Yes, Lady Funina!

Of course, this matter had nothing to do with Lynette. Lynette wasn't even in Fontaine when the servants attacked Frynn. Arecino didn't inform Lynette beforehand, and even the people of the Hearth House only learned about their father's test of the water god afterward.

Richard quickly noticed Lynette's unusual behavior and gently tapped her head with the document in his hand, saying, "This has nothing to do with you, don't overthink it."

It was Aregino who acted on her own initiative, so the blame lies with her. As for Lynette... just kidding, she's Richard's secretary now, so it's hard to say whether she's even a member of the Fools.

If we're being really serious, Lynette should be... Richard's mole planted within the Fatui?

“I didn’t think much of it.” Lynette shook her head; she wasn’t the type to needlessly create unnecessary mental strain for herself.

Although the attack on Fryna by the servant Arecino had nothing to do with her, how will Fryna feel when she finds out that she is also a member of the Fools?

This is something Lynette cannot afford to overlook, lest a rift develop between the three of them in Fontainebleau.

"So what do you plan to do?" Richard asked curiously, wondering if he was going to just run over and tell Funina.

Sorry, I am a fool.

I'm afraid I'm going to give Fulina insomnia again.

"Bring her more treats regularly," Lynette said; that was all she could think of for now.

“That’s a good idea.” Richard nodded. In any case, he was always happy to see Lynette, Frynn, Clarind, and Ningguang getting along well with each other.

Who doesn't like a harmonious harem?

Although Richard is currently unable to have sex, he will not be unable to have sex in the future.

According to Richard's own astrological analysis, the key to breaking Fontaine's deadlock actually lies with this guy, "Young Master."

To be honest, if Richard hadn't been so confident in his astrological skills, having received Alice's true teachings, he probably would have thought he had made a mistake in his divination.

Richard simply couldn't understand why the "Young Master" was the key to breaking Fontaine's deadlock. However, at that time, the astrological chart showed a connected constellation, and after the celestial pulses stabilized, a giant whale appeared.

Richard deduced that the whale was definitely related to the Primordial Sea of ​​Conception, and that it was very likely currently in the Primordial Sea of ​​Conception's alternate dimension, and that "Young Master" Tadalia should have some kind of connection with it.

Of course, it could also be fish bait.

In short, according to astrology, Richard only needs to wait for the "Young Master" (a navigation tool) and bait to arrive before he can find the location of the original fetal sea alien space.

Thinking of this, Richard asked Lynette about the whereabouts of the "Young Master".

"Linette, have you heard anything from the Young Master?"

“Young Master? I don’t know, but judging from Father’s words, that Young Master should be arriving soon,” Lynette said.

She knew why Richard cared so much about the Fools' Enforcer, "The Prince." The reason "Servant" told Richard about "The Prince" wasn't because he knew about the connection between "The Prince" and the prophecy of the end of the world, but to remind Richard to protect Funina and not let "The Prince" attack him again, just like she had attacked Funina before.

She acted with restraint and knew how formidable Richard was, but the young master had no idea that he was just a hothead and a battle maniac. If he really hurt Funina, then she wouldn't be to blame.

Of course, the reason Arecino said all this was to distance herself from D'Artagnan. If the "Young Master" came to Fontaine for vacation and caused any trouble, she couldn't be blamed.

It's a non-stick pan.

"Are we almost there? What about Arecino? Is she still in Fontainebleau?" Richard continued to ask.

Lynette shook her head and replied, "I'm not so sure about that, but since we came back, Father has only appeared at Hearth House twice, the most recent time being two days ago."

Contrary to Arecino's cold and bloodthirsty exterior, Richard knew that she cared deeply about her 'family,' whether it was an act or not, and if she could spend the night at the Hearth House, she would usually choose to do so.

Since Lynette said that it had been several days since Arecino last appeared at the House of Hearths, it can be basically concluded that she is not in Fontaine.

As for whether she is still within Fontainebleau's territory, Richard couldn't make a definitive judgment, but regardless of where she is, it doesn't actually affect the progress of the plan itself.

But it's definitely less troublesome if he's not there, since there will be less unnecessary trouble when we capture the "Young Master" and throw him into Mello Petersburg.

------

"The lady's actions are truly swift. In just one year, she has obtained both the Heart of the Rock God and the Heart of the Thunder God. If Fontaine hadn't suddenly intervened, perhaps even the Heart of the Wind God wouldn't have escaped her grasp," the young master remarked with some emotion.

He felt that although the lady was not good, she still had the ability to collect the Heart of God. Even though he had been tricked by her in Liyue last time, the magnanimous young master did not care about it.

In truth, putting aside his loyalty to the Winter Queen and whether or not he was a god, the Prince didn't really care. As long as the final outcome belonged to the Fools, he didn't care who delivered the document. What he cared more about was whether there were interesting opponents.

He has now come to Fontaine, ostensibly for a vacation, but in reality, it stems from a stirring within his heart.

