He took the ring and twisted it in his fingers. There was no doubt, it was the original ring.

«Great! There's one b.a.s.t.a.r.d less. Finally! Hehe, it's good news! So, did you bring Guimin's head?»

«I'm afraid, we didn't. But we can give you the whereabouts of the gang.»

«Alright! It's a deal. Did you come to get your eighty thousand spheres?» - Kurt asked.

«Not really. You can reap all the rewards yourself and say that it was you who had found and killed Guiming. In exchange, I need a one on one meeting with Vladimir for fifteen... no, for ten minutes.»

Kurt coughed into his hand, stunned. - «Vladimir? The head of the Department of Law and Order?!»

Kyon nodded.

«Are you out of your mind? Vladimir is a very busy person! He is a young elder in the Grand family, responsible for the most important department of the Ministry of Justice, Department of Law and Order. He hasn't a minute of free time, especially for two arrogant kids like you. I am not going to risk my job.»

«Kurt, I want to become a high-ranking investigator. The department lacks people with creative minds and unique skills. I am willing to change the situation. However, I do not want to waste years climbing the career ladder. Only Vladimir can appreciate my rich potential and make my dream come true.»

«Make your dream come true? Ha ha ha! It's pure nonsense! You have no experience or skills, kid! You don't even know the structure of the department. You have no manners. How do you speak to your elders! You're a typical representative of arrogant golden youth. Tell me the location of the dead robbers and go get your reward.» - There was an almost mocking tone to Kurt's voice.

Kyon gave him his military card. – «Here you are. I've completed the basic requirement, graduated from the military school with flying colors. I know all about subordination and will respect the chain of command. As for my working experience as an investigator... I am only fourteen years old. Where could I get it? As a proof of my abilities, I have single-handedly discovered and with the help of my people, exterminated Guiming and his gang. By the way, the best investigators of the kingdom couldn't handle it for years…»

«Don't lie! They must have attacked you because you were easy prey. Don't confuse pure luck with unique skills, stupid kid. Your military card says nothing about your true abilities.»

«Pure luck?» - Kyon smiled coldly at Kurt. – «Each Sauron brother uses formations that scan the pa.s.sers-by. They wouldn't have missed our guards. Or maybe you think that Bay's family travels unaccompanied?»

«…» - Kurt had nothing to say. The brothers did secretly scan with the formations everyone pa.s.sing their forest. They couldn't have made a mistake.

«Besides, when I name their exact location, all your doubts will disappear. The elite of the Stones would never take a detour along a dark, dirty road. Anyone can understand that the destruction of Guimin and his gang was the result of my deliberate search. Vladimir won't miss the opportunity to recruit a talented investigator with creative thinking skills.»

The man changed his mind and threw his hands up. – «Alright! As soon as my people carry out the necessary survey, I will finally believe you. But it's not enough! I won't take risks for eighty thousand and a share of glory... I earn more in a year. It's not worth it.»

Kyon wouldn't be himself if he didn't get the hint at bribing. – «I will give you another fifty thousand.»

Kurt hesitated. Then he said with a doubt in his voice. - «Two hundred fifty thousand.»

Kyon nearly hit the head of the precinct in his fat cheeks. - «A hundred and twenty.»

«Two hundred.»

Juno looked at one of them then at the other.

«It's my last offer. One hundred fifty thousand, as well as all the reward for Guiming's head, and you will arrange my meeting with Vladimir in return.» - Kyon couldn't offer more. The d.a.m.ned thief had taken all his treasure.

When he saw the unshakable look on Kyon's face, the head of the precinct gave up. – «Alright, you've got a deal.»

«Let's shake on it.» - Kyon shook Kurt's hand and gave him the bribe.

When he man greedily accepted the money, Kyon took out a nephrite just in case.

«By the way, Mr. Kurt… Our conversation has been recorded. Don't even think of breaking the deal.»

The head of the precinct looked stunned. He had underestimated the boy. Kurt coughed into his fist dryly and tapped his chest, putting on airs of a respectable policeman. - «I honor the law, honor and justice! I always keep my promises!» - A idea to appropriate the money and break the deal had flashed across his mind. Now that he saw the nephrite, he had to give up his sweet dreams.

Juno buried her face in her hands and giggled hysterically.

Kyon rolled his eyes. The briber was astoundingly shameless. The mean, vile man contradicted himself. Unfortunately, crooks like him were often in positions of authority.

«It's not funny, girl. The policemen never lie!»

In response, Juno nearly fell off her chair, laughing.

Kurt averted his eyes from the charming girl in confusion. Her delightful voice caressed his ears. He heard the rumors about Juno's amazing beauty. Too bad, her face was hidden under a veil.

