Some... bad habits from the past haven't been corrected, and there are many things we haven't told her yet."
Her tone was natural, with a hint of helplessness, as if she were talking about a family embarrassment. Then, she took the opportunity to explain:
"We are indeed here on the princess's orders to observe your country's Royal Port in advance.
After all, as you know, we have members of the Giant Race on our ship, and our vessel is far larger than average. We need to confirm if the berths are suitable."
Seeing Sia's composed demeanor and reasonable explanation, the guard's furrowed brow smoothed out.
"I see. I thought you were some commoners in disguise who didn't know the rules."
He turned to look at Vina, who was still struggling in Shi Yue's arms, and spoke with a sense of superiority and the tone of an experienced elder:
"Indeed, these commoners with a bit of talent who suddenly rise to become close attendants of royalty often retain many bad habits.
You'd better train them well. Otherwise, if they're ever favored by some big shot and gain power, they'll be even more likely to become lawless and forget their place."
Sia maintained her proper smile and nodded slightly. "Thank you for the advice, senior. We will definitely discipline her strictly when we return."
While speaking, she discreetly and quickly stuffed a small bag of Berries into the guard's hand.
The guard weighed the bag in his hand, a satisfied look appearing on his face, and his attitude softened further.
"Alright, go ahead and keep looking. If you visit on this ship next time, you can dock directly at this port without having to mix with those commoners outside."
Sia thanked him again. "Understood. Thank you for the reminder, brother."
After saying that, she turned around and pretended to be angry, lightly tapping Vina on the head and scolding her:
"Hurry up and let's go! What are you doing staying here and making a fool of yourself!"
Vina gave the guard an unwilling glare and was half-pulled, half-pushed away from the port area by Shi Yue and Viya.
Watching the four walk away, the guard tossed the money bag in his hand, his face showing undisguised disdain.
"Hmph, commoners are commoners. Once they have a bit of money, all they know is bribery; they have no backbone at all. Am I the kind of person who can be bought with money?"
Despite saying that, he nimbly tucked the money bag into his shirt and quickly pulled out a transponder snail. After dialing, his tone instantly became incredibly flattering.
"Lord Abbott, it's confirmed. They are indeed the handmaidens of a princess from a non-World Government Affiliated Nation. The Damselette wearing sunglasses should be the princess herself.
Moreover, their attempt to bribe me with money further confirms the suspicion that they aren't from an Affiliated Nation and lack confidence."
On the other end of the transponder snail, in a lavish office, the butler Abbott nodded with satisfaction.
"Well done. Come to the Duke's estate later to collect your reward."
"Yes, thank you, my lord! Um... my lord, about this money they gave me..." the guard asked cautiously.
A flash of contempt crossed Abbott's eyes, but his tone remained flat. "Keep it for yourself." He then hung up.
Putting down the transponder snail, a sneer appeared on Abbott's face. "Servants are servants, so short-sighted. However, since you took their money, I can appropriately reduce the reward I give you."
Talking to himself, he took one bundle from several already prepared bundles of Berries on the desk and skillfully pulled out one-fifth.
"Hmm, two hundred thousand Berries is enough for you."
He pulled the remaining pile of Berries toward himself and patted them with satisfaction.
"These... belong to me now."
As he put the pile of money into his safe, the greed on his face vanished, replaced by the look of a shrewd butler.
"Now, it's time to execute the next step of the plan."
He picked up the transponder snail again and dialed another number. "How are things prepared on your end?"
On the other side of the transponder snail, the face of a fierce-looking man appeared, with several scars and a cigarette in his mouth.
He was in a tall building overlooking a bustling commercial street, a long gun on his back and binoculars in his hand, staring intently at Charlotte Linlin, who was lingering in front of stalls with two Female Giants.
"Boss, everything is ready," the thug leader reported in a low voice.
"The target is with her two giant guards today. That female butler with high combat power and vigilance isn't with them. It's a perfect chance to strike!"
A cold smile curled at the corner of Abbott's mouth.
"Very good. Act according to the plan. Remember to be quick and clean; don't alert too many people. Especially that 'princess'—the Duke specified she must be unharmed."
"Understood, my lord!"
The thug leader hung up, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and his greedy eyes once again turned to the binoculars, fixed on Charlotte Linlin's figure. Even with sunglasses and a sun hat, her peerless grace and slender figure were hard to hide. He muttered to himself:
"Damn, she's beautiful... Just this half of her face and this figure are more alluring than all the women I've kidnapped before combined.
What a pity. Such top-quality goods are about to be ruined by that old fat pig Dytet..."
He reluctantly put down the binoculars, crushed his cigarette butt, and waved to a group of thugs behind him who were rubbing their hands expectantly. He lowered his voice and ordered:
"Boys, target confirmed! Act according to Plan A—get ready to move!"
"Yes, boss!"
The subordinates echoed in unison, their eyes gleaming with greed and ruthlessness.
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