"Oh?" Ryan nodded slightly. "What did he find?"
"He said Bill went to a bakery in East District today to buy something and met with someone. Very suspicious."
"East District?"
Ryan frowned. There were so many bakeries in Central City, yet Bill had specifically gone all the way to East District. The bread there must have been big, white, and fragrant, huh?
"Who was the person he met?"
"A woman with light yellow curls. The captain followed her for a while but eventually gave up. The woman was highly alert; continuing the surveillance would have exposed him."
"Oh?"
Ryan was somewhat surprised. Gluck was a Third Tier Transcendent. If even he could be noticed while tailing someone, just how strong was the other party?
Even if she was a Singer, she was probably already at the third tier.
"Wait, yellow curls? Do you know which street she went to?"
"Locke Street. We don't know after that."
"...Could it really be such a coincidence?"
"What is it, Lord Ryan?"
"Nothing, nothing. You can go now. Tell Gluck to be careful and make sure he isn't discovered."
Blood Robe accepted the order and silently left the room.
"Locke Street... Isn't the bookstore on that street? Her hair also sounds a lot like Kaisa's. Could it be her?... But why was Twilight Eye tangled up with the Blood Cult again?"
Ryan remembered that in the game's storyline, the forces mobilized by the Second Prince had always been the Blood Cult. There had been no Twilight Eye content throughout Berman City's entire storyline.
But those sneaky bastards from Twilight Eye really did enjoy cooperating with the Blood Cult, because those lunatics sometimes did not enjoy using their brains all that much.
So what was Kaisa's relationship with Bill?
Either they were simply cooperating.
Or Bill, as one of the Second Prince's subordinates, had issues too. Maybe he was even a mole Twilight Eye had planted under the Second Prince... Well, Ryan felt he was probably overthinking it. Otherwise, players would have dug up such a bizarre love-and-hate drama long ago.
For now, though, it was only a guess. There were plenty of blondes on Locke Street; it might not necessarily be Kaisa. Maybe she was some younger mistress Bill had kept.
Ryan still decided to go take a look.
That afternoon, he got off work early and headed to East District.
The bookstore was as deserted as ever. Ryan suspected it had some sort of barrier that drove ordinary people away. Otherwise, why was there never anyone here whenever he came?
"Lord Ryan." Kaisa, who had been sitting behind the counter, stood up.
"I came by to take a look. Also, I wanted to let you know that things have been unstable lately. If the Kainter Army really breaks into the city, the Grand Duchess intends for us to retreat. When that happens, I'll take you with me."
"Regarding that..." Kaisa took some things from a cabinet. "My lord, I was just about to report this to you. These are the crimes I uncovered concerning Mayor Bill."
"Huh?"
Ryan flipped through the so-called evidence. It actually documented Bill's dealings with the Blood Cult.
It included how Bill had secretly supplied sacrifices to the Blood Cult over the years, covered up Heretic rituals, and more. When Ryan saw the final letter, his expression immediately turned strange.
The letter recorded the details of Bill's "cooperation" with Kainter officers. In essence, Bill had discussed matters concerning the siege with them.
"Where did you get these?"
"Lord Adler actually instructed me to investigate Bill a long time ago. I compiled all this information step by step." Kaisa spoke respectfully. "As for this letter involving the Kainter officers, I intercepted a Kainter spy and found it on him."
Ryan thought, The spy you intercepted wasn't you, was it?
It had to be said, Kaisa had truly shocked Ryan. She had definitely met Bill today, or there was no way she could have known this much.
But why was Kaisa giving these things to him?
Another mole?
But you weren't a mole I planted.
Wait, this wasn't for me... Ryan's thoughts shifted. Was this meant for Grand Duchess Magana? Or for Cassidy?
"Why did Adler have you investigate Bill? And who is the person behind Bill?" Ryan asked without changing his expression.
"That is also what Lord Adler wanted to know." Kaisa's expression remained calm. "He suspected Bill, which was why he had me investigate him. Unfortunately, all I have found so far is that Bill has problems. I have not been able to uncover the person behind him."
Woman, I don't believe a single word you just said.
