"But that’s exactly why Baron Richard needs to be handled through proper channels," he continued, returning to the practical implications of their current situation. "If we eliminate him through direct action, we create more problems than we solve."
Lola’s expression showed growing understanding of the constraints that governed Noah’s approach to the baron’s criminal behaviour. Her warrior instincts still favoured immediate solutions, but her intelligence recognised the wisdom in his approaches.
"So we gather evidence of his extremist connections," she said, her voice carrying new comprehension of their strategic objectives. "Provide the crown with justification for legitimate action against him."
Exactly. Work within the system to achieve justice rather than creating chaos through unauthorised violence.
"Precisely," Noah confirmed with obvious satisfaction at her quick grasp of the political dynamics. "Let him reveal his connections to the extremists, document his criminal activities, then present everything to the royals."
"The crown gets to demonstrate that they protect the kingdom from internal threats, other nobles see that proper procedures were followed, and justice is served without creating political instability," he explained.
Lola’s tail had stopped its agitated twitching as she absorbed the lesson.
"I understand now," she said finally.
Elara was sitting across from her father in his private study, the seriousness of recent discoveries heavy in the air between them.
The king’s expression grew increasingly grave as she relayed everything Noah had told her about Baron Richard’s suspicious behavior and potential extremist connections.
"This mysterious shopkeeper," the king said, his brow furrowing with concern, "he wouldn’t go directly to Baron Richard and interrogate him, would he?"
Direct confrontation could be disastrous if Richard is truly connected to extremists.
The king looked at his daughter with worry that their first lead might vanish before they caught it. "The extremists aren’t so stupid as to let their collaborators roam around freely in the kingdom without safeguards. They would naturally place a death leech in his heart or force him to sign a life and death contract."
Life and death contracts were known in this world. They weren’t exactly rare, and extremists wouldn’t hesitate to use it.
"The death leech seems more probable," he continued.
"They wouldn’t want any possibility of information leaking, since even life and death contracts allow for a frame of time where secrets could be revealed before enforcement occurs."
In the king’s mind, immediate death versus delayed punishment. The extremists would choose the former for certainty.
The death leech represented one of the most insidious magical parasites known to exist—a creature that bonded with its host’s heart and could detect specific thoughts or intentions. The moment Baron Richard attempted to reveal extremist secrets or betray their operations, the leech would stop his heart instantly.
No opportunity for last-minute confessions or deathbed revelations. The person would die instantaneously, making sure that their secret was buried alongside them.
Elara nodded with understanding that carried both relief and disappointment. "I told him, Dad. Noah understood the risks involved in direct confrontation."
"Good," the king replied, his expression showing approval of his daughter’s handling of the situation. The crisis required careful maneuvering rather than bold action, and Elara had demonstrated appropriate caution.
But then the king’s demeanor changed as different considerations entered his mind. "Take me to meet this mysterious man personally. I need to assess him myself."
"As a wind mage, I’ve always wanted to examine such an orb. Perhaps I can offer him something valuable in return for access to it.
You said that he had a few with him, so it shouldn’t be a problem to get one if given the right prize." He continued, still somewhat shocked that the mysterious shopkeeper had access to things that even he didn’t.
The more he had heard from Elara, the more he wanted to meet the man.
"More importantly," the king continued, his tone becoming more serious. "I want to know what kind of person he truly is. Anyone with access to such artifacts and information deserves direct royal evaluation."
Elara nodded happily, clearly pleased by her father’s decision to meet Noah personally rather than delegating the interaction to subordinates. "Alright, let me get ready. But dad, from my experience with Noah. He doesn’t like the spotlight, don’t put him on the spot and offer him to work under you, he won’t. It will also be slightly awkward, and he might get a negative impression."
The king smiled, before raising his eyebrow. "You are teaching me how to act now?"
"No, I-" Elara stanmered shaking her hands in the air.
"Haha, i’m just joking. Don’t worry, I won’t take him from you." He laughed before patting his daughter’s head.
Elara blushed at his words before storming out to get ready.
The guard outside Noah’s shop walked in like a robot following explicit orders. His expression remained neutral as he placed ten silver coins on the counter without saying a word.
Ten silver coins for forty-eight items. Highway robbery, but it’s okay. I will make sure to get the Baron’s whole wealth in return. I pay back grievances in multiples.
Noah retrieved the items, ten loaves of bread and ten bottles of iced tea, and placed them carefully in a sturdy carrying bag. The transaction proceeded without conversation, both parties understanding their respective roles.
The guard accepted the bag with a curt nod and departed immediately, his mission complete according to Baron Richard’s specific instructions.
As soon as the door closed behind the departing guard, Noah turned to Lola with an expression that carried both urgency and confidence in her capabilities.
"Follow him silently," Noah said. "You can do it, right?"
Master-level succubus versus human guard. It wasn’t even a contest in terms of stealth capability.
Lola’s smirk carried a predator’s smile at being given a mission that utilised her abilities. "Of course I can."
As she prepared to depart, moving toward the door, Noah called after her.
Noah was grateful that she was going beyond their employment requirements. This wasn’t part of her official job after all.
She paused at the threshold, turning back with an expression that mixed amusement with something warmer. Her chuckle carried genuine affection as she departed to begin her mission.