Chapter Ten: The War of Public Opinion

  At the same moment, in a small alley somewhere in Haidington, Depelu was running wildly with a terrified face.

  He never could have imagined that tonight would end like this.

  What was thought to be a flawless assassination, Speer didn't even get to see Javier's face before being killed by the ambushing Bimon.

  Luckily Depero was quick-witted and managed to escape before being caught by his opponent.

  Although he didn't know what was going on with Lambert and Vanning, he could almost be certain that those two had also failed. Now the only thing he couldn't figure out was how the other side seemed to have been prepared, as if they were waiting for them to come knocking, did they already know their plan?

  No, this is impossible. We have been extremely careful from the start to the end and there's no way we would leak any information. Moreover, if the other party had already known about it, why would they let us act freely all these days?

  Now Depero had only one thought: he mustn't be caught, he had to escape. As for what he would do afterwards or where he would go, he had no idea at all.

  Damn it, the rebellion failed, does Haiding still have a place to stay?

  Recklessly escaping to the present, he who was usually pampered and spoiled had already become exhausted. Depero panted heavily with difficulty, leaning against the cold wall and slowly sat down on the ground.

  Even now, he still has a dreamlike feeling. When was it that the position of the lower-level evaluation conference was never so close to him, but in the blink of an eye, he became a fugitive and had to flee for his life on the streets at night. Everything is unreal, just like a strange and terrible nightmare.

  At this time, the alley at that end faintly transmitted the chaotic footsteps and shouts. Depero knew that the pursuers had found their way here, but by now he no longer had any strength to run again.

  "Whatever, it's fine like this, even if I get caught, it doesn't matter." He thought dejectedly.

  Just as De Péro was about to give up completely, a figure suddenly descended from the sky and jumped beside him.

  "Mr. DePero, come with me," the newcomer said to him.

  The tone doesn't sound like a pursuer, De Piro said strangely: "Who are you?"

  "It was Lord Paiste who sent me to rescue you." The man said, pulling down his face mask. Depero took a look and vaguely remembered that he was one of Paiste's attendants.

  "Is it really Lord Paiste who sent you? Where is he? How did you know we failed?" Depero asked excitedly, having fallen from hell to heaven in an instant.

  "This is no time for talk. I must get you out of the city before others arrive." The man said anxiously, "Wait until you see Lord Paiste, he will explain to you."

  De Péro hastily got up, at this moment the pursuer's shadow had appeared in the alley, and someone kept shouting: "He is here!"

  The man calmly pulled out a scroll from his bosom, unfolded it on the ground, and then gestured to Depero to step back a few steps before reciting a string of incantations to activate the scroll.

  In an instant, a large sheet of flames burst out from the scroll, filling the entire alley in a moment, like a wall that completely separated them and the pursuing soldiers.

  Then, the man protected Depero and soon disappeared into the vast night.

  Outside Haiding Town, in a secluded forest.

  "Lord Paster, is that really you?" Delpiero exclaimed, barely containing his excitement at finally escaping the castle and seeing Paster.

  "It's good that you can escape." Pai Te stretched out his hand to help him up, and although he was speaking words of comfort, his tone was still icy.

  "Sir, how did you know to send someone to rescue me?" Depero asked in puzzlement.

  Pai said: "At the same time Morgan and Speil died, I sensed it. So I knew your plan had completely failed, so I immediately sent Bote to infiltrate the city."

  "It's just a pity that I only brought a limited number of people this time, and now there is only Borte available, so we can only rescue you in time."

  "Sense?" Depero was greatly puzzled by his words, how could he sense the death of those two thieves? However, looking at Pist's icy and stiff face, Depero didn't dare to ask.

  "Have you been here all these days?" he asked cautiously.

  "Of course not," said Paiste, shaking his head. "I've been staying in Auston all along. A few days ago, Morgan sent me a message saying you'd be acting tonight, so I rushed over from there. I thought I'd hear some good news, but..."

  "As he spoke, he snorted coldly: 'Those guys are even more difficult to deal with than I imagined.'"

  "Yes." Depero hastily said, seemingly to cover up the tension in his heart: "They somehow detected our plan ahead of time, otherwise we wouldn't have lost so thoroughly."

  "Now that I think about it, the other side probably sensed something from the moment we started making contact." Pester stroked his chin and said, "In other words, they probably have a way to monitor everything in the city."

  "How is this possible!" Depéro exclaimed incredulously. "Haidnton himself doesn't have such ability, I'm very clear about that. Javert has only been in Haidnton for a few days, it's impossible for him to be the one... The only possibility left is..."

  "That man named Raymond." Pastor spoke out the answer for him.

  De Péro still couldn't believe it: "But he's only been in Heidington for two months, how could..."

  "Hmph, don't forget that he annihilated three strong thief groups in just one night. A guy like that shouldn't be ignored." Pai said coldly.

