Chapter 39

"Then it's a deal," feeling quite satisfied with the agreement. I had just gained a valuable asset for little detriment to my side. I was surprised that Lucia didn't demand anything more.

"Here's what we're going to do. You will head to the Barony of the Becketts with Malachai. He will take you to a building next to my business. You will start an alchemy business and order all the supplies that Lucia will need. Nobody will suspect a thing. I'll make sure to send enough money through some means, but if anyone asks, you will not say that I'm involved," I continued.

"Lucia, there is a basement in that building where you will be allowed to conduct your experiments on whoever and on the drug that I'm requesting. You will be paid handsomely, and you will be accommodated with a small house in the area." I took a deep breath before Turning to Malachai

" Malachai, you will be in charge of running the alchemy business. It will be a legitimate business, but when the drug that Lucia makes hits the market, rival drug gangs will want to get their hands on it. So, I will allow you to run wild for a bit. Kill as many drug lords as you want in the western region, but make sure to take over their operations. That is your job."

Malachai's face lit up with a smile and he started to breathe heavily, his excitement evident. "Thank you for giving me such a job, Master Lucas!"

"You will have to give me some time to get all my equipment ready," Lucia responded. Looking around, I didn't see much that she would want to take with her, maybe the rats.

"Sure, I'll give you a six-month period to prepare to depart with Malachai," I said, turning towards the exit. "If that's all, I will take my leave. Malachai, you will send a messenger to me every month." Malachai nodded

'Finally, this trip is done.' letting out a sigh and made my way to the group, but the stares I received from them while doing so were telling. Did they think I traded Malachai's life for a deal?

"Where is Malachai?" The first to speak was Owen, his face showing a worried look. Did they really think I would leave them to die? They are far too valuable for them to die this early on.

"Don't worry, Malachai has been promoted. He will be in charge of protecting and transporting Lucia based on our agreement. He will not be killed; in fact, he will be doing the killing." Relief washed over Owen's face, spreading to the rest. If anything, Malachai got the most benefit from this deal. He gets to kill as much as he wants.

"If you don't have any more questions, let's head out of here." The group nodded and began leading the way, and I followed along

As we began leaving the forest, I couldn't help but feel relieved. The tension that had been building up during our encounter with Lucia had dissipated, and the familiar sight of the green trees brought a sense of calmness. However, despite the success of my mission, I couldn't shake off the disappointment of not obtaining any information on the chancellor.

As I walked, I began to ponder on the situation. It was clear that the chancellor was a threat that couldn't be ignored. His ability to control people's minds was a dangerous power, and I needed to learn more about him if I were to get rid of him.

I considered carrying healing potions and protective runes with me at all times, just in case of another assassination attempt. However, even that might not be enough. I needed information on the chancellor's abilities, his limitations, and how he operates.

All I knew about him was that his red eyes were a product of his mental ability. But how did he control people? Did he make a deal with them, or did he forcefully take over their minds? And what if the person he wanted to control had a mana contract, like Andrew? Would it override the chancellor's control? These were just some of the many questions that needed to be answered.

"But who can I get from the Chancellor's side?" I muttered to myself. I needed an inside man in the Capitol, but I had no connections there, not even Lady Calliope could help me, as she was too focused on SilverGlade. "I need to find an enemy of the Chancellor in the Capitol and curry their favor," I continued, thinking out loud. "But who hates the Chancellor but is close enough to be of use?"

"Maybe you should ask the bishop," Andrew suggested, overhearing my thoughts.

I shook my head, "I doubt his connections reach the Capitol. Besides, I don't want to involve the Church in this."

"We could always try to gather more information," Owen chimed in, "Maybe someone will slip up and give us a lead."

"That's a possibility," I acknowledged, "but we can't rely just on this. It wont take long before there is another attempt on my life."

Fred spoke up, "You could allow me to stay beside you with Andrew for more protection for the time being. After all, this would be in vain if you died. It's best for you to be properly protected."

I weighed his words, knowing that safety was a priority, but I couldn't ignore the potential delay to our business expansion. "It will delay our expansion if I take you from your post. After all, we are almost finished having my business in every territory in the south, and we are already spread thin." I turned to Preston, hoping for his input, but he remained silent

As we continued walking, silence fell upon us. I couldn't help but think, 'What a pain. Maybe I'll find somebody in the future. As of now, I can't think of anyone.' Perhaps this was an issue for another day