Tuesday, 7 a.m., inside the Viscount's residence in Beldan City.
Ebner got up first. After instructing the servants not to disturb Xio and Fors for the time being, he went straight to the dining room and began having breakfast under the service of the maid corps.
Speaking of Beldan's maid corps, it was not the "luxury" version composed of the "Seven-Colored Saintesses of the Demoness Sect" that had once been displayed in the Sanguine castle.
—After all, they were too conspicuous. Frequent appearances here might lead to recognition and arouse suspicion.
Instead, it was a new corps formed by the "Demonesses" cultivated by the "Red Saintess," "Black Saintess," "Gray Saintess," "Yellow Saintess," and "Blue Saintess."
Since most of the Demoness Sect was already under Ebner's control, he naturally would not allow its members to continue committing evil. That was why he had ordered these demonesses to be gathered here.
Of course, those whose hands were stained with blood and whose crimes were beyond redemption had already been eliminated by Ebner. They didn't even qualify for "labor reform" to serve Viscount Beldan… no, to serve Beldan City.
Those who remained were relatively humane, their consciences not yet completely extinguished.
As for why they were so obedient? Naturally, they had undergone the demigod-level "brainwashing" package of the Spectator, Sun, and Hanged Man pathways…
This can be considered an alternative "Gongdelin" of mine… Hmm, once Daphne and Tylers completely hollow out the Secret Order, those few Miracle Invokers will have to be sent here for "reform" as well, to contribute bricks and mortar to Beldan's modernization!
While inwardly making sarcastic remarks, Ebner finished his sumptuous breakfast before heading out to inspect his territory and check on the progress in various areas.
His first stop was City Hall. The original governor had been replaced by Mobet Zoroast, and with assistance from several university graduates from the Braine family, work had already gotten on track.
However, Mobet still complained to Ebner, "Too many projects are being carried out simultaneously, your management team lacks experience, and the workers' thinking is far more active than during His Majesty the Emperor's time… If I didn't frequently 'steal' some of their excess thoughts, efficiency would be even lower than it is now."
The "His Majesty the Emperor" he referred to was naturally the Solomon family's "Black Emperor."
Hearing this, Ebner frowned and asked, "What thoughts have you been stealing from them?"
Although at Mobet's current level the stolen thoughts would be returned, Ebner was still concerned that such actions might prevent reasonable demands from being addressed.
After all, although this old man's descendant was capable, he ultimately came from the era of the First Solomon Empire… And the Solomon Black Emperor was a "ruthless" figure who forced even gods to compromise, ruling his people with high-pressure policies.
At that time, people had just experienced the Cataclysm and longed for order, so they endured it—but that didn't mean such policies were suitable in the Fifth Epoch.
Mobet rolled his eyes at him. "Relax, I know your rules.
"What I steal are thoughts about 'scheming and infighting,' 'slacking off,' 'framing others,' and the like…
"Heh, I don't know if some people are sick in the head. For a position that only manages ten people, they resort to such tactics!"
That's human nature… Unfortunately, they ran into a Beyonder from the more professional 'Dog Trio' in this regard!
After grumbling inwardly, Ebner changed the subject. "Are funds still sufficient?"
"More than sufficient… I studied the modern financial system and found there's no need to wait until funds are fully available before launching projects… As long as you draft a project proposal, talk up the prospects, use that as collateral, and mention your name, you can easily secure loans from banks.
"And those film-related parks can even be packaged and listed directly to raise funds… Subscriptions have been endless."
Excellent. As expected of a professional fraudster—perfectly matched to the job! I really chose the right person. He's no worse than Helene the 'Conspirer,' just less dedicated.
After praising him inwardly, Ebner discussed future policies with him for a while before preparing to leave.
At that moment, however, Mobet called out to him, "Wait…"
Ebner turned back and asked in confusion, "Is there something else?"
Although he could easily know the answer by activating his "Insight" ability, Ebner rarely used that skill in front of his own people.