«Alright, never mind. My people will a.n.a.lyze the situation with Guiming today. You can expect my call tomorrow. I will give you the instructions. And... Send me the audio record just in case, to get a better night's sleep.»

Any formacist can confirm that it's impossible to fake audio, let alone video formation. Nor can anyone make a copy. Therefore, it was a good idea to take the only copy for himself. Just to be on the safe side.

«I will.» - Kyon reported the whereabouts of the robbers, gave his frequency and left the abode of law and order with a pleased look on his face. However, why would he be happy? It wasn't the best deal to give away 150 thousand (230 left) for a short meeting, even if with a big man in Boston. If he hadn't shown his military card, nothing might have come of it. He would have to get more money. Kyon felt grateful to Stephanie.

The reason for his success was, in fact, of a different nature. Thanks to a little bird, Kyon could overhear the conversation of the head of the ministry on the sound transmitter the other day. The man mentioned the rare name Kurt several times in a friendly context. There had been a lot of talk about him lately. The young elder would certainly trust Kurt's recommendations when he arranged the meeting with Kyon.

Juno silently mounted the horse and reluctantly hugged her a.s.sistant. They went to the Stones' territory.

Juno felt her heart ache. How could the jerk be so ambitious! And the worst part, Lady Fortune favored him everywhere he went. He was lucky at the party and during the qualification... He had everything planned, by all means.

Now he wanted to become a high-ranking investigator! He had taken her along as a symbol of his success. He had ordered the military card through Stephane, his dedicated call girl. He had created Guiming's ring! The a.s.shole had given away her money as a bribe while her flower was starving! She turned out to be personally partic.i.p.ating in his influence and authority. She had saved him at the party, she had invited her grandfather to watch the qualification to the last minute. She had always sponsored his schemes! On the other hand, she had always got her keys cleared for her efforts. But it didn't make things better. She desperately wanted to break her a.s.sistant's confidence at all costs. She wanted him to doubt his luck.

«Do you really want to be a high-ranking investigator?» - Juno asked Kyon.

«I do.»

«An acquaintance of my father tried to become a high-ranking investigator. In the end, he was brutally killed on one of the tasks. I wouldn't waste my time if I were you.»

«There was no acquaintance of your father, was there?» - Kyon asked, insightfully.

«There was. I am not a liar, unlike some people.»

«Alright. I will order you to tell the truth, and when it's uncovered, I won't clear your keys for several months. Moreover, I'll order to give me a foot ma.s.sage with your spiteful tongue.»

«NO!» - Juno cried out in terror. - «It's just… I just… I am sorry, master…»

«That's what I thought.» - Kyon laughed. He could feel all the emotions of the little devil. There was a bit of sadism among them, a burning desire to annoy and harm him. Typical Juno.

Juno got upset. She did not take into account that Kyon could see into her mind...

«Anyway, it takes many years of service and proving great abilities to become an investigator... You can't keep taking advantage of the loophole without consequences. Everyone despises this method. They will strangle you at work.»

«Do you want to challenge me again?» - Kyon asked with pleasure in his voice.

«No, thank you.» - Juno did not plan to take a few hits. Her a.s.sistant often destroyed her expectations. He was constantly defying any common sense.

«Then keep quiet and don't squeak, stubborn little b.i.t.c.h.»

«…»

«I am waiting for you at the training ground tonight for your impudent attempt to play dirty tricks on me. We'll continue working on your glutes.»

«WHAT?! No, please! Plea… Ouch!»

Kyon nudged her with his elbow. What's all the screaming about? The guards might hear her yell.

«I don't have to explain my decisions.»

Juno's chest trembled finely, her eyes turned red with tears. Her hands burned, but she had to hold tight to the bawdy monster riding in front of her. She would do anything to make sure the horror on the training ground wouldn't happen again!

In the evening, Juno entered the training area. She looked like a wilted flower.

As soon as Juno noticed his lascivious face, as soon as she saw the jerk rub his hands in antic.i.p.ation, she felt sick. She was an unfortunate little fox left there for the evil wolf to torture her.

«Please… Master…»

«Come on. Attack me.»

Kyon didn't stop until late at night, giving Juno h.e.l.l. Her desperate screams were heard all over the training hall. By the end of the session, her red bottom was numb, tingling and burning. He'd been squeezing the nasty girl's parts, not sparing efforts or hatred.

Back in her room, Juno buried her nose in the pillow, making it wet with tears. She felt sorry for herself and tried to come up with a way to change the situation, all to no avail. Any attempt to get rid of the monster would be too risky and could cost her the key cleaning. Her only goal at this stage of her life was to master at least four elements. The nine elements would make her development skyrocket. However, did she have enough patience for that?