"Everyone was invited here today because of another important matter."
The Earl changed the subject.
"First, it has been confirmed that some nobles in the inner city have been infiltrated by aberration. Baron Von Linde was the most severe case and has already been executed on the spot in accordance with Imperial law. The evidence regarding the several barons dealt with earlier is all in the hands of the Night Watchers. Anyone who needs it can come to me."
"Second, an unidentified force has been operating in Bronze City. Their method of infiltration involves a dark green liquid. Those affected gradually undergo aberration. I advise you all to take care of yourselves."
"Third, every noble and Merchants' Guild member present today will undergo screening one by one."
"Those who are absent—"
The Earl paused.
"The Iron Guard Battalion has already gone for them."
As the Earl finished his last word, Lu Yuan was already sweeping his gaze across the crowd in seating order.
Gray-White Text appeared at the edge of his vision.
First row, left side.
[Detection Target: Bronze City Noble (Mild Contamination)]
Only one person was mildly contaminated. That did not seem too bad. Lu Yuan shifted his gaze toward the next row.
[Detection Target: Bronze City Noble (Contamination)]
[Detection Target: Bronze City Noble (Severe Contamination)]
[Detection Target: Bronze City Noble (Mild Contamination)]
Three appeared in a row. Lu Yuan's eye twitched. What the hell had these nobles been doing???
His gaze continued backward. Third row, fourth row, those in the corners with Attendants, those sitting alone—the Gray-White Text in his vision barely stopped appearing.
Mild contamination was the most common, interspersed with standard contamination, along with three or four severe cases. The clean ones were scattered sparsely among them.
After scanning the entire hall, more than half of