What the hell would Adler know about Bill?
But he was dead anyway. With no proof from the dead, Kaisa could say whatever she wanted.
The question was—
What should he do now?
"Mm, Kaisa, you did very well. I will report this to Grand Duchess Magana immediately."
"My lord, if we wait for the Grand Duchess to send troops, it may already be too late." Kaisa spoke up. "I suggest informing both the Grand Duchess and Cassidy. If Cassidy learns about Bill, she will never stand by and do nothing. She can restrain or even deal with Bill, buying time for the Grand Duchess to send people here. What do you think?"
"How did you know I wanted the Grand Duchess to send troops?"
"Ah." Kaisa's expression froze for a moment before she said, "Isn't that the case? This is a perfect opportunity to seize Berman City and Cassidy."
"Haha, it is indeed." Ryan laughed loudly. "Kaisa, you really are a treasure. Isn't this wonderful? This way, Berman City can be completely brought under our control, and Cassidy will fall into our hands as well... Excellent. I'll notify the Grand Duchess right away!"
"All for Magana... My lord, I wish you success."
Ryan left the bookstore, drove around, and headed straight for the East District Branch.
"Blood Robe, keep an eye on that woman at the bookstore. Be careful," Ryan ordered Blood Robe on the way.
He was an assassin-type class and could hide himself easily.
That woman Kaisa seemed to know he wanted Magana to send troops... Was it a coincidence?
Ryan did not have time to think it over.
The person he truly trusted was neither Cassidy nor Magana, but Jonathan.
So Ryan wanted to hear Jonathan's opinion.
Ten minutes later.
East District Branch office.
Jonathan took two hard drags on his cigarette. He did not even notice the tobacco had nearly burned down to his lips. Staring at the things Ryan had brought, he said, "You found this?"
"Yes."
"Where did it come from? Is it authentic?"
"I found some clues at Adler's house and have been investigating in secret these past few days. This letter came from intercepting a Kainter spy. I didn't dare bring it out before, since Mayor Bill had a good relationship with Princess Cassidy. But now, I think it's time to act."
"You're right. It really is time to act." Jonathan stubbed out his cigarette and exhaled. "The Kainter Army is attacking. We can't count on anyone else; we can only rely on ourselves."
Ever since the Kainter Army broke through the border defenses, the Empire had ordered the nobles of every major territory to gather their forces and block them. Unfortunately, little had come of it so far. Even Kosotoya, the closest place, had merely twitched symbolically.
They had indeed sent troops into action, but they were fighting those who burned, killed, and pillaged, not this elite force advancing toward Berman City.
Everyone wanted to preserve their strength. No one wanted to risk their lives against the enemy.
The Empire was teetering in the wind and rain. Who knew, perhaps the Old Emperor would croak by tomorrow morning? To avoid being affected by unrest, the nobles of these territories would all choose to protect themselves.
Jonathan had spent so many years in officialdom. How could he fail to see their true faces?
"I'll notify Her Highness the Princess about this. Don't say anything. I'll tell her it's intelligence investigated by the League of Fire," Jonathan said.
He did not want Ryan to stand out too much at a time like this. This was not something worth showing off over.
And right now, only Cassidy could stop Bill. At the very least, her status was highly suitable for this moment.
Jonathan acted quickly. By seven that evening, he had contacted Cassidy and worked out a response plan with her—kill Bill, then lead Berman City's troops to defend the city in the name of a Princess.
As long as they withstood the Kainter Army's first wave of attacks, Cassidy would gradually gather the surrounding garrisons afterward. Kainter was not some ferocious wolf or tiger. They were not impossible to stop; no one was simply willing to stop them right now.
As long as Cassidy stepped forward and took the front line, others would naturally follow.
After receiving Jonathan's reply, Ryan contacted Magana as well.
He did not know what Kaisa was trying to do, but Kaisa did not know what he wanted either.
So he might as well focus on achieving his own goal. As long as Magana's Iron Blood Legion stationed themselves here and thoroughly stabilized Berman City, that would be enough.
As for everything else, he could slowly play the game and create Alt Accounts later. Was he really afraid he would not rise to power?
