570
East Balam, Gurain.
"We have important news."
Soest strode into the Red Gloves' lounge and told everyone in a low voice, "We found a member of the Church of Death who was in contact with Ince Zangwill. Although he wasn't the main contact, we still obtained some information from him."
The Red Gloves perked up, and Leonard's and Daly's expressions immediately turned serious.
"His words are truthful and credible. He said Ince Zangwill last wrote to him in early March."
Soest said, "He also mentioned in the letter that something abnormal had happened to his condition, and he was beginning to show signs of madness. He hoped to receive help from the Church of Death as soon as possible. But according to that member, after that exchange, Ince Zangwill never wrote back again."
"So his contact suspected that he might have already lost control. After several attempts to contact him all ended in failure, the Church of Death gave up on him."
Leonard frowned and voiced his confusion. "Lost control? Why would Ince Zangwill lose control? Even if he really developed symptoms like that, he could easily use that Sealed Artifact to adjust his condition."
"You've hit on the key question. We can only get the answer from Ince Zangwill's main contact."
Soest nodded and said, "The good news is that we found a lead to his main contact through him. Get ready, everyone. Once we retrieve the Sealed Artifact, we'll head there immediately."
"Your Highness, Consul."
The familiar, reverent call pulled Azik Eggers out of his thoughts. He turned his head slightly toward the subordinate kneeling before him and said somewhat helplessly, "I told you, you don't have to kneel."
The minister, who looked like a native of the Southern Continent, stubbornly remained on his knees. "No,