Mobet hesitated for a long time before finally speaking. "Where is Shatas now… no, I mean, when can she come back? Everyone misses her."
It's only been a few days and you already miss her? Well, it's soon. She's currently cruising the seabed north of the Southern Continent aboard my Trident. When that elven settlement appears on July 7, she can return.
"In a few more days. You should see her within this week." Ebner didn't elaborate further. After patting his shoulder, he left City Hall and headed to the nearby "Judicial Bureau."
That was the name Ebner had chosen. Its functions combined those of the police, procuratorate, and courts from before his transmigration—but limited to Beyonder incidents.
Of course, internally it was called that; externally it was referred to as the "Lord's Guard."
The dark-skinned local Byles was standing guard at the entrance. Having already become a Sailor, his senses were sharp, yet he still failed to notice Ebner strolling openly into the Judicial Bureau.
The bureau was headed by the former Loen soldier Longzel. Having once reached the level of a Punishment Knight, even though he was now merely an Arbiter, he could still suppress the newly advanced Beyonders in the guard.
Moreover, when necessary, he could seek help from Groselle. Due to his appearance, the giant could only hide during the day and occasionally move about at night.
"Previously, Beldan City was relatively desolate, with not many Beyonders settling here. So even if there were one or two Beyonder cases, the Nighthawks, Punishers, and Machinery Hivemind in the city could handle them.
"Even though the strongest among them is only a Sequence 8 Midnight Poet.
"The most troublesome issue now is the covert spread of the 'God of Death' faith among the populace…"
Longzel had just reported this when Ebner interrupted, "There's no need to interfere with that sect that worships the 'God of Death.' As long as there are no bloody and cruel sacrifices, let it develop freely."
"Yes…" Though puzzled, Longzel nodded and continued with another problem. "In the past two days, quite a few unfamiliar Beyonders have entered Beldan. Snowman discovered them, but I haven't determined their origins or whether there's a conspiracy behind them…"
Some of those people are members of the Psychology Alchemists I sent. The rest are likely subordinates of the "Purple Saintess," or scapegoat 'cannon fodder' sent by George III.
In short, they've come during the construction period to arrange the 'sacrificial' ritual.
They were exposed so quickly? Makes sense. They probably underestimated Beldan's local forces, completely unaware that their opponents are a "dragon-slaying hero" squad with thousands of years of experience.
Although he understood the situation, it wasn't convenient to tell Longzel. So Ebner merely said vaguely, "Maintain necessary vigilance toward them, but there's no need for special attention."
They were being monitored by the Death faction of the Numinous Episcopate—also arranged by Ebner.
"I understand!"
After leaving the Judicial Bureau, Ebner visited various construction sites. Only after learning about the progress of each project did he enter an abandoned mine.
The giant Groselle was currently hiding there.
Seeing Ebner, Groselle, who was sitting on a rock, gave an honest smile, scratched the back of his head, blinked his single vertical eye, and greeted, "Lord Braine, hello."
"No need to be so polite…" Ebner waved his hand, then looked at the somewhat lonely giant and asked thoughtfully, "Groselle, do you still want to return to the Giant King's Court, to take a look at the Decayed Forest?"
Upon hearing this, Groselle's single eye immediately lit up. He asked in surprise, "You know where the Giant King's Court is?"
According to Mobet, by the Fourth Epoch no one could find the Giant King's Court anymore.
"I do… A friend of mine may explore it in a few months but lacks a guide… However, it has become extremely dangerous. Entering it could very well cost you your life… Think it through."
Ebner was naturally referring to the exploration team of Silver City. With Groselle as a guide, their exploration should be steadier than in the original plot.
"There's no need to think… I'll be that guide!
"I dream of returning to the King's Court. Even if it costs me my life, I won't regret it." Groselle said firmly.
"In that case, make a wish to me when the time comes!"
...
July 7, Thursday.
Somewhere on the seabed north of Berenz Port in the Southern Continent, the ocean floor suddenly began to tremble without warning.
(End of Chapter)