Besides, even if Martha had a scheme, it would be aimed at Magana. What did that have to do with Ryan?
"Ryan, what is it?"
In the mirror, the five-foot-tall Magana showed no impatience whatsoever. Ryan had contacted her repeatedly lately; if it had been Adler, he would have been slapped to death long ago.
"Grand Duchess, is Creed there?"
"He isn't." Magana waved her hand. "Say what you need to say. Don't worry, I'm not Creed's puppet. I won't listen to everything he says."
"Of course I would never think that. You're the wise and valiant God of War, Grand Duchess... Oh, right, I found out something important."
Ryan explained Bill's situation and Cassidy's decision.
"...Grand Duchess, once Cassidy gathers an army, with her methods, she may seize control of the Southern Border's territory in one stroke. It will be difficult for you to deal with her after that."
"So Berman City really is colluding with Kainter. Hmph~ Good thing I already sent people over in advance," Magana said.
"Uh." Ryan froze. "Grand Duchess, you sent people here?"
"Yes, they set out two days ago and should have arrived by now. Have Gluck go receive them; he'll know what to do... But they went secretly. There are not many of them, only two thousand."
"But before, you—"
"I told you, I am not anyone's puppet. I have my own ideas." Magana said it as though it were only natural. "Since Berman City is a juicy piece of meat, why wouldn't I take it? If I don't take it, it will be handed to someone else. I have never liked anyone else putting their hands on what is mine. What I don't understand, though, is this: if the Second Prince is behind this, joining forces with another country to stir up internal chaos, that is no small crime."
Would the Second Prince really do something that stupid?
"But we're only guessing, aren't we?" Ryan was unsure whether the Second Prince was an idiot, but with Twilight Eye involved, everything was difficult to say.
After all, those people from Twilight Eye were mysterious and secretive. No one knew where they hid, yet wherever chaos erupted, there might be someone from Twilight Eye secretly arranging things.
Ryan was more concerned about how these two thousand people could turn the tide.
"Don't worry. Once Kainter's siege operation is confirmed, I will immediately dispatch the main army. I've even prepared the trains." Magana said, "You only need to do your best to stabilize Berman City's situation for me. Don't let that woman Cassidy escape."
Ryan patted his chest. "Rest assured, Grand Duchess. I'll brave fire and water and die ten thousand deaths without complaint!"
The facts proved that Grand Duchess Magana's breadth of mind was truly reassuring. Look at that foresight, those decisions, that white hair, that face, that... Wasn't she wonderful?
Though she was a little short, in Ryan's eyes, the Grand Duchess's figure had already become exceptionally towering.
Two thousand men, delivered with a click.
Ryan immediately had Gluck go receive them. The Iron Blood Legion was renowned for its combat prowess. Two thousand was not many, but it was enough.
The operation to kill Bill was set for tomorrow morning. After all, he was Berman City's actual ruler. Cassidy needed time to prepare as well, and to send a Magic Document to the Old Father far away in the Imperial Capital. After killing Bill, she needed official authority recognized by the Empire.
According to the intercepted letter, the Kainter Army's attack was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, so she still had time.
Yet in the early hours of the next day, after every plan had been made, a dazzling Signal Flare suddenly tore through the night and illuminated the skies above Berman City.
It was a Signal Flare launching the attack!
The instant the Signal Flare went off, every Blood Cult member hidden throughout the city erupted into action!
At the same time.
Inside Cassola Prison, a frenzied ritual was about to begin!
Countless Blood Cultists cheered excitedly as they brought all the sacrifices imprisoned in the cells toward the Underground Altar—
"Blood Sacrifice to the Blood God!" "Blood Sacrifice to the Blood God!" "Blood Sacrifice to the Blood God!"
6k5. There will be another update today. At the end of the month, please vote! Please send blades! Please support me!!
Shari Changes Class, Blood Sacrifice to the Blood God!!! [6k]
A chaotic atmosphere filled Cassola Prison. From the first underground level to the second, cell doors were opened one after another, and the numb-faced sacrifices were pushed by Believers toward the depths underground.
Before you continue