20. Scheme

F-finally back in the Empire... Boohoo, I'll never go out again this year!

We had some twists and turns, but you still managed to sign the contract, Camelia!

The villagers even compromised a lot on the price to thank us for getting them back to normal.

So you can be confident and cheer up, Camelia!

B-but! It was Lord Beam who helped them recover!!! I-I didn't do anything!

It did give her a lot of trouble... But I didn't know you're a fan of Miss Beam, Camelia.

Does it count as you meeting your idol...?

Boohoo!!! S-stop reminding me, Parvati! I can't believe I was like that in front of her!

I-I-I've never embarrassed myself this much in my whole life!

Ah, I think you did explain to me... you mean when you were in a ''bloodthirsty'' battle mode?

You became very rough, aggressive, and arrogant, and even said some nonsense that sounded very cool...

Boohoo... D-darn it! That's why I don't like to interact with people in real life! Hail the internet! Staying in is the best!!!

Oh my, what a peculiar kid.

It could well be that her true nature came through when she was brainwashed, abnormal aggression aside.

Well, it's time for me to go back to my duty. Let me go report to ''her''.

...Who is it?

It's me, Parvati, the older sister who completed the Campbell family's job! Actually, I should be your younger sister according to our age?

Haha, welcome back, ''younger sister''. I heard a lot had happened on your trip. And you even got dragged into the coup in Bifrost?

You're always so well-informed. That's right. This escort mission was more dramatic than expected.

And I also met someone from the Church of Augustus.

Oh? ...Then I have all the more reason to ask you to recount all the details.

Well, this is part of my duties as a mercenary, my dear boss.

I see... I heard the daughter of the head of the Campbell family has some character flaws but didn't expect her to be so special.

Don't underestimate Camelia. The rumors didn't mention the potential and merit she has. I'm very fond of her.

You're right. I will never underestimate any noble forces that have lasted to this day. Also, about that Miss Beam you mentioned...

She is indeed one of the nobles in the Church of Augustus, but she hasn't been involved in the church's affairs for many years. At this stage, she won't be anyone's enemy.

I see. This is good news! Apart from you guys, I can't think of anyone who can fight her head-on.

At times like this, it's better not to provoke her and make more enemies... Rather than that, I'm more concerned about that organization you mentioned.

Teslovik? I only heard about them on this trip.

After receiving your report, I started to investigate this ''Teslovik'' and found many worrying things.

Such as?

On the surface, they work for Bifrost, but Teslovikers seem to spread across the entire continent, and they don't merely serve the leaders of Bifrost Industries.

They seem to have their own agenda... and this is what worries me most.

Why?

Based on the information, it is speculated that they are investigating the truth of the Calamity, a taboo subject in all countries.

Oh, wow... should we call them reckless or admirable?

If Teslovik's aim is to find the truth, their paths will surely cross with mine. Only we can't yet know for sure whether they will be an enemy or a friend.

There's no time for hesitation in this ever-changing world. If we want to change the Empire, we have to bring in outside forces, and Teslovik is the best option for now.

Are you serious, Boss?

We cannot move forward if we don't try. I happen to have what they want... Let me be the first to offer an olive branch.