Undercurrents

With the matter settled, Duke Hawkes ordered the survivors to be properly accommodated and sealed off all information related to the "mine incident" to avoid causing unnecessary panic.

As for Sheriff Kouolai, the duke showed no particular closeness toward him. After offering a few words of encouragement, he had his men escort him home.

Gilan saw clearly from the side that Duke Hawkes's gaze as he watched Kouolai leave was filled with concern.

It was clear that he valued his eldest son greatly. Yet, bound by convention, he had no choice but to keep this secret hidden all along.

The night was deep, and the moon hung high overhead.

Gilan boarded a carriage and returned to the lord's manor with Duke Hawkes.

Along the way, he settled the "Nightmare Suppression" mission and, as usual, chose the reward that enhanced his body.

A wave of heat coursed through him, and Gilan's physical strength rose by another twenty percent, advancing his power yet further.

By the time he returned to his guest room at the manor to sleep, the members of the envoy delegation were still lost in dreams, unaware of everything that had happened that night.

The next morning.

While Gilan and the others were dining in the restaurant, Duke Hawkes brought him the latest news.

"Mr. Gilan, reinforcements from the Royal Court have arrived. Desert Hunt has taken over Rudd Mine and is conducting some follow-up investigations..."

Duke Hawkes set down his wineglass and lowered his voice.

"The disappearance of the Nightmare Stele can't be concealed at all. They may come to ask you about it later."

"Mm, understood."

Gilan took a bite of the smoked meat roll and nodded.

Duke Hawkes was rather indignant, sneering as he said:

"When they were needed, not a single one of them could