9.Conspiracy

The Sea Breeze Tavern at the dock had a bad reputation due to its owner's despicable habit of eavesdropping and reporting, but for the most part, the residents of Silver Port wouldn't go elsewhere for a drink, as the convenience of the location was a decisive factor. However, if they indeed had any conspiracies or tricks to discuss, they would by no means choose this place.

Rat-Eye drove the carriage to the Red Brick Tavern in the lower town, where the owner understood the wisdom of feigning deafness and blindness. Rat-Eye parked the carriage and covered the treasures that Klaw had swindled from Lord Bard's mansion with a canvas. Rat-Eye estimated that these items were worth a fortune, and as long as he disposed of them properly, he could reap a limited profit.

"Limited, yes!" Rat-Eye thought smugly, this was the biggest difference between him and the self-smart Klaw, and the latter was deceived because he was too greedy, too eager to rise to the top in one step, and too desirous of things that did not belong to him.

A rat should stay down-to-earth in the sewer, being a contented rat.

Thinking proudly, Rat-Eye tossed a few coins to the tavern owner; being generous was not the prerogative of the red-haired monkey, he could do it too.

The sound of heavy footsteps came from the wooden floor outside the door, and Rat-Eye stretched his neck to look out, just in time to see the two gentlemen he had an appointment with, pushing open the tavern door.

"Over here, over here!" Rat-Eye waved warmly, beckoning the two guests to sit opposite him.

These two guests were dressed in beautiful red uniforms, which were out of place in the tavern, but they were too exhausted from a day's work to care about such minor matters. They ordered some drinks, and the fatter one propped his cheek with his hand and dozed off.

Rat-Eye felt a bit awkward, but fortunately, the tall man, who was the butler from Lord Bard's mansion and had led the way for Klaw, looked very sober. The man looked at his companion and shrugged at Rat Eyes expressionlessly.

"The gentlemen have had a hard day today," Rat-Eye flattered.

The tall butler didn't buy it. He took out a bag of money from his pocket and threw it on the table. The sound of the coins colliding splashed the water in the wine glasses and also made Rat-Eye's heart surge. To Rat-Eye, this seemed to be the most pleasant sound in the world. After he carefully put away the bag of money, the butler said to him in a business-like tone:

"Lord Bard thanks you for the information you provided, sir."

"Serving Lord Bard is my honor, gentlemen!" Rat-Eye said excitedly.

His fawning and two-faced look was disgusting, and he seemed not to realize that he was trading the safety of his comrades.

"Enough," the butler said impatiently. He patted his companion's back and then got up to leave.

"Aren't the gentlemen going to have a drink?" Rat-Eye asked.

"No, sir, we are just here to give you your due reward and do not intend to stay long."

"Ah, it seems you are indeed a coward after all," the fat man said.

He had just taken a nap, and now he was just beginning to take a closer look at the man with a sly look in his eyes.

"Um... what the gentleman said is all correct," Rat-Eye replied respectfully.

"Listen to me, Mr. Bard will not mistreat those who have helped him, but everyone is very clear in their hearts that you are in cahoots with that little thief. You betrayed your accomplice, stole Mr. Bard's property, and yet you dare to wag your tail in front of him," the fat security guard said disdainfully.

"I... I don't understand what the gentleman is talking about, I just reported a malicious theft..." Rat-Eye was so frightened that he was sweating profusely. He glanced at the carriage outside the window, which was full of stolen goods...

This was Rat-Eye's conspiracy. He had leaked his accomplice's information to Lord Bard, and in return, he had obtained valuable auction items and taught a lesson to the annoying Klaw - yes, a lesson. That red-haired monkey should be put in jail, which would do him no harm, and if no one knew the cause and effect of this, it would do no harm to Rat-Eye either.

Rat-Eye had always been pleased with his petty cleverness, but now that he was exposed, he was immediately shocked into silence. The fat man didn't even look at Rat-Eye and said to himself, "What a disgusting job, Lord Bard even rewards such a despicable person. If he fell into my hands... hehe, I hate traitors the most..."

"Alright, Dear Joe," the butler interrupted the fat man's monologue. He had been expressionless from beginning to end, facing Klow like this, and facing Rat-Eye the same way. Then, the two left the stunned Rat-Eye and walked straight to the door. Rat-Eye didn't dare to stop anyone, nor did he dare to sit down, so he just stood there dumbly, watching the backs of these "gentlemen."

"Oh, right," the butler turned his head, raised his voice and asked, "Lord Bard asked if you took his gold coin? The gold coin he showed to your friend is missing. Maybe your friend has such great ability to send it here, just like the things in the carriage."

Rat-Eye shook his head blankly. He hadn't recovered from the shock and therefore didn't hear what the other party said clearly.

"Let's go, don't waste words on this guy, he makes me sick," Joe said. The two walked out of the tavern and disappeared into the endlessly reveling crowd.