The moment Lin Yide's words landed, the emotions of Callas and Clementine were instantly ignited.
In their hearts, they had always cherished a vision of the Fleuve Cendre people breaking free from their shackles, breathing freely in the sunlight, and enjoying the same rights and dignity as the people of Fontaine.
To this end, they spared no effort in promoting the construction of the Aquabus that would benefit all of Fontaine, aiming to enhance the image and status of the Spina di Rosula and the Fleuve Cendre in the eyes of the Fontaine populace, and to gain their acceptance.
Clementine quickly recovered from her excitement, responding cautiously, "Baron Yide, we cannot agree to this for the time being."
Lin Yide understood this, as there were still many extremists within the Spina di Rosula who harbored hatred for the hypocritical Fontaine.
He said sincerely, "The doors of the West Factory will always be open to the Spina di Rosula."
Clementine gave Lin Yide a deep look. "Although we cannot agree to your proposal for now, from today onwards, the West Factory will be a friend to our Spina di Rosula.
If you need our help, do not hesitate to ask, and the Spina di Rosula will not refuse."
Lin Yide's expression turned solemn as he earnestly stated, "Since Madam Clementine is so righteous, there is indeed something I would like to request.
I hope the Spina di Rosula can closely monitor the sales of a beverage called Sinthe. If you find any trace of it, please notify me immediately."
Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Clementine's eyes, as if she had made some connection, but she did not reveal her inner thoughts completely.
She solemnly promised Lin Yide, "Rest assured, I will have all members of the Spina di Rosula pay close attention to the movements of this beverage."
Afterward, Lin Yide and Furina rose together to take their leave.
Watching Lin Yide's receding figure, Clementine sighed with emotion, "It's truly unexpected that such a person would emerge from the corrupt and decadent Fontaine!"
Callas, hearing his beloved wife praise another man, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
However, he had to admit that Lin Yide was indeed a remarkable individual.
Clementine, perceptive as she was, quickly noticed the subtle change in Callas's emotions.
A playful smile graced her lips as she said with a teasing tone, "Of course, he is still slightly inferior to our Chairman Callas."
These words made Callas feel somewhat embarrassed. To conceal his awkwardness, he quickly changed the subject.
"Are we really going to consider joining the West Factory?" he asked tentatively.
"Yes," Clementine replied without hesitation, giving a definite answer, "but the time is not yet ripe."
"When will it be?" Callas pressed.
Clementine answered softly, "When he successfully resolves the placement issues between the sailors and shipowners, and uncovers the truth behind the serial disappearances of young girls, bringing the culprit to justice."
After hearing his wife's explanation, a look of realization dawned on Callas's face.
If Lin Yide could successfully resolve these thorny issues, he would win immense prestige and influence in both the Fleuve Cendre and Fontaine.
At that time, the Spina di Rosula's decision to join the West Factory would no longer encounter any obstacles.
…
The setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold, and the brilliant afterglow shone upon Lin Yide and Furina, stretching their shadows long and thin on the sloping path, like two black bars extending to the distant horizon.
Furina's eyes held a hint of doubt as she looked up at Lin Yide beside her, asking in confusion, "Yide, why are you so sure?
Could it be that the cruel murderer is really hiding in some corner of the Fleuve Cendre?"
Lin Yide did not answer immediately, but instead looked down at Furina's eyes, which were made even brighter by the setting sun.
He gently took her slender hand, ignoring her slight struggle, and felt the softness and warmth of her hand.
"Yes, I am certain that the murderer is hiding in the Fleuve Cendre."
Lin Yide spoke slowly, his voice firm and powerful. "The Fleuve Cendre has complex terrain, dense buildings, and a large population, making it an excellent place to conceal one's tracks.
Only here can the murderer cleverly evade the strict searches of the Special Security Team and the Marechaussee Phantom."
However, Furina was not entirely convinced. She frowned slightly and raised a new question:
"But, wouldn't the Special Security Team and the Marechaussee Phantom know such a simple truth? Why don't they come here to search?"
Lin Yide smiled contemptuously. "Of course they know this simple truth, but as members of the upper class, how could they be willing to set foot in this dirty, chaotic Fleuve Cendre?
They would rather sit in their comfortable offices and make deductions than come here and get their hands dirty."
After hearing Lin Yide's words, the anger in Furina's heart surged like a tide.
Just as she was about to criticize the actions of the Marechaussee Phantom, a sharp whistling sound suddenly cut through the air.
She looked up and saw three throwing knives gleaming with cold light, flying towards her in a triangular formation.
In this critical moment, Lin Yide reacted swiftly. Without hesitation, he tightly embraced Furina, and with a movement that seemed almost impossible, dodged the sudden attack.
The throwing knives grazed their clothes and struck the wall behind them, emitting a crisp metallic clang.
Furina and Lin Yide looked closely and saw three figures completely cloaked in azure robes standing before them.
The three stood under the dim streetlights, the water ripple patterns on their robes appearing faintly, making them look mysterious and eerie.
"The Pure Water Association!" Furina recognized their attire at a glance and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Lin Yide had not expected the attackers to be members of the Pure Water Association either.
His brow furrowed, and a trace of gravity flashed in his eyes.
This organization was born during the turbulent period of Egeria's fall. Her followers were unwilling to submit to the new Hydro Archon, Furina.
Some followers defected from Fontaine and went to distant lands, such as the Oceanid Rhodeia.
There were also other followers who remained in Fontaine, but their faith became extreme.
They believed that Furina's ascension was a desecration of pure water and a betrayal of their faith.
Thus, they formed the Pure Water Association, vowing to purify the water sources "polluted" by Furina and Fontaine, and restore the original purity of the water.
However, the Pure Water Association should have died out centuries ago. How could they reappear?
Lin Yide didn't have time to think. He quickly summoned the silver sword that gleamed with cold light and met the attack of the three assassins.
It was a fierce and brutal battle.
Each assassin was skilled, and the daggers in their hands flashed with a cold light in the afterglow of the setting sun. Each swing carried a deadly intent.
At the same time, Lin Yide turned to Furina and shouted, "Run! Don't worry about me, get out of here as soon as possible!"
His voice was full of urgency and concern.
Furina instantly understood Lin Yide's intention.
She knew that staying would only be a burden to him, so she turned and ran without hesitation.
Her figure quickly disappeared into the afterglow of the setting sun, leaving only a series of hurried footsteps.
The assassins obviously did not expect the Hydro Archon of Fontaine to choose to run away.
They were stunned for a moment, but quickly came back to their senses.
However, when they wanted to chase Furina, they found that it was too late.
The frustration and anger in their hearts had nowhere to vent, so they all vented it on Lin Yide.
They waved the daggers in their hands, and their attacks became more fierce and sharp.
Each knife went straight for Lin Yide's vitals, trying to put him to death.
Under the dense attack like a flood, Lin Yide felt immense pressure. He had to grit his teeth and do his best to hold on.
If he continued to be passively beaten like this, he would eventually die under the knives of these assassins.
"Damn it, you forced me to do this!" Lin Yide cursed loudly.