Chapter 58: National Dignity Lost

 In the morning, there was an environmental and photography art exhibition in Paris, which attracted a large number of participants from the political and business circles attending the environmental conference. As the representative of Chanel Grandma and the French Luxury Goods Business Alliance, Karl Otto also appeared at the exhibition.


Business tycoons never stay far from the political scene.


With his white ponytail tied up and wearing black sunglasses, Karl Otto was especially noticeable.


High-end luxury goods are always targeted at upscale customers.


Familiar with greetings, Karl Otto saw an old acquaintance and immediately walked over.


"Hello, Karl," William Crayve emerged from the protective circle constructed by agents and embraced Karl Otto.


Karl Otto lacked the arrogance of an artist and instead spoke enthusiastically, "Congratulations, Mr. New Minister!"


William Crayve waved his hand, "I'd rather stay in France than go back to the office."


"France is always welcoming to the minister." Karl Otto lowered his voice slightly, "To thank the minister for the contributions to the Franco-American relationship, the Business Alliance has prepared a small memento. I hope the minister will accept it tonight."


"Sure!" William Crayve smiled, "I'll be there on time."


With many people around, they exchanged a few words and then went their separate ways.


Karl Otto saw another important figure and took the initiative to step forward and bow, "Your Majesty."


This person was tall and robust, slightly bald at the forehead, yet still exuding an elegant charm. He nodded slightly, "Karl."


Karl Otto said, "To welcome Your Majesty to Paris, the Business Alliance has prepared a grand banquet. I hope Your Majesty will honor us with your presence."


As a neighboring country of France, the King of Ibria particularly enjoyed French romance. This was not an official visit, but rather a vacation, with a side visit for some excitement. "Is everything prepared?"


Karl Otto said, "Everything is ready."


The King of Ibria nodded, "Karl, do you know what I like most about you?"


"Of course, it's my loyalty and admiration for Your Majesty," Karl Otto assumed a very humble posture.


The King of Ibria laughed, "You always manage to come up with something new."


Karl Otto said, "As you wish, Your Majesty."


This monarch is notorious for his fondness for beautiful women, even though he's past sixty. He's still vigorous, pursuing carnal pleasures everywhere he goes and leaving his mark.


In elite circles, this is an open secret. He never shies away from it. Even during unofficial trips abroad, he hints at corresponding arrangements to his hosts.


This monarch has quite a number of illegitimate children, supported by solid evidence.


People show up at his doorstep claiming to be his offspring every so often.


Every time, it's a media spectacle.


Among the public and politicians at home, there's deep resentment towards him. They believe he's compromised the nation's dignity, turning the country into a global laughingstock.


After the King of Ibria departs, Karl Otto asks his assistant behind him, "Is Paris Saint-Gal ready?"


The assistant whispers, "Saint-Gal has prepared a flight attendant this time, a genuine Air France employee. I personally checked, her looks, figure, and age are all to the King's liking."


Karl Otto instructs, "Arrange a private car to pick her up this afternoon."


The assistant replies, "It's already arranged."


On the other side, the King of Ibria briefly appears at the exhibition, conveying his commitment to environmental protection to the outside world, then leaves the event promptly.


A well-known guard in his thirties sits in a car behind.


Under the escort of French ceremonial police, the convoy heads toward the first district.


"The latest itinerary for His Majesty." The guard informs the driver, "His Majesty has accepted Karl Otto's invitation and will attend a party in the 16th district tonight."


The driver asks, "Is it one of those parties full of women?"


The guard nods, "Yes. Based on past experiences, Karl Otto will arrange one or two beautiful women to accompany His Majesty."


Suddenly, the driver's tone changes, "Sergio, have you made up your mind? This is the best opportunity for action, and we can later pin it on the French."


Sergio remains silent, seemingly struggling with indecision.


The driver persuades, "The substances we use only reduce His Majesty's male hormone secretion and suppress his sexual desire. It won't harm His Majesty's health."


Sergio says, "I swore to be loyal to His Majesty!"


"Nonsense! Your allegiance is to the kingdom, not a single person!" The driver continues speaking as he drives, "Think carefully. Have His Majesty's actions brought shame upon the entire kingdom?"


Although Sergio joined the intelligence bureau, he is still officially a trusted guard of the King of Ibria. He is well aware of the King's actions.


The driver says, "His Majesty is openly keeping his former German queen in the palace. He harassed Diana incessantly before her passing, even tried to seduce the Princess of Monaco. During the same period, he maintained relationships with at least hundreds of women. His illegitimate children are scattered worldwide and still increasing! The entire royal family almost crumbled under his rule! The whole nation is humiliated because of this!"


