Chapter 1153 Hawkeye, That's All
When Aiwass makes up his mind, his motivation becomes very strong——
He took Isabel directly to find the Speaker of the Giant Tree Party.
——This was a formal diplomatic request sent through Edward, and he couldn't refuse.
After Avalon merged into the New Hellas Empire, Edward's status as Aiwas and Yulia's older brother also rose. Today, Edward is the New Hellas Empire's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Iris Kingdom.
This was the highest-ranking diplomatic representative, one level higher than Edward's previous position as "Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iris," and he enjoyed full diplomatic privileges. He could be said to be the embodiment of the New Herasil Empire in Iris.
Even the Speaker of the House must take the diplomatic letter sent by Ambassador Edward seriously.
——In particular, the Giant Tree Party actually knew what Aiwass was going to do. After all, although Aiwass's assassination attempt was not published in the newspapers, it was not a secret at all... Or rather, the fact that it could not be published in the newspapers meant that it was under the highest level of public opinion control.
Even if everyone who knew about the incident already knew about it, as long as it didn't appear in the newspapers, it meant that everything could still be turned around. Once it appeared in the newspapers, it meant that the matter had become a complete disaster.
Under such circumstances, Aiwass's request for a meeting actually made the senior management of Iris feel relieved.
Cursing the madmen at Hawkeye, they sweated profusely as they prepared for an urgent meeting with Aiwass. Fearing another mishap... In the Iris, a city known for its advocacy of freedom and human rights, they even blocked off all roads leading to Aiwass. Agents and spies were stationed at every high point, fearing the appearance of another impulsive assassin who could escalate the situation.
This is not acting.
The Iris people were truly fed up with Hawkeye. Their first attempt to assassinate Hawkeye in Avalon failed, and they were arrested. They were fined a huge sum, which eventually became taxes. Their second attempt to assassinate the Saint in the Theocracy failed again, and they were arrested. The Theocracy hadn't punished them yet, but simply suppressed the incident. Their third attempt to assassinate Aiwass in their homeland failed again, and they were arrested again.
——No, buddy?
If you can't beat them, could you please not give it to me?
The senior executives of Iris are really starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
If the assassination had been successful, it could still be considered radical.
But the problem was, hadn't it ever succeeded? It had only been six months, and he'd already failed three times in a row, each time with a major, pointless assassination attempt. They simply couldn't understand why Hawkeye would bother them.
The Bone Sculptor is fine... They know the Bone Sculptor was really sent to curse the Avalon royal family. But they didn't ask you to assassinate Aiwass, did they?
As for the assassination of the candidate for Pope, they were even more puzzled - after all, they had no conflicts with the Theocracy, right?
Of course they couldn't figure it out.
Because they really didn't assassinate the Pure White Saint.
——Only those who have wronged you know how wronged you are.
But this third time, they weren't innocent—this time, there was no chance of luck. Too many people had witnessed the scene. It was a busy street in the heart of the city, and there were at least hundreds of witnesses. They could only say Aiwass was too merciful, as no innocent people were harmed... However, this also made it even more difficult for them to handle the public opinion surrounding this matter. They had no choice but to suppress it for now and humbly come to Aiwass to ask for his terms.
This has already been discussed within the Giant Tree Party.
If Aiwass makes trouble, they will immediately hand over the Hawkeye organization; if Aiwass can agree to this condition, they will immediately slide on their knees and define the incident as "the matter has been handled internally by both parties."
——Don’t talk about whether it’s useful or not, brother, I’ve voted first.
——It’s okay, brother. If the New Helasar Empire attacks, I will be the first to surrender!
After all, the insiders of the Giant Tree Party actually didn't know that their leader Pierre was the leader of the Hawkeye Organization. Most of them didn't even know that Pierre was connected to the Hawkeye Organization... After all, Pierre was attacked by Hawkeye's assassins in public and angrily expressed his disgust for the assassins.
