Chapter 146 - Chapter 146: Location Info
Chapter 146: Location Info
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Ling, have you seen this painting before? Do you recognize its location?” Liao Ning asked, her anxiety evident.
Zhou Ling offered a comforting presence as he responded, “Don’t worry. Let me take a look.”
Zhou Ling had a recollection of this painting. He had encountered it at an art exhibition in the past. The artist behind it was renowned in both the alliance and the empire—Derlin. However, he held another identity as well. Derlin was the cousin of the empire’s king and a charismatic figure known for his charm in the empire—Count G. Countless noble ladies within the empire were said to have fallen for him.
“I’ve seen this painting before. It was exhibited by the painter Delin. The artwork depicts a small resource planet located on the empire’s southern border. In recent years, due to its unique scenery, the empire has transformed it into a tourist planet,” Zhou Ling explained.
Liao Ning furrowed her brows. She had a strong feeling that Zhou Ling’s missing brother and sister-in-law didn’t visit that planet as tourists. Moreover, since it had become a tourist destination, it seemed implausible that they hadn’t made contact. Why hadn’t they reached out to Zhou Ling after all this time?
“Ningning, what’s the matter? What is so important that you needed to tell me?” Zhou Ling questioned, observing Liao Ning’s perplexed expression.
Liao Ning hesitated, unsure of how to explain the origin of this information to
Zhou Ling. “Let me think about how best to convey it to you.”
Meanwhile, in Loya’s chambers, the maidservant responsible for her daily needs glanced at the clock and respectfully addressed Loya, who sat before the dressing table while her hair was being styled. “Your Highness, the banquet is about to commence.”
“I understand.” Loya continued reading an ancient book, engrossed in her studies. She had recently found some new inspiration and believed that she was close to restoring another ancient delicacy.
As Loya prepared for the banquet, the third prince, summoned by the queen to escort Loya, arrived at her chambers.
Knocking on the door, the third prince called out, “Little Sister, are you ready? Mother sent me to escort you!”
The clear voice of the young man resonated through the door, reaching Loya’s ears. She glanced up at the mirror on the dressing table and, upon seeing the person’s reflection, was momentarily taken aback before quickly regaining her composure.
Coincidentally, the final touches of her makeup and hairstyle had just been completed. She simply walked towards the door and opened it, personally inviting the Third Prince inside. “Third Brother, come in and help me decide. Which pair of earrings suits me best?”
As the door swung open, his sister emerged, adorned in exquisite makeup and splendid attire. It was the first time the Third Prince had seen his sister in such a state, and he found himself momentarily stunned. Only when she asked for his opinion on the earrings did he snap back to reality.
“Oh, sure.”
Entering a girl’s room for the first time, the Third Prince felt a hint of reservation, uncertain about where to place his hands or how to conduct himself.
Loya picked up a pair of emerald agate earrings and held them against her ear. “What about these?”
The Third Prince shook his head. Today, Loya wore pure white attire with subtle accents of light yellow bows and lace. He felt that the emerald-green agate earrings didn’t quite complement her ensemble. Loya nodded in agreement. “I don’t think they’re suitable either, actually.”
Third Prince: Then why did you ask for my opinion?
“And what about these?”
The Third Prince observed as his sister picked up a pair of pearl earrings. The design of these earrings was understated, featuring two pearls—one large and one small—strung together. Although simple in design, the pearls possessed a delicate, lustrous quality. Combined with Loya’s outfit, they appeared splendid.
“These are perfect. They enhance your beauty,” the Third Prince remarked.
Loya smiled. She was well aware of how much her three brothers adored her, but she particularly cherished her lively third brother.
“Third Brother, you have an excellent taste. I agree, these earrings look stunning!” Loya remarked, donning the chosen pair. She then hooked her arm through the Third Prince’s, and together they made their way to the banquet venue.
After much contemplation, Liao Ning decided to withhold the information about the system from Zhou Ling for the time being. She was uncertain about its origin and unable to provide a clear explanation if he pressed her further.
“Ling, after today’s conclusion of the case, I received an anonymous email. It contained the painting I showed you earlier, along with the artist’s signature and the silver-blue emblem of the empire,” Liao Ning shared, meeting his gaze. “There’s one more thing.”
“What is it?” Zhou Ling’s intuition told him that this was the crucial point.
Fortunately, Liao Ning had transmitted the information to the Al using her brainwaves, ensuring that the system would automatically send it via an anonymous email. Without this backup plan, Liao Ning wouldn’t have been able to fabricate this lie.
Liao Ning crossed out the photo, eliminating any evidence of the system’s involvement. The content was related to Zhou Ling’s missing brother and sister-in-law, as provided by the system.
[Information regarding the whereabouts of the individuals responsible for the
Zhou family..]