Chương 280: Chapter 276 - And the list grows

Scarlett studied Raimond closely. He was right. She had been underestimating him, it seemed. Only a little over a month had passed since she'd disclosed the existence of the Tribute of Dominion and Beld Thylelion's impending opening to him, yet he had already made remarkable progress. In fact, his deductions were uncannily accurate. Beld Thylelion was near Elystead. That he had somehow pieced this together was beyond impressive, especially considering how he'd done it.

Scarlett's latest reports from the mage towers and Adalicia—who were also researching the subject—indicated they were still decrypting the Tabernacles that led to Beld Thylelion's discovery in the game. But this man had somehow surpassed their efforts simply by scrutinising the Cabal's movements more closely. True, Elystead was apparently just one of several possible locations on his list, and he didn't seem entirely sure of anything yet, but even getting this far was remarkable.

For a moment, Scarlett felt a flicker of concern that he might uncover Beld Thylelion too soon, but she quickly dismissed those worries. Even if he'd narrowed down the location, actually finding it was highly unlikely. Moreover, the set opening time meant he couldn't enter prematurely. Scarlett herself was very close to having everything she needed to enter, so the chances of anyone beating her to it now were slim.

"Let's assume I accept your claims," Deacon Solnate said, fixing Raimond with a penetrating gaze. Her eyes, hidden behind her mask, seemed to bore into him.

"For now, I won't question the details, though I expect a thorough report later." Raimond visibly tensed at the word 'report' for some reason.

"There are several matters you've been keeping from me lately, Raimond. Chief among them is your apparent collaboration with Baroness Hartford."

"Well, you never asked," Raimond replied with a handsome smile, earning him another annoyed stare. The air between him and the deacon became thick with her disapproval.

"While I will not in any way attempt to defend him or his unseemly personality," Scarlett interjected, "Deacon Abram's and my partnership is of an exceedingly sensitive—and dangerous—nature. It concerns elements within the very leadership of the Followers of Ittar. Such matters are not easily shared, even with trusted allies."

"Was the jab at my personality truly necessary?" Raimond asked, his tone tinged with hurt. Scarlett pointedly ignored him. Deacon Solnate turned her gaze to Scarlett, regarding her for a long moment before giving a curt nod.

"I agree. I think I made my intention not to persecute you over this clear yesterday, Baroness. However, considering Deacon Abram has been leveraging my status and resources to investigate the information you provided—after managing to get his own authority restricted—I would have expected some degree of transparency. It seems his habit of acting unilaterally without regard for others remains as unchanged as ever." Scarlett tilted her head slightly.

"I see. Then I can only offer my genuine sympathies for having to contend with him on a regular basis. I have a retainer who presents similar…difficulties."

"Does yours also lack the awareness or ability to read the room and insist on making ill-timed remarks regardless of the gravity of the situation?" Solnate asked with a touch of exasperation.

"Sadly, yes," Scarlett replied, shaking her head.

"Though I believe it is less about awareness and more about a complete disregard for the inconvenience they cause others."

"That describes this frivolous buffoon perfectly," the woman said, clicking her tongue in irritation. Raimond's eyes flicked between them, a complex expression on his face.

"While I am delighted to see that you two ladies are bonding so splendidly over a shared disdain for my character, is this thorough dissection of my flaws absolutely necessary? Especially right in front of me?" Scarlett and Deacon Solnate exchanged one final knowing look before the masked woman turned her full attention to him.

"Setting that aside, do you not find me trustworthy, Raimond?" He blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

"I, uh, did ask a question of my own just now, didn't I?"

"It doesn't merit a response," the deacon spoke coolly.

"Mine does. Now, answer." Cornered with no allies to turn to, Raimond looked at the two of them, then released a resigned sigh, running a hand through his hair.

"Truly, there is nothing more formidable than a woman scorned. Woe is me for having maneuvered myself into such a precarious position. If only I were a more debauched man, perhaps I'd take joy in having two dour and domineering women piercing me with their disapproving gazes." He cleared his throat, focusing on Solnate.

"But to answer your question, my dear Ava, this matter has nothing to do with trust. Or rather, it had nothing to do with my trust in you, for that is unshakeable and bulbously boundless. My reasons for not involving you sooner were twofold: I wished neither to impede your duties and interactions with our fellow deacons, nor to jeopardise the trust our esteemed Baroness Hartford has placed in me by carelessly divulging her secrets."

Deacon Solnate remained quiet for a few seconds, leaning forward slightly in her seat, her arms uncrossing. Her mask obscured her face, but her strict posture spoke volumes. She glanced over at Scarlett once more.

"I'm assuming your report on her involvement in the Citadel incident left out quite a bit?" A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Neither Raimond nor Scarlett responded immediately, the silence stretching out between them. The woman observed them both.

"At this point, there's little to be gained in further hiding it. I understand there's more to this than meets the eye, and I haven't forgotten your original assessment of the Baroness, Deacon Abram." She paused, her gaze settling on Raimond with an intensity that seemed to pierce through his facade.

"… I still have faith in your judgement on that. But your current approach is far from ideal. My people and I cannot conduct our investigation effectively while working with fragmented and incomplete information. I am not asking to be directly involved in your collaboration with Baroness Hartford, but we share the same goal of rooting out any corruption within our ranks. Continuing to withhold key details doesn't benefit any of us."

