's room where Su Liya was staying, and asked Xin Hai to protect Shi Yu. Before leaving, he also told Xin Hai not to leave the room and to protect the poisoned and weakened Su Liya and Shi Yu. There was someone in the room who might be trying to assassinate Shi Yu, and it was unknown whether they had accomplices. The room was a bit chaotic, and he was not to let anyone take advantage of the chaos.

Shi Yu was surprised that Niu Zida valued her so much this time, and even knew that someone was really trying to assassinate her. Under such tense circumstances, Niu Zida did not forget to protect her. She was slightly moved. Thinking about how Niu Zida had always been the one protecting her, her impression of him began to improve.

After settling Shiyu in, Joel carried Niu Zida to the kitchen. At this time, in accordance with Niu Zida's previous orders, all the servants in the house, the kitchen staff, and all the servants who might have come into contact with the tea and snacks gathered together, about six or seven people in total.

After clarifying the interrogation details, Niu Zida learned that Rosalia and others had not disclosed Su Liya's poisoning situation during the interrogation. Niu Zida then had an idea and said:

"Miss Sulia's situation is not optimistic. If this incident cannot be resolved smoothly, then everyone will be guilty and must be handed over to Lord Julianus for trial. At that time, who knows what crazy things he might do for his sister. Therefore, it is best for the criminals to come forward and turn themselves in. If they can explain the situation, they may be spared from death and others may be prevented from being implicated."

Hearing Niu Zida's words, the servants exchanged bewildered glances, not expecting the congratulatory message to cause such a commotion. After a long while, seeing that none of them showed any intention of confessing, Niu Zida said:

"Very well, since none of you are willing to talk, Lord Julianus will interrogate you personally when he arrives tomorrow morning."

After speaking, Niu Zida left and ordered the men to be kept under guard in the kitchen, but deliberately relaxed the guard.

Chapter 501

As expected, the group sneaked out that night. Niu Zida, along with Rosalia and Joel, had been lying in ambush outside. Niu Zida had deliberately made the guards relax their vigilance so that they could leave.

"Master, which one should we chase?"

"Ignore the ones going in other directions, just focus on chasing the ones heading west."

These servants were recruited from the surrounding villages. Two of them kept heading west. One was a maid and the other was a cook. Niu Zida ordered Rosalia and Yoel to chase after the cook. Sure enough, the maid fled to a nearby village, while the cook kept running west. However, he was caught by Rosalia and Yoel on Niu Zida's orders before he had run more than a few kilometers.

"Hehe, you run pretty fast, but unfortunately you can't outrun my mare."

Niu Zida, smugly perched on Joel's beautiful back, stood on the stirrups and spoke to the captured kitchen helper.

"Sir...I...I'm just a helper, I don't know anything..."

"Why are you running if you don't know anything?"

"I was afraid that if Lord Julianus came, he would torture us... that's why I ran away..."

"In that case, you should run to the nearby village and escape with your families, or simply hide with your families. All of you who come here to help the Marquis as servants will be strictly vetted and your identities, family members, and guarantors will be registered. There is no one who is all alone and destitute."

Niu Zida had already refuted all the arguments the other party was going to make, leaving the kitchen helper speechless. Rosalia, standing to the side, coldly said:

"Master, give me 10 minutes, and I'll make him confess..."

"Alright, it's up to you."

Niu Zida handed the kitchen helper over to Rosalia. Rosalia dragged the helper to a nearby grove of trees, where a few minutes later, a blood-curdling scream came from. A few minutes later, Rosalia, dragging the helper who could barely walk, left him there like a dead dog and said to Niu Zida:

"He was willing to tell me everything..."

"That's good. If you had just said so earlier, you wouldn't have had to suffer all this pain."

"Tell your master who you really are..."

“I…I am a secret police officer of the Kingdom of Altaïr…”

"Secret police? What are they doing here? Are they here to assassinate me?"

"No... I was ordered by Lord Leair to kill Miss Shiwa."

What exactly happened? Shiyu previously said that Leel coveted her beauty and forced her to marry him. Shiyu ran away to escape persecution from all sides. Even so, isn't Leel too obsessed with Shiyu? And how did he know that she had arrived at Kuyelburg?

"Why would Lear want to kill Shiyu? I remember Shiyu was just a nobody writer..."

"I don't know that either..."

"Rosalia, could you please help this gentleman regain his memory again..."

"No...no...I'll talk, I'll talk..."

Having just experienced Rosalia's powerful memory restoration technique, the kitchen helper was still shaken. Hearing that he would have to experience it again, he quickly poured out his experience:

"Because...because Miss Shiyu knows the truth about Princess Rika's loss of her child..."

"what?"

"His Majesty has never had an heir. Two years ago, Consort Lihua gave birth to a child, and His Majesty was naturally overjoyed. However, just a month later, the little prince tragically died. Consort Lihua and His Majesty were devastated. Everyone initially thought it was an accident, until Miss Shiyu published a novel. In a romance novel, it was mentioned that a child was murdered. The age, the time, and the method of poisoning all perfectly matched the little prince's situation... Lord Leel felt that the other party must know the inside story, so he ordered us to kill the other party. Our initial pretext was to force Miss Shiyu to marry Lord Leel and then kill him, all to prevent others from discovering the truth about killing Shiyu."

"Wait, Lear is so sensitive, which means he's the real culprit, right? Who instructed him to do this?"

As the head of the secret police, it's impossible for him to have taken the initiative to assassinate the prince. He must have received secret instructions from someone else to say that.

"Well... it wasn't just one person, it was several of Altaïr's powerful families who demanded this..."

"What do you mean?"

"The Altaïr royal family disagreed with going to war with the Kingdom of Fortini from the very beginning, because once a war is launched, the nobles who control the army can expand their political influence. Therefore, King Altaïr has always hoped to make peace with foreign countries, which is inconsistent with the policy of the nobles. Now, King Altaïr III of the Kingdom of Altaïr is old. If he dies or has no heir, the kingdom may change its political system. Even if an heir is chosen, one can be chosen from the nobles who support the war, and then the House of Nobles will control the actual power."

The fact that Shiyu was being hunted down actually involved the power struggle within the entire Kingdom of Altaïr. When Niu Zida accidentally saved Shiyu, he had a vague feeling that her affairs were not simple.

"By the way, is the Kamisato family also one of the conspirators in this?"

“No… the Kamisato family does not belong to the expansionist nobles. They are a noble family with a distinguished lineage, and their titles were not obtained through military merit. They are one of the few nobles who support the royal family.”

"Hmm, very good. You have provided me with a lot of useful information. Don't worry, I will beg Julianus to spare your life. You have said so much, and I'm afraid you can't go back now. Just live peacefully here in Kuyelburg from now on."

"But if I can't..."

Chapter 502

.

If I complete the mission or fail to return in time, my family in Altaïr will also run into trouble; agents who go abroad have long been under surveillance.