At the same time.

Carlos was reviewing the documents that had come up from the Esper territory in the underground world.

Ideally, he wanted to receive reports every day, but his situation didn’t allow it.

Therefore, inevitably, he had to receive a week’s worth of reports at once, always feeling pressed for time.

Still, this time the reports that came up were about the enemy.

Having fewer reports might mean there were fewer incidents and accidents, which should be a good thing. However, there was a possibility that incidents and accidents had occurred for some reason, such as the fear of the Esper territory managers getting in trouble, and they might have hidden them.

‘Just groundless suspicions.’

Even though I knew that the underground residents pledged loyalty to me and wouldn’t betray me, the continuous suspicions were because I hadn’t directly seen the situation in the northern territory for a long time.

“…”

When will I be able to see the territory with my own eyes?

Before this damn situation ends, before I can beat that guy, it’s impossible to know, so I sighed.

As Carlos’s expression darkened, Dewey, who became more serious, cautiously asked, “Is there any problem over there?”

Carlos answered while keeping his gaze fixed on the documents, “No. There’s no problem at all.”

Just by looking at the reports, Esper in the underground world seemed too peaceful.

“Is there no news from the informants?”

“No. Should I contact them just in case?”

“Enough. Don’t waste your energy unnecessarily.”

Wasting energy needlessly might mean not being able to use it in crucial moments.

“How about the reaction from the temple?”

“They are still insisting that the Esper family should eliminate the incense and take responsibility for the recent monster riot. They even incite people during the Mass time.”

Since there was finally a chance to exploit a loophole, the sight of them rushing forward like hyenas was amusing.

“Nevertheless, thanks to the prompt recovery, public opinion isn’t that bad. Especially, those who have already signed contracts are mostly skeptical of the temple’s words.”

All the monsters that went on a rampage this time were uncontracted magical beasts.

There had never been a problem caused by those who had formed a contract with humans.

“Of course, some contracted individuals are still worried about the possibility of such issues in the future… But still, there’s no one demanding the termination of the contract.”

“Because they’ve paid a considerable sum.”

To contract with a favored magical beast and make it a magical beast, it cost at least a thousand gold, and sometimes tens of thousands of gold. Moreover, since magical beasts could perform special tasks that humans could never do, once people were involved in the magical beast’s contract, they could never escape.

Even though people thought magical beasts might be dangerous, one reason they paid a large sum was that, considering the contract, they could be assured that magical beasts were safe.

“How about the dispatch of the investigation team?”

“It’s coming with the Imperial envoy. At this speed, it seems like they will arrive in four days, at the latest within a week.”

“Ten days.”
Carlos pushed aside the documents he was looking at and said, “Prevent them from setting foot on this land for at least ten days.”

“Is it because of Lord Cheong?”

“Yes.”

Like most underground residents, Abel also hated the temple. It wasn’t just a simple dislike; he despised it to the extreme, enough to destroy and kill anything related to the temple.

However, if the investigation team sent by Abel and the temple side were to meet, something terrible that he didn’t even want to imagine would happen, so it had to be prevented at all costs.

“Hmm, we have to hold onto their feet as much as possible… Ah.”

While stroking his chin and pondering seriously, Dewey seemed to have a good idea and sighed briefly.

“Can we use any means necessary?”

Carlos’s hand, which had picked up the next report, paused.

Only then did he look at Dewey and said, “You’re thinking of killing someone.”

“Come on, I’m not.”

Dewey grinned.

“I won’t casually take a life like those guys.”

“…”

Carlos silently looked at Dewey.

Although Dewey said he had forgotten everything and no longer thought about that time, sometimes, when he spoke revealingly about living like that, it seemed like he hadn’t forgotten.

Well, it’s impossible to forget such a terrible event.

Smart .

Suddenly, when they heard a knock, Carlos and Dewey’s gaze went to the tightly closed door.

“Come in.”

As the door opened gently, Irene entered.

“Excuse me.”

“Miss?”

Both Dewey and Carlos were surprised as they looked at her.

Blushing slightly under the pouring gaze, Irene asked, “I have something to ask… Is it okay for a moment?”

Carlos nodded, standing up.

“What’s going on here?”

Before Irene could answer, Carlos swept his hair back and stood up.

“Sit down for now.”

“…”

Irene thought she didn’t need to sit, but since she was in the position to ask for a favor, she sat down as instructed.