The atmosphere grew slightly cold.

Primarily, Ethan's actions had probably exceeded West and Johnny Blackbird's expectations.

"How did you..."

West seemed a bit at a loss.

One must know, she had planned and prepared for a long time for today's events, and the spell she used was one that ordinary people would find nearly impossible to escape from.

But still...

"Junior Brother, it seems you are much more formidable than I imagined."

"Senior Sister, you're not any less formidable yourself."

When Ethan said this, there was already a hint of murderous intent in his words.

Quite simply, regardless of what West and the others intended, Ethan deeply resented being schemed against in the shadows, manipulated, or having his entire life controlled.

Now that everything was clear, it was time to resolve it all.

"Wait, wait, Ethan, since you aren't being controlled anymore, and everything's fine, why don't we sit down and talk?"

Johnny Blackbird stepped in at this point, positioning himself between the two parties, trying his best to appear relaxed.

"Talk about what?"

Ethan had actually already seized the thrusting sword he had captured from Kaster and was ready to wield it in combat.

"You both have the same teacher, she's your Senior Sister, and she's not doing anything wrong, she's just trying to help more people. So there's no need for a life-and-death confrontation, right? The person who should die isn't you, nor should it be her—it's someone else."

As Johnny Blackbird spoke, his tone grew deeper, carrying an almost philosophical implication, rather than his usual lyrical style.

It's undeniable, his eloquence was excellent; he had more potential as a lecturer than as a bandit.

"Is that so?"

Yet Ethan had no intention of leaving it at that.

Johnny Blackbird sighed.

"Alright, it seems you've made up your mind. Then, let me fight in her place. This should be a matter between men."

"Johnny..."

West called out his name.

But Johnny Blackbird shook his head: "Dear, just like I said when I first met you, as long as I'm alive, no one will harm you."

Ainebez also wanted to say something, but Ethan didn't give her a chance to speak.

"Your Highness, please step back a bit, so you don't get hurt."

The two men faced each other in the aisle between the drapes.

A breeze blew through the underground hospital.

The next moment.

Ethan drew his sword and thrust it towards Johnny Blackbird.

Johnny Blackbird drew a black revolver, aiming it at Ethan.

However, before he could shoot, Ethan's silver thrusting sword had pierced his heart.

The outcome was decided in an instant.

Ethan withdrew his sword and walked away.

Johnny Blackbird collapsed, and West hurriedly caught him.

"Johnny..."

West appeared somewhat sorrowful.

But then, the once-lifeless Johnny Blackbird suddenly sprang back to life. Comfortably lying in West's arms, he winked at her with a smile: "How about that, dear? My acting was pretty good, wasn't it? Did I scare you?"

"You..."

West was taken aback, unable to shake off her sadness so quickly.

"Idiot, did you forget what I told you? I'm the immortal Johnny, the undying Blackbird; I'm impossible to kill."

Johnny said this and then adjusted his position, looking towards Ethan, who had stopped in his tracks.

"Are we even now? Or do you want to try killing me again?"

Ethan actually felt that if Johnny died just like that, it would be a waste of his reputation, but since he had already killed him once...

"Forget it."

Saying this, he walked to Ainebez's side.

"Your Highness, let me escort you back."

Ainebez also breathed a sigh of relief. Regardless, it was good to see Ethan unharmed.

"Ethan, I still want to talk to you after this matter is settled."

At this moment, West addressed Ethan once more.

"Let's talk after it's all over. You definitely have a lot of troubles."

Ethan wasn't exaggerating; kidnapping him was one thing, but kidnapping the princess was a major crime, and they were involved in the assassination of the Eldest Prince.

The Eldest Prince was the most likely candidate to succeed the throne; this was indeed a major issue.

"Your Highness, perhaps you could inform your brother that I wasn't involved in the assassination. After all, you know well that I didn't have the time to commit the crime."

Johnny Blackbird seemed to realize this too, lazily lying in West's arms, shouting at Ainebez.

"I will investigate when I return. If what you said is true, I will come find you again, West, even though you deceived me."

Ainebez didn't directly respond to Johnny's words, she simply said this.

Then, the two walked out of the underground hospital, returning to the squalid slums.

"Your Highness, your bravery is a bit much, isn't it?"

Ethan couldn't help but say.

"I was rescuing you, and this is all you have to say to your savior? Shouldn't you be saying thank you?"

Ainebez seemed irritated by Ethan's words, huffed, and turned away.

"Thank you."

"Hmm, I'm hungry. Take me to eat something, something you usually eat—no, something ordinary people eat."

"I think it's better if I take you back first. Many people are looking for you."

Ethan hadn't expected Ainebez to make such a request.

"No, I've finally managed to sneak out without guards or others. I want to enjoy myself for a while."

Ainebez exhaled deeply, as if finally feeling a sense of freedom.

"Alright then, but before dark, I must take you back."

"Then, it's a deal."

Ainebez looked very excited, hastily running out, nearly tripping over herself.

Ethan quickly moved forward, supporting her.

Like this, they slowly made their way out of the slums.

Finally, Ethan glanced towards the direction of the South District.

South District.

Little Ibia, the battle was nearing its end.

Vasini ultimately did not die under Travis's gun.

In the most dangerous moment, he once again felt the gaze of the gods, the Divine Power filling his entire being anew, allowing him to use Throat-Cutter Neil to block another bullet from Vasini.

Meanwhile, because of the immense pressure exerted by Valentino from behind, Travis's men, having lost the firepower advantage of the Wenster typewriter, were instead repeatedly beaten back by the Martinos Clan.

Vasini seized the opportunity to break through the encirclement, rejoining the majority with Valentino.

However, the Divine gaze was still intermittent, and the preparation of Little Ibia and Travis exceeded expectations, so he could only abandon today's campaign and begin to retreat.

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