121. Development - 18

121. Development - 18

After the victory, the baron and his forces retreated quickly, frustrated with their defeat. The three guilds that silently declared for him also went with them. The Night Blades and another guild that decided to stay uninvolved continued to linger, but they were not particularly happy.

They had missed an incredible opportunity to make a statement.

"Push with the plan of opening smaller casinos and shops across the outer town," I ordered Mahruss, activating one of the contingency scenarios. Unlike when we first arrived, we had enough manpower to control the outer town.

Not to mention, it would be another good test for Mahruss. If successful, I could leave the outer town businesses for him to manage once he completed his third promotion.

However, that was just an idle thought as I helped Zolast get to the headquarters. He was doing his best to look like a frail old man trying to hide his weakness understandable as the subtle shimmer moved along the roofs, following us.

Only when we entered his office, he spoke, and quickly. "I can feel him around the outer wards. He'll be here in less than a minute," Zolast said.

"He really has horrible timing. We certainly don't need him poking around," I said.

"Maybe we should just deal with him," Zolast offered.

"No, that won't work. We still don't know who is supporting him. Everything is in order here, and you have the four ability stones that can be sold. It's better if I take point, while you handle all the upgrades that need to be done and get closer to the young duke."

"I don't think Artmiss is going to allow that," Zolast said.

"With the last gift the baron left, I don't think that'll be a problem," I said, and Zolast looked at me, surprised. "That last burst of mana was tainted with Destruction mana. I don't know what it was exactly, but my guess is nothing nice."

"Probably not," Zolast answered. "You're right. We can use that."This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

I nodded. While I respected Artmiss, it was a tainted one. More about his determination than his decision-making. And, considering he was more than willing to sacrifice our whole guild as a favor to another guild, I didn't feel particularly torn up about using his affliction to our benefit.

Zolast didn't seem to be particularly sad either.

"I'm guessing he's about to be here," I said.

Zolast nodded.

"Good. Remember what we discussed about how to play him," I said. Zolast nodded with a smirk, then his expression shifted to a serious one.

At the same time, I slammed my fist on the table, hard enough to leave a crack, before moving to a bookcase and pulling it down, moving up and down until I noticed Zolast's subtle signal. At the same time, I noticed a shimmer at the open window.

" this is complete nonsense, you bastard! You're risking everything, and for what, some political nonsense."

"Why are you insisting not to understand, you incompetent mountain bandit. The real world doesn't work like that. To make sure our great cause works as intended, we need political support."

"For the cause, or for your precious ascension?" I shouted, which led to a ten-minute scathing fight between us, where I did my best to look like an idealist who had been betrayed by someone. The kind of person that was the easiest to manipulate and play.

"As you wish. How about you leave a liaison here?" Zolast offered immediately, quick enough to show a hint of desperation.

"Actually, I have a different idea. How about you send a liaison to our little group? I think we need someone smart and cautious, but also someone with an excuse to disappear for long stretches of time," he said, once again laying it a bit too thick as he looked at me. "I think Quartermaster Euon is an excellent choice, wouldn't you agree?"

"That's impossible. He is busy with too many different things. The casino, the outpost, food purchases, building a new forge" Zolast quickly countered, each task he referred to being treated as culturally inferior. Tasks for servants and merchants.

Giving me an excuse to radiate a barely concealed fury.

"Enough, Holy Guide," he cut in. "I'm sure you have others that could handle those tasks."

"Not really. We don't have many capable subordinates. And, Euon is not exactly a good candidate as an envoy."

"I'm sure Quartermaster Euon will be more than capable of the task. And, since you'll be staying safely at the headquarters, you can always handle some of those tasks yourself," Bertnam delivered smugly, happy with the insult he managed to squeeze in.

Without saying anything, he threw a small metal plate toward me. "What's this?" I asked.

"It's a communication device," he said as he cast a spell, and a line of text appeared. "I will send you the necessary information once I arrange your trip. Until then, take care" he said, and disappeared once more.

I pretended to panic because of his sudden disappearance, not paying any attention to the subtle shiver that moved toward the window. "Is he gone?" I asked Zolast, as if I wasn't able to see him at the window. Or the fact that he had left a very subtle spell on the chair.

"Yes. He's gone," Zolast confirmed, but he gave a slight tug through our connection, signaling that he was able to listen to us.

Likely about the spell, meaning we had to play a bit more. "How dare you treat me like a servant! Just because you were once some kind of priest doesn't make you the voice of our god!" I shouted, exploding in visible anger.

"You think you know what you are playing with, you pathetic bandit," Zolast answered. "Just because your talents as a merchant are valuable, you think that" he continued, and we continued fighting for another ten minutes, until I felt the spell fading.

I looked at him questioningly, and then nodded. "Yes, he's gone," he said with a chuckle even as I went toward the drinks cabinet once more, pouring us two drinks.

"It's fun to jerk around arrogant younglings, right?" I asked as I passed the glasses to him, and he applied his magic trick to enhance the taste.

"I have to admit, it was more fun than I expected," he accepted. "Not as much as teaching him a lesson directly, but fun nonetheless."

"Good," I said, enjoying another sip from my drink.

"Still, I was surprised that he didn't bring me there immediately. It suggests that he's not a decision-maker in his group. Not exactly a good sign."

"Certainly not," I answered. "But one problem at a time. Let's just focus on what we can control." Zolast nodded. "But first, let's finish our drinks. It'll be a pity to waste them."

With all the intrigue around us, we would be extremely busy.

So, we appreciated the moment of calm before the storm.