"Well, our job is done here." Noel smirked while stretching his body as he laid down on his back.
Rose was shaking her head helplessly. She wondered what kind of leader she decided to follow. Although she knew about his talent and ambition, the previous negotiation was still too much.
Noel actually managed to force a noble to accept his proposal while maintaining their current relationship. This was a win-win situation even though it was a threat from Noel.
If Noel was allowed to grow for another decade, he might not only become a Spirit Grandmaster, but he would also become a formidable noble.
His level could be equal to an Arbiter's, if not stronger. And they still had to account for Noel's influence.
"Well, it seems that we're done here. What will we do next?" Rose asked. "Are we going to go to those nobles now?"
"Why should we do that?" Noel smirked. "We are visiting this place just to meet my father's ally, right? After that, we will go to Lelelei Fort to hunt a firebird, no? We're going there after this."
"Eh? You sound confident enough that everything will go according to your plan." Rose was a bit skeptical since something might go wrong.
However, Noel raised two fingers, showing her there were two reasons. "First of all, I trust my people. If I give them the task, then it shall be their task. Because I act that way, I can become this confident.
"And the brothel isn't weak, so I'm sure everything can be taken care of even if there are problems appearing here and there.
"Last but not least, Anna is there. Do you forget our original aim? We want to spread the knowledge, so no one can monopolize it, right? That's what we're doing. The minor details shall be taken care of by the people. If I have to handle every little thing, I might die from overwork when I become a noble again. So, you have to change your mindset, Rose."
Rose looked down, comprehending Noel's words. As he said, he would be too busy if he handled all the little details. So, as the head of the Ardagan Family, he had to look ahead and control the bigger picture instead. Let his people do the rest. This would also make it appear like Noel trusts them.
"I see. It seems that I have been too short-sighted."
Noel waved his hand as if treating it as not a big deal. "Let's just focus on our original objective and enjoy the show."
…
As Noel said, his subordinates had started working to the best of their ability.
It all started from the Sleeping Flower Brothel.
Harley had sent the message through the pigeon and even ordered his subordinate, Illia, to handle this matter personally.
The owner of the Sleeping Flower Brothel located in the Count Territory had received the message while Illia was going there with the fastest horse.
Of course, she wasn't alone this time. The one who accompanied her was none other than Anna.
Although they were not friends, they were allies in this mission. Illia's objective was to inform the count and pique the marquis' interests. If possible, she wanted to invite the Supreme Devil Organization as well.
Meanwhile, Anna's objective was to investigate the nobles. Of course, he would receive help from the brothel if she wanted to get the complete information.
Her true task was to pressure the nobles into taking action, forcing them to inform all the people behind them.
That was why they were coming to Count Leiberd at the same time.
As expected from the Sleeping Brothel, they delivered the message pretty fast.
There was a beautiful woman standing in front of the count's mansion, asking for an appointment.
She had long blond hair and a well-endowed body. Even the soldiers couldn't help but take a peek here and there.
However, their enjoyment soon disappeared since the count had sent someone to invite her.
The soldiers thought the count must have invited her to enjoy her company. They felt a bit envious and wanted to become a noble since they could have a woman that pretty to accompany them.
This was one of the reasons why Harley established the brothel. Most people wouldn't think much about a brothel.
But the nobles who understood the dark side of the brothel would know that the brothel was just a front to hide an espionage organization. And the fact that she was visiting him personally meant the problem was big enough to get an immediate response.
"Lady Henriette. To think that you would come personally to my mansion… Even I was taken aback." The count smiled vulgarly. Of course, he knew about the urgent matter, but it didn't change the fact that he was also a regular.
Henriette gracefully lowered her head. "Thank you for receiving this lowly woman, Sir Leinberd."
"I see. It seems that there is an urgent matter…" The count smirked while walking toward her. He placed his hand on her shoulder, but the hand was moving closer and closer to her breast as if he was trying to tease her.
She chuckled coquettishly while saying, "Haha, Sir. I'd love to accompany you. Unfortunately, I have just received an important message from the owner. Does Sir know about Spirit Enchantment?"
"Of course, I know."
"According to the owner, it seems that there is a completed version of that book. We're trying to confirm how many are interested in that book, but it seems that there are a lot of parties trying to aim for that book already, including the Third Prince. It seems that the book is a relic from the ruined Ardagan Family…"
"!!!" The count's body shook as he couldn't believe what he had just heard. "What did you say?"
"I'm merely relaying the owner's message as a proof for our relationship. The owner is sending someone to help you here."
"…" The count fell silent for a moment. His expression turned serious. "Since it'll be weird for you to come out right away, stay for the night. The maid will guide you."
All the lust in his eyes suddenly disappeared as he understood the severity of this matter. He even immediately excused the brothel manager.
The manager politely lowered her head before leaving the room. She maintained her poker face, but she was actually smiling in her heart.
