Hans listened to every word Lady Evelyn spoke, pondering the corruption of those in power. Yet deep inside, he found it somewhat hilarious that criminals like them were so concerned with the corruption of others.
After a while, the man took out another note — this one tinted white.
"Lady Evelyn… As for the profits our syndicate has made, Sir Midnight, along with Miss Decandaz in Elysium running his Midnight Bar, has raked in over 1,000 Gold Solis from their noble patrons, most of whom were holders of the Victorian name. They seem to love the Maryland drug and wouldn't mind covering it from the law," he reported.
Lady Evelyn's smile softened, almost adorably so. She was immensely proud of the news.
"Midnight and Decandaz… they're doing an excellent job. These people don't even know they're criminals. We have Midnight to thank for that…" she murmured.
Within the Malefactors, there were three main hierarchies: 7 Fingers, 7 Rings, and 3 Keys, overseen by one Headmistress.
The 7 Fingers were high authorities, each leading at least one section of the Malefactors, whether in production, distribution or intelligence.
Sir Hans was one of the 7 Fingers, running Intel in the shadows with the help of an individual named Reyna.
The remaining six were working in the four Malefactor-owned hideouts and places of operation: one within Elysium — the Midnight Bar that sold Maryland drugs to nobles in the form of drinks
One within Gravenhurst — the pastry shop, which had a very different role, cultivating potential scripters, aiding in ink resistance while disguising itself as a simple bakery.
It was also tasked with selling the Maryland drug in very small quantities to carefully selected citizens of Gravenhurst, on top of its other responsibilities.
Another was in Nox Forest, where Lady Evelyn originally lived, and lastly, in Inals, far southeast near the Mireline District, a small village with an orphanage tasked with secretly selling Avelrove Grass to buyers from Mireline researchers.
Though the 7 Rings also exercised authority above the 7 Fingers, the principal distinction lay in their abilities as scripters, ranging from 9th Degree to 6th Degree. Among them was Sir Daishi himself.
The 3 Keys, however, represented the Malefactors' most formidable scripters, of 5th Degree or higher.
Hans could not help but reflect upon their extraordinary power.
None of the members, save for the 3 Keys, knew Lady Evelyn's own degree. Yet Hans could only speculate upon how an individual of her caliber could command such formidable subordinates.
Lady Evelyn sighed softly, her expression gentler than before. To Hans, it was a rare sight — what thoughts could possibly stir such fondness in a woman like her?
"Hans," she began, her voice carrying a maternal warmth, "how was the situation in Inals?"
At once, the man's eyes gleamed beneath the brim of his hat, and a faint smile found its way to his lips.
"My Lady, the funds have been successfully delivered to those in need within the village. And if you are wondering, yes — the children at the orphanage are receiving proper education and their daily provisions," he reported.
The mistress appeared genuinely pleased by the news.
"That is good… those children," she murmured, though her tone soon grew somber. "I… pray their childhood is filled with joy."
Ever the calm listener, Hans replied, "It will be, and it is all thanks to you, Lady Evelyn."
Indeed, Inals was but a small village — not all of its people were involved in the drug trade. A portion of the Malefactors' profits was always redirected there: for medicine, for food, for the building of homes and roads, for every facet of life itself.
"I cannot wait to see them again," Lady Evelyn whispered, her smile returning with a resemblance to tenderness.
Yet, despite that fond light in her eyes, there were far more pressing matters awaiting her attention.
Lady Evelyn cleared her throat, giving her glance to Hans once more. "Now then, time for the bitter discussion…" she said, before continuing, "Our opposition, have they made a move?"
Hans's eyes grew serious. "The Black Garden… has remained silent, Lady Evelyn…"
In Umbridge, the Malefactors were not the only ones dealing in illicit substances. Yet the true difference between the two syndicates lay in their philosophies and intentions.
The Black Garden, much like the Malefactors, was a powerful underground organization, but unlike them, it was supported by several high-ranking nobles.
Their trade focused primarily on the distribution of Avelrowe drug among the inner nobility, under the belief that such substances were privileges reserved for those of higher standing.
The Malefactors, however, held a far different conviction, they sold not only to nobles but to all manner of clients, alongside the morbid product known as Maryland drug.
It was a fact that the Black Garden was all too eager to uncover.
One must remember that drug use remained strictly illegal, even among the nobility. Yet, through cunning and influence, many were adept at concealing their indulgence.
With no formal law requiring drug testing, these individuals thrived in secrecy, while those who opposed such corruption, families like Crownhurst and others of principle, continued to resist whenever they could.
"Interesting. They should be well aware that we're finally here in Gravenhurst. After all, thanks to the distraction caused by the war in the Black Sea, the mess we created during that opportunity, both in Elysium and Gravenhurst, should be enough to make that woman move…" Lady Evelyn remarked in an amused tone, referring to the individual known by the title 'Maiden of Glass'.
Hans hesitated for a brief moment, carefully weighing his words before speaking. "My Lady, several GPA officials of the Yellow Stripe are already aware of your presence. I believe it is only a matter of time before they initiate an investigation into the Maryland drug. What would you have us do? I also believe we must begin preparations in case the Black Garden decides to bare its fangs."
Lady Evelyn appeared at ease, her shoulders relaxed as she leaned slightly back against the carriage seat, her gaze drifting toward the window.
Beyond the glass, she caught glimpses of familiar posters, faces of missing men and women, alongside a warning of a crimson monster lurking within Gravenhurst.
"The Seven Rings and Three Keys already know my intentions. As for the Seven Fingers, continue as you have. There's no need to alter our current course," she said calmly.
"After all, we will soon… assault the heart of Elysium." Her smile was soft, absent of malice, yet undeniably committed.
Hans merely listened and nodded in understanding. "Then we'll remain flexible and ready to adjust when needed," he replied, to which Lady Evelyn seemed quietly pleased.
Still, a flicker of curiosity crossed her expression.
"I wonder what that woman is doing…" she murmured.
"Tell me—is 'she' at the Blacked Mire Bridge right now?"
Hans drew a slow breath before responding, hesitation faint in his voice. "Indeed, my Lady. She's currently… feasting."
"I might make use of her," Lady Evelyn said, holding a small crimson vial between her fingers. The glass shimmered faintly as she swirled the liquid within, lost in thought.
"She was given quite the dramatic title by her creators," Evelyn mused.
"May I know, Lady Evelyn?" Hans asked carefully. Though he already suspected the identity of the woman in question, however, he had never heard her other name spoken aloud.
The lady's smile returned, "The mistake of Mireline, they call her…"
Then, with a whisper touched by fascination, she added,
"The Chasing of the Departed Rose, The Maiden of Blood."
Chapter End...