"Has this guy gone crazy from being too traumatized?"
Pazu nudged Dola beside him with his elbow and asked in a low voice.
When Mu En was talking to Muska, he was using a "private channel." He could only see the guy in the suit convulsing in pain as if he was about to die, and then suddenly getting up and laughing loudly, shouting crazy things like "control the world" and "take it all in my pocket."
He doesn't look like a normal person at all.
This time it was Dola's turn to frown; she was thinking much more than Pazu.
Lord Erdtree —you're not really planning to let this guy join the team, are you?
They even bestowed blessings upon Muska without reservation.
Having spent years Dola and outmaneuvering the Northern Kingdom, Dora knew very well the nature of the Intelligence Department; it was no ordinary government agency.
His style of doing things can basically be summarized in eight words:
Execution first, notification later—a privilege granted by royal authority.
They dare to do what the parliament dares to do, and they also dare to do what the parliament dares not do, such as wiretapping political opponents, manipulating public opinion, fabricating evidence, and even breaking into a member's home and holding a gun to his head to "suggest" that he carefully consider who to vote for in tomorrow's election.
The Northern Kingdom ostensibly operates under a constitutional system, with a parliament, elections, and a prime minister.
But real power remains firmly held by the royal family and the Papacy.
The Intelligence Department was practically the Queen's private army and black gloves; apart from the noble forces that also held power, no one could truly restrain those black-clad agents.
This can be seen from General Muoro's attitude. The warlord who controlled Goliath and had the final say in the West only dared to slam his fist on the table and curse Muska, but never dared to lay a finger on him.
Even if such a person receives the blessing and is theoretically controlled by the Erdtree, he is still a dangerous element.
If Muska is determined to cause trouble, he has plenty of ways to make a mess of things.
Dola didn't trust this guy at all.
Just then, Muska was in the distance, finally ended the conversation.
It took him some time to fully process the plan that the gods had told him.
He stood up, straightened his disheveled suit, put his gold-rimmed sunglasses back on, and turned to walk towards Dola and the others.
It's time to talk to my new colleagues.
The reactions varied. Dola's eyes were filled with wariness and distrust, while Sheeta instinctively hid behind Pazu. Seeing this, Pazu stepped forward to protect his "little girlfriend," also showing a wary expression. "Stop! What do you want?"
Dola hadn't forgotten that this guy had just been in his warship, ready to raze this place to the ground. She didn't believe Muska would become a good person so quickly.
"Relax," Muska stopped a few steps away from them and shrugged. "I think there might be some misunderstanding between us that needs to be cleared up."
He paused, then turned his gaze to Dola, clearly the one who could make the decisions at this moment.
"First of all, colleagues, let me reintroduce myself."
" Muska, head of the Intelligence Department of the Northern Kingdom."
"As you can see, I, like you, have become a child of the Erdtree, and from this day forward, we are all those who serve the gods together."
"As for my past actions against Miss Sheeta, I apologize."
To express his stance, he even placed his left hand on his chest and bowed to Sheeta.
"Now, Laputa is no longer my target, and I will no longer harm you."
Colleagues?
Dola let out a sneer.
Muska didn't seem surprised by her reaction and continued, "Lord Erdtree has revealed his grand plan to me, and some details need to be discussed with you all."
"If you don't mind, we can move aboard the Goliath for a chat."
Dola ignored him and turned to Mu En, asking, "Lord Erdtree, can we trust this guy? He's the kingdom's legal mafia boss."
"It's alright, he has already made a promise, so we can trust him for now."
Mu En was confident that he could easily handle Muska alone.
With the gods' approval, Dola's tense nerves relaxed slightly.
"For the sake of Lord Erdtree, we'll reluctantly believe you this once, but forget about the Goliath. It must be a complete mess on board right now, right?" Dola sneered.
"Ahem, whatever, I just need a place to talk business."
Muska's face was full of helplessness; it wasn't like he wanted Goliath to become like that.
Besides, the gods have already spoken; there's no need to be so harsh on your own people, is there?
Ultimately, the group did not go to Goliath, but returned to Valley Town, where Duffi had already led the townspeople back to the village.
Once it was confirmed that Goliath posed no threat, Mu En had already informed them that they could go home.
When the townspeople saw Muska and Simon, two somewhat disheveled "big shots," their expressions became very complicated.
It wasn't out of hatred; after all, they hadn't lost those gazes under the Erdtree's Protection. Instead, they were filled with curiosity, pity, and even sympathy.
"I heard they are—"
"They brought such a huge piece of metal, and what was the result?"
"Sigh, going against the gods is just asking for trouble."
This kind of gaze put Muska under more pressure than direct hostility.
He was used to being feared, respected, or flattered, but rarely to being pitied so openly.
Fortunately, the pressure didn't last long. Led by several important figures in the town, the group entered the church on the west side of the street.
As long as that annoying fat priest isn't around, this is the best meeting place, and Duffi and the others are considering turning it into a new meeting venue.
The interior of the chapel was rather dim due to the overcast weather.
Several workers helped light the candles one by one, trying to make the place look more comfortable.
Those who came to the church were Duffi, the workers' leader; Wilson, the only doctor; Uncle Pom, the town's most senior geologist; Dola and her two children.
Originally, there should have been places for the mine owner and the priest here, but the mine owner had already absconded with the last batch of valuable equipment when the silver mine was depleted and profits plummeted. Duffi was the de facto mayor of Valley Town.
As for the priest, he has been "invited" out by the residents who worship the Erdtree, who reportedly went to file a complaint.
Everyone sat down on the benches on either side, leaving Muska in the middle of the aisle.
"Tell me, what does Lord Erdtree want you to do?" Dola asked bluntly, crossing her legs.
Muska stopped and, as was his habit, straightened his collar once again.
Although he controlled the Intelligence Department, his subordinates ultimately obeyed the Queen's orders.
And these residents of Valley Town will be his important helpers.
Therefore, first impressions are very important.
"Greetings once again to all my colleagues. I am deeply grateful to Lord Erdtree for his kindness in bestowing upon me Muska new responsibility."
"Please allow me to introduce to you the grand blueprint personally designed by Lord Erdtree ----"
" Golden Realm Plan "