It was as if something in Fontainebleau was drawing him in from the shadows; the closer he got to this land, the stronger the attraction became, but when he actually set foot on this land, the attraction suddenly disappeared.

Fortunately, the Prince now has plenty of time. Having so smoothly acquired the three Hearts of Anemo, Geo, and Electro, he has already completed half of the KPIs set by the Winter Queen. As the executor in charge of Liyue and the surrounding areas, the Prince naturally has some free time.

Of course, this leisure is relative. Even during his vacation, the young master still has work to do, but it's simpler. He's just helping the Northern Bank collect debts. Although the targets are often very powerful nobles, it's a piece of cake for him.

In contrast, civil servants in Fontainebleau have it much easier. When they take a vacation, they take a vacation and there's never any talk of having to work after get off work.

However, work is work. When you gain something, you often lose something else. D'Artagnan gained power and status, so it's only right that he should contribute some labor.

“Your Excellency, we are all respectable people. There’s an old saying in Liyue: ‘It’s only right to pay back debts.’ We agreed that the Fatui would help you eliminate your competitors, and in return, we would receive a copy of the technical documents from the collaboration with the Fontaine Academy. Now that we don’t have those documents, shouldn’t we discuss compensation?”

"What debt? Hmph, I don't understand. Who's cooperating with the Fools? Don't spout nonsense here. Get out of here, or I'll call the special patrol team." The count couldn't help but look down on the young master because he looked young and came to the count's mansion alone.

Furthermore, two-thirds of the Fontaine Academy of Sciences was destroyed in the bombing, and the researchers and their data in the Earl's Mansion's collaborative project with the Academy were also tragically lost in the disaster. Where was he supposed to find technical documents for the Fools?

He doesn't even have one himself!

As for the compensation mentioned by the "young master," it made the count want to laugh. Yes, he had said that if he failed, he would repay all the aid from the Fools. But now he himself had lost everything, and he still wanted to repay the aid from the Fools?

I'll repay you!

Of course, the Earl only dared to say this in his heart. After all, he knew that the Fools were not to be trifled with. The reason he dared to act so arrogantly in front of the "Young Master" was because the "Young Master" looked too young, not even as old as his own son.

Moreover, the "young master" looked unfamiliar, and considering that he came to the Earl's mansion alone, it was clear that he was a new member of the Fools' Clan and was eager to prove himself, which was why he came to the mansion.

Hmph! He still wants to use the name of the Fools to fool him. Doesn't he realize that the explosion at the Fontaine Academy happened so long ago, and the Fools haven't come after him for the debt?

I definitely have connections with the Earl!

Thinking of this, the count puffed out his chest, his enormous beer belly almost bursting out of his noble robes, and said to the [young master] in a condescending tone:

"Young man, I know you've had it tough, but we're all in this together. Hasn't your boss ever heard that there are risks in partnerships and that investments require caution?"

"What business in the world is guaranteed to succeed? You fools have failed in your investments and now you come to me wanting your investment back. What kind of logic is that?"

"Of course I understand your organization's difficulties, but... I certainly don't have the technology. And I definitely can't provide Mora either."

"But if you're willing to work with me again, as compensation for the previous investment failure, I can make some concessions..."

Yes, the count not only has no intention of repaying the Fools' aid, but he even wants to lend out another sum.

As for what to do about the previous debts... I won't say anymore. Will he make any concessions this time?

The part he conceded was what he owed before.

This count was quite shrewd, but unfortunately, he encountered a "young master".

"It seems the Earl misunderstood me."

"A misunderstanding?" The count looked at the young master with some suspicion, then he understood.

No kickback was given.

That's true. How can you not offer them something when they come all alone? Even the Fools need to make a living, don't they?

Enough is enough. It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings.

Giving a little Mora is nothing; if a cooperation can be achieved, this money will be returned a hundredfold or a thousandfold.

Thinking of this, the count took out a bag of Mora that he had prepared beforehand from the drawer. He had three more drawers of Mora, all of which were used to deal with these foolish 'little devils'.

D'Artagnan watched as the count took out his money pouch and couldn't help but laugh. These Fontaine nobles were really something else. Had they all planned this together? They all liked to play this game.

When the count saw that Dalalia was smiling, he smiled too. He knew that was what she meant, since no one dislikes Mora.

“Since you have the money, then settle the compensation all at once. This is far from enough.” D'Artagnan weighed the money bag in his hand, the Mora inside making a crisp sound as they tumbled up and down.

The count's smile gradually faded. "What do you mean by this?"

Before D'Artagnan could reply, the count opened the drawer again, took out two money bags, and threw them in front of D'Artagnan.

That's all.

"It seems you still don't understand."

"not enough?"

The count thought D'Artagnan was too greedy, so he pressed a button on his desk. Soon after, a flurry of footsteps came from outside the door, and D'Artagnan was surrounded by a group of guards armed with weapons.

