Chapter 237 Difficult Mission
Chapter 237 Difficult Mission
"What are you currently occupied with, Liao Ning? Can't you maintain proper behavior for once? Do you still believe you're a renowned live-streamer?" Loya impatiently lifted her voluminous skirt and strode over.
She gestured to the guard to lower the gun and addressed Liao Ning, "Your nephew is currently attending classes with the children of nobles. What else are you concerned about? If you want him to stay with you, hand over the antidote for the loyalty potion."
Loya's expression exuded arrogance as she cast a sidelong glance at the anxious Liao Ning. She relished the control she had over the situation.
"Your king invited me here. If he intends to benefit from my ancient delicacies, he should acquiesce to my conditions. I have every right to demand to see my nephew."
Observing Liao Ning growing increasingly anxious, Loya's mood improved. "Invited? You're a prisoner. Know your place. Escort Miss Liao back. Unless ordered otherwise, she is not permitted to leave the room. There's no need for you to come to the hall."
"Yes, Your Highness," the guard respectfully bowed and forcefully escorted Liao Ning away.
Before leaving, Liao Ning happened to lock eyes with someone across from her, as if silently reassuring each other.
Loya turned around and noticed two more individuals at the hall's entrance. One of the mermen triggered a sense of déjà vu.
Approaching the pair slowly, Loya appraised Zhou Ling. "You're a mermaid? What brings you here?"
Ever since the previous incident, she harbored an inexplicable fear of mermaids. However, upon seeing this particular mermaid, her emotions weren't just fear but also a hint of familiarity.
In response to the princess's query, Jimmy stepped forward swiftly and introduced himself, "Dear Princess of Dawn, I'm Jimmy, and this is my assistant, Olift. We are undercover agents assigned to the rebel army. I have successfully completed my mission and have come to report."
Zhou Ling remained silent, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
The greed shining in Jimmy's eyes unsettled Loya. After confirming that she did not recognize this mermaid, she turned around and departed.
After an additional half an hour, the king stormed in with an air of anger.
Upon seeing the king's arrival, Jimmy quickly plastered on a flattering smile. "My dear king, it's me, Jimmy. I have returned from the rebel army to provide my report."
"Report? What news do you bring?" The king didn't even spare him a glance as he took a seat on the sofa.
Jimmy appeared somewhat embarrassed and stuttered, "Um… I, I was a spy who collaborated with Miss Sami. It was due to my cooperation that Miss Sami successfully returned to the empire."
Upon hearing that Jimmy had no significant updates, the king's anger only intensified. He retorted furiously, "Then you should report to Sami. Who allowed you to come in?"
Initially, Jimmy had hoped to gain a reward, but he didn't expect Sami to make no mention of him at all, ultimately inciting the king's anger.
Impatiently waving his hand, the king motioned for the guards by his side to escort the two of them out.
"Your Majesty!" Zhou Ling, who had maintained silence all this while, suddenly spoke up. "I have brought back the antidote for the new generation of the rebel army and the merfolk distribution map."
"What did you say?" Jimmy's voice underwent a transformation as he stared at Zhou Ling in disbelief.
He had regarded this mermaid as nothing more than a minor player in the ordinary mermaid army. He had only intended to use him to facilitate his return to the empire, but he hadn't expected Zhou Ling to withhold important information.
Ignoring Jimmy's reaction, Zhou Ling retrieved the concealed items and presented them.
As the king glanced at the mermaid distribution map, he didn't attach much significance to it. After all, most mermaids had already joined the rebel army, leaving only a handful in scattered locations.
However, when he laid eyes on the new antidote in his hand, the king's expression finally softened.
Rubbing the small bottle, he inquired, "What is your name? Have you witnessed the process of creating this antidote?"
"I am Olift, the mermaid you dispatched to the rebel army," Zhou Ling responded smoothly, having prepared an excuse in advance to address the king's inquiries.
Notably, upon noticing the king's interest in the antidote, Zhou Ling proceeded to divulge, "I have been involved in the production of the antidote on several occasions. While I may not possess complete knowledge of the process, I can confirm that the primary ingredients include golden clams and various other fish."
Upon hearing Zhou Ling's response, the king's eyes finally sparkled. "You truly possess knowledge!"
With a delighted expression, the king rose from the sofa and circled around Zhou Ling. "Olift, the empire warmly welcomes talented individuals like you! I now have a challenging task for you."