Chapter 74 Answer the fatal question

Karida was lost in thought, but Old Wang was starting to feel uneasy under her gaze.

Women truly are fickle creatures. Just a moment ago, she was smiling outside, but now that they were in the office, her face had turned stern. No doubt this little vixen wasn't pleased with his performance at the commendation ceremony.

Tsk tsk, women are just jealous. Making friends is a natural thing for men. What kind of jealousy is this? Could it be... hehe.

"Sir," Old Wang decided to take the initiative; if this continued, he might have a heart attack from fright. With a devout expression, he asked, "Do you think I completed my task well?"

Karida finally snapped out of her reverie.

"I hear defiance and pride in your words, do I?" She regained some composure, sipping steaming tea, her voice cold as if she had swallowed an iceberg.

"Great injustice, Sir!" Old Wang cried out, his skill in pleading innocence already reaching perfection: "Your words are divine commands to me. I never dare to slack off. I was merely trying to find my shortcomings to improve myself. Even if I were given the courage of a god, I wouldn't dare show any pride before you!"

As always, slick-tongued and unchanging.

Karida couldn't help but secretly shake her head. It seemed she had overthought things. Wang Feng was still the same Wang Feng, with some talent, but more reliant on his silver tongue. She must have been too suspicious, making things overly complicated.

"You have considerable talent in potions and runes. Why did you choose to become a death knight?"

Here comes the death question. One pitfall after another. Last time it was a distant friend, this time it's questioning one's beliefs and conducting a political review.

Old Wang gathered all his wits, his face full of sincere emotion: "Sir, I was forced into it. I was taken for death knight training and had no way to resist or even know how to resist. But since I came to the Holy Sanctuary, everything has changed. Your kindness, the care of my friends, the spirit of love in the League of Blades and the Holy Sanctuary—each of these deeply moved me. To be honest, I've been questioning my stance for half a year now, but I was constrained by circumstances."

"Until the explosion during the potion-making, which woke me up completely. Your mercy and guidance gave me a new direction, making me feel reborn, even improving my mind!"

"As the saying goes, past deeds are not worth recalling. Now, I am thoroughly reformed and ready to start anew! All I wish is to stay by your side, listen to your teachings, and contribute whatever I can to the League of Blades, the Holy Rose Sanctuary, and to you, until my last breath!"

Old Wang recited it all in one breath, narrating and summarizing with passion, from initial confusion to fervent enthusiasm, almost like a voice actor's performance.

While speaking, he stole a glance at Karida's expression.

Unfortunately, she remained unmoved, not even blinking, looking like she had other intentions.

After all the work he'd done for her, and all the flattery, even a stone would have softened, but this little vixen was impervious... Old Wang felt a headache coming on.

"What do you think of my expansion strategy from the perspective of a Nine Gods death knight?"

"Sir, I am now a true member of the League of Blades. As for the Nine Snakes..." Old Wang started to speak grandly, but sensing Karida's sharp gaze, he swallowed his praise.

Clearly, she wanted more than flattery. Just thinking about the board members' expressions at the commendation ceremony today, it was clear what was troubling Karida.

Though she had won back some ground, most people present were still at odds with her. Struggles, whether in dorms or nations, run deep.

"Sir, please allow me to speak sincerely." Old Wang paused, deciding to play it cool: "When corruption becomes the norm, purity becomes a sin."

Karida's pupils constricted slightly.

Tap, tap...

Her fingers tapped lightly on the table, her gaze fixed on this peculiar man.

She had traveled across the continent, met all sorts of people, and seen much. But Wang Feng was genuinely unique.

When corruption becomes the norm, purity becomes a sin.

It perfectly described her reform efforts. A bit ironic, the person who understood her best was an enemy.

These words spoke both to her situation and hinted at his own.

Tap.

The tapping stopped.

"That's the most sophisticated flattery you've ever given." Karida actually smiled. If speaking were an art, Karida felt Wang Feng could be considered an artist.

"From the bottom of my heart!" Old Wang said solemnly, then switched to a smile: "Sir, considering we completed this task well, we should strive for greater achievements! I've already compiled the orc potion formulas when I went back. We just need some startup funds. What do you think?"