Only a few people knew that it was just Pierre's acting, and most of them were already dead.
Even Speaker Pierre himself said that Hawkeye must pay the price this time - he has already made plans to take the opportunity to cut Hawkeye out.
Although he was reluctant, Pierre also knew... Hawkeye could no longer be saved.
It wasn't that they'd messed with the wrong people—if he'd wanted to, he could have stopped Master Thomas at a price. It was mainly because Pierre believed that, after losing the Moon Child, Hawkeye could no longer be controlled by the "ideals" of these high-ranking assassins.
At this point, Hawkeye could lose control at any moment. And once they lose control, they will pay the price. No one can escape from the escalating situation...
——But when they met, Pierre realized that although he had tried his best to increase the trouble level of Aiwass, he still seriously underestimated Aiwass.
The man, who was wearing a dark suit and had short, neatly combed-back hair, looked gentle, serious and respectable. He stood respectfully in front of Aiwas and Isabel's car and personally greeted them as they got out.
"Cardinal Moriarty," Pierre bowed slightly to Aiwass, touched his chest, then looked at Isabel and nodded and shook hands, "Your Majesty the Queen."
This title was the best one he found after repeated thinking - Aiwass had many titles, such as Minister without Portfolio, former Pope, Prince... but he believed that "Cardinal" was the highest-ranking title among them, and it also implied Aiwass's surrender, "Please, Brother Dedication, spare me."
His address to Isabel as "Queen" also had a similar meaning. Although Isabel was no longer the Queen, he hoped that Isabel would realize that this was an important conversation involving the relationship between the two countries and asked Isabel to put himself in the Queen's place.
By positioning others socially, one subconsciously influences their self-definition and adjusts their surroundings to an atmosphere more suitable for one's survival—this is undoubtedly a survival technique that adapts to the Tao. Because it is not an extraordinary skill, it will not cause fluctuations in the Tao.
The moment Aiwas saw him, the corners of his mouth rose slightly.
At that time, Speaker Pierre already felt something was wrong.
But fortunately, Aiwass did not attack immediately. Instead, he gently nodded to the reporters and flashing cameras on both sides of the street, showed a gentle and bright smile, greeted everyone present and gave a blessing.
Then, amid the people's enthusiastic screams and cheers, he slowly walked into the elevator of the Sky Tower with Isabel and Speaker Pierre.
The Sky Tower—a hotel, or rather, a tourist attraction, in the capital, the City of Light. Its unique feature is its exceptional height, allowing for a commanding view of the sea of clouds. It's also a venue for the highest-level banquets... After all, at this height, neither assassins nor eavesdroppers can infiltrate.
Of course, this also means another possibility - even if the people inside want to escape, they cannot.
After taking his seat, Aiwass said leisurely, "Chairman Pierre... I've heard a lot about you."
"Not at all."
Pierre smiled a genuinely friendly smile and rubbed his head. "I actually don't think I'm that famous... You might not know this, Cardinal Moriarty... I'm more of a mascot within the party, haha. Everyone's actually more enthusiastic and proactive than me. I don't usually have much to do, so as to why I'm in this position... I guess it's because I don't know anything, so I don't pose any threat."
His words were almost weak.
But from another perspective, he is actually passing the buck.
What Pierre implies is that "I don't really have any real power" and therefore "if anything goes wrong it's not my responsibility."
Aiwass did not respond.
He just smiled calmly, "Really? I think the identity of 'Leader of the Hawkeye Organization' is quite impressive."
“…”
Pierre fell silent suddenly.
"You must be quite busy, right? After all, besides your political life, you also have to manage such a large organization. There aren't many people who can help you... After all, even among the top leaders of Hawkeye, not many people know about this; and there is no one in the Giant Tree Party."
Aiwass smiled and took a sip of the sparkling wine.
Speaker Pierre slowly exhaled and revealed a helpless yet relieved smile.
