Arknights' Lock of Heaven

"The spokesperson for the Business Federation is an elite from various sectors selected by the Managing Directors. Each of them has their own duties and is responsible for many matters, big and small, related to the Major."

But to her disappointment, Gravel was simply reciting a prepared statement: "They are not at the top of the power structure, but they are indeed an inseparable conduit. Since the Federation's mouthpiece specifically requests to see you, I hope you will be careful."

Only at the very end did they reveal their inclinations.

To be honest, the Doctor didn't quite understand the female knight in front of him.

She is indeed a confidante of the Securities and Futures Commission, otherwise she wouldn't have been assigned to his side.

But in her words...it seemed she was referring to Kazimir...

The Doctor still remembers what Gravel said when he was watching the news in Nearl.

"How enviable. Although competitive knights are always the center of attention, Doctor... you're caring for her as a 'comrade,' right?"

"What a novel feeling. How are the Radiant Knights viewed outside of Kazimierz—on lands beyond the Kingdom of Knights?"

Such a biased statement is not something a typical trusted knight of the Witness Council would say.

Just then, there was a polite knock on the door.

"Excuse me... Is this the room where Rhodes Island is located?"

Markowitz stood outside the door, watching Gravel open it for him.

"Ah, Sir Knight...you?"

“Gravel, a fourth-tier knight, is now serving as the doctor’s security advisor during Rhodes Island’s stay in Kazimierz,” Gravel replied calmly. “I report directly to the Oversight Council. Mr. Spokesperson, please don’t mind him and continue with your work.”

“Let’s sit down and talk. And you… Miss Gravel, if your position allows, please relax a bit,” Markowitz said, walking over to the sofa and sitting down politely.

"I prefer the feeling of being in control of the overall situation, please let me stand here."

Gravel refused outright.

“Alright,” Markowitz said, not knowing what to say, and then turned to look at the Doctor.

"You're the head of Rhodes Island? I'm Markowitz, the spokesperson for the Business Federation... You can just call me Markowitz."

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Just call me Doctor,” the doctor nodded, then looked at Markowitz and asked curiously, “You must be Mr. Markowitz? It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Uh,” Markowitz said, somewhat embarrassed.

Let alone these foreign companies, even people in the business association may not have heard of his name, after all, he has only just taken office.

The so-called "I have long admired your name" is probably just a social nicety.

"No, it's not a compliment," the doctor said calmly, noticing his confusion. "Xia Yu has already bragged to me about his good taste."

Upon hearing this, Miss Gravel, who had been somewhat indifferent just moments before, immediately stood up straight and began to listen attentively.

“Mr. Xia Yu…” Markowitz’s expression was complicated, then he remembered that there was a member of the Supervisory Council in the room.

He quickly looked up at the gravel.

"It's alright, there's nothing to hide from Miss Gravel," the Doctor said calmly. "After all, Rhodes Island and the Control Council are very close partners."

Hearing this, Gravel smiled at the Doctor.

“Okay, I understand,” Markowitz took a deep breath. “Mr. Xia Yu…is he really an incredible person?”

"Including the unbelievable incident a while ago that caused a nobleman to suffer a fatal injury (physical)?"

"Li asked casually."

Markowitz glanced at the doctor, then continued, "Including, but not limited to, this."

"I always felt that there was still a storm brewing in his heart."

Upon hearing this, Li frowned.

"And that storm will soon descend upon the land!"

"Maybe today, maybe tomorrow," the doctor said casually. "Who knows?"

247 The arrow is on the bowstring

Gravel didn't quite understand what they were saying.

But it's okay, she'll find out soon enough.

The conversation between the doctor and Markowitz did not last long.

We're all smart people; some things are best left unsaid, there's no need to say more.

But even if they didn't say it, Gravel could sense the danger lurking beneath the city's calm.

"I know, I know, but none of that matters."

"Gravel...you've been in contact with Rhodes Island for a while now, how's it going?"

"The Champion Wall," the Grand Knight Commander said slowly, his back to Gravel.

"I believe I have gained Rhodes Island's... partial trust."

“I don’t care about that, Senomi. What I care about is whether Rhodes Island has earned your trust.”

“I…” Li hesitated for a moment.

"A Knight of Conquest is a soldier. You have upheld your identity and fought in Kazimierz until today," the Grand Knight Commander said slowly. "Senomi, you are still so young, why should you restrain your thoughts?"

“…” Gravel remained silent.

Don't you like Rhodes Island?

“No…it’s just…” Upon hearing this, Gravel shook his head, finding it difficult to speak.

But under the encouraging gaze of the Grand Knight Commander, she still spoke up.

"If treating infected people in that way is considered 'just,' then how should we characterize the long-term actions of the Cassimisc and the Cassimisc Council?"

"Whether it's just or not, you'll have to decide for yourself. You have a long road ahead of you."

The Grand Knight muttered to himself, "We old folks are long past our prime..."

"Perhaps, I should have done what Cyril said back then: never compromise..."

"But now, it's too late."

"We can only hope that you young people will clean up the mess we made."

"How utterly incompetent."

The Grand Knight Commander gave a self-deprecating laugh.

“No, Your Excellency, no one can match your achievements…” Upon hearing this, Gravel hurriedly retorted, but was gently interrupted by the Grand Knight Commander.

"What use are so-called achievements...?"

“Kasimir became like this day by day under my watchful eye, and I am to blame.”

The Grand Knight lowered his head and chuckled softly, "Do you know why Rhodes Island deliberately warned you that person was bound to make a big move, yet we remained unmoved?"

“To be honest, I don’t quite understand,” Gravel shook his head.

A major move... If brutally murdering a noble heir in front of his family's manor isn't considered a major move...

What counts?

Li didn't even dare to think about it.

"Do you know?" the Grand Knight Commander smiled faintly, "if it weren't for his actions in standing up for the infected, the Unarmored Alliance would probably have already started massacring the infected in the city."

"However, it will begin soon, won't it? The attack on the infected."

"Some people are already restless. One move can affect the whole situation. That person is a variable that no one expected... They are already on the verge of action and have no choice but to act."

"They want to coerce the infected, while we want to exploit them."

“None of these are noble acts,” the Grand Knight admitted frankly, “but we’re leaving ourselves some leeway.”

"Since our allies value the infected so much, we could change our plans and replace the attackers with Ursus spies instead of infected thugs who are dissatisfied with the Grand Knights."

"Anyway, the Great Knight Territory is not short of spies now."

"We can provide all the treatment we promised to those infected, including after-sales service."

"But not the business federation."

The Grand Knight turned his head and looked into Gravel's eyes.

"From the very beginning, they were the ones who strangled the infected, and they were also the ones in charge of Plot Zero!"

"All we did was turn a blind eye."

"Although this is hardly justice, we are insignificant in the face of the ringleader."

"Therefore, no matter how much trouble that person tries to stir up, the only target they will be is the Business Federation."

“But if we let him run rampant in the Great Knight Territory, then…” Gravel frowned.

Aren't you afraid of Kazimierz's reputation...?

“Senomi, do you know? Fame and face are sometimes very important, but sometimes they are worthless.”

“Renowned reputation is very important to the business association now.”