Chapter 281 - Taking off again
“—those of my agents who are available have been diligently investigating Duchess Swail’s activities in Silverborough, following the leads you provided. However, given our current priorities, it may take some time to yield concrete results.” Beldon’s voice echoed from the intricately carved bluebird figurine on Scarlett’s desk. The base of the carving pulsed with a soft blue light in time with his speech, casting flickering shadows across the polished wood.
“The situation with Count Hayden proved far more straightforward. In his haste to cover his tracks, he’s left behind a veritable trail of evidence related to some particularly underhanded tactics he employed against competitors and in manipulating various salt merchants. While the crown is unlikely to act during the current crisis, I suspect he’ll face considerable hardships once things calm down and his misdeeds ‘mysteriously’ come to light, courtesy of a certain baroness’ righteous spirit.”
Scarlett’s lips rose in a sardonic smile. “And I suppose your organisation will merely happen to reap the benefits of his downfall?”
“Why, naturally,” Beldon replied, his tone dripping with feigned innocence. “Mirage would never dream of purposefully undermining one of the empire’s noble pillars, but I won’t claim that we’re not…opportunists.”
“Opportunists who have no qualms about facilitating for others to do their dirty work.”
“I’m afraid I can’t comment on that, my friend.”
Scarlett scoffed quietly, her fingers drumming a steady rhythm against her desk. She was borrowing Mirage’s power to retaliate against some of the nobles who had annoyed her, but unlike Count Soames—whose dabbling with demonic cults in Ambercrest had made him an outright enemy of the empire—others like Count Hayden would require her personal involvement to make some of the more serious accusations stick. But she was ready to deal with that.
“I have already entrusted these matters to you, Beldon,” she said. “The approach you choose is at your discretion, so long as our agreement is honoured and you refrain from any ill-advised attempts at deception.”
A low chuckle left the figurine, the sound seeming to reverberate through the quiet room. “I assure you, Baroness, I’m not so foolish as to bite the proverbial hand that feeds me. I value our current partnership far too much to jeopardise it.”
“Good. Now, is there anything else you wished to discuss before we conclude our talks?”
“Nothing from my end.”
Scarlett’s brow furrowed slightly. “There is still no news on the Countess’ whereabouts after her sighting in Farmire?”