192: Unstable factors

Chapter 189: Unstable Elements

“We deserve better!”

The man suddenly stood up, pushed aside the bearded man next to him, and walked directly in front of Ruby, his voice full of resentment.

“This town should be ruled by us! Cousin, I really don’t understand why you gave up this opportunity.”

“We all know that you and brother-in-law supported Ismark back then precisely so you could replace him in the future.”

“Otherwise, who would be willing to follow that kid? He has neither ability nor charisma.”

“Even if he’s planning to hand over the rule to the Baron now, we can still stand up and object, fighting for more power. That way…”

“Shut up!” Ruby suddenly raised her hand, cutting off her cousin, her eyes blazing with anger. “Louis and I never thought of replacing Ismark!”

“He certainly isn't as good as his father, but he’s definitely not as useless as you say.”

“As for more power—for the Gods’ sake, Kohler, have you forgotten why we formed this team in the first place?”

“We weren’t here to rule this town; we were here to ensure the people here could survive!”

“We were here to live better!” Kohler shouted. “Barely clinging to life like this isn’t living at all!”

“Don’t you see it? Does Louis not see it either?”

“The Baron’s rule is no different from those dark creatures; it’s all tyranny!”

“It’s just that he’s smarter than those monsters; he knows how to win people’s hearts with a few small favors!”

“He says he’s just like us, but who knows what he eats and wears behind our backs!”

“I knew letting you read wouldn’t lead to anything good.”

Ruby shook her head in disappointment, raising her hand to indicate she didn’t want to argue any further.

“I don’t understand these grand theories. Right now, I only ask you to do two things: first, hand over the liquor you’ve hidden; second, leave the army. It’s that simple.”

Kohler was furious when he heard this. “What? You want us to get out?”

“Is this your idea, or the Baron’s? Is he trying to discard us after we’ve served our purpose?”

“It’s my idea,” Ruby said coldly. “The three of you staying in the army will only be a menace.”

Kohler took a few steps back and secretly winked at his two companions.

Ruby saw through their intentions at a glance and coldly warned, “Believe me, you won’t want to do that.”

No sooner had she spoken than the bearded man lunged at her with a fist.

Ruby reacted extremely quickly, swiftly dodging sideways, then kicking the other man in the stomach. The man cried out in pain and immediately rolled on the ground.

Seeing this, Kohler took the opportunity to pounce from behind and hug Ruby.

But he clearly underestimated his cousin’s strength.

Ruby roared and forcibly broke free from his embrace.

But just then, the bearded man’s second punch landed squarely on Ruby’s face.

She felt a sharp pang in her nose, and blood instantly gushed out.

She suppressed the pain, jumped a few steps to the side, and dodged the bearded man’s next punch.

Then, she grabbed the opponent’s chest and, with brute force, slammed him hard onto the ground.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Kohler turned and ran towards the door.

But just as he pulled the door open, a sword hilt struck him directly in the stomach.

Kohler cried out in pain, clutching his stomach and squatting on the ground. He looked up at the person in the doorway, his eyes instantly turning red.

“You—you—you stupid woman! You betrayed us and colluded with this guy!”

Grey, standing at the doorway, waved his hand at the subordinates behind him.

The waiting soldiers immediately stepped forward and escorted Kohler and his two subordinates away.

Then, Grey pulled out his handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Ruby.

Ruby took it and pressed it against her bleeding nose.

“I really didn’t expect things to turn out this way,” Grey said sincerely. “I thought they were your people, after all.”

“It would be more appropriate to let you handle this matter.”

“Next time something like this happens, just handle it directly; you don’t need to find me,” Ruby said in a muffled voice.

Grey couldn’t help but frown when he heard this.

Since the old Town Chief’s death, the three factions in Mist Town had been openly and secretly vying for power.

Although it seemed calm on the surface, the friction beneath never ceased.

And the faction represented by Ruby and Louis had always been dissatisfied with his rule over Mist Town.

Therefore, the conflict between them was the most acute of the three factions.

Now, his old opponent had actually taken the initiative to suggest that he directly deal with her people.

This not only failed to make Grey happy but instead filled him with a sense of unease.

“You must properly restrain your subordinates,” Grey said gravely. “If I have to step in to handle it every time, the conflict between us will only deepen.”

“For Mother Earth’s sake, Ruby, I really didn’t think there would come a day when I would so desperately wish you could unite your people as you once did.”

“Don’t you understand yet?” Ruby sighed softly, a hint of weariness in her voice. “My people are not truly soldiers.”

“They won’t strictly follow orders like your people do.”

“They are all desperate people, pushed to the brink.”

“Louis told me long ago that these people gathered together because of despair.”

“Once the crisis is resolved and despair disappears, their resolve will naturally scatter.”

“They will cause a lot of trouble,” Grey said worriedly. “Then what do you think I should do with the three of them?”

Ruby took the handkerchief off her nose, looked at the bloodstains on it, and said, “Handle it according to military law.”

“Consider it killing a chicken to warn the monkeys, to remind the others.”

“Grey, we used to be enemies, and even now, I can’t say I like you.”

“But Louis said some sacrifices are necessary.”

“If we can’t even handle this kind of relationship, what kind of leaders are we? We might as well go back to our hometowns and farm.”

Grey nodded. “Then I will report this to Lady Jessica, and the final disposition of these three people will be up to her.”

After Charlotte went to inform Jessica, Arthur continued to look through the other intelligence reports on the table.

[Green Intelligence / Follow-up] The Black Blood People are secretly planning an attack on the convoy. The attack will occur in five days.

[Blue Intelligence] The Fungus People living in the swamp possess a fungus that can improve soil quality.

They are willing to share this fungus.

However, before planting, the spores in the fungus must be eliminated to prevent a widespread fungal infection.

Brussian has research in this area and can be asked to help with the treatment.

[Green Intelligence] Gedada, the Granny, knows how to remove the curse on the Cursed Armor.

[White Intelligence] Hidden in the Plantation’s winery is a recipe for Bloodvine Wine.