He didn't try to defend himself or play dumb—he knew such things were pointless. For someone of Aiwass's stature to say so, it meant he had solid evidence. Any further pretense or pretense would only further diminish his self-esteem.
This elegant yet decadent middle-aged man slowly lowered his head, clasped his hands together, and gently shook them as if begging for mercy.
"I beg for mercy, my lord."
He whispered sincerely, "I lost. It's all my fault. I'm sorry. I'll do anything."
He also did not explain, "Actually, it was not my order to assassinate you," but the master assassin acted on his own will... out of his desire for revenge.
Pierre knew this was true, but he couldn't explain it—no matter how he tried to find evidence, the other party would think it was the truth Pierre had hidden and then revealed. And no matter what, he knew about it... which meant he at least acquiesced or didn't object, so he was actually responsible.
"He's a smart guy."
Aiwass said with a smile, "I thought you would struggle. Like at least throw away the responsibility for assassinating me... After all, it was Master Thomas's decision."
“…You even know this.”
Speaker Pierre felt helpless.
He had thought that Hawkeye was a one-man show, but now it seemed like everything was completely leaky.
But he also had some hope in his heart - he keenly grasped the possibility of survival from Aiwass's words.
"As expected of His Excellency Cardinal, the only Pope among humans."
Speaker Pierre flattered, "We are not on the same level of power - although it may be my fantasy, is it possible for us to fight under you and for you?"
"you?"
Aiwass raised his eyebrows: "Hawkeye?"
"The elites in Hawkeye," Speaker Pierre amended, "are the elite among the elite. They are all from good families, their parents and grandparents were heroes who sacrificed their lives for Iris, and these high-ranking assassins are also very trustworthy..."
Aiwass looked at him with a smile.
Speaker Pierre immediately amended his words: "Of course... even among the elite of the elite, there aren't many who are absolutely reliable. But it would be a shame to kill off the remaining few. They are all very clean - you can also send someone to investigate. I remember a master who followed you to the Theocracy... I think it was Master Honey Badger.
"She also knows that there are a number of assassins within the organization who are not corrupted. Although their number is small... I have always carefully protected their morals and spirit. This is all to cultivate healthier talents for the organization...
"As you know, those less-than-clean assassins are likely to be bribed by others, so I naturally wouldn't dare to use them. Furthermore, their hearts on the path are no longer pure; they're tainted... After all, there aren't many assassins who can get in touch with me, so I have to choose the best."
"……So."
Aiwass looked at him for a moment before suddenly speaking: "How many are left of this batch?"
"Sixteen. All of them are above the fourth energy level, and three have already been promoted to the fifth energy level this month."
Speaker Pierre answered immediately.
Aiwass looked at him for a long moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. Every tap of his fingers was like a thunderclap to Pierre's keen hearing.
Finally, Aiwass gave the answer.
"—Then you can take care of the rest."
Aiwass narrowed his eyes slightly, with a crimson glow burning in his pupils.
He smiled and put an end to the Hawkeye organization: "Remember to deal with it cleanly - be careful not to hurt innocent people."
"yes."
Speaker Pierre immediately responded respectfully, "Each assassin's behavior is continuously evaluated internally... Their every move is monitored by the upper echelons of assassins. There will be no wrongful killings, and no one will be spared."
“We also need to make a good transition.”
Aiwass said gently, "Now that Hawkeye and Moonchild are gone, many grassroots facilities... like welfare homes, are no longer under control. Although we no longer need to put on a show, this part needs to be handled properly. I'd better not hear that some welfare home or orphanage has suddenly lost funding."
"Sure, I'll handle this myself."
Pierre said quickly, "Nothing will go wrong—I guarantee it with my life."
"You are a clever man, Pierre."
Aiwass smiled and said, “Your cleverness saved you…and Iris.
"Iris Kingdom, are you interested in returning to the Empire?"
Update!
My cold is almost healed, and it was pretty quick this time. I should be able to update again tomorrow!
(End of this chapter)
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