Close Combat Mage

Chapter 249 - Pain of Betrayal Part 1

Suo Jia wordlessly stared at those extremely familiar faces. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, but was unable to say anything. He looked at the people’s ashamed faces, then looked back at Fourth Prince’s complacent smirk. After thinking about it for a bit, Suo Jia soon realized what had happened.

From the beginning, the Fourth Prince had watched Suo Jia closely. When the fire wind warriors were spirited away by Suo Jia, it may have been unknown to most people, but Lan Ruo couldn’t possibly have been unaware. As Lan Ruo was the leader of the 6 maids in the White Villa and Wen Ya’s trusted aide, Wen Ya naturally knew of anything that Lan Ruo knew of. Of course, if Wen Ya knew anything, the Fourth Prince would definitely learn of it as well.

It was clear to see that the Fourth Prince had planned everything since the beginning. He’d let Suo Jia develop the plans, while he used his own abilities and influence in the background to help lead Suo Jia forwards to break through the critical phase and fulfill all his plans. Otherwise, Suo Jia would’ve never suddenly risen to power so smoothly.

In addition, while it seemed like Suo Jia’s intelligence had been what led him to his leading position today, Suo Jia only knew how to do this because of Lan Ruo’s suggestions. Strictly speaking, the Fourth Prince had managed to take control of Suo Jia’s mind through Lan Ruo; it was really too frightening.

Suo Jia had to admit that as a prince, and a future owner of Holy Light Empire, the Fourth Prince’s charisma was much greater than his own. As long as the Fourth Prince tried, he’d be able to automatically gain any person’s loyalty and devotion. This included the Angelic Six-Winged Phoenixes.

Just as Eldest Sister, or Lan Ruo, had said, the Fourth Prince was able to satisfy anything his subordinates desired as the future owner of Holy Light Empire. In this respect, Suo Jia just couldn’t compare. The Fourth Prince could grant everyone nobility if they respected him, but Suo Jia definitely didn’t have this ability.

However, although he knew this, Suo Jia was still feeling great pain in his heart. It had been 6 years, almost 7 now, that he and the Angelic Six-Winged Phoenixes had spent day and night together, yet he couldn’t compete in power or money. It was really too disappointing.

Suo Jia’s eyes glistened with tears as he shook his head and said, “Duo Mei, can you please explain to me just what is going on here? Why would you all betray me? What…”

Duo Mei’s body shook. Although she didn’t raise her head, large drops of tears continued to fall from within her red cloak. It was evident that Duo Mei also felt it hard to take.

Duo Mei finally answered Suo Jia, “Young Master, long before we met you…we had already pledged loyalty and devotion to the Fourth Prince. During the past 6 years, we’ve seen Fourth Prince even more often than Young Master.”

“Bang.” Suo Jia’s mind mentally exploded. It turned out that while it had looked like he was controlling everything, the Angelic Six-Winged Phoenixes had regarded the Fourth Prince as their master.

As Suo Jia began to feel dizzy, Duo Mei continued to say, “Originally…we had received the Fourth Prince’s orders to diligently assist Young Master as best as possible, and go on errands for Young Master. But it’s clear to see that now the Young Master has broken off relations with the Fourth Prince, so…”

Suo Jia let loose a breath and smiled, “In other words, your interaction with me this whole time has been sincere, right.”

The girls all raised their heads and looked at Suo Jia resolutely. They could declare anything untrue but…their feelings towards Suo Jia were definitely sincere, without any utility mixed in.

“Very good…” Suo Jia smiled and nodded as he wiped away the tears that were rolling down his face, “At this point, I don’t have anything else to say. It’s really hilarious how I’ve been working so hard these past few years, yet everyone went off with him instead.”

Suo Jia turned around and said to the Fourth Prince, “I have to admit that compared to you, I’m indeed quite lacking. I was unknowingly just dancing around in the palm of your hand, and had even thought highly of myself. You’ve won.”

“Hmph.” Arrogantly snorting, the Fourth Prince said in disdain, “You may think you’re smart, but you don’t realize that even though you’re intelligent, you’re still just a child. Those puny schemes of yours couldn’t possibly stay hidden from adults. All I had to do was look at them, and your every action could easily be guessed by me. Haha…you can’t go against me yet, you’re too inexperienced.”

The Fourth Prince said coldly, “By now, I’m sure you’re aware of everything, so just say it…what exactly did you discuss with the Emperor that day?”

Suo Jia expressionlessly shook his head and said flatly, “Not possible. I’m not an immoral person that just changes sides over and over. You’ve made an error in judgment.”

“Hmph.” The Fourth Prince snorted and said chillingly, “You think that if you don’t tell me, I can’t discover the truth of the matter? Let me tell you straight out, actually, I already know most of the content of your discussion that day. I know…that you enticed the Emperor by doubling his life span, making that old man depose all the princes. Tell me, am I wrong?”

“You.” Suo Jia raised his head in shock and stared at the Fourth Prince in fear. He really couldn’t understand, just how had the Fourth Prince figured out everything? The palace definitely had spies. It looked like…the old man Emperor was in danger.

