Chapter 556: Where is the Princess?

Chapter 556: Where is the Princess?

The food at the banquet wasn’t bad. If there were a children’s table, Lin Nuo would definitely go there, just bury his head in the food and avoid any awkward conversations.

Here, they’d drone on, criticize him, toast him—what a hassle!

He wanted to hear about the casualties and losses after the major incident in Huan Tian City, but Liu Feng didn’t mention it at all.

So, it was up to him to bring it up.

“Lord Liu, there was a major incident in Huan Tian City—there must have been quite a few casualties, right? Any statistics?”

Bringing up casualties at a celebration dinner was impolite, but Lin Nuo didn’t care; he just wanted them to squirm a bit.

Liu Feng put down his chopsticks and sighed:

“Yes, there were quite a few. However, we are trying our best to bury the remaining bodies and comfort their families, doing what we can. I’m very glad to see a young brother concerned about the situation of the citizens.”

What nonsense about caring for the citizens! I just want to know how many people died; how did that turn into caring?

If anything, one could say I care about the numbers.

“But one thing is for sure: loss of life is inevitable in war, but victory is still victory. It doesn’t affect our celebration, so young brother need not worry—just eat and drink what you’re meant to,” Liu Feng added.

“Speaking of which, General Liu, what about Her Highness the Princess?”

Lin Nuo paused after saying “Her Highness the Princess,” not continuing.

Was he about to say the princess had died? He certainly couldn’t say that outright; that would be a reckless thing to do. It would put him at a disadvantage, and saying it would make him seem malicious.

If he said she was dead, they’d surely deny it—a princess’s death was a big deal, and they would try to conceal it for the time being.

As for evidence, he had none; he hadn’t taken the body and didn’t usually keep them—he normally had them cremated. But at the time, cremating would draw attention, so he hadn’t done it.

In any case, by hinting at it now, they’d know what he meant. No explanation needed; just let them feel awkward.

“Hmm…”

Liu Feng paused, not immediately answering.

If they were talking about the princess, she was actually present, but her identity had to remain confidential because it was her instruction—not to tell outsiders, as she was in disguise for a private visit.

So, she was currently at the banquet under the guise of Luo Yi, but that couldn’t be disclosed.

Liu Shuqin glanced at Luo Xiaoxue, seeking her cue; if she wanted to reveal it, so be it—no need for her to say anything.

Liu Shuqin actually hoped Luo Xiaoxue would announce it, given Lin Nuo’s nature—he didn’t like following the etiquette expected of subordinates, which would naturally create a rift with Luo Xiaoxue.

At that moment, Luo Xiaoxue spoke up:

“Hero Lin, Her Highness the Princess has returned and couldn’t attend this banquet.”

“Truly returned?”

Lin Nuo questioned with a hint of skepticism; what was this Luo Yi suddenly talking about—let the prominent figures deal with it and let them feel awkward.

“Her Highness returning is indeed a big deal; wasn’t there any news? Remember how grand it was when she entered the city? Now she’s leaving—shouldn’t the entire city turn out to see her off? Also, without Her Highness, the banquet feels a bit lacking.”

“Do you really think it feels lacking without Her Highness?” Luo Xiaoxue asked.

“Yes! Her Highness is someone I truly admire. I was really hoping to catch a glimpse of the princess’s stunning beauty; alas, she’s already left. Will we hear news of Her Highness again? Surely we will?”

Lin Nuo’s tone had a slight sarcastic edge. There would be news of her, but it might just be the news of her death.

Of course, they might fabricate something, like she’d gone into seclusion or the higher-ups pretending not to know—if he didn’t release any news, then the princess hadn’t died.

In this realm, if the emperor goes missing, people might take notice; but if the princess is lost, life goes on, and eventually, everyone would forget.

“Really? Is that true?”

Upon hearing Lin Nuo’s words, Luo Xiaoxue’s face flushed slightly—did she really hold that status in his eyes?

“Of course it’s true! A talented, strong, and beautiful person like Her Highness deserves my admiration. Her existence is a blessing for all, and I hope for her long life and health.”

Lin Nuo went on, laden with sarcasm; what good health, when she was gone?

It felt so gratifying to feign ignorance while saying these auspicious words.

Liu Shuqin was not pleased.

What does he admire her for? Even if it was a lie, she didn’t want to hear it. This Luo Xiaoxue merely holds the princess’s title; compared to her, how could she be worthy of his admiration?

This junior brother never says anything nice to her—even if it’s just sweet lies, it would be better than nothing.

As a young woman, she really hoped the one she admired would whisper sweet nothings in her ear, even if it was just a pretense.

“Well, I’ll thank you on behalf of Her Highness for your support,” Luo Xiaoxue said earnestly, and such words could excite her all day.

“I understand your desire to meet Her Highness, but she had urgent matters and left Huan Tian City first. Young brother, with your talent, you will have the chance to see Her Highness. Now, let’s focus on eating and avoid speaking of such matters,” Liu Feng quickly interrupted the topic. The previous false princess who had taken Luo Xiaoxue’s place was also missing; continuing this conversation could easily reveal too much.

Best to stay quiet; it was already uncomfortable enough with these people around, and he was just trying to eat.

Now that he’d brought it up, his voice rose, likely making everyone a bit wary. If someone really went to check, they could discover Her Highness hadn’t left, and it could lead to revelations about her death.

He was responsible for the killings while others spread the word—safely done.

He planned to mention it here, and later in the city, increasing the pressure on everyone concerning the princess’s whereabouts; after all, the truth was she hadn’t left the city.

Eventually, someone would piece together what had happened to the princess.

Given time, the culprit would be hard to find.

After the banquet, Lin Nuo grabbed a few bottles of trendy iced drinks popular in Huan Tian City to enjoy later.

These drinks were slightly inferior to cold water but still drinkable enough.

After dinner, Luo Xiaoxue sought out Lin Nuo.

“Hero Lin, I was quite interested in what you said earlier at the banquet. We both know that when we encountered the fake princess, the real one’s whereabouts are still unknown. I’m really concerned about her.”

“Concerned? Then go search for her!”

Concerned was good, but finding that body would be even better; let everyone see the truth.

“Do you have any leads?”

“None.”

Lin Nuo shook his head in denial.

“Hmm… okay then… what are you doing?”

Luo Xiaoxue noticed Lin Nuo tossing a peculiar little stick in his right hand, full of curiosity.

“This is a guiding stick, said to help find directions. Guan Bo from the city gave it to me. I just toss it around for fun, but of course, I don’t really believe it can guide me.”

The little stick fell to the ground, pointing north.