Chapter 178

Chapter 178

Collins, the director in charge of logistics distribution in the eastern region, was utterly baffled by the sudden request for a meeting.

“Sir Masain? Why me all of a sudden?”

Of course, they had a superficial acquaintance. Although he currently had no right of succession, Masain was a proper member of the Imperial family.

Therefore, whenever they met at official events, Collins never failed to pay his respects to him. He also didn’t hesitate to extend a perfunctory invitation for Masain to visit Regina whenever he had the time.

But doesn’t one usually consider that a mere formality?

Anyhow, given Masain’s status, Collins had no choice but to offer him at least a cup of tea.

Soon, a tall and handsome knight entered the office, following the guidance of the secretary. With a bright smile that belied his Imperial family’s distinctive blond hair, he greeted Collins.

“Director Collins. I heard you left immediately after attending the first banquet at this year’s birthday celebration. I’m glad to meet you like this, as I couldn’t bid you farewell separately.”

“That’s because I was so busy with work, Sir Masain.”

It was a direct rebuke, implying why he was seeking out a busy person.

However, despite Collins’ displeasure, the knight didn’t lose his sociable smile. Considering his noble background, his demeanor was truly unassuming.

“Then you’ll be even busier from now on. You may have to see me more often soon.”

“What do you mean...?”

“His Highness Prince Morres has recently taken an interest in the redtail business. Eastern Ortona redtails are currently procured through the Kipros Union. The entire eastern logistics distribution, including Kipros, falls under Director Collins’ responsibilities, if I’m not mistaken?”

Business? Is that why he came to see him?

Collins asked suspiciously.

“Is this something the Imperial Palace is officially promoting?”

“No, not yet. It’s still His Highness’ personal idea at this stage.”

“Then, have you brought a detailed business proposal?”

“It’s still under preparation.”

“......”

Collins made no attempt to hide his discomfort as he glared at Masain, who was sipping his tea.

No matter how much of an Imperial successor candidate he used to be, it was all meaningless now that he had been reduced to a Clanos. Treating him as a member of the Imperial family out of courtesy was already more than he deserved.ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

Moreover, he had recently even thrown away his position as the commander of the Imperial Knights. Then, wasn’t he now a worthless existence from whom no practical benefits could be gained by showing respect?

In comparison, Collins himself already held the economic reins of the eastern region. He was a de facto power holder belonging to the most powerful interest group on the continent, capable of swaying the very existence of a nation.

There was no need for him to go out of his way to accommodate the whims of such a young man with a mere facade of importance.

‘...Should I just chase him away?’

Collins twitched the fingers he had been keeping under the table.

‘Are you here, Lord Raum?’

[I’m listening, Contractor. Kekeke.]

The demon’s grating voice, like scraping metal, echoed in his mind.

It may seem obvious, but Collins was a demon contractor. With the demon’s help, he had easily disposed of the numerous enemies he had faced on his way to this position.

[This one has a faint trace of primordial blood. He’ll be tricky to touch.]

‘So it’s impossible?’

[Of course not. Kekeke.]

Collins’ demon, Raum, was particularly skilled in manipulating the mental realm. He could show people hallucinations, cause nervous breakdowns, and even make them lose consciousness by instantly inflicting a great shock to their minds.

Just as he had done to many others before, Collins intended to use such a trick on Masain.

After shocking him and implanting a suggestion to quietly leave, it would be perfect. There might be some minor aftereffects, but not to the extent of hindering his daily life. The demon’s power would be unleashed with a mere snap of his fingers.

Click, the knight quietly put down his teacup, and just as Collins was about to exert force on his fingers.

Knock, knock.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.

“Sir Masain. If you’ve finished your business, would you kindly accompany me to visit the branch manager’s office?”

It was the secretary of Branch Manager Schmidt who had come to the office. Collins quickly withdrew the demon and gauged the secretary’s reaction.

‘That high and mighty branch manager? Why is he suddenly looking for someone like this?’

However, the mystery was quickly resolved.

“His Highness Prince Morres is urgently seeking you, Sir.”

“His Highness?”

“Yes, Sir Masain. He said that thanks to you, he has successfully concluded the necessary matters, so he asked me to tell you to stop by the branch manager’s office and return together with him.”

As Collins was still bewildered, Masain rose from his seat, smoothing his clothes with one hand.

