Having slipped away from the watchful eyes of the Duke and the servants, Viare headed to Burnaud Street No. 34.

Although she usually visited this place to gather information, today, she had a different purpose.

‘Where could it be?’

Viare had been trying to find Gaius’s key, but it was nowhere to be found – not in the mansion nor in the office.

‘Then, it must be here.’

To copy the key, she planned to invite Raymon to the Duke’s residence soon. Raymon, whose exceptional talent to replicate anything he saw was still unknown to the world, was like a hidden gem.

Purchasing his paintings and crafts under the guise of sponsorship would raise no suspicions. As overseeing the internal affairs of the Duke’s residence was part of Viare’s role, changing the interior décor would not seem odd to anyone.

Therefore, it was imperative that on the day Raymon was invited, Viare had to be in possession of the key.

Of course, she hadn’t dismissed the idea of using the key of God’s Absence to open the safe herself. However, the key was enchanted with a protective spell, signaling the Duke and Gaius if used by anyone else.

This was something she learned from Gaius’s drunken slip at dinner the night before. So, making an exact replica of the key would allow her to open the safe easily.

‘The timing needs to be perfect.’

As Viare was inspecting Gaius’s office, Fabian greeted her cheerfully.

“Lady, what brings you here so early in the evening?”

Thankfully, he didn’t seem suspicious, knowing she often visited to see the relic of God’s Absence.

“I came to see Gaius, but it seems he’s not here yet?”

Viare pretended to be disappointed, although she knew Gaius wouldn’t be there until late at night due to a business trip.

“Oh? You’re busy too, what for?”

“Waiting alone is better than nothing.”

Fabian suggested keeping her company. When he snapped his fingers, a waiter brought in tea and cups.

“Would you prefer alcohol?”

“No, thank you.”

“That’s a pity. The liquor here is exceptional.”

“You’re working, aren’t you?”

Viare retorted sharply, and Fabian just chuckled.

Finding herself seated opposite Fabian, drinking tea in this ownerless space, Viare was incredulous.

“Thanks to your visit, Lady, I’m having fun.”

“You make it sound like there’s no work when the boss is away.”

Fabian hastily waved his hands at her ominous statement.

“Those words are almost taboo.”

According to him, mentioning a lack of work would inevitably lead to a sudden influx of tasks. As if proving his point, a waiter knocked on the office door.

“See, Lady?”

Fabian playfully looked at Viare and then opened the door.

“There’s someone at Burnaud Street No. 34 looking for the relic of God’s Absence.”

“He’s not here… um, ask them to wait a bit.”

Fabian paused mid-sentence, as if struck by an amusing thought, then dismissed the waiter.

“Lady, could you help me with something?”

“I don’t know what it is, but I’ll decline.”
Despite Viare’s cold response, Fabian pointed to the back with one hand and said, “You heard there’s someone looking for the relic of God’s Absence, and the guild leader hasn’t returned yet, right?”

“What does that have to do with me?” Viare asked.

Fabian tilted his head and handed her a white mask and a mirror, saying, “Of course it matters. Lady, you’re perfect for this, aren’t you?”

Viare, now draped in a robe and magically transformed into the appearance of a man, was the spitting image of the person Fabian was referring to.

“You really do resemble him,” Fabian remarked.

“Stop talking nonsense,” Viare sighed, looking at Fabian.

“You know I don’t know anything. Are you trying to ruin the reputation of this place?”

“Not at all! I’m just asking you to blend in. Leave the rest to me.”

Viare found Fabian’s intentions as puzzling as ever.

“If I play along with your prank, what will you give me?”

“You’re quick to calculate, Lady. I’ll gladly give you anything I can.”

Fabian often enjoyed seeing Gaius in awkward situations due to his offbeat ways. Viare decided not to ponder deeper.

Though she didn’t completely trust him, she was willing to go along with his game if it meant getting what she wanted.

After completing a magically sealed vow of secrecy, Viare listened to a few guidelines from Fabian.

“If you need my help, just tear up this card.”

“Okay, I’ll be back soon.”

Viare took a deep breath to relax before opening the office door and heading to the reception room where the guest was waiting.

The guest, appearing as a robust man in a robe, had been waiting for a while.

“It seems I have kept you waiting. What brings you here?”

Despite her altered appearance and voice, Viare was mindful of every detail.

Luckily, the man sitting in front of her seemed unsuspecting, and Viare silently waited for him to speak.

After a moment of silence, the man lifted his head and looked at her.

When their blue eyes met, Viare felt her breath catch.

‘Sion? Why are you here…?’

He removed his robe, revealing his stern gaze.

“If you’re the guild leader of information, you must have guessed who I am.”

“…”

“I need information. I can pay any amount.”

Dension then tossed a bag full of Bennets onto the table.

Viare was overwhelmed by emotions.

‘How did you end up here?’

She could feel his anger and felt a wave of pity for him, struggling through a tough battle. Tears almost welled up in her eyes.

Struggling to contain her emotions, Viare managed to ask, “What information are you seeking?”

“The one who killed the previous Duke of Berdium, and the one who silenced the witness of the rumors in the territory.”

She had expected as much. It was unlikely he hadn’t heard what even Joyan had.

He was the only family member who desperately wanted to uncover their deaths.

“…”

“And one more thing.”

He tossed another Bennet bag on the table and said, “About Lady Viare of the Ruschef family.”

Viare stiffened, maintaining composure as she asked, “The Ruschef Lady?”

“Yes. Finding out about her should be the easiest.”

“Why do you need information about her?”
“……You don’t need to know that much.”

Viare, seeing Dension slightly tilt his head, hurriedly responded to avoid raising any suspicion.

“Then I will deliver the information to you shortly.”

With those words, Dension gracefully left Bernard Street No. 34, following the waiter’s guidance. Unnoticed by Viare, Fabian had been standing behind her. He snapped his fingers, and she returned to her original form.

Fabian looked at her somewhat puzzled and said, “I thought for sure you’d tear up the card.”

“You must have been listening to our conversation.”

Fabian would have certainly eavesdropped on their conversation with a magical device.

“……Seems like you’ve noticed.”

“Make sure Gaius doesn’t find out about this.”

“You’re asking me to deceive him in the realm of God’s Absence?”

“If it’s you, keeping him quiet should be easy enough.”

“Is this your wish, Lady?”

“No, it’s not. It’s just an option for you.”

“An option? What do you mean……”

“Do you think Gaius will just let this go if he finds out?”

“…….”

“If he knew, he could take your life immediately.”

Viare was effectively threatening Fabian’s life.

Fabian, seemingly surprised by her audacity, chuckled and clapped his hands.

“I can’t win against you, Lady. So, what is your wish?”

“The key you handed over to the relic of God’s Absence. Find out where Gaius keeps it.”

“……You’re more terrifying than I thought, Lady.”

“You’ve learned something then. Never to deal with me.”

Frustrated that things weren’t going as he expected, Fabian sighed and said, “I’ll obey your order. I will contact you soon.”

Pleased with his response, Viare quickly returned to the duke’s mansion.