He turns to look at Sergio, "We must stop this scandal at the source, to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. His Majesty's desires... have already threatened national security! Director McCullen is determined to take action!"


Sergio clenches his fist with one hand, finally making up his mind, "Alright! I'll cooperate with you tonight."


The driver says, "Afterwards, we'll place the blame on the French."


Meanwhile, William Crayve leaves the art gallery, accompanied by an embassy staff member who stays behind to retrieve a painting he purchased.


Taking the painting and getting into the car in the parking lot, he hesitates to start the engine.


A middle-aged man in a black cashmere coat opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat.


"Long time no see, John," this person adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.


The staff member referred to as John replied, "Solomon Ryan, it's indeed you who sent the message. You shouldn't have come."


Solomon Ryan said, "I have a score to settle with William Crayve."


Because of William Crayve and the backing from the CIA, Solomon Ryan betrayed MI6. He faked his death during a critical mission to escape, but after the CIA achieved its objective, it turned its back on him. Not only did they absorb a significant sum of funds he had taken from another organization, they also wanted to eliminate him.


Forced by circumstances, Solomon Ryan utilized the information he had gathered during his years at MI6 to assemble killers and defected agents from across Europe and the Americas. He secretly established an organization called Syndicate.


In recent months, they've been active throughout Europe, eliminating peripheral personnel of the CIA and MI6.


However, to expand and stabilize the organization, charm and empty slogans alone won't cut it.


They need money!


Solomon Ryan is in desperate need of funds.


John said, "Tonight, in the 16th district, there's a party by the Luxury Goods and Cosmetics Business Alliance."


Solomon Ryan received the address and got out of the car.


A few years ago, John was transferred from London to Paris. During his time in London, he owed Solomon Ryan a significant favor. "We're even now."


Solomon Ryan turned back, nodding slightly before striding away.


Turning onto another street, he bought a newspaper, rolled the documents in his pocket into the paper, and walked onto a bridge over the Seine River.


Wearing a black trench coat, Elsa had her left hand tucked into her pants pocket, while her right hand rested on the bridge railing, gazing towards the distant Eiffel Tower.


Solomon Ryan approached, handing her the rolled-up newspaper. "Your assessment task. Inside are operational target details. I'll have the orthopedic doctor cooperate with you. According to intelligence, the target has a USB drive on them. Your mission is to eliminate the target and retrieve the USB drive."


"I'll complete it." Elsa took the newspaper.


Solomon Ryan asked, "Why do you want to leave MI6?"


Elsa explained, "I witnessed truly wicked things on Bileina Island. But those in power turned a blind eye, only interested in trading those events for personal gain. I'm deeply disappointed."


Solomon Ryan observed her.


Elsa candidly continued, "If you've seen hundreds of people being hung on racks like pigs and boiled down for oil, then those same people send cosmetics made from their remains to France, you'd react like me."


Solomon Ryan said, "Go get ready."


Elsa took the newspaper and headed towards the other side of the bridge.


Just last night, she had a fierce conflict with her superiors at MI6, almost coming to blows. Late in the night, Solomon Ryan managed to contact her.


There's a mole within MI6.


A muscular man came to Solomon Ryan's side. "Do you trust her?"


"The Bileina Island incident is real." Solomon Ryan said, "Jens, tonight you and your team will accompany her. If she's problematic..."


Jens Helten, known as the Orthopedic Surgeon, nodded.


Solomon Ryan continued, "As long as she kills William Crayve, the fake can become real."


...


Ronan emerged from the commercial street and turned into a secluded alleyway, temporarily stowing the purchased medicines and various tools in his badge space.


Afterward, he entered a nearby small public library.


Here, there were internet-connected public computers available for research.


Ronan accessed detailed information about the Obiya Group and Chanel Grandma Company, delving into it.


Especially the people Murad mentioned: Luke Obiya and Karl Otto.


There's also their joint high-end cosmetics brand, Biya.


In pursuit of that, a brand-new Biya Building was established, combining craftsmanship with everyday business.


The esteemed master, Master Grénoyer, was highly likely to be there.


Ronan thought of Master Henry, thought of the fragment of the ancient being's soul, which is a necessity for promotion.


Every time the soul is cooked, an immensely powerful practical ability is gained.


For this reason alone, he must find a way to meet with Master Grénoyer.


Ronan then checked the French security agency online, but there was no information about Jean-Claude.


As for the villa in the 16th district, he found a map but not a layout. He would have to explore the interior after entering.


Afterwards, he contacted a labor agency online and hired three individuals at a high price, to be ready for any unforeseen circumstances.


Simultaneously, he made preparations appropriate for rescuing someone after the mission.


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