Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"Why not, since Lord Malin has extended goodwill through the sacred Acorn, we magicians should not turn a blind eye." Lord Strength smiled as he first expressed goodwill and routinely took the Acorn: "Though I have no need for this thing, there are younger members in my family who do need it. There’s a younger relative I am quite fond of who, lacking the talents to become a mage, still wished to help his family and chose the same path as I did... I should lend him a hand, just as Lord Malin would do. Once the Acorn suppresses his condition, I’ll send him over through my channels. By then, Lord Malin, you’ll certainly know my true identity, but no need to be concerned; after all, I already know yours. This is a very fair trade, and I even stand to gain something from it."

"Lord Strength, don’t worry about it too much; I still have many more. You should have heard my story and know how many druids and shamans are serving me." Malin grinned while teasing Bippo. Although Carterburg might not be able to become a fortress, in terms of defensive strength, with the presence of the Divine Master, great druids, and four World Tree Saplings, Malin’s Carterburg had already become a fortress in a practical sense.

"Yes, I’ve heard. Many refugees from the Eastern Kingdom have obtained jobs at your place. They work the land for you, and although it might sound no different from their former lives, I’ve heard that now they can eat meat three times a week. If they work hard, they might even get a few cans of food. Compared to their time in the Eastern Kingdom, living at your place is like being in the Heavenly Kingdom," said Lord Chariot, who spoke fluent and accent-free Common. But with this, he had essentially admitted his identity as someone from the Eastern Kingdom.

Malin watched with a smile as he put away the fruit: "Believe me, I will be fairer and more just than the previous Lord Atef, here and elsewhere."

At this moment, Misha raised her hand.

"It seems Miss Misha has something to say. Go ahead, let’s hear it," Malin said, sitting in his chair and looking at the lady.

"This is very sensitive intelligence; I would like to open a direct communication link." The lady hesitated as she glanced at her wizard friends.

"Dorothy, please open a direct communication with Miss Misha."

"As you wish, my lord."

Once the direct communication link, which only the two of them could hear, was established, Malin could see the lady’s complexion brighten significantly: "Lord Malin, I am willing to expose an organization trafficking orc children. If I do this, can you arrange for my warrant in The Great Forest Land to be cleared?"

"That, I can refer you to the Divine Masters, so they can determine how much merit your information holds."