Published at 3rd of February 2026 6:55 am

Chapter 1469: Critical Clue

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In the northern part of Trade Ward, where the streets were wider and the buildings better kept, Baron Veyne’s manor stood among the other affluent residences.

The area catered to wealthy merchants and minor nobles. It was quiet, orderly, and well-guarded without being ostentatious.

On this day, the Baron’s manor was busier than usual. Servants moved around with calm but hurried steps, clearing, arranging, and double-checking details.

Extra guards were posted, but their numbers weren’t excessive. Carriages came and went, supplies were bought in, and instructions were passed quietly from steward to staff.

A special guest was expected.

The preparations were thorough, but deliberately restrained, almost as if... the Baron wanted everything perfect without drawing attention.

As the sun dipped below the rooftops, an unremarkable carriage rolled up the gates of Baron Veyne’s manor. Its paint was plain and the markings were minimal, easy to overlook among the evening traffic of the Trade Ward.

The gates opened at once.

Baron Veyne himself stepped forward, his posture respectful, almost eager. And when the guest stepped out of the carriage, the Baron’s expression softened into a well-rehearsed smile.

"You honor my home with your presence," he said, offering a polite bow. "I trust the journey was comfortable, my lord?"

"It was," the guest replied. He was dressed in plain, yet expensive clothes. By the faint aura radiating from him, it was clear the man was a Mana Liquefaction Magus.

"I’m relieved to hear that," Baron Veyne said quickly. "I’ve ensured everything is prepared to your standards. Please, come inside. I wouldn’t dream of keeping you waiting."

The Magus glanced at him, the corner of his lips curling slightly. He then nodded. The Baron gestured toward the Manor, lingering half a step behind as he led the way in.

Soon, the gates closed quietly behind them.

***

The pair arrived at the Baron’s private study. All the servants were dismissed, and the doors were shut.

"Let’s finish up the business first," said the guest. "After that, we can turn to the festivities. I trust you’ve made the necessary preparations?"

"Of course, my lord," the Baron replied humbly. He then activated an artifact, sealing the study in a mana barrier to prevent scrying.

"Well then," he continued. "Let us begin."

"Firstly," the guest set the cup down on the table. "The goods you’ve provided us have been... well received."

The Baron smiled. "I take care in my selections, as you already know. And in their preparation. All of them have been properly trained in the art of seduction."

"That much is clear." The guest chuckled. "The transfers to other cities have been smooth. There was no noise, and there were most certainly no inquiries."

The Baron’s smile deepened. "Discretion has always been my priority."

The guest deeply looked at the Baron and then nodded in approval. "My lord is pleased," he said.

Alan Veyne’s pupils constricted, and his breathing turned ragged for a split second.

So that’s what this meeting is about,

he thought with glee.

"I am honored to hear that," he quickly said.

All this while, he had been trafficking girls in the black market for his mysterious employer. It was because of the man’s secret backing that the Baron enjoyed such benefits within the city.

Without this person’s support, he wouldn’t have come so far, and definitely not made so much wealth.

And today, after more than a decade of working for him, was the first time the Baron had heard that the employer had taken a personal interest in him.

"You’ve proven your worth," the guest said. "And your reliability. Which is why it’s time to move beyond smaller arrangements."

The Baron adjusted in his seat. "I understand, my lord. Please tell me what I need to do."

"We’re no longer interested only in supply," the guest said calmly. "We are looking for potential. You know, children with talent for the arcane arts. The kind that can be shaped early."

Baron Veyne couldn’t help but frown. He thought to himself in slight puzzlement, From prostitution to recruiting children with aptitude for spellcasting?

Although he was curious, he didn’t dare ask for further details.

"I understand." He hesitated only briefly. "And their destination?"

"North," the guest replied. "Quietly. And I mean very quietly, understand? Do it in batches. You’ll be given routes and contacts."

Veyne thought for a moment, then nodded. "Understood, my lord. I’ll begin making arrangements."

"Good," the guest said with a smile as he rose to his feet. "You should be proud that my lord has given you such a big responsibility. Trust is a rare thing, and you’ve earned it, Alan."

The Baron placed a hand on his chest and deeply bowed. "I am truly honored."

"We’ll hammer out the details about my commission for each shipment later," the guest said with a light chuckle. "For now, show me the courtesans you’ve prepared."

The Baron’s heart ached slightly. He knew that providing commissions to middlemen was a part of business. But still, he couldn’t help but feel a little aggrieved since his guest’s commission fee was no small amount.

He forced a smile and said, "Of course, my lord. Please, let me show you to your room."

As the two left the study, a tiny serpent remained coiled between two books on the shelf, unseen and listening to every word...

***

Standing guard outside the manor, Adam patrolled the grounds wearing the face of one of the familiar guards.

His eyes narrowed for a brief moment as he received a mental transmission from his summons. A moment later, he couldn’t help but frown a little.

So that Warden didn’t show up, but sent an underling instead, he thought to himself.

I hate dealing with such cautious fellows!

Judging by the conversation that just took place in the study, Adam grew more and more certain that the Warden was related to the Cult.

The information about supplying prostitutes could be overlooked. After all, this activity alone did not point directly toward the Cult. But recruiting children who’ve shown talent in the arcane arts and secretly transporting them north?

Adam had heard of this before, and it did not sit right with him at all.

This was a critical clue.

He stood guard through the entire night, waiting for the Baron’s guest to come out. It wasn’t until the next day, close to noon, that the guest’s carriage finally rolled out through the gates.

Naturally, Adam tailed the carriage, hoping it would lead him to the man he was looking for.

And just like that, the hunt continued...

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