  "I made such a mistake, which led to the current result."

  "What... what am I supposed to do now?" Thinking that he had brought nothing with him and had fled in a panic, Depero couldn't help but feel a deep sorrow.

  "Take heart, even if it's just you alone, we won't give up. The Federation will never allow one of its towns to fall into the hands of those guys."

  "What do you want me to do?" Depero asked in surprise, as if there was hope.

  "Hmm, it's very simple, you don't have to do anything, I'll naturally arrange everything." Pester patted Depero on the shoulder: "You being alive is the most useful thing."

  "Let's go, for now let those guys gloat for a while. Next time we come back, Haydton won't belong to them anymore."

  Leaving behind these words, the three people left the forest and disappeared into the night.

  Depero's disappearance left Raymond and others extremely surprised. After a night of searching, they finally became convinced that Depero had escaped.

  It doesn't matter whether he escaped or was caught, it won't make any difference. Three members of the Hadinton City Council, one dead, one escaped and one caught, will no longer threaten Charlotte's position.

  Thus, Piestr's conspiracy plan with three others was completely destroyed in one night.

  However, this rebellion also had some negative effects. Although only a small disturbance was made that night, it still startled some residents. In addition, some of the guards who were in contact with the inside situation inevitably produced doubts and panic emotions, and Shawn had already ordered a strict ban on discussing what happened that night.

  However, there is no wall that does not leak wind. Soon, some rumors and gossip began to circulate in the city. After all, no matter how much the news was blocked, the fact that Depero and the other two were no longer seen in public was as hard as iron.

  So on this day, Charlotte and Raymond et al gathered together to discuss how to deal with such a situation.

  "After investigation, the fire that let Depero escape was produced by a certain magical scroll." Shawn said first: "So we infer that it should be his preparation for unexpected events, so he can escape our pursuit."

  "It can also be confirmed that he definitely didn't hide in the city and should have escaped from the city on the same night, his whereabouts are still unknown until now."

  By this time, no one was really concerned about DePero anymore, so after Shawn reported, the topic quickly shifted to the rumors of Haidington.

  Sean reported first: "The current rumor situation is not serious, but Depero and others have been out of sight for a long time, still having a certain impact on the residents."

  Charlotte said, "They have been influential in Haidington all along, and everyone has their own industry. Like Vanning, he controls the fishing industry in Haidington. Now that the boss is gone, many fishing boats are already on strike. So the matter of rebellion can no longer be concealed, and a proper solution must be found."

  "So, how about publishing the truth?" Morini suggested.

  Charlotte shook her head: "No, the Ravierte Federation has a great influence on ordinary residents. If we announce it as it is, it's easy to give people the wrong impression that we are enemies with the Federation, and I'm afraid it will cause even greater panic."

  After all, nominally speaking, Haidington is still a member of the Lavi Federation. If the residents were to know that Haidington had completely fallen out with the federation now, it would be like having a kind of treasonous feeling, which would have a significant negative impact.

  "Hmm... so, what if I were to tell a lie and say that Depero and the others left Haidinton or died accidentally?" Shawn said.

  The proposal was immediately rejected because it was too unrealistic and there was no way to deceive people.

  "That day when Pastor came into the city, many residents saw him. Now that he's just left, such a big thing happened in the city, and the three committee members are nowhere to be found. If this drags on, it's easy for the residents to get a bad idea, and then it'll really be troublesome." Ricket said.

  Knowing the severity of this consequence, everyone felt a headache at once.

  "Freddie, what's your solution?" Thinking of this matter, it's better to ask a professional for help, Raymond asked Freddie.

  Freddie, who had been silent all along, finally said: "If it's just to calm the residents' suspicions, it's not a difficult task. However, I think this is a good opportunity and we should make good use of it."

  "What a good opportunity?" Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

  To calm down the rumors, they were all about to get a headache, and he actually said it was a good opportunity?

  "What a wonderful opportunity?" Charlotte couldn't help but ask.

  "A great opportunity for residents to thoroughly stand on our side."

  Morin looked puzzled and said, "Although there are some rumors now, Haidington is generally still very calm, and the residents do not have strong dissatisfaction. Are you being too alarmist?"

  "Maybe so now, but that's only because nothing has happened to shake them up. The three committee members are nowhere to be seen, and for most people, there is no direct impact, so it's just some rumors circulating for now. After all, for ordinary residents, taking advantage of the town's recovery to work hard and make money is the most important thing."

  "But if one day things get serious enough to affect their peaceful life, can you be sure they will sacrifice temporary benefits and firmly stand on our side? For example, what if the Ravid Federation openly accuses us and even goes to war with us?"

  "Th...this..." Morini stuttered.

  "The Federation wouldn't do that, would they?" Charlotte said: "Aren't they just because of their guilty conscience, secretly instigating Depero and others to launch a rebellion? Besides, with the Federation's usual style, how could they possibly openly declare war?"

