Did he think she would simply tell him?

‘Would you believe me if I told you I was a producer in my past life and came back from the gates of hell?’

Prodia smiled slyly.

“May I also inquire about your network of information?”

“Ah, you got me there,” Ed chuckled.

A bet is a bet. He had lost, so he had to keep his word.

He pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Prodia.

“First, this is the full text of the oracle.”

Prodia took the paper from him and quickly read it through.

The content of the oracle was as follows:

[The Aibem Empire matriarch selection contest must include the following event. Let the sound of songs praising the deity resound to the ends of the sky. When the voices of the participants harmonize, blessings will descend upon the empire.]

This is it.

Prodia’s heart began to race again.

There really would be a singing stage in this contest.

And it was a group mission!

Ed spoke with a troubled expression.

“It has indeed become problematic. I didn’t think you would actually guess the oracle correctly.”

“Don’t worry. If you team up with me, you’ll benefit not only in gathering information but also in other ways.”

“In what ways?”

“To win in a choir competition, you need a team. If you join me and my contractors on stage, you won’t lose.”

At that, Ed chuckled.

“Those are nothing but a grand mage, a high priest, and an informant. What do they have to do with music?”

“You may think so. But just trust me and follow.”

Prodia added confidently,

“The 99.99% royal public exam passing rate isn’t just a number, you know.”

Oh, really.

But Ed had no other options.

Trust is the foundation for an informant, and he had already lost the bet.

Moreover, Prodia’s words were quite convincing.

‘It seems she has some trust in the other two contractors.’

In fact, if the contest really included choir singing, Ed would be at a disadvantage.

He had never been on stage before.

And a choir? That means he would have to harmonize with the other participants.

Although he could bribe participants with money, that would mean wasting time finding someone with the appropriate skills.

Maybe he should try teaming up with this woman after all.
‘So, I’ll stay by her side and break the contract after finding out her information network.’

What kind of backing does she have to possess skills comparable to mine, the head of the empire’s top-secret organization?

‘Prodia Duser, I will definitely reveal your secret.’

With that thought, Ed reached out his hand to Prodia.

“There’s no other choice. I look forward to working with you, Miss Prodia.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

The man and woman shook hands and exchanged smiles, each lost in their own thoughts.

And so, the third contractor joined Prodia’s team.

Returning to the room, Irtis and Luca could only be astonished.

Not only had Prodia found out the contents of the trust, she had also recruited Ed Prihi?

Luca blushed towards Prodia.

“What can’t you do?”

Then, seeing Luca’s reaction, Ed asked incredulously.

“Luca, you said you’re participating in the archery tournament. Are you interested in her?”

“Uh, was it that obvious?”

She had no intention of hiding it, anyway. Prodia clicked her tongue.

But seeing that, Ed was shocked.

“No way, is that true? What will you do if you get caught by the judges?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t make it obvious. If I drop out of the competition, I won’t be able to stay with my sister.”

Ed looked at Prodia and asked,

“What did you do to Luca? Did you find a weakness?”

Then Luca interrupted.

“A weakness? It’s love.”

“What?”

Prodia lowered her head, her face showing resignation.

“Don’t ask me, Ed. Even I don’t know the reason.”

“Can I really trust you to join the team?”

“You’ve already written the contract.”

“Hmm… Alright.”

For now.

With that, Ed smiled meaningfully.

Then Irtis asked Prodia.

“So, what were the contents of the trust?”

“I was planning to discuss it with you all once we return to the Count’s residence. Is that alright?”

“Proceed.”

“Let’s quickly move to the Count’s residence, then.”

At that moment, the terrifying memory of teleportation resurfaced in Prodia’s mind.

There was one more person to be accommodated.

What should she do? Should someone ride piggyback on Irtis?

At that moment, Prodia and Luca’s eyes met.

It seemed they were thinking the same thing.

Luca’s face was also twisted in horror.

Just then, Ed asked them,

“So, how did you all get here from the capital to the West?”

Irtis answered.

“By teleport.”

“Oh… as expected!”

Ed’s eyes sparkled at that.

“Then can I experience Master Magician’s teleportation? I’m excited.”

Being an informant, he was open to new experiences.

But there wouldn’t be space for three people.

Prodia asked.

“Ed, how do you usually get out of here?”

To that, Ed replied as if it were obvious.

“Well, I use a teleport scroll.”

“A scroll… What is that?”

“It’s a one-time use magical item. You write the coordinates on the teleport scroll, tear it, and you can move to the desired location.”

“Really?”

Prodia, surprised, immediately glared at Irtis.

At that, Irtis scratched his head with an ‘I guess so’ look on his face.

“Ah, right? There were scrolls…”