For more chapters (10+) or if you want to support me, visit https://www.patreon.com/FFAddict. Thank you!
Chapter 47: House Ferros
Camille's expression was cold as she spoke lightly, "Your people have caused trouble." Phil was a bit puzzled but quickly realized it must be something Jinx had done. He invited Camille into the room and made a pot of tea, vaguely recalling that Camille had a special fondness for tea.
"Um, I want to know what Jinx did?" The peace agreement between Piltover and Zaun had just been signed, and he didn't want to break it, at least not now. Seeing Phil's seemingly unaware expression, Camille took a sip of tea, a precious collection from Silco, though not quite up to the standard of what her own family had. "He blew up our factory. The one that produces hextech crystals."
Phil's eyelid twitched. House Ferros, where Camille was from, had made their fortune with the crystal from the Brackern. However, as Brackern crystals became scarcer, they began researching artificial crystals. Yet, their family had always remained in the shadows, with Piltover being publicly led by the Medarda family. It could be said that part of Jayce's investment was also thanks to their family.
"What about Jinx? Where is she now?" Phil was a little frustrated. Hopefully, Jinx hadn't been captured. Noticing Camille's meaningful look, he knew he was being a bit hasty. Collecting his thoughts, since Camille personally came, it indicated that Jinx had escaped, and they needed someone to take responsibility for the incident.
"Ms. Camille, I'm just in charge of research. You must know, Zaun is still under Silco's command," Phil said with a shrug. He was also puzzled as to why this old fox, who had lived for so many years, would seek him out. It couldn't be just about compensation.
"I think there's no need for us to speak in riddles here. Since I found you, I must have my reasons." As House Ferros' chief spy, she represented the entire family's stance.
"Hey, Phil! Guess what I did? I caused a major event." Jinx's voice came from inside the room. Sometimes she just loved coming back through odd places, like the window. Jinx opened the lab door and saw Camille, pausing for a moment. Then she tried to bolt, but Phil grabbed her.
This is why the current Jinx requires Phil to give her daily lessons in ethics and morality. In the original story, once she starts overthinking, who knows what shocking actions she might take.
"Why did you blow up their factory?" Phil quietly asked Jinx, a hint of reproach in his tone. Camille sat in the chair, not moving or attempting to capture anyone. Her purpose this time was to demand an explanation and compensation.
"Hey, Phil, are you blaming me?" Jinx was also a bit upset. "Do you know what causes that smog you talk about?"
Phil realized he had said the wrong thing. Jinx was always sensitive at heart. He patted her on the head. "I'm not blaming you. I trust you have your reasons."
Jinx looked a lot calmer, and she didn't shy away from Camille. "The crystal synthesis industry has always been considered the main cause of Zaun's smog. And only their family has mastered the crystal synthesis technology."
In fact, halting the disposal of Upper City waste into Zaun had already been openly discussed, but it involved massive profits, and the Piltover side continually delayed. When Jinx spoke, Camille's expression remained unchanged. More importantly, this factory was set in Zaun. This also gave Jinx the condition to create an explosion. And this was why Camille approached Phil instead of Silco; Silco would only seize this opportunity to expel all these factories from Zaun.
House Ferros wasn't entirely innocent. To protect its vast interests, they had maintained their monopoly on this invaluable commodity through espionage, coercion, and even assassination. At the same time, they kept the production of crystals stable in Zaun and upheld their family's position in Piltover's prestigious Blueflame Manor.
"Actually, I came to discuss cooperation," Camille finally revealed her true intention. "Our family will offer you enough benefits. All you need to do is protect our factory. It's advantageous for both of us. As for profit distribution, you're welcome to discuss it at Blueflame Manor." Camille left an invitation and prepared to leave, confident that Phil would make the right decision. "You think I'm the one who can help you?" Phil exhaled a breath of relief after understanding the whole situation. He wasn't afraid of this family, only worried about breaking the peace Silco had established. "I know your status in Zaun. Silco will agree with your words," Camille calmly analyzed. "What I mean is, aren't you afraid I'll blow up your manor again?" Phil smiled, a hint of mockery in his eyes. The truth is, Phil had some conflicts with Camille's family. When Jinx caused explosions in Piltover, their manor was on the list for grandeur. "So you're refusing the cooperation?" "I'm not interested in petty gains, and Zaun isn't known for producing traitors. Kelly, see our guest out." Kelly, Phil's maid who had been with him for a long time, was called to escort Camille out. Camille wanted to say something but swallowed her words and eventually left alone. "These things should be Silco's headache," Phil muttered. "Jinx, help me with this. These days, don't run around. That family's methods can be quite ruthless." Though Camille was cold, she wasn't foolish; she knew what to do and what not to. But not everyone in her family was normal—there were always a few fools who might do the unexpected. Phil had tried to avoid conflict as much as possible, but he underestimated the foolishness of Camille's brother. Steven was a man of political skill who, despite his aging body growing weaker, held an increasingly firm grip over House Ferros. He had once devised the implantation of the Hextech heart into Camille, turning her into the family's weapon to protect them for decades. As time passed, he turned from a young man into an old one, his health growing ever frailer. At this moment, he thought of using the Hextech heart to achieve immortality. Though he hadn't found a doctor to perform the transplant, anyone who touched the Hextech crystal's profits undoubtedly threatened his lifeline. In his old age, he had lost the wisdom and patience he once had, impulsively dispatching spies to track Jinx, planning retaliation. Jinx might help Phil with his experiments, but she couldn't sit still. While Phil wasn't paying attention, she snuck out of the lab once again...