  Freddie shook his head: "You're still too... never mind, to be honest, they were the ones who were in the wrong first. But did ordinary residents know that? If Lavierte strikes first and accuses us, do you think the residents will believe them or us who have been hiding the truth?"

  "As for war, I was just giving an example. Because I also can't see what's worth making such a big fuss about here. However, in this world, there is no absolute certainty, who can guarantee that one day it won't happen, and when that time comes, it will be too late to react."

  Can't help but say, the old profession is indeed good at doing secret work. When it comes to deceiving people's minds, Freddy really has a set of skills. After listening to his analysis, the crowd, who were still holding onto a thread of relaxation, suddenly felt a considerable amount of pressure.

  As the crowd was moved, Freddy followed: "Compared to the Lavieth Federation, Haidington is just a tiny insignificant town. If you want to confront them, you can only take the initiative to attack and put yourself in a favorable position."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Let's use this opportunity to make the people of Haidinton thoroughly stand on our side, rather than just covering up the past. To confront a powerful enemy, we need at least one stable rear."

  "Alright, let's hear your plan." Raymond said, having seen enough of Freddy's prelude.

  "Right, sir. First of all, when there's a choice, cheating and covering up are always the worst means because any lie will be exposed someday. So we must let the residents know the whole story and make them understand that reason is on our side."

  "But isn't that equivalent to telling them we're confronting the Federation? What if it causes panic?" Morini said.

  "Easy," Freddie said with a wave of his hand. "The facts don't change, but you have to selectively emphasize certain aspects and downplay others. For example, we need to stress the arrogance of the Ravit Federation, their impertinent demands. In short, we need to stir up the residents' anger, make them see that the Ravit Federation is a bully in this whole affair."

  "At the same time, we need to downplay the negative impact that our opposition to the Ravi Federation may bring. Simply put, we want to make the residents temporarily forget about the potential impact of resisting the Ravi Federation on their lives and minimize their fear as much as possible."

  "This...this doesn't count as cheating." Charlotte said with a strange expression.

  "Then, we can explain to the people how Lambert and his followers were incited to rebel and eventually became victims," Freddie continued. "This not only clears up their doubts but also allows them to see Ravite's evil face. Moreover, the previous banditry can also be attributed to Ravite, after all, various evidence shows that they are the mastermind behind the scenes."

  At this point, everyone was completely stunned by his words, and Morini urged anxiously: "What's next?"

  "Third step is much simpler. We just need to make the residents understand what kind of destruction the town will suffer if we let the Ravite Federation do as they please, and how much more miserable their lives will become than before, so we absolutely cannot let Ravite's purpose succeed."

  "Next, Mr. Javier will represent the Lowell Chamber of Commerce to let residents know that we are not isolated and have no way out, thereby enhancing their confidence and uniting everyone."

  "At your service," Javier said opportunely.

  Freddie nodded in gratitude and followed with, "By doing so, our goal will be roughly achieved. I think under the common enemy, from now on, no matter what happens, all residents will firmly stand on our side and will not be deceived by the Lavierte Federation again."

  Little Haidington, who has ever seen such a professional and effective wrist. What Freddy said was unheard of by the crowd, but after careful consideration, it was extremely clever, and for a moment, everyone listened in stunned silence.

  Even Raymond was not broad-minded. In the Beastman Empire, he couldn't learn these things. Freddy's words made Raymond feel like a new window had opened in front of him, revealing a new side that he had never touched before. It turned out that controlling people's hearts and minds had so many clever methods, compared to which the struggles of the beastmen were truly child's play.

  Ricket, who had always been somewhat at odds with Freddy, also looked on with admiration. This guy may be weird, but he certainly has something to be proud of.

  "Then let's get started," Charlotte said excitedly.

  But Freddy waved his hand: "No, it's best we don't show up at first."

  "What does it mean?" Charlotte and Morini looked at each other: "If we don't show up, who will?"

  Freddie's pale face broke into an enigmatic smile: "It's simple. Let the residents do it themselves."

  I'm getting more and more feeling that this person is not simple, Charlotte asked sincerely: "Can you explain it to me?"

  Freddie said, "Humans are a strange species. In some things, they tend to believe rumors more than public statements. That's why rumors always have a market. If you stand up for Haidington from the start, it may make people think we're using them."

  "So, before the official appearance, we need to use some small tricks to create some rumors that we want residents to know, and slowly form a consensus in people's minds. When the conditions are ripe, you can make a statement, which will have the greatest effect."

  "It was like this, I understand now." At this time, Charlotte looked like a little student facing her teacher, nodding blankly.

  "Fear, anger, greed... these are all natural emotions. And if we can learn to harness them, we can use them against our enemies and make the common people follow our will easily. Remember, violence is always the last resort." Freddy said finally.

  "My god, where on earth did you find this guy?" Morini couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.