Raimond was quiet for a beat longer, then his face split into a broad smile, his arms spreading.

"As long as Baroness Hartford has no objections, I have absolutely no qualms about working more closely with you. In fact, nothing would please me more!" He cast a quick look Scarlett's way, as if seeking her approval, but Scarlett didn't see the point in it. It was clear he'd already surmised that she was fine with it since the start of this meeting. Deacon Solnate also looked to Scarlett, and finding no objection, leaned forward further, her voice turning more earnest.

"Then we are in agreement. If so, I would appreciate it if you could start by sharing details on these new findings of yours, Raimond." Later that afternoon, Scarlett and her companions gathered in the mansion's foyer as Deacon Solnate and Raimond prepared to take their leave. Deacon Solnate's masked appearance betrayed little emotion as her gaze swept over Scarlett and the others, while Raimond looked as though someone had thoroughly trampled his favorite hat.

Much to his chagrin, while their discussion had concluded with Solnate allowing him to continue investigating the Beld Thylelion matter, his fellow deacon was now insisting he leave with her — presumably to keep him under much closer scrutiny from here on out.

"It's a pity you must depart so soon," Lady Withersworth—who was also present—remarked, her attention focused on Raimond.

"I must say, it has been quite some time since I last encountered a priest as droll as you. Our brief conversation was rather invigorating." The man's eyes lit up with renewed vigor, his earlier dejection seemingly forgotten as he stepped closer to the noblewoman.

"Ah, the sentiment is most assuredly mutual, my lady. They say age is but a number when it comes to wit and wisdom, but some numbers are worth more than others. Rarely do I have the privilege of conversing with a mind as delightfully sharp and seasoned as yours, and I feel there are many fascinating topics we have yet to explore. Indeed, why don't I linger a while longer so that we might further exchange our thoughts and engage in a lively discourse of ideas?"

"You will do no such thing, Father Abraham," Deacon Solnate interrupted, her voice laced with an unspoken threat.

"Do not make me regret the concessions I've already granted you, against my better judgement." Scarlett offered the woman yet another sympathetic look.

"I do not envy the challenges you face with him."

"Regrettable as it is, I've long since grown accustomed," the woman replied.

"I've learned to appreciate his talents rather than dwell on his eccentricities." Raimond's lips twitched in a half-smile, his eyes narrowing.

"I find myself simultaneously flattered and wounded by your words."

"Just focus on the compliment," Rosa chimed in, grinning.

"That's my strategy whenever Scarlett starts critiquing me."

"And that, precisely, is part of your problem," Scarlett said, giving her a tired look. Raimond nodded solemnly.

"Words of profound wisdom from my eloquently resplendent compatriot, as always."

"…That is enough of the banter," Deacon Solnate interjected sharply, moving towards the exit.

"Father Abraham, we're leaving."

"Before you go," Scarlett said, stepping forward, "I would first like to express my gratitude for your assistance during yesterday's conclave, Deacon Solnate. While I am uncertain how necessary it truly was, your backing was undoubtedly valuable." The masked woman paused, turning back to face Scarlett.

"Think nothing of it."

"There is another matter I have been curious about, however," Scarlett continued.

"And what might that be?" Deacon Solnate asked.

"It concerns the Followers' stance on the Empyreal Barrier. You remained silent on the topic during yesterday's proceedings. Am I to interpret this as the Followers of Ittar taking a neutral position?""'Empyreal Barrier'?" Raimond perked up, the interest in his voice clear.

"What is this unfamiliar term I hear gracing my ears? It seems I've fallen behind on the latest in the realm of political intrigue and machinations."

"I'll brief you later," Deacon Solnate said, casting him a brief glance before returning her focus to Scarlett.

"As for our stance, the internal politics of the imperial court typically aren't a concern the Followers involve ourselves with."

"Unless it relates to policy touching on faith, morality, tradition, or the occasional bout of heresy," Raimond casually added. Solnate stared at him.

"…As I was saying, we do not typically interfere in court matters unless we deem it necessary that our voice be heard on a certain issue. In my view, the Empyreal Barrier could be beneficial for the empire, but I'm familiar enough with the other deacons to know the Quorum would be deeply divided. Particularly since much of the funding will likely be expected to come from us, even if not explicitly stated." She hesitated, as if contemplating whether to mention the next thing.

"That is partly why I didn't speak up… However, I also doubt that our uncertain stance would have influenced the emperor's decision." Scarlett remained silent for a moment, considering her words.

"I see," she eventually said. It seemed the woman leaned more towards assuming the emperor had planned everything from the start, then. The group exchanged their farewells, with Rosa and the others offering Raimond their well-wishes. As he and Solnate departed, Lady Withersworth turned to Scarlett with a knowing smile.

"My dear, you seem to collect influential connections as a child gathers seashells," she remarked, her tone both impressed and amused. Rosa smirked.

"Yeah, but unlike seashells, these connections come in a lot more colors. You should just see some of the people Scarlett surrounds herself with." Scarlett stifled a sigh, her mind already drifting to the tasks ahead. There were still some things to wrap up here in the capital, and then it was back to Freybrook — where Evelyne, barony matters, the Rising Isle, and a whole slew of other concerns awaited her.

Compared to all that, dealing with the likes of Rosa and Raimond on occasion really wasn't that bad, honestly.