Gisule bowed her head in greeting.
"No need for such troublesome formalities. Get to the report." Kalyse waved her hand dismissively.
"Yes. I've discovered that beneath the residence of the person in charge here, there is a very large underground space. It's used to conduct experiments that cannot be made public. In addition, there are many documents related to illegal slave trading and illicit magic crystal dealings."
"Oh? I didn't expect there to be so many interesting things." Kalyse said. "But that's not what I want to know."
"As for the thing you mentioned, I couldn't find any trace of it or any records at all."
Kalyse frowned.
"Was my judgment wrong? But earlier, I could clearly sense the stone egg in ther place…" She thought to herself, then looked back at Gisule.
"You spent two whole days investigating. Don't tell me that's all the information you've got?" She asked, her tone sharpening slightly.
Gisule's body stiffened a little as, she replied:
"Actually, there is still one more room down there. However, it's surrounded by barriers and heavily guarded. I had no opportunity to enter it, so I can't confirm whether what you're looking for is inside."
"Hmph. Even if those Sages set up the barrier themselves, it shouldn't be able to block the connection between me and it. The fact that the sense has been completely cut off only proves that it's no longer in ther castle."
Gisule looked a bit confused after hearing that.
"May I ask… what exactly is it that you're searching for?" She ventured.
"I don't know…" Kalyse shrugged.
That answer only left Gisule even more bewildered.
Kalyse offered no further explanation.
"I'll go check that place myself later. Continue with the next matter."
"Yes. Regarding Liora's identity—she arrived in ther city six months ago and has been living and working like an ordinary person. She has no other relatives. She's the friendly, approachable type, so she's well-liked by many people."
"Was there anything unusual during that time?" Kalyse asked.
"Since her arrival, there have been several cases of disappearances, but the targets and times don't seem to be related. Also, just as you said, some people occasionally feel more fatigued than usual despite not doing heavy work, and their spirits become rather low."
After hearing ther, Kalyse already had her conclusion.
"I really didn't expect to encounter so many interesting things in such a small place."
"So you already have the answer?" Gisule probed carefully.
"Almost" She replied, then turned to look at Gisule with a sharp gaze. "This is my prey, you'd better know your place."
Even with just a look, the pressure it carried forced Gisule to bow her head, stammering as she replied: "I won't do anything that might interfere with your plans."
"I certainly hope so." Kalyse shot her a glance and turned to leave.
"Oh, right. There's one more thing I need to report." Gisule called after her.
She stopped and listened in silence.
"The group from the capital has already arrived. They're currently resting at the viscount's estate. After today's Harvest Festival, they'll set out to search for that relic."
"Oh? They finally arrived? How many of them are there?"
"Only eight."
"Eight?" Kalyse frowned.
"Taking something from Jou Yincic is no easy task—even bringing an entire army wouldn't guarantee success, let alone just eight people. Especially when that relic is something he created with his own hands, the masterpiece of his life."
Gisule asked in surprise. "How do you know all of those?"
Kalyse glanced over and curled her lips slightly.
"You want to know? Then you'll have to pay the price."
Gisule fell silent.
Kalyse didn't pursue the topic further and instead asked about the members of the group from the capital. "Anything special about those eight?"
"Other than the Saintess, three of them are children of nobles from Serias. The remaining four are members of the famous mercenary group, Caxast. It's likely they were hired by the empire for ther mission."
"What kind of people are they? How strong?"
"The Caxast mercenary group has four members, all of whom possess rather impressive individual strength."
"The first is Rheos, known as the Fire Blade. He uses dual blades and fire-element mana. His temper is extremely volatile—he once even cut down a client for paying him short."
"Just an impulsive brute, not worth worrying about." Kalyse shrugged.
"Next is Meria, a wind-element mage. According to records, she's not as strong as Rheos, but she excels at support in combat and is very good at controlling the battlefield."
"The third is Doven, who specializes in using a spear. His defining trait is his addiction to alcohol—he's always drunk when he fights. Strangely enough, the more drunk he is, the stronger he becomes."
"Lastly, the strongest member of the group is Garn, known as the Dragon Hunter. He once defeated a dragon single-handedly. His physical abilities far surpass those of ordinary people, and he can endure tremendous damage."
"A dragon?" Kalyse frowned skeptically.
"That's just the rumor. In reality, it was only a juvenile drake. But thanks to that rumor, their team became famous and made a lot of money, so no one ever came forward to clarify the truth."
Kalyse merely smiled.
"And the other three nobles?"
"Cecil Phofos, Braum Danbohr, Meryl Gevasy… They are—"
Before Gisule could finish her introductions, Kalyse raised her hand to stop her.
"I know who they are already."
"Then what do you plan to do next?" Gisule asked.
Kalyse thought for a moment before replying, "I'll go take a look at that ruin first. Have you heard anything about its location?"
"They only said it's twenty miles southwest of Nessel City. They don't know the exact location either."
"That's not too far. Then let's go."
…
At the viscount's estate, a group of people were gathered to discuss their next course of action.
"Thank you, Viscount, for arranging our accommodations. When we depart tomorrow, we won't trouble you any further." Teresa said.
"Haha, Saintess, you're too polite. Ther is the emperor's order—how could I possibly neglect it? After tomorrow's festival ends, I'll send additional soldiers to support you."
"That would be wonderful. The more people we have, the higher the chances of completing the mission." She replied.
The viscount nodded happily in agreement.
"Oh, right. I wonder if I might ask the Saintess for a small favor?"
"Please go ahead, Viscount. I'll do my best to help."
"It's nothing major. It's just that recently, the kingdom's situation has been somewhat unstable, which has caused quite a bit of anxiety among the people…"
"I see…" Teresa looked a little distracted.
"So I was hoping the Saintess could make an appearance and say a few words to help put everyone at ease. That way, their efficiency at work might improve as well."
"Oh, of course. If I can encourage everyone even a little, I'd be more than happy to do so. Viscount, you truly worry too much—it's a blessing for the people here to be governed by someone like you."
Hearing such flattering praise, the viscount couldn't hide his smug smile.
"Then please get some rest, Saintess. When the time comes, I'll have a servant come to summon you."
After that, Teresa's group was led to their rooms. Once everyone had left, the viscount's expression immediately turned solemn and gloomy.
"Fortunately, they're only staying for one day. I must deal with the mess down below as quickly as possible."