“Young man, sometimes being too greedy is not a good thing. Although I dare not provoke the Fools, I believe they will not care about the life or death of an unknown nobody if I pay a little price. What do you say?” the count said calmly.

Although the fools are powerful, my sword is not without its weaknesses!

……

"Did all of you nobles learn to speak from the same master? Barons say this, viscounts say this, and now even you, the earl, are still using the same old rhetoric, repeating the same few phrases over and over again, without any originality."

D'Artagnan squatted down in front of the count, who had already been knocked down, and gently tossed the blade in his hand. The blade then fell and flipped, embedding itself in the floor tile next to the count's head. It was just a hair's breadth away from piercing the count's head.

The count trembled violently, his legs, which were lying on the ground, shook involuntarily, and he even urinated a couple of drops because of D'Artagnan's fright.

"Tomorrow, I hope to see the Earl's sincerity when I open my account at the Northern Bank. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

"That's good." D'Artagnan had no interest in bullying the weak. After receiving the count's promise, he pulled out the blade stuck next to the count's head and stood up.

After stepping over several people blocking his path, Mr. Datalia, the gold-medal debt collector of the Fools, was about to provide door-to-door service to his next customer.

As for whether the untrustworthy count would actually transfer the money to the Northern Bank's account tomorrow, D'Artagnan didn't care at all. He only knew that if he didn't see the count's sincerity tomorrow, Fontaine wouldn't see the count the day after.

In such a vast place as Fontaine, it's not surprising at all that some unexpected things happened, is it?

Just as D'Artagnan stepped out of the Earl's manor, he glanced in a certain direction as if he had noticed something.

A beautiful girl in red, who was hiding behind the bushes with a camera, froze for a moment, but fortunately, D'Artagnan didn't seem to care. She just glanced at her from a distance and continued walking.

She's just a whistlebird with 'eyes' on it. If I remember correctly, she should have a close relationship with Richard. Let's just let her go for now.

D'Artagnan weighed the purse in his hand, put it into his pocket, and then took out the address of the next customer.

"That scared me to death! What keen observation skills! I think he spotted me just now, didn't he?" Charlotte patted her chest, muttering to herself with lingering fear.

She was surprised that the other party could sense her gaze from such a distance. He truly deserved to be called the kind of person who could travel alone to several noble manors and still emerge unscathed.

They have real skills.

Charlotte was secretly investigating a rights protection case. When she came across a baron, she coincidentally learned that a very capable debt collector had recently come to the Northern Bank. In just a few days, he had single-handedly recovered several debts for the Northern Bank, most of which were owed to nobles.

Unsurprisingly, this news caught Charlotte's attention. After following up on that rights protection case, Charlotte set her sights on this debt collector with a legendary resume.

As everyone knows, you're the boss when you borrow money, but you're the boss when you have to pay it back.

Charlotte wanted to see how the other party had managed to resolve so many debts for the Northern Bank in such a short period of time.

After witnessing several of D'Artagnan's debt collection attempts, Charlotte came to her answer.

There are no tricks, only strength.

The most efficient way to collect debts often involves using only the simplest methods.

This person, suspected to be an external debt collector from the Northern Bank, used his extraordinary abilities to make all the nobles who owed debts to the Northern Bank obediently submit.

only……

If Charlotte remembers correctly, Fontaine's laws explicitly prohibit violent debt collection, right?

But the debt collector from the Northern Bank seemed completely unconcerned about this, and single-handedly surrounded the entire noble estate, violently demanding payment from the estate owner.

It generally follows these three stages: polite conversation → verbal threats → subjugation by force

Charlotte looked at the photos that 'Mr. Wen Hengting' had spat out, and for a moment she didn't know whether she should continue to follow up.

If we keep following this, we'll probably only see the same old story. Besides, she's already been exposed. Even though the other party hasn't done anything to her yet, there's no guarantee that D'Artagnan won't change her mind later.

But if she doesn't continue investigating, the evidence she currently has is far from enough to prove that Beiguo Bank committed the crime of violent debt collection. She might even be sued by Beiguo Bank in court.

Troublesome, extremely troublesome.

If she could, Charlotte would love to interview the victims, but her years of experience as a journalist have taught her that interviewing those nobles would be pointless. They value their reputation above all else, and even if they were beaten so badly by D'Artagnan, they would probably just swallow their anger and suffer in silence.

Moreover, it's hard to say whether there might be any dirty secrets they don't want to be exposed.

Going to those nobles might not be as effective as bribing the servants in the noble estates.

Alas, unfortunately, I am short of money and simply cannot afford this enormous expense.

Charlotte touched her increasingly depleted wallet; there was still some time before payday, so she was definitely going to miss it.

Moreover, it's hard to say whether those who work under nobles have improved their abilities, but their appetites are certainly enormous.

Her salary probably wouldn't be enough to extract information from those people...