Free Web NovelChapter 326: Chapter 326: Keeping Secrets is a Virtue of the Dead_1
"Isn’t this reason enough? Some of the fans I’ve met have done things far more outrageous than this. Every year, Susan has to deal with several fans who try to sneak into my residence..." Sophie said, "There was even someone who tried to dig a tunnel into my house’s basement."
"That does sound creepy..." Aiden commented before pressing on, "But please don’t change the subject."
"All right, all right, I surrender," Sophie said with a helpless raise of her hands, "The real reason I went to prison was that I got myself into a bit of trouble outside, so I tried hiding in prison for a while."
"Trouble?" Aiden frowned, "Elaborate."
"Just a common risk for information dealers—knowing things you shouldn’t," Sophie explained, making a slicing motion across her throat with her thumb, "For us, information is a commodity, something to be sold. But some people associated with certain information prefer us to ’keep our mouths shut.’"
"Got it, silence is a virtue for the dead," Aiden nodded in understanding, "So, because someone was after you, you switched places with your maid to hide in prison and let the maid deal with it outside?"
"If I’m lucky, she takes care of the problem, and I get out unscathed," Sophie spoke slowly, "If not... I lose a body double."
"That body double was even willing to die for you?"
"I can’t say for sure that she was willing, but we at least offered her enough to make her accept," Sophie Carter replied leisurely, "Even though both of us are ’Sophie Carters,’ I’m still worth more than she is—she’s well aware of that."
"But you’re overlooking one possibility—if the person after you discovers that you’ve switched identities..." Aiden said, pointing at Sophie, "he will come to this prison to deal with you, bringing trouble to me! Since your ’Smiling Scales’ only deals in information related to authority, I’m guessing the person you’ve crossed... also wields the power of divine speech?"
He realized that the trouble Sophie Carter brought with her to the prison could very easily extend to him—her reason for running into prison was certainly not so simple!
"If it really comes to that, I trust that my idol will have a way to handle the situation," Sophie said with a smile that showed no sign of regret, "After all, you’ve got The Codex in your hands, the one that can declare supreme laws."
"So you’re using me to ensure your safety?" Aiden’s gaze sharpened.
"That’s part of the reason, yes."
"I would say it’s the majority!" Aiden corrected, "What secret did you learn, exactly? And who is trying to kill you?"
"Do you really want to know?" Sophie countered.
"If I find out, will I be targeted for assassination too?"
"You don’t think your mouth is more secure than a dead man’s, do you?"
"I really don’t want any trouble, but it’s already in my prison," Aiden said, fixing his gaze on Sophie, "I think it’s better to have at least a slight understanding of the trouble I might encounter."
"Are you willing to protect me? I knew I didn’t misjudge you," Sophie laughed.
"It’s just part of the job, I can’t just let someone get killed in my prison," Aiden said sternly.
Sophie Carter might not have disclosed everything, but since The Codex requires the truth, whatever she had disclosed was probably all factual. Sophie was indeed seeking refuge in the prison from someone with the power of authority hunting her down.
If Aiden wanted to use the Wordless Code to limit the opponent’s power, he would first need to know the information about their power.
"Well..." Sophie pondered, "Allow me to consider the price of the information first..."
"You’re planning to charge for this too!?" Aiden exclaimed in surprise.
"I am an information dealer after all," Sophie shrugged.
"You want to use me to ensure your safety yet refuse to provide essential information? Are you planning to take your secrets to the grave?" Aiden couldn’t understand her logic.
"Some information has to be bought with life, valuable information can’t just be given away freely. That’s the basic principle of an information dealer. Moreover, I’m not desperate yet, Susan is still out there perfectly playing ’Sophie Carter.’ My being in prison is only a last resort," Sophie smiled at Aiden, "Warden, you don’t need to worry too much; this trouble might not even reach you."
"Blindly optimistic people die fastest," Aiden replied, "Then answer me one more question, do you control any other abilities besides this substitution power?"
"Rest assured, the only ability I have for now is this one, I have no plan to cause any trouble in your prison," Sophie could see what Aiden was thinking.
After finishing, she picked up her wine glass and took a large gulp. With the effect of the earlier drinks, her cheeks were already beginning to flush.
"We’ve talked so much about me, won’t you share something about yourself?" Sophie suddenly changed her tactic.
"When you enter a prison as a convict, there are some rules you need to understand. One very important thing is, if the wardens haven’t given you permission to speak, then don’t speak."
Aiden sensed a crisis—Sophie clearly had a certain level of understanding about the Wordless Code, and the rule of "no lying" applied to both of them. If she asked sensitive questions, even if he remained silent or evasive, she might guess something.
If she inquired about some confidential information, like a certain goddess imprisoned beneath their feet...
"Don’t be like that, let me get to know you a bit," Sophie was already gearing up to ask, "The first question—umm!!"
Before Sophie could ask her question, Aiden controlled a mercury amalgam golem to cover her mouth.
"Here, the consequences of not following the rules are severe," Aiden said calmly as he took out the Wordless Code and erased the "no lying" rule, "Let’s end the Q&A session for now."
Only then did the golem release Sophie. freewebnøvel.coɱ
"It’s mostly me answering questions, that’s not fair!" Sophie, able to speak again, immediately started to complain.
"I came here to ask you questions," Aiden reminded her.
"Fine, I’ve enjoyed our chat nonetheless, and the wine was excellent... not too much to complain about," Sophie downed the last of her drink, "Plus, you are now a potential major client. If you are interested in any information..."
Although he was well aware that he couldn’t afford the prices she’d previously quoted, Aiden still tentatively asked a question: "So, have you heard of Mr. Bloody Robe from the Blood Moon Cult?"
