Chapter 192: 192. Vile Evil Lurks
Near the docks of Cheshire, there was an abandoned Adventurer's Guild House whom no one visited these days. The establishment had a closed sign outside but there were people under its first floor.
Jake sat inside a basement with Jasmine and Fiona side-by-side. Ragan was there, reporting to him how many slaves have been bought already.
''This doesn't sound good,'' Jake said.
Ragan arrived in this city about three weeks ago. Without entrusting the slaves to Xenan, the man he worked under, he'd instead become an independent trader.
The reason he did this was to sell his slaves specifically to nobles. If he gave them to Xenan, there was no guarantee who would buy them. Jake had told Ragan to sell them only to nobles and no one else. This lot was meant to act as a spy group.
As expected, the old fox was facing heavy suppression from his peers. They had taken most of his clients and even tried stealing his slaves.
Being relatively new to this city and without any powers, he seemed to be in a bind. Thankfully, he had a good head on his shoulders and didn't try anything rash.
Using his own money, Ragan rented a basement under a former adventurer's guild house at 7 Watery Street. Hiding the slaves here, he transported a few to his previous nobles clients who had a favourable impression of him.
What he did was go against his own superior and this wasn't good for him. Xenan was quite the big name in the underground circle of this city.
His status could be compared to a large gang leader even though the man was just a 3rd Circle Thief. That was because of the connections he had with influential people from both the upper class and the pirates or criminals.
''They aren't letting me anywhere near Louis Square, which has the biggest black market in its underground tunnel. We sell the slaves there and most of the clients frequent that place,'' Ragan said with a frustrated sigh.
''Xenan and his dogs have even put a bounty on my head. I'm boycotted by all the big traders. Even the independent ones don't wanna associate with me. Master, you have to-'' He suddenly stopped as he heard the sounds of munching.
Ragan glanced at the slave panther girl and saw her eating greedily.
'What's that? A fish? I haven't had one in days…' He gulped. Staying in constant hiding and living frugally with tens of slaves, he hadn't gotten to even eat something good.
''Well,'' Jake stood up. ''It looks like I have to deal with this Xenan before I visit Marquis Jones.''
''Marquis?'' Fear appeared in Ragan's eyes.
''Master, you have to be careful with the noble folks here. Cheshire ain't like Nule. Every knight patrolling the Upper Borough has a blessed cross with him. They burned a 3rd Circle Witch just a few days ago!'' he whispered.
''Pimp, you dare doubt our master? He is a powerful demon who even tamed a dragon!'' Jasmine raised her voice, shouting sarcastically. She'd heard about Jake's feats from Fiona, though she didn't believe it.
''Yes, daddy doesn't need to fear those humans.'' The childish homunculus, however, had blind faith in him.
''Shh, keep your voice down!''
''Pimp, you're a fucking coward.''
''What did you just say?''
As Ragan and Jasmine began bickering, Jake went to look at the slaves in the other rooms. They all collectively stood up, delighted to see their master.
'Hmm, Ragan has treated them well.'
Compared to the last time Jake saw them, these slaves looked better overall. They weren't tied to their cages and seemed well-fed.
The sex slaves weren't so skinny now. The girls were plump in the right areas and the boys had some muscles on them.
''Ragan,'' Jake called. ''Come here.''
The old fox stopped bickering and neared his master who began pointing at groups of slaves.
''Sell this lot to Viscount Stevenson, those slaves to Count Renly if possible and remember the names, Baroness Felicia, Viscount Gaute-''
''I just sold two sex slaves to him.''
''Nice. Also note Baron Syvertsen, Countess Margaret, Baron Ernst…''
Ragan quickly ordered a slave to bring him pen and paper and began writing down the names his master had said.
All these nobles didn't necessarily stay in Cheshire, but their power extended to this city. They all owned a mansion or two in the Upper District and had shares in several major merchant firms.
These were the big shots of Ardin province whom Jake had learned about during his journey. He wanted at least one spy in their households.
If possible, he wanted to corrupt at least half of them. The other half, he could kill and that would immediately give him 40-50% control over Ardin. For the remaining 40-50%, Jake would have to deal with the church powers which were significantly high in this particular province.
Jake had left the underground circle out of the play because they seemed pretty suppressed due to the church's influence, despite there being some 4th Circle pirates.
'Oh, and I nearly forgot about the adventurers… This is going to be difficult with just me and Fiona. That girl may be powerful but she can be fooled too easily,' Jake thought.
'I have to quickly get the dragon materials from that marquis after I deal with the problem of slaves. Once my bloodline is awakened…' A red glint appeared in Jake's eyes as he began his new plans about conquering this port city.
…
Just opposite the dock area of Cheshire, the Cathedral of Light shone under the evening's sun.
Gong! Gong!
Serene bells rang under the church's spire, attracting white pigeons who flew past large glass windows.
The room through a particular set of windows appeared to be the holiest among all. This was the Parish Hall.
On the altar, in front of a large Holy Cross, Bishop Lucas Springster prayed piously. His face was like a sleeping child's, serene and without worries.
Suddenly, the Holy Cross glowed with a golden white light, and the 4th Circle Bishop opened his eyes.
''Lord be praised.'' He finished his prayer and turned around to see a shocked priestess, who stammered,
''L-Lord be praised!''
''Summon Sir Paladins.'' Lucas descended from the altar with his hands making a cross sign. ''The Holy Light has bestowed me a vision.''
He looked at the trembling priestess and raised his voice. ''Act with haste, dear. I sense a vile evil lurking in this city.''
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