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.