Can't I Raise Myself? Chapter 47

"..."

Ryan knew the other party was trying to curry favor. If Caslathdi truly managed to gain control of Berman City, she would definitely need talented people to help manage it in the future. Although he hadn't agreed to join her faction yet, he felt obligated to help since he had accepted their hospitality.

With time, affection could grow, turning them into a family.

However, Ryan had no reason to refuse. He genuinely needed some authority to mask his identity, and Jonathan also wanted him to become the bureau chief to firmly grasp the Bureau of Governance's power.

"...In that case, I'll have the Municipal Office issue an order tomorrow for you to officially take over the director position."

"Thank you, Mayor."

"Thank Princess, it was her discerning eye."

Bill offered a few polite words before leaving for other matters.

Caslathdi smiled at Ryan and then departed as well.

"Tsk tsk~ Ryan, it seems the Princess truly values you," Jonathan said with a laugh.

Ryan spread his hands. "Her ambitions are also quite grand."

Jonathan remained silent. He had sensed that Bill was not entirely willing to let Ryan take the director position, only doing so due to Caslathdi's status.

This was clearly not right. If Bill wasn't willing to pick a side, then Caslathdi's ambition to control Berman City was just a pipe dream. Even for a princess, there was no reason to snatch territory from nobles.

"Lord Ryan, may I invite you for a drink?" a noble girl in her early twenties approached.

"Hi, Aria." Jonathan stepped forward. "My colleague here is a bit shy. How about I have a couple of drinks with you? And perhaps we can discuss astrology tonight? My luck with the 'Husband Hunter' constellation hasn't been great lately."

"Oh, really? I'm a 'Husband Hunter' myself. Jonathan, don't scare me."

"Of course, it's true. I'll change your luck tonight... Let's go, we can chat over there."

Jonathan gave Ryan a knowing glance before walking away with the girl named Aria.

Ryan had no interest in socialites. Seeing that no one was paying attention to him anymore, he quietly opened the game.

'Lin Qi' was still staking out the slums. Night had fallen, and it was time to hunt evil spirits again. Just as she was about to act, she saw a group of people approaching from a distance.

Beams from flashlights flickered in the darkness. As they got closer, their identities became clear.

'Make way! The City Guard is apprehending heretics! Civilians, clear the area!'

This was an army of about a hundred men!

"The military? Why are they here at this hour?"

Ryan frowned slightly. The City Guard was part of the territorial garrison. Although nominally an Imperial army, their provisions were funded by the local municipality. Over time, the army essentially belonged to the local lord.

This was a common situation. The Empire's territory was vast, and most of its core military strength was concentrated and managed centrally.

The armies in the enfeoffed territories were managed by the local nobles themselves, including recruitment, supplies, and pay, all funded by the local municipality. This approach reduced the Empire's financial burden and allowed for flexible arrangements based on local conditions. However, it also meant a loss of some territorial control. While it was fine during periods of Imperial strength, it could lead to situations where powerful nobles amassed their own forces and claimed territory as their own once the Empire weakened.

The Berman City army numbered around three to four thousand men, excluding reserves, purely combat personnel. For a city of its size, this was quite substantial. The primary reason was Berman City's proximity to the Empire's border.

Normally, a portion of the army was stationed outside the city, and a small contingent near Aideburg, under the command of Colonel Grove.

Ryan looked up at the banquet hall. Colonel Grove was currently chatting and laughing with a noblewoman in her thirties.

He instructed 'Lin Qi' to conceal her presence and follow the army. Soon, she discovered that these soldiers had surrounded an area under the guise of apprehending heretics.

This area was precisely where he had calculated the Blood Cult might be lurking.

After the outer perimeter of soldiers secured the area, some of them began transporting goods. 'Lin Qi' had the Demon Spirit blend into the night and slip into the shadows of the soldiers, mixing in silently.

Through the Demon Spirit's vision, 'Lin Qi' saw the soldiers moving a large quantity of supplies into a building. Immediately after, a mechanism opened, revealing a new passage beneath the staircase.

"So that's where it is."

Seeing the members of the Blood Cult emerging from within, Ryan understood.

He had wondered why he couldn't find them. Such a hidden location would be impossible to discover without someone leading the way.

'Why are you coming so late?'

'Don't you know the heat is on lately? The Colonel only arranged for us to come during tonight's banquet.'

'Alright, let's hurry.'

'What about the ritual, the ritual?'

'Don't worry, everything is going smoothly. Once the final offerings are made, war will descend upon this land of August!'

'Don't worry about the offerings. Have Hart prepare. It will begin within a week at most.'

After the two finished their conversation in the darkness, the batch of supplies began to be moved to the basement.

The entire process lasted nearly twenty minutes. Soon, the soldiers withdrew from the slums, taking a few refugees deemed heretics with them.

Ryan stroked his chin. The Demon Spirit had overheard everything clearly.

The military was supporting the Blood Cult.

This wasn't surprising, as the army was funded by Bill, and Colonel Grove was undoubtedly under Bill's control.

A week? The ritual was about to begin?

This meant the Kainter army would attack?

"Why 'war'?"

The phrase "war is coming" felt subtle. If it were a straightforward war, it would happen when armies attacked, with no need to involve the priesthood.

Also, what was the Blood Cult seeking from the Blood God by holding such a large-scale ritual?

After the army left and the Blood Cult transported all the supplies inside, he carefully observed his surroundings and then closed the mechanism.

'Lin Qi' was hidden nearby. The Demon Spirit lurked in the shadows and entered Casola Prison. She saw the cells and the people imprisoned within.

The prison had two levels. Below that was the Karut Maze, which was where the ritual was taking place.

The person who had spoken to the military earlier continued downwards, finally arriving at the altar that 'Shally' had found.

"Lord Hart, the military has delivered what you requested," he said.

"Finally, it's here. Now for the final step of the ritual... Hmm?"

Hart, wearing a black robe with his hood obscuring most of his face, suddenly spoke in a sharp voice, "Damn it, what did you bring in?!"

Swish!

Black energy descended, smashing into the shadow with a boom.

The Demon Spirit escaped from the shadow, turning into a stream of light and flying outwards. But then, the figures around the altar began to chant, and the scene was finally enveloped in black. According to 'Lin Qi's' feedback, the Demon Spirit had been dispersed.

"It could actually detect the Demon Spirit? Even Adler couldn't detect it back then. Is that guy even more powerful than Adler??"

Ryan was somewhat surprised. This was the first time the Demon Spirit had 'died'.

"Not necessarily. He's a Singer. His perception of extraordinary energy might be very strong."

Singers were a special profession. Their combat power might not be great, but their perception was definitely strong.

It seemed he would have to be careful from now on. Demon Spirits weren't omnipotent.

"I've been discovered. I wonder what will happen... Oh well, I'll retreat for now."

Since the Blood Cult wouldn't be moving their base at this time anyway, 'Lin Qi' turned and disappeared into the night before the Blood Cult members could pursue them.

Continuing with a 10,000-character update. There's more today! Please support!