Seeing Suo Jia’s astonished expression, the Fourth Prince said darkly, “Right now, you only have two choices: the first is to become my subordinate, and serve only me, following my commands. The second is to die this instant. As long as I shatter the Emperor’s hope, I’ll definitely be able to successfully succeed the throne.”

Suo Jia didn’t even bat an eyelid and replied blankly, “It looks like you’ve prepared quite a bit. That must mean my mother has also fallen into your hands.”

The Fourth Prince nodded and sinisterly said, “We’re both intelligent people. I obviously dealt with such a minor matter appropriately. Don’t worry, your mother is fine right now. She probably still doesn’t even know what’s happened here. Her circumstances however, are directly linked to your choice.”

The Fourth Prince paused for a moment before bursting out, “Alright, truthfully speaking, there are feelings between us, and I’m unwilling to kill you. It’s best if you just conform to the circumstances and work for me. As long as you’re willing to vow loyalty and devotion to me, I guarantee that your life won’t be any different from what it was like before.”

The Fourth Prince arrogantly puffed out his chest and said in high spirits, “When I become Emperor, I’ll return everything back to you. With our relation, I guarantee that your noble rank will last for thousands of generations, and your wealth and riches will be eternal. I can give you everything the Emperor gave you. How about it? Think it through well; like I’ve said, we’re both smart people, so you should know what to choose.”

“Pfft…” Suo Jia spat in contempt, “Since you’ve already stated that we’re both intelligent people, why bother putting up false pretenses? Just tell me directly; you’ve got your sights on the Emperor’s throne, as well as having a prolonged life of over a hundred years, right?”

“Hahaha…” The Fourth Prince laughed. He stopped trying to conceal his thoughts and nodded, “That’s right, it’s exactly as you say. It’s not just me, Wen Ya needs your help as well. In reality, there’s no need to be concerned about anything. Just come over to my side. We can create a glorious dynasty together.”

“Sigh…” Suo Jia bitterly smiled, “The prospects you’re portraying are fine indeed, but do you know why I would prefer to choose the old man Emperor, and not be your assisting partner?”

“Hm.” The Fourth Prince looked at Suo Jia in confusion and frowned, “That’s a question I pondered over for a long time. I don’t understand why you still choose him, and not someone like me that you’re more familiar with.”

“Haha…” Suo Jia smiled and shook his head, and flatly said, “Actually, it’s not much. Simply put, I just don’t like or admire you. You think that you’re so smart, but you don’t understand; that kind of intelligence you show on the outside is you being sharp but petty-minded. What I admire instead is wisdom. I won’t ever serve you, even if I die.”

Suo Jia slowly stood up, and powerful magic power surged out violently from Suo Jia, and dispersed outwards. At the same time, Suo Jia roared in anger, “I’m going to leave this place right now. If anyone dares to stop me, go ahead and try. Since we’re enemies, there’s no reason to hold back.”

The Angelic Six-Winged Phoenixes all raised their heads at Suo Jia’s shout and looked at him unwillingly. They knew clearly that Suo Jia said that in order to dispel their apprehensions. After interacting with each other for so long, Suo Jia still didn’t have the heart to make it hard for them in front of their master, even at this final point.

“Young Master…” Finally, Duo Mei cried out lowly, choked with emotion.

“Hmph.” Without waiting for Suo Jia to reply, the Fourth Prince declared, “Suo Jia, even if you manage to escape from here, do you really not care about your mother’s life? You can run, but how can she run?”

Suo Jia coldly glanced at the Fourth Prince and grounded out, “Even now, you still want to blackmail me with my mother? Too bad, you’re too late. Truthfully speaking, Aimi and Aila have already escorted my mother out. Even if you want to threaten me with my mother, you can’t possibly do it anymore.”

“That’s impossible,” the Fourth Prince cried out in shock, “I’ve already sealed off White Villa. Even if they grew wings, they couldn’t possibly fly out. Don’t even dream of lying to me.”

Suo Jia smiled and narrowed his eyes in contempt, “In reality, the reason I came back this time was to bring my mother to Dawn Fort. A few days ago, Aimi and Aila accompanied her off in the darkness while we were outside taking a walk. The only person in your grasp right now is Mother’s stand-in.”

The Fourth Prince’s expression suddenly changed and he asked incredulously, “How is that possible? Just now, someone notified me and said that your mother was indeed in White Villa. How…”

“Haha…” Suo Jia chuckled and explained, “It’s really nothing major. Since you understand me so well, you should naturally know that I have the Dark Angels thief group under me. Those guys are slave soldiers that have committed heavy crimes. Even if I lost everyone else, I still have tons of those kinds of tricks. I hadn’t thought that I’d actually be able conceal it from His Royalness, the Fourth Prince.”

The Fourth Prince’s expression finally changed and Suo Jia smiled just then, “In reality, I wanted to establish a completely secret corps a while ago that only represented me ages ago. But after going around trying to set it up, I was still unable to escape the palm of your hand. Thus, the slave soldiers caught my eye.”

