After hearing the inspector's words, Lynn's heart turned cold.
His words sounded like a joke, but they were really a warning.
This inspector clearly knew that every mine had its "gray dealings," and that everyone tacitly kept the losses within acceptable limits.
By bringing it up, he was both displaying his insight and warning them—don't go too far. He knew exactly what was going on.
Of course, there was a deeper meaning that Lynn needed to grasp for himself...
A perfectly appropriate smile immediately appeared on Lynn's face. "You jest, sir. We each guard our own territory in peacetime, and it is rare for us to meet. How could there be any collusion?"
"Perhaps the standard-issue undead miners distributed by the academy come from similar batches and have similar performance. In the environment of this death leyline, their loss rates naturally converge. After all, these fools do not understand the meaning of careful calculation."
The explanation was reasonable, and his attitude was proper.
As Lynn spoke, the fingers beneath his sleeve moved slightly. Taking advantage of serving tea, he discreetly pushed a small brocade pouch containing two thousand magic stones toward the inspector's hand.
However, the inspector's gaze did not shift in the slightest. He merely tapped his fingertips lightly against the table three times, as though absentmindedly.
Lynn sharply noticed a faint flash of runic light within the cuff of the inspector's other sleeve.
A surveillance wizard artifact!
Lynn understood at once.
This inspector carried academy monitoring equipment. He did not dare, nor could he openly accept any "token of appreciation" at this moment. He could not even say anything too suggestive.
Lynn's expression did not change. He naturally withdrew the pouch, as though he had merely adjusted his sleeve.
He then said sincerely, "The mine's operations rely entirely