Then, a goat demon with a large lump on the back of its head would glance at Seongjin with resentful eyes and neatly stack them to one side.

“What about the clergy? They didn’t notice even though I blatantly released demonic energy?”

“Priests don’t frequent this area much. All the large churches in the city were relocated far away long ago.”

Seongjin slightly raised an eyebrow.

“Relocated?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Even though we hide our demonic energy well, priests are very uncomfortable beings for us.”

According to Schmidt’s explanation, separating the logistics transit center and churches was a relatively simple matter. By utilizing the Merchant Union’s capital to donate good land and funds, new churches were invariably built on that land.

Of course, it cost a tremendous amount of money, but there was little opposition to carrying out that task. Distancing the churches was something no one desired. Many of those in key positions in the Merchant Union were demon contractors.

Seongjin was astounded.

“They’re all playing well in the demon’s grasp, is the Empire’s economy really okay like this?”

Then, Schmidt shook his head.

“Contrary to expectations, demons themselves do not incite contractors to cause large-scale harm. Unless it’s a place like a dark cult hidden in the borderlands, performing special rituals while offering sacrifices.”

“Why is that?”

“Only by not crossing the line can we at least preserve our lives. His Majesty the Emperor’s eyes reach every corner of the Empire.”

According to the ‘Successful Imperial Living Guidelines for Demons’, as long as a few taboos were not violated, the Emperor did not greatly interfere with whatever demons did. Apparently, he had been bound by a strange rule called the [Agreement] for several years.

Originally, the Emperor in the early years of his reign had nothing to hold him back.

He drove out demons from the capital in the blink of an eye and was busy executing demon contractors on sight.

He took a friendly stance towards vassal states but showed a resolute attitude in expelling demons hidden deep within their societies.

That’s not all. He frequently demonstrated miracles across the continent, and when the opportunity arose, he would personally invade the Demon Realm and slaughter demons, making them tremble in fear.

But he suddenly stopped a few years ago, after the [Agreement] was established. Since then, the Emperor did not leave the capital and did not touch demons unless they were extremely bothersome.

“Agreement? What the hell is that to make him do that?”

As Seongjin frowned, Schmidt shook his head.

“Even demons do not know the specific details of it.”

However, through various experiences accumulated over the past few years, demons had also established their own standards regarding the permissible range.

First. Harm humans using demonic powers, but do not greatly exceed the limits of human capabilities.

It was possible to easily eliminate one or two enemies using demonic powers. After all, the same effect could be achieved by carefully planning and hiring assassins.

However, summoning demons in a way that would catch the public’s attention or harming people while excessively revealing supernatural phenomena would result in the Emperor’s intervention.

Second. Do not use demonic powers to throw society into chaos.

Demonic powers could be used for economic gain. But suddenly summoning demons to cause large-scale massacres or triggering supernatural disasters that would disrupt continental logistics would also inevitably lead to the Emperor’s punishment.

‘So that’s why the Empire operates relatively stably despite having so many demon contractors.’

As Seongjin was thinking that, Schmidt’s expression turned grave.

“And lastly, above all else, the most important thing.”

Third. No matter what happens, absolutely never carelessly touch the Emperor’s children.

“...Children?”

“Perhaps Your Highness knows more about that matter?”

Responding to Seongjin’s question with a counter-question, Schmidt added meaningfully.

“Do you remember what happened to a dark cult that tried to kidnap Your Highness in your childhood? On that day, those inside the Cult of Repose couldn’t even leave behind a single bone fragment properly.”

...Kidnapping?

Just as Seongjin was about to ask something more.

“Aargh! Guards! Guards!”

“It’s murder! Someone died here!”

“Priest! Quickly summon a doctor and a priest!”

Followed by banging and rumbling! Countless footsteps echoed through the corridor.

Seongjin and Schmidt, who were facing each other, simultaneously opened the office door and went outside. A chaotic scene of the corridor filled with security guards running around in a panic unfolded before their eyes.

“Where is it? Where did it happen?”

“It’s Director Collins’ room!”

“Hurry up!”

And through the people running in one direction, the figures of the secretary and Masain walking this way could be seen. Masain’s face as he looked at Seongjin was filled with bewilderment.

“Why all of a sudden? Director Collins, you say. The place I just left is his room, Your Highness.”