“That…” The Fourth Prince’s body shook as he subconsciously replied, “That’s right, no matter what, I wouldn’t have ever come into contact with the slave soldiers. After all… there are so many of them, and they’re all of low status. Even if I wanted to search for your subordinates, I wouldn’t have searched the slave soldiers.”

The Fourth Prince raised his head and looked at Suo Jia, “No wonder you created 5-6 groups in succession, with the Green Angels and Golden Angels and whatnot all day. It turns out that you were just trying to establish one branch that would escape my vision this whole time, a corps that represents only you.”

Suo Jia nodded and replied in affirmation, “In order to successfully keep the secret, I sent them away as pretext the day I established the groups, then secretly raised their status with the nobility grants so that they became normal citizens. Now…they’ve completely become armed forces under me already.”

The Fourth Prince sighed in praise and applauded Suo Jia, “Your thinking was really quite sharp. To think that you really established a group that I couldn’t possibly access. Even though this group isn’t much, you do have quite a few tricks up your sleeve, and managed to make a proficient scheme.”

Suo Jia straightened his body, seemingly prepared to leave. At the same time, Suo Jia continued to say, “In reality, there are still many things you don’t know about. Don’t think of yourself as some God, because you’re not anywhere close.”

Suo Jia glanced at the Angelic Six-Winged Phoenixes and said in pain, “However, I have to admit that the Angelic Six-Winged Phoenixes’ betrayal far surpassed my expectations, so I did lose to one of your schemes.”

“Hehe…” The Fourth Prince sneered conceitedly.

“However…” Seeing the Fourth Prince’s smug expression, Suo Jia continued frostily, “Since you really dared to hand the 5000 Velociraptor Knights over to me, you have to admit that you lost to one of my tricks too.”

“Huh?” The Fourth Prince looked at Suo Jia in confusion and asked, “What do you mean by that? You helped train them so well for me, and even made the best armors for them. What did I lose?”

Suo Jia coldly looked back at Fourth Prince and stated, “The armors are indeed quite good. However…there’s something that you probably don’t know about them; I haven’t paid for the armors yet, hahaha…”

“Tch…” The Fourth Prince smirked conceitedly and said, “And here I thought it was something major. Isn’t it just some money? All I had to is hand it over. How does that count as you winning?”

“No, no, no…” Suo Jia darkly smiled as he shook his head, “Those armors were ordered under the Velociraptor Knights’ names, and General Harvey is the one that arranged it. Although I was the one that wrote the order form, General Harvey was the one who handed it over, hehe…”

“What exactly are you trying to get at?” The Fourth Prince furrowed his brows impatiently.

Suo Jia glanced over and smiled evilly, “Nothing really, just…the items on the order form used up all the expensive heavy metals that the dwarves had accumulated over thousands of years. Originally, I was going to use my relationship with the old man Emperor and ensure the Empire pay for it. But now, this money will definitely have to be paid by you. I just don’t know whether you can afford it.”

“Tch…” The Fourth Prince tsked in disdain and said loosely, “Sorry, I never really thought much about money. Isn’t it just some change? I would never pay any mind to that.”

“Papapa…” Suo Jia clapped in praise and stated, “The Fourth Prince really is the Fourth Prince, managing to even ignore the cost of one hundred trillion gold. I can’t say anything except for words of respect. If you just turn around and discuss with Duke Wen Sha about selling Holy Light City, you’ll pretty much have just enough.”

“What. WHAT. ONE HUNDRED TRILLION?!” Although he didn’t ever think about money, the value of that much money was something ridiculous even to someone that normally ignored money like the Fourth Prince.

Suo Jia gave a fake smile and nodded, “That’s right. Originally, I had planned to use the Life Potions’ recipe as exchange, and then ask the Empire to pay for a portion. But the troops are now yours, so I obviously don’t need to pay it anymore. Thank you for your trouble from now on, Fourth Prince.”

“You…I…that…” As the Fourth Prince looked at Suo Jia’s beaming smile, he finally began to panic. He could afford it, but if he really took the money out, he’d immediately became a penniless beggar.

“Oh. Right…” While the Fourth Prince was still in shock, Suo Jia suddenly slapped his forehead and shouted, “I forgot to tell His Royalness, the Fourth Prince. Those Life Potions probably won’t be produced anymore. That machine requires a secret code to be inputted every year. I was originally supposed to input it when I came back this time, but some things put it off. Now it looks like I won’t need to input it anymore.”

“Plop…” The Fourth Prince fell back hard on his seat, his entire body trembling. He had to repay such a massive amount of debt, to the point where he’d even lose a golden goose. This was a serious injury. Suo Jia had actually burned the secret recipe ages ago, so he was the only one in the entire world that knew it. And according to the current situation, Suo Jia was clearly not going to tell it to the Fourth Prince.

The Fourth Prince stretched out a trembling hand and said darkly, “It’s not too late yet. If I capture you, I can get past everything. Someone…seize him!”

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