Spy (Seeking Subscriptions)

"Thank you for the praise, Father!"

Land's face showed a trace of pride, along with excitement.

"Mm. Next month, you'll take the steam train and escort a shipment to the Sulida Kingdom... Make contact with our people over there."

Claude puffed on a meerschaum pipe, slowly exhaling several smoke rings. "Don't worry. Everything is legal and compliant, with all the procedures required by Kinsley, including certificates and customs documents... The companies involved in the exchange are aboveboard as well."

When someone first joined the family business, they naturally could not be entrusted with major responsibilities right away.

Moreover, as a father, Claude was unwilling to let Land get involved in the smuggling business.

"I'll send old Barry with you. Learn from him properly and familiarize yourself with all the procedures and channels involved..."

"I won't disappoint your trust, Father." Land bowed excitedly, knowing that once he became involved in these businesses, the authority and resources available to him would be worlds apart from before.

"Very good..." Claude said indifferently. "Remember this: business is business. As long as a merchant earns enough Liers, we can live well anywhere—even in Sulida, even in Sass..."

"That's right."

Land nodded repeatedly.

Just then, he heard the study door being pulled open, and a figure flashed inside.

The man wore full-body exoskeleton armor. He shut the door behind him and growled, "Claude... you've committed treason. I hereby place you under arrest."

"What?"

Land froze in terror, his face so pale it seemed coated in layers of powder. His mind churned like stormy seas.

The... the Kingdom found out?

Is he an investigator?

What... what should I do?

Sulu paid him no attention at all.

Like a fierce tiger, aided by the enhancement of his exoskeleton armor, he lunged straight at Claude.

Claude, too, wore a