"You really think too highly of me," Wei’en said with a wry smile. "I only joined the Secret Investigation Department a few days ago. I still barely know the first thing about investigating cases..."

"At least your position is more suitable than mine. If this isn’t sorted out, I’m afraid the entire Caster City State will suffer for it."

"Is it that serious?"

Clelia’s expression turned uncharacteristically serious. "If we don’t find the person pulling the strings behind the scenes, Hector and I—no, to be precise, the Eternal Life Association and the Despair Sect will inevitably go to war."

"When that happens, do you think Caster will be spared?"

"What’s more, you’ll have that bunch from the Red Moon Church getting involved, and they couldn’t care less if anyone else lives or dies."

"So it really is urgent, but..." Wei’en looked at her doubtfully and asked, "Do you care about the people here in Caster?"

’Even the Red Moon Church, which is recognized as a True God Church in Shetland, doesn’t care. Why would Clelia, a member of the Eternal Life Association, be any different?’

"I don’t. I’m just really annoyed about being used as someone’s weapon, especially since they dragged me all the way from Klande to Caster City State. The sea breeze here is making my skin dry."

"...That’s a great reason. Very compelling."

Wei’en thought for a moment. "I can agree to look into it for you. But to investigate a case like this, I’ll need more clues. And as for the timeframe..."

"There’s no rush. You just need to keep this in mind. Worst comes to worst, I’ll just take Hector and his people down with me."

Despite her words, Clelia leaned in closer and said coquettishly, "Of course, if you really do help me find that person, I’ll be very grateful. And maybe..."

"Maybe then, I’ll give you a very special reward."

Wei’en couldn’t help but gulp. "A-a special reward? I don’t really need..."

"This one..."

Clelia reached out with both hands and grabbed...

...

...

「At the same time, in the Ghost Soul School’s Intelligence Department headquarters in Klande City State.」

Olivia sorted through intelligence reports from the various city-states, her face an emotionless mask. She was constantly pondering how she would dispose of that "genius" the moment she found anything unusual about him.

’Should I turn him into an Undead Creature, or just extract and devour his very essence?’

’Such a difficult choice...’

"My Lady, urgent intelligence from Caster City State."

"Speak."

"The Dawn Church’s Bishop in Caster City State, Andrews, held a celebration with the Secret Investigation Department. During the event, they announced a Candidacy Saintess for the Dawn Church: Kali Morris. Then, halfway through the celebration..."

"According to the Shadow, that Candidacy Saintess is the same person who received Dawn’s Divine Favor a while back. She..."

Olivia frowned. "Wait. Are you saying that Saintess is the one from the Divine Favor ceremony a while ago?"

"According to the Shadow’s response, yes," her subordinate replied, confused. "My Lady, do you need me to go and confirm it?"

Olivia clenched her jaw. "No. No need."

’Oh, just brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Daring to falsify intelligence this important.’

’You... you really are just a parasite who knows nothing but how to exploit loopholes... And to think I gave you a ten percent cut of the intelligence fee. You damned bastard, is this how you repay me?’

"Get me a ticket on a ship to Caster City State. I want the earliest one available."

"You’re leaving Klande?"

"Is there a problem with that?"

"N-no, not at all. I wish you a safe journey, My Lady."

"I’m leaving you in charge here while I’m gone." Olivia glanced at him and said coolly, "If everything goes smoothly, you’ll take over this place for good."

"Take over? Me?"

Olivia frowned, glaring at him with displeasure. "I don’t like to repeat myself."

"I-I understand, My Lady. I’ll get back to my duties, then."

His heart pounded with fear as he hastily bowed and left.

’Stupidity... there truly is no Magic Potion to cure it...’

Olivia looked up at the two heads that were identical to her own, a rare, enchanting smile gracing her lips. "Don’t you two agree?"

’Other than it being inconvenient to acquire knowledge, her two years in Klande hadn’t been bad at all.’

’She had earned a good number of gold pounds, and her power had grown by leaps and bounds.’

"Apu."

"Rexi."

"Once I’ve taken care of business, I’ll take you both back to the Ice Castle. Otherwise, they’ll grow impatient waiting for us..."