Chapter 1387

A flicker of emotion stirred in Avery’s heart. He fell silent for a moment, choosing not to hide anything from her.

“Yes, we do have an armory, but it’s not like what the Guild claims. That armory was not built by the Cox family. As for the so-called smuggling of arms, it’s nothing but a smear campaign by the Bartitsu Guild. The guild has long been wary of the Cox family. Seeing our power growing, they fear they can’t control us, so they intend to eliminate us. They’ve pinned these baseless charges on us, hoping to take advantage of our moment of weakness to bring us down.”

The response was not beyond Neera’s expectations.

Given her understanding of the Cox family, she knew that Avery, who always acted prudently, would never allow the Cox family to be in such a precarious situation.

So, when she heard that something had happened to the Cox family, her first instinct was that the guild was up to no good.

However, there was something she didn’t quite understand. “What’s the deal with that armory?

According to the rules of Phison, families aren’t allowed to privately store firearms.”

Avery’s eyes subtly constricted as past memories filled his mind.

“All of this is because the Cox family has a treasure. Many years ago, when my parents were still alive, they stumbled upon this armory. Upon investigation, this armory was left behind a long time ago. It’s ancient, and the weapons inside are all relics. Moreover, it’s not just weapons in there, there are also other collectibles. I’m sure you can imagine their value. In truth, the Cox family has never hidden anything from the guild. My father reported everything to them in detail a long time ago. However, due to the armory’s value and the fact that the Cox family discovered it, the guild would risk criticism and potentially tarnish its reputation if it were to seize it outright. That’s why they didn’t take it away, and it remained with the Cox family. We’ve also made a pact with the guild, promising that we will never use any of the weapons in this armory. Thus, over the years, everything remained peaceful.”

After a brief pause, Avery added, “But in reality, the Bartitsu Guild are masters of hypocrisy. They’ve been coveting our armory for a long time. After I took over as the head of the family a few years ago, they subtly hinted at their intentions, but I brushed them off. They saw my poor health and probably thought I might die any day, so they didn’t take it to heart. They must have been waiting for my death to find an excuse to take over. But what no one expected was that things took an unexpected turn.”

He gazed at her intently, his meaning obvious.

Neera pointed at herself. “The change you’re talking about… is it me?”

Avery nodded. “Yes, it’s you. Because of your arrival, my chronic illness was cured, my health improved, and it keeps getting better. The power of the Cox family is also constantly rising, so naturally, the guild can no longer stand idly by. I suppose that ever since I returned to Phison, Matthew and the others have been plotting to stop the Cox family from expanding…”

Neera seemed to understand, yet appeared lost in thought.

“Are you saying the guild has known about the existence of the armory for a long time, but they’ve been holding back until now? But if they’ve been coveting it for so long, why would they restrain themselves?

Just to avoid giving people something to talk about? I always feel that this reason doesn’t quite add up.”

“Judging by what the guild is currently doing, it doesn’t seem like they’re worried about people gossiping or criticizing. Besides, isn’t the guild already responsible for plenty of messes already? When it comes to such a significant interest of theirs, I presume the guild wouldn’t care about their reputation at all. Then why…

Suddenly a terrifying the of theirs, I presume the guild wouldn’t care about their reputation at all. I hen why…

Suddenly, a terrifying thought abruptly surfaced in Neera’s mind.

She was startled by this sudden thought that caused goosebumps to spread across her body and a shiver to run down her spine.

Her eyes widened slightly, instinctively turning to look at Avery. Her mouth opened and closed, unsure of whether she should speak.

Avery’s expression remained calm, as if he had seen through her thoughts.

“It’s okay. Just say whatever comes to your mind. There’s no need to hold back in front of me.”

Neera hesitated for a moment, a chill settling in her heart. She spoke in a low voice. “I don’t have any evidence, and it’s just a sudden guess, but… could the wug in you have been placed by the guild? And your parents…”

She watched as Avery’s face gradually darkened. Pursing her lips, she lowered her voice further.

“Otherwise, it would be too much of a coincidence. After your parents discovered this armory, they were both poisoned, and you also suffered greatly because of this poison, almost losing your life. Just think about it. If your Cox family was left without a leader, who would temporarily take charge of your family’s affairs?”

The guild!

As a prominent family within the Bartitsu Guild, the Cox family served as the guild’s right-hand man. If the Cox family were to truly lose their head of household, the guild would undoubtedly use this as an excuse to meddle in the Cox family’s affairs.

“When the time comes, the guild will simply need to take advantage of the unstable situation within the Cox family. They won’t be in a position to continue controlling such an important armory, thus the guild can seize it for its own!”

It was a plot that was crafted with ruthless precision.

Faced with the brewing storm, Avery’s face grew increasingly grim.

He didn’t question Neera’s words because he thought the same way as she did.

“I’ve already sent someone to investigate this matter. If it turns out to be true, the Bartitsu Guild will forever be the Cox family’s mortal enemy!”

Neera understood his desire for vengeance, for the hatred born of his parents’ murder was something absolutely irreconcilable.

Given the current situation, she couldn’t help but feel deeply worried, her face showing a complex mix of emotions.

Vorerably, this is a personal grudge of the Cox Avery didn’t want to drag her into this. After a heavy sigh, he said, family. The Gordon family can stay out of it. You shouldn’t get involved.”