The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 113: Disguis

Franka also glanced at Market Avenue No. 126 and said, "Neither Black Scorpion Roger, Baldy Harmon, nor Short Candle Castina have come out."

"Very cautious," Lumian commented objectively.

Franka sneered, "I'd be just as cautious. With victory within reach by tomorrow night, who in their right mind would come out now? Even if someone kidnapped Gardner and chopped his limbs off one by one right at the door, I still wouldn't come out."

"That example isn't very convincing..." Lumian retorted, "What if it was Jenna who got kidnapped, instead of Gardner?"

"..." Franka fell silent.

Feeling that his "Provocateur" potion had been digested a bit more and was close to being fully consumed, Lumian didn't press the issue. Instead, he asked, "What else have you observed?"

They hadn't come up with a concrete plan for how to ambush Black Scorpion Roger and his men yet, just a few vague ideas. Right now, they were still in the investigation and preparation phase.

Franka thought for a few seconds and said, "A member of the Sting Gang has been going back and forth between the election committee and here irregularly, like he's reporting the real-time vote count to Black Scorpion Roger."

She paused and smiled. "This could be useful."

At the same time, Lumian chuckled. "This is like finding a pillow when you're sleepy.

"Being interested in politics is indeed a dangerous thing."

Franka laughed and glanced at Lumian. "Your sister's taught you a lot of hometown proverbs, huh?

"So, what's your plan?"

Lumian fell silent for two seconds before replying, "If I were an 'Actor,' this would be easy. But at least I still have those glasses."

Franka nodded approvingly. "This operation is both an ambush and an assassination. The focus should be on the assassination. That's the only way we can minimize the sorcerer's home-court advantage."

After a brief discussion, the two of them moved to a shadowed spot farther from Market Avenue No. 126, but closer to the district's parliamentary election committee, and patiently waited.

The day's voting had already ended. The election committee staff were busy tallying the votes and releasing real-time results. Reporters from numerous newspapers were camping outside, hoping to get the first-hand data.

If things went better than expected, Auguste Artois could secure more than half of the registered voters' ballots tonight and declare himself elected.

Time passed, and the night grew darker. Suddenly, Franka tapped Lumian and pointed to a figure quickly leaving the election committee. "That's the Sting Gang member."

The figure was a man in his thirties with black hair and brown eyes, a long face, wearing a blue and white striped shirt under a light brown jacket, and a thick gold chain around his neck.

Lumian nodded slightly, left their hiding spot, and walked hurriedly toward the man, pretending to be in a rush.

He pulled his dark cap low, hiding his distinctive black-with-gold hair.

The Sting Gang member, noticing someone approaching, cautiously altered his path.

At that moment, Lumian sidestepped and blocked his way, smiling as he greeted him, "Long time no see. How's your time with the Sting Gang been?"

The man was momentarily stunned, using the light from the gas lamps to get a closer look at Lumian's face.

Lumian seized the opportunity, moving swiftly to grab the man's neck and pull him into a close embrace.