The reason He Xi had not chosen to barge straight into Raymond's mansion, but had instead gone to such lengths to arrange a meeting at the Church of the Dark Night, was naturally due to his own considerations.
First, he was not sure where this wealthy merchant stood.
Second—and more importantly—he did not know whether the Tidal Trade Union had any connection to that sinister Kareen Cult.
Under such circumstances, choosing the Goddess's territory as the meeting place was undoubtedly the safest option.
Even if Raymond really was colluding with those cultists, they would never dare cause trouble in a church that embodied the Goddess's majesty.
Thanks to Zander, Priest Ashir, though somewhat puzzled, readily lent He Xi the same quiet little reception room from before.
As for Trist, he concealed himself behind the stone pillar where little Cody had hidden earlier.
Before He Xi had even warmed the hard wooden stool beneath him, that well-dressed middle-aged man hurried into the room under the Nun's guidance.
The moment Raymond entered, his shrewd eyes, like two sharp rulers, swiftly measured the young man sitting in the shadows with his hood pulled low.
The other man was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling slightly with each hurried breath, fine beads of sweat even seeping from his forehead.
Raymond's gaze lingered on He Xi's face for a moment.
"So angry?"
He could hardly be blamed. After all, he was young. Anyone who learned that they were about to lose an opportunity to obtain immense wealth would find it difficult to suppress the fury in their heart.
With that in mind, he asked tentatively, "He Xi?"
"Yes."
Hearing the affirmative answer, Raymond let out a breath of relief.
The instant he had entered the room, he had already cast [Appraisal Spell].
The information