"May the light shine brighter!"

Rows of people in black robes called in unison the moment I entered the mansion. It was a place Renata bought using the House's funds for us to use in the city of Germund, on Dawson's fief.

The mansion was the House of Light and Darkness's first and temporary base of operation as of now. It wouldn't be our main base, nor the last. After all, Margareth and Renata have been fearless and successful in their venture to grow the House's capital power.

The job the shadows displayed today was the first one I've ever witnessed with my own eyes, and it was very impressive indeed. Meanwhile, I was also delighted to learn about our human resources as an organization.

"May the darkness grow deeper..."

After returning the greetings, we agreed to set up for the members; I followed Renata around before we reached the room at the left wing's end. It was big, twice as big as my room back home, actually, and separated into two sections due to its massive size. In the first section of the room, there was a board full of scribbles, neatly stacked documents on the wide desk, and an antique tea table to balance the look.

The second section was more luxurious and relaxing, what's with the comfy couch and bed and all.

"The office?" I asked Renata, who still hasn't lifted her head up. She did this every single time, and it was a bit annoying at first, but over time, even I got used to it. So, I just left her to her own devices in the end.

"Yes, my lord. The design is still lacking, as you see, but I've made sure to call in the most experienced architect to renovate and further express the divine feeling of-"

"Enough. Leave it as it is. This is enough. I don't even come here often. Use the fund for something else instead." I cut her off, lest we burn the night listening to Renata's fanatic rambling.

"A magnanimous and wise decision, my lord." Praised the woman.

"Bring up to the latest report on the House's development plan." Ignoring Renata's praise, I took off the cumbersome costume and landed comfortably on the chair.

Renata then handed me a couple of documents while summarizing the key points.

"The Merchant's capital and influence have been growing non-stop, and the business has been expanding out of the capital city. So far, we have been doing everything to aid her, but I might have some concerns regarding her future business plan, my lord."

Taking a quick look at the exquisitely detailed reports, I could more or less see what Margaret was aiming for.

'So she wants to find her own supplier and be the wholesaler and distributor herself...In other words, if she can do this, she'll finally become independent from the guild, and it will be easier for her to move from here on. This is great...'

"Is there any reason why Merchant only specifies such a small scope regarding this plan?" It caught my attention.

"I also share the same thought, so I asked her myself. She said the risk would be bigger since more variables would be involved, and she still lacks a proper affiliate to shield her from the nobles."

"Risks, huh...Do tell me, Renata. What is our mission?"

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Jolting in shock, Renata's pupils shook, devastated. It was way exaggerated, I know. But that's just how she was; commenting on everything she do won't do me any good.

"We will save the world, my lord." Answered her in a fearful tone.

"That's right...It might sound like a nonsense. But it's our job to turn that nonsense into reality. Remember, we're always on a tight schedule. Playing safe is good. But too safe will be fatal for us in the long run."

"Please punish me, my lord!" Exclaimed the fanatic maid zealously, kneeling on the ground.

'Yeah, yeah...whatever.' It was a routine that was no longer foreign in my eyes, so I simply ignored her antics.

"Have The Merchant increase the scope and the amounts of deals. About the suppliers, make a list and hand them over to her in case she still doesn't have one."

"I understand, my lord. But that still leaves us with the second issue..."

'Hm...An affiliate to keep the nobles at bay...basically an umbrella, so the nobles will think twice if they want to snatch a piece of the pie, huh?'

"It seems it is nigh that we welcome another seatholder at the Council..." Hence, I concluded as such.

"By your will, my Lord."

Renata then placed another fresh set of documents on the desk following her words.

I skimmed through them until a certain profile caught my eye.

'Trodin Ber Gelliard. He starts his morning routine with a prayer in the chapel, training his sword, training his men, fixing houses, checking the orphanages, goes back to the chapel by dusk to pray, and then, after dinner, goes through another training session at night before calling it a day.'

A consistent man with great focus and will. He lived his day doing the same stuff again and again, yet never once did he skip one of them. It was like I was looking at a reflection of myself. The man was grinding...

'Single. No family. High degree in skill and prowess. He is charismatic and beloved by his soldiers and the common folk alike...'

"This person. Why do you recommend him, Renata?"

"Yes, my lord. I believe he has the skill set to be of help to the House. His only shortcoming, in this case, is his lack of ambition. Although he inherited the title of Viscount from his now-deceased father, Trodin Ber Gelliard didn't seem interested in expanding his influence."

"The reports say high skill and prowess, and since he never misses a day to train his man, is it safe to assume the quality of his men, too?"

"Indeed, my lord. That's also why the neighboring nobles never try to make a fuss with him. Because they can't afford to."

"And judging by how he can survive for so long without falling to a treacherous scheme, that means either he is that capable, or he has someone good helping him..." I muttered.

"Yes, it is his cousin who works as his advisor and manages both the internal and external affairs." Reported Renata, handing me another slip of document that contained the information regarding the man's cousin.

"So, how do you think we should rope him in?" I asked after a while.

"Anything the lord does will be enough." Answered Renata faithfully.

'Yeah, it's my fault for asking...'

"Ha...arrange a meeting for us to meet." I sighed.

"By your will, my lord...Do you want to meet him in the same place as the last time?"

"No. This time, why don't we go to him instead? You'll come too, so make sure to prepare beforehand."

"Yes, my lord!" Saluted Renata, burning with vibrant vigor.

"We might be able to give Merchant a nice sturdy ladder if we pull this off correctly..."

"I believe with all my soul, just by having a glimpse of the divine presence, radiating from my Lord, that man will instantly kiss the ground in joy, singing praises and worship in no time."

"...You know what? I hope not...Anyway, what's next?"

"About the assassins..." Said Renata, albeit slightly reluctant to my eagerness to change the topic.

"Them? Ah, before that...How about we go catch the cornered rat first?" A sly smirk crept on my lips slowly.

"By your will, my Lord!" Answered Renata spiritedly.