In the reception room of the Blue Lake Estate, Richard was waiting.
Servant Jia Lie had just reported the arrival of a guest, and soon urgent footsteps sounded outside. Joseph walked in quickly.
As Richard’s introducer and guide to the Truth Society, Joseph had a relatively good relationship with Richard. Without any formalities, he bluntly said, "Wizard Richard, you might have some trouble."
"Oh? Trouble? What kind of trouble?" Richard asked.
"Before I tell you, I’d like to ask if there’s anything you’d like to discuss with me or the organization first," Joseph said, his eyes fixed on Richard.
Richard took a sip of tea, thought for a moment, and said, "There is indeed one thing."
"Previously, I mentioned to you an improved method for transmitting information via the Crystal Ball, which could greatly enhance communication efficiency. But it seems like the organization hasn’t adopted it yet. Although you’ve mentioned that implementing it has complications, I’d still like to ask when it might be realized?" Richard asked earnestly.
Joseph was taken aback by Richard’s words, which were evidently far different from what he had expected. After a while, he finally opened his mouth and said, "That seems really difficult to implement. In my opinion, it may not happen for several years."
"Is that so? Very well." Richard spread his hands, "Then I have nothing more to say."
"Really?" Joseph squinted at Richard and asked, "Aren’t you going to say anything about the mines near Shambhala town? The organization is somewhat displeased with that."
"Mines near Shambhala town? Indeed, I did spend money to purchase some mines and hire people to manage them," Richard replied casually, "But there’s nothing more to say about it, is there? Shambhala town isn’t far from where I live, and the area is rich in minerals. I had some spare money, so I invested in some industries to earn a profit and support my lifestyle. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?
In fact, it was because of you that I learned about Shambhala town in the first place. If you hadn’t mentioned the place while dealing with some Demonized Creatures, I might have invested in mineral deposits elsewhere.
Does the organization think it’s wrong for me to make money this way, that it goes against the pursuit of truth? Or have I violated some rule of the organization?"
"Well..." Joseph was at a loss for words, and after a few seconds, he responded, "No, that’s not it, it’s just that..."
"It’s just that your mines are not quite like ordinary mines, right?" Joseph stated, "Some unusual circumstances in your mines have caught the attention of the aforementioned Inspector, and I’m here to bring you to the Delan Branch for questioning."
"Inspector?" Richard suddenly asked, "Wasn’t it the organization that was displeased? Why is there an inspector involved now? What status does an inspector have?"
"Oh, I forgot to explain to you, the inspectors are special agents dispatched from higher up in our organization. Since you haven’t reached the core layer, you haven’t had much exposure to them, so it’s normal that you don’t know. Actually, they are like..." Joseph quickly explained.
After listening to Joseph’s explanation, Richard raised an eyebrow and said, "So, according to you, it’s not the Delan Branch that’s making it difficult for me, but an inspector sent from higher up?"
"Correct." Joseph nodded, "Actually, I heard that the branch wanted to investigate your mines, but the inspector got ahead of them, which led to the inspector being the one to press the issue."
"And the attitude of Canon Steward from the branch?"
"Of course, they cooperated with the inspector’s investigation."
"So you’re the only one meeting me to notify me to go to the Delan Branch?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ n0velfire.net
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"No problem, just a bit surprised," Richard said, gradually piecing the situation together and shaking his head internally, realizing it might be simpler than he initially thought.
He originally thought the investigation into the mines would be conducted by the Truth Society’s Delan Branch, so he had prepared thoroughly.
He never expected that the inspectors from the headquarters—a foreign entity—would actually be leading the investigation into the mines.
Moreover, only Joseph had come to notify him, without any hostility. It seemed like the branch wasn’t entirely cooperative with the inspector, despite outward appearances.
With these thoughts, Richard stood up and said to Joseph, "In that case, I’ll follow you to Delan. To be honest, I’m eager to ask why that inspector is targeting me, why they’re attacking and destroying my mines."
"What? The inspector attacked your mines?" Joseph caught a surprising piece of information from Richard’s words, sensing a distinct tension, and couldn’t help but ask, "Do you have a conflict with the inspector?"
"That’s something the inspector will have to answer for themselves," Richard said, striding out.
Joseph paused for a moment, then followed him out.
Truth Society Delan Branch, underground base.
In a conference room, an oval-shaped circular table was set up.
Surrounding the table were four high-backed chairs, three at the head and one at the foot.
Sitting at the very head was Inspector Cheka, with a pale face and a somber expression. Supervisor Long Mei’er and Steward Canon sat on either side, with Long Mei’er half-closing his eyes without much expression, whereas Canon wore a serious expression.
Sitting at the foot was Richard alone.
Many others from the Truth Society filled the surrounding seats, all remaining silent.
In the spacious meeting room, Cheka was staring at Richard, continuously recounting the investigation details.
Finally, Cheka finished speaking and said in a deep voice, "Due to my current special condition and my soul’s deficiency, I can only remember this much. However, there is no doubt that this peripheral member of the organization named Richard has many questionable aspects in his mines, posing a significant suspicion that could threaten the organization’s stability, and hence they need to be cleared."
At this time, Richard, listening to Cheka’s words, showed little fear and looked steadily at Cheka, saying, "Honored Inspector, with all due respect, I don’t find anything questionable about my mines, nor do I believe I’m suspicious, nor do I think I’ve threatened the organization’s stability. In fact, I believe I’ve contributed a lot to the organization through magic rune services.
You mentioned earlier that much of your memory is missing, unable to fully restore the initial investigation of my mines. I might be able to assist you with that. I can confirm that during your first investigation, there was a significant, unexplained destruction to my mines, leading to a direct output reduction of more than half that day. During your second investigation, you destroyed multiple structures in my mines and killed many of my laborers. I really don’t understand what prompted you to target me ."
Having finished his words, Richard stared directly at Cheka.