Vicent.
This was a mining city in northern Invis, bordering the Dale River and blessed with convenient transport.
Downtown.
Mageto Mining Company.
This was a long-established mining company, with vast real estate holdings, technical equipment, and mining rights under its name.
In Invis, its strength and assets ranked among the top three of the many mineral companies.
In front of the Mageto Company headquarters building.
A luxurious carriage pulled up by the roadside. From it stepped a gentleman with a broad forehead, pale blue eyes, and thick golden-blond side whiskers.
A male and a female bodyguard followed close behind him at all times. Amid the doorman's bows, they entered the company gates.
Inside a café across the street.
Aaron lifted his coffee and watched the other man's retreating figure vanish through the glass window. Then he looked at the somewhat uneasy Lilliat opposite him, as well as the smiling Mr. Vernon.
"So... that's the person you need to protect this time?"
Aaron set down his cup and asked as though making idle conversation.
"Yes, Mr. Yugus." Vernon's face was full of sincerity, tinged with apology. "After suffering so many enemy attacks and failed investments, Mageto Company is the council's last stable major source of funds. We received word that the Blood of Decay may make a move against Mr. Relion Astam just now. He is a senior director of the mining company, as well as an agent supported by the council."
"I'm terribly sorry..." Lilliat apologized, her face filled with shame. "The council has long known that I joined a secret faction, and my father recently let slip in a letter that we could enlist high-ranking Beyonders... Then this task landed on my father's head."
Only a few hours ago, they had still been in Shadorn, watching the grand parade