To actually ask for money.

Karida smiled slightly. Honestly, she was in a good mood today.

She casually opened a drawer and tossed a pouch: "Here's ten thousand lios, as an advance for the orc potion-making. Deduct any expenses from it."

Damn, I just helped you with a big task, and you don't reward me, but you're so stingy about an advance? Ten thousand lios won't cover much!

"Sir, I really want to save money, but potion-making is expensive," Old Wang sighed: "Even the initial investment will exceed ten thousand lios. What do you think?"

"How much do you need?" Karida looked at him calmly.

Old Wang held up five fingers: "Fifty thousand, at least. You know, orc potions are complex..."

Truthfully, Old Wang didn't expect much. This woman's money was as precious as potion ingredients, but surprisingly, Karida tossed another pouch: "Here's twenty thousand."

Old Wang was both surprised and delighted. Could there be more to gain today? "Sir, twenty thousand..."

"That's all," Karida smiled meaningfully: "Or shall I have Blue Sky accompany you to the basement for more?"

"No need, Sir. I meant to say I'll make up the rest. Twenty thousand is enough to get started!" Old Wang declared firmly: "At least to train one orc first. Once we see results, we can invest more!"

"You're smart," Karida said calmly: "But remember your position and use your intelligence wisely. If you ever slip up, I'll give you another thorough explosion."

This little vixen could change her face faster than turning a page. Luckily, Old Wang was used to it.

And this time, the threat seemed more serious, indicating satisfaction with his recent performance—a form of recognition.

This was a status upgrade. From third-class slave to second-class, his head seemed a bit more secure on his shoulders.

"Yes, serving you is my greatest honor!"

"Go ahead." Karida waved her hand, for the first time not using the word 'get lost': "Get the team in order. Don’t embarrass me."

Old Wang left, and Blue Sky reappeared as if he were a shadow.

Perhaps only in front of Blue Sky was Karida at her most relaxed. She changed from her icy demeanor, even her posture became more casual, looking at the closed door with interest: "What do you think of him?"

"Half true, half false," Blue Sky said meticulously. "He seems to be hiding something, but his resentment towards the Nine Serpents is genuine."

"Has he shown any unusual behavior recently?"

"He often visits the library, seemingly very interested in studying. He also frequents the Judgment Hall and the auction house, as if preparing for something, Your Highness, should I..."

"No need. I’m curious to see what tricks this little monkey can pull," Karida thought that her dull life as a principal had become a bit more colorful.

To be honest, she had a nature that relished chaos. Life was better when it was exciting and filled with uncertainties.

Clear and murky, that was indeed an interesting topic.

Being summoned by Karida without getting scolded or burdened with troubles, and even receiving some money—it felt like the sun was rising from the west.

Old Wang was in quite a good mood. As the saying goes, sincerity can move even the hardest stone; his efforts had finally paid off, albeit slightly, but it was a good start.

To be frank, when Karida wasn’t angry, she was actually quite attractive, even stunningly sexy, exuding the charm of a professional queen.

After composing himself, he saw Yin Fu waiting at the door. Her adorable appearance made Old Wang even happier.

After the commendation ceremony, hearing that Wang Feng was called by Principal Karida, Yin Fu declined all interviews and waited here.

To be honest, although she had contributed to the refinement of the new rune, upon reflection, it was merely a few minor additions, all under Wang Feng’s guidance.

This new rune was entirely the work of Senior Brother Wang Feng. Even without her, Senior Brother Wang Feng could have easily completed it. Yet, during the commendation ceremony, the interviews and praises from Principal Karida and others subtly suggested that she was the true inventor, which made her feel undeserving.

She had tried to explain, but neither Karida nor Dean Hawkland believed her, or perhaps they simply didn’t care.

She attempted to clarify during the ceremony, but there was hardly any opportunity for her to speak. Most of the time, Principal Karida dominated the proceedings, and everything ended up as it did. She truly...

"Senior Brother Wang Feng," Yin Fu approached apologetically: "I’m sorry, this credit should be yours..."