Understood, sir.
I will relay your message, the maid answered softly.
After bidding farewell to the maid, Fongghao gazed at the map, contemplating his strategy.
This operation was undeniably a trap laid by the faceless ones.
Although he had received the intelligence, Rebecca remained oblivious to the situation.
The next step would be to stage a performance, ensuring that the unsuspecting Rebecca unwittingly assisted in keeping him out of the faceless one's plans.
At 9:00 that evening, the carriage arrived in the bustling district.
The sky had darkened, yet the streets were still alive with wandering crowds.
As Fong How pulled back the carriage curtain, his gaze fell upon a building named the Pink Fox.
This establishment was a renowned tavern under the control of Riley subordinates.
In modern parliament, it could be described as an entertainment venue.
While beverages constituted only a fraction of the profits, the majority stemmed from flesh trades, gambling, and underground fighting rings.
Fonggho and Anya ellighted from the carriage, strolling confidently down the streets of the district.
The entire area was under Riley's dominion, and outside some shuttered shops stood womenclad in revealing attire, leaning against the walls, awaiting clientele, barely having taken a few steps into the street.
A woman approached him directly.
Sir, are you in need of a woman? We have all ages guaranteed to satisfy your desires.
Given the time and location, it was indeed the prime hour for such business.
Fong Hao, youthful in appearance and dressed impeccably, was easily mistaken for a wealthy young lord seeking thrills, making him a key customer for the ladies of the night.
As he continued walking, the woman trailed closely behind, incessantly chattering.
We have women of all ages, including delicate maidens from noble families.
You're sure to be pleased with prices ranging from 50 to 500 gold coins, allowing you to choose at your leisure.
Funo ignored her, instead wrapping an arm around Anya's waist and striding forward.
This gesture clearly indicated his intent, prompting the woman to scoff and cease her pursuit.
Anya, embraced by Fong Hao, did not resist.
Instead, she reciprocated the gesture, resting her arm on his shoulder.
"Fear not, with me by your side.
They would not dare to force you," she reassured him.
"Thank you," Fong Ho replied, feeling the softness against his shoulder.
The intimate gestures between the two effectively deterred the women lingering along the street.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Pink Fox Tavern, a young girl approached and said, "Sir, would you like to buy a bouquet for your lady?" observing the modestly dressed girl who stood at a mere 1 m 12 cm.
"Fong how" inquired, "How much?" "One silver coin, sir," she replied.
Fong Hao retrieved a silver coin from his pocket, placing it into the girl's hand before casually picking a bouquet from the basket and offering it to Inja.
And Ja accepted the flowers, glancing at them dismissively.
"You don't intend to use this to appease me, do you? Besides, I have no fondness for such things.
They are inedible.
Fong Hao shot her a disapproving look, urging her to refrain from her peculiar remarks.
They stepped into the pink Fox Tavern, immediately greeted by a cacophony of noise.
Upon entry, they were met with a cluster of tables, densely populated with patrons, while a makeshift wooden stage stood at the forefront.
On the stage, scantily clad young women wrive provocatively, intentionally or unintentionally revealing their secretive forms to the audience below.
This spectacle rendered the already inebriated patrons flushed as they applauded boisterously, eager to squander their money in this establishment.
Fongo tightened his embrace around in Jia's waist and the nearby women sensing the situation prudently withdrew their advances.
Turning their attention to other potential customers.
As the couple made their way forward, they reached the staircase.
The Pink Fox Tavern featured a casino on the second floor, a brothel on the third, and a clandestine boxing ring in the basement.
Reputedly a battleground where fortunes could be won or lives lost in a single night.
Sir, this area is not open to the public.
Two burly guards obstructed Fongo's path as he attempted to descend into the basement.
Chapter 382.
Underground boxing arena staircase.
Two burly men obstructed the passage of the two individuals.
One of them pulled open his coat, revealing a short sword at his waist, exuding a clear warning.
Fungho glanced down the staircase and casually remarked, "What is the matter? Is the boxing arena closed today or does Riley have no intention of conducting business? Upon hearing the name Riley from the young man, the two exchanged peculiar glances, sensing that this individual might not be an ordinary patron seeking amusement.
Their tones softened slightly.
Sir, the arena is indeed open, but entry requires a pass.
Fongghao waved his hand dismissively, exhibiting impatience.
He stated, "Go tell your manager that I am Fong Hao and I possess considerable wealth.
I intend to visit the arena below, so have him arrange a pass for me.
" The two guards exchanged bewildered looks, both puzzled and perplexed.
"Fong Ha!" They hadn't heard of such a person in the city, and his tone was rather audacious.
To demand entry to the underground venue simply by name, was bold.
However, seeing Fong how sres resolute demeanor, they feared the repercussions of neglecting a potentially significant figure.
They hurriedly replied, "Sir, please wait a moment.
I will inform the manager.
" They exchanged a knowing glance and hurried upstairs.
On the third floor, in a private room, Riley reclined on the sofa, indulging in the warm and passionate attentions of a woman named Deborah.
Just as their fervor reached its peak, a series of urgent knocks echoed at the door.
What is it? Riley s tone was less than amiable.
He detested interruptions at critical moments.
If the visitor lacked a satisfactory reason, they would pay the price.
The door swung open to reveal lie go accompanied by a subordinate.
The subordinate greedily eyed the woman beside Riley and exclaimed breathlessly, "Boss!" a young couple has arrived on the first floor, seeking entry to the underground boxing arena.
"We stopped them, but he claims to be Fong How," asserting that mentioning his name would grant him passage.
The subordinate s tone was hasty, bordering on incoherence.
Yet those present grasped the essence of his words.
A flicker of entry crossed Riley's eyes.
You say his name is Fong Hao? Yes, I don't know which family he belongs to, but he has black hair and is accompanied by an orc girl, the subordinate reiterated, providing a rough description.
Upon confirming the identity, Riley s brows furrowed deeper.
He was well aware of who Fong Ho was.
Tonight was meant to be an operation targeting him.
However, he never anticipated that Fong would suddenly appear here.
seeking entry to the underground boxing arena.
Riley turned to LIGO and inquired.
Is the place prepared? It is ready, boss, LGO replied.
Riley fell silent for a moment before addressing the waiting subordinate.
Arrange a pass for him and have someone keep a close watch on him.
Monitor when he leaves and with whom he interacts.
I want every detail.
Understood, boss.
The younger brother acknowledged with a nod and swiftly exited the room, descending the stairs.
The door to the room closed once more.
furrowed his brow as he sat upon the sofa, deep in contemplation.
After several days of investigation, he began to harbor suspicions that Fongo's team was indeed aiding Rebecca.
However, the information had been discreetly conveyed to the Lord's Manor.
If Fong were involved, he ought not to be present here.
Yet, he had indeed made an appearance.
Could it be that he truly was not the one? Began to doubt his previous assumptions.
Might it be that his subordinates were the ones undertaking each operation? Ligo raised his concerns.
Some merit in this notion that young man was rather delicate and his actions were exceedingly ostentatious.
It was plausible that he would refrain from participating in combat.
Has arranged for surveillance at Fongo's residence? Pressed on.