CHAPTER 301: CHAPTER 301: REVISITING OLD HAUNTS

How is Joseph doing?

Joseph survived, and the charges against him were withdrawn. He even regained his position as captain of the headquarters.

Because there was news that the Second Prince was returning to the Royal Capital.

That news alone was enough.

People know that His Highness is not planning to ignore it.

Even though in some channels, rumors were spreading that His Highness had fallen out of favor and his status was plummeting.

But after all, nothing has happened yet.

In a place like the Royal Capital, anything is possible.

So, whatever you do, you should think it through.

The people in the Kingdom Defense Bureau clearly thought it through; Joseph could not be touched anymore.

Not only because he was one of the Second Prince’s men.

But also because Trafford is most likely in his hands.

There are no secrets in the Kingdom Defense Bureau; now everyone knows that Trafford disappeared with a large group of elites in the South District that night.

The offensive and defensive roles have reversed.

Coming out of the Kingdom Defense Bureau unscathed, Joseph felt a long-lost sense of relief, and today’s sunshine was nice too.

However, he soon let out a long sigh.

In this sweeping war, he lost many things.

Family, loved ones, a lover.

Of course, if West can really be considered his lover.

In fact, from beginning to end, she never showed any such intention; it was all Joseph’s own expectations and longing.

In his life, it wasn’t that he didn’t have women; one could say, he had many women after reaching adulthood, but none could stir his heart more than West.

Unfortunately, he probably wouldn’t see her in this life.

Outside the Kingdom Defense Bureau, a car was already waiting for him.

A man in a black trench coat stood by the car, waiting silently.

This person might be unfamiliar to others, but to Joseph, he was extremely familiar.

His former deputy, Captain Steve.

Of course, now he should be called Major Steve.

He was transferred back to the Royal Capital but didn’t bring this trusted aide because he arranged a better position for Steve.

Director of the Kingdom Statistical Bureau West Branch.

This was also the bridge between him and Ethan, ensuring that Ethan’s business in Wenster would not be affected.

And in this turmoil, this bridge played a truly critical role.

It allowed Ethan to contact Joseph through the most secretive channels and indirectly find the War God known by the fifth-level executioner to join the fray.

Otherwise, it really would have been difficult to detain Trafford that night.

"Director, you’ve worked hard."

Steve opened the door for Joseph.

Joseph nodded and directly sat in the back seat.

The car started.

Looking out the window at the scenery, Joseph softly said to Steve, "Thanks, Steve."

"It’s what I should do."

This time, the reason he could deceive Jonas was all thanks to Steve’s line.

He learned in advance everything happening outside, including the news that West was not captured and that Trafford was controlled by Ethan.

That day, in the interrogation room, his acting was quite good.

"Steve, have you ever thought about returning to the Royal Capital to help me?"

Leaving Steve in Wenster was out of trust, wanting to promote him, and this time was no different.

After this incident, Joseph’s status would undoubtedly be different.

If he was once just an unassuming underling of Second Prince Adrian, then this time, with that speech at Golden Square and holding the Trafford card.

Considering the current situation of the Second Prince, he would be the most dazzling one.

At times like this, he didn’t want to enjoy it alone.

He indeed needed helpers.

The family had abandoned him.

From now on, he was a solitary figure.

"Director, where are we going now?"

"To the West District, I want to see the West District."

Joseph was taken aback by the question, then looked to the west.

Joseph stopped questioning, started the car, and headed towards the West District.

Eventually, the car arrived at West’s secret garden.

Joseph had nowhere to go and could only think of this place.

Getting off the car and looking at this place, even though not much time had passed, everything had already changed beyond recognition.

The entire West’s secret garden had been sealed off. Joseph stepped forward, shook it casually, and the closed gate opened.

Inside was already a mess, which was expected, after all, West was a rebel who attempted to assassinate the royal family, so this must have been the most important lair, thoroughly searched inside and out.

Joseph stepped over heaps of fragmentary remains and walked into the depths of the ruins.

He sat down in the booth he used to sit in and then laughed, "How did you know I would come here?"

He wasn’t talking to the air, but to the man opposite him.

Ethan.

Ethan, who knows when, was already waiting here.

"I guessed you had nowhere to go, so you’d come here. Might as well get here first and brought you some wine to wash away the scent of the prison."

Ethan said, picking up a bottle of wine, opening it, and pouring a glass for Joseph.

"Thanks."

Joseph took it and had a sip, nodding.

"New batch?"

"Yeah, just shipped from Wenster, how is it, tastes good? You can take a couple of bottles later."

Ethan also poured himself a glass.

"So, did she go to Wenster?"

At this moment, Joseph asked an inappropriate question instead.

Then, he himself spoke first: "No, don’t tell me, just pretend you don’t know too."

That was the right thing.

After the assassination event occurred, he was destined never to meet West again.

And after winning the previous shadow war, he was even more out of options.

From now on, he would be a lonely wanderer, having to run alone on a path full of traps, poison barriers, and killings in the pursuit of power.

No family, no friends, no lover, only a ruthless version of himself that couldn’t afford to go soft.

"Then, shall we celebrate our victory?"

Ethan clinked glasses with him.

"To you."

Joseph nodded.

If it wasn’t for Ethan, even with Steve’s line, he would surely be dead.

"To that storm."

The two drank the wine together.

More like a kind of pledge.

Joseph looked at this young man in front of him and thought, maybe, this person could count as half a friend.

Did he save him for the sake of future paths?

"In a couple of days, I think His Highness will soon return to the Royal Capital. Then, he will definitely see you, Ethan."

But he didn’t ask in the end.

It was an unsolvable question.

"That would be best, I’d love to see what the legendary Second Prince is really like."