"That's the whole situation as of now. We have scoured every one of the newly recruited soldiers, but the Dwarf Shepherd is looking for is not here." James finished bringing us up on the update.

"Be sure to also question the slaves whether they've seen or heard about the man." The man squinted narrowly, hearing Renata's words.

"We have. But there is no good news regarding that...I'm sorry this might be presumptuous of me, Assassin. But perhaps it will do us better in the future if you can stop calling them Slaves. They are soldiers now, trainees or not." Argued James.

'To think that it's the cool-headed James that butt heads with Renata instead of Trodin.' It was unexpected.

"...Sure." Contrary to what I think, Renata gave in without much of a fight.

"Thank you." Voiced James with a complex look.

"Alright. Now, let's talk about what we can do." I said just in time before it got awkward.

"You're right, Shepherd. But I think it will be wise of us to ensure where our target is before making any hasty moves." Reasoned James.

"You're saying to wait for words from Spy?" I asked.

"I agree with him, Milord. If this person is, in fact, in this kingdom, then hitting random black markets to try and find him will not benefit us. The worst case will be for the Phantom Squad to catch a whiff that we're looking for someone." Explained her.

"You mean they'll use him as leverage against us?"

"Among other things, yes, Milord. And at that point, finding the Dwarf will be much harder." Added Renata.

"I think it will be better for us to carry on with the original plan, Shepherd." On the other hand, it was Trodin who stood in opposition to the other two.

"And why is that, Paladin?" I queried.

"They know how we've been hitting their pocket for a while now. Idling away for too long will only invite questions. And if this Phantom Squad is as good as Assassin said, it will be a matter of time before they figure out the questions we've been asking. Save for that Dwarf you're looking for; our entire plan might get shoved under the drain for good." It was a bit out of a stretch, but Trodin did bring up a good point.

"Then, are you suggesting us to ransack the whole kingdom blindly? Do you even hear yourself?" Rebuked Renata sharply.

"Enough. We don't have time for your charades." I cut in before things got annoying.

'I see their point...Both choices will have risks of their own...If we carry on with the plan, we can keep searching for him while devouring the underground as planned. Two birds with one stone...But there's too much uncertainty involved...And if we wait for Clara, it is unclear how long it will take...what if we were too late?'

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The rest waited patiently as I delved into my thoughts.

"We will stall for time."

I thought it long and hard, and ultimately, I chose to put my trust in Clara.

"Stall?" Trodin's raspy voice rang from the side.

I nodded and continued tapping my finger on the table. "And while we do that, we'll also throw a bait."

"Do you mean Melkor the Snake, Milord?" As expected of Renata, she immediately knew what I was talking about.

"Yes. He'll be perfect as the bait and host..."

"Host, you say..." Trodin looked straight at me. Judging from the looks of it, he could already guess what I had in mind, and he was sorting his mind to decide whether he would like where I was going.

"There will be a change of plan. Instead of hitting another slave house, we will host an Auction instead." James and Trodin's expressions hardened just like I anticipated, yet they chose to let me finish.

I began. "We will spread the word that the Black Nightmare will host a slave auction."

"I think it will be too obvious and suspicious, Shepherd. They might think that we're setting a trap for them." Countered James.

"If we're the ones who spread the words, sure, they might think so."

"So you're planning to use The Snake as the middleman..." Added James.

I nodded in concur. "What do you think, Assassin?"

"We can trust that man's desperation to keep his neck intact. As sly as he is, he will most likely do us a favor by buying us enough time." Mocked Renata coldly.

"If the words on the street are right, he was known to be the scum who'd able to hide his trace well. Someone like that will have lots of tricks up his sleeve to fool us if we're not being careful." James's eyes went back and forth between Renata and me.

"That's exactly what we wanted. For him to believe that he has managed to fool us. He can try all he wants and do whatever he wants." The air turned at the precipice of my words. "In the end, it won't make any difference whatsoever..."

James gulped dryly.

"But enough talking about him. He is nothing but the bait, after all. The real issue is what that bait will catch instead."

"...Don't tell me you're planning on luring the Phantom Squad by using him?"

'Ohh, right on point, James.' I praised the man inside. "I do. If we want to buy enough time, we might as well up the scale...It can also serve as a smokescreen for Clara to do her job, don't you think?"

"Milord is wise," Answered with a bow without even an ounce of hesitation. "It will be hard and tricky. But if we play our cards right by using Melkor the Snake, we might be able to do just that, Milord."

"That's good to hear...What about you, Paladin? Anything you wish to add?" I turned to Trodin, who chose to stay mute once again.

"Everything's good and all, Shepherd. But I have one question before I agree with your plan." Returned the man.

"You dare question him, Paladin!?" Spat Renata furiously.

"What is it?" I waved to Renata, telling her to sit the fuck down.

"What of the slaves? Will there really be an auction?" A straightforward question. It was Trodin, after all.

"There will be an auction. And, of course, slaves will be there too...But none shall be sold. Does that answer your question?"

"Hmm." Hummed the man, hugging his arms quietly.

"Now, let's put the details on hold for tomorrow's meeting. Remember to relay today's content to the Merchant. Also, send more Shadows to aid Spy. I want that man to be found, and I want it fast. Empty the mansion if you must, Assassin."

I could feel my heart thumping impatiently.

"We will do everything in order to find him...Helios, the Poison Overlord."