Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 115: Meeting (2)

After the old man finished his report, he stepped back. Next, the New Chamberlain stepped forward to give his update.

"My Lord, following the instructions of the Grand Luminar, the City Guard’s investigation into the disappearance of the Hummer footman, Thomas, has been officially closed due to ’lack of evidence’. Any further inquiries from House Hummer and their family will be buried in bureaucratic delays."

"Good. Any news of the that old man?"

"The old chamberlain is still at large. We do not know where he is. We still have some of his friends and family as hostage, though. So he should not do anything that could be detrimental to us."

Malakor’s expression did not change. However, Riku kept on listening to all the information intently.

Ding!

[New Quest Issued: The Fugitive Statesman]

[Objective: Locate the former Lord Chamberlain before the Society of Blood captures him.]

[Reward: +2000 Goodwill Points, Mystery Unlock]

A new mission.

Riku’s mind went back to the Old Chamberlain. It was an old elf, who had been in the kingdom for over hundreds of years. In fact, Riku as the Grand Maximus, had had a few interactions with him before.

There were no hints given, but Riku had a fair idea of places where he might have been to. However, it would be extremely difficult for anyone else to track him down. So, he was not worried about the Society of Blood finding him.

But his family, they were a different issue. It looked like he had to find a way to save them first.

Finally, the Grand Luminar, who had been accompanying Riku and Lady Vayne, stepped forward and gave a bow.

"Greetings, Lord Malakor."

"Rise, Albus. Tell me what updates you bring?"

"Lord Malakor, a complication has arisen on the surface. For weeks, there have been rumors of ’Whisper Healers’ offering fleeting relief in the slums. We dismissed it as folk nonsense."

"However, just days ago, House Hummer suddenly began distributing a new healing talisman of astonishing power. It doesn’t just soothe the Creep’s symptoms; it halts their progression entirely. The efficacy is so great, my most skilled men believe even they could only enchant a handful a day. This has caused a significant stir."

"Word has already reached the palace; King Harius III himself is preparing to meet with the Hummers to discuss this ’miracle’. Our Sunpetal Draught now looks like a child’s toy, and our control over the narrative is slipping fast."

"If this really proves to be enough to contain the Creep, the kingdom might put a hold on all the research that has been ongoing, and the regulatory supervision might get much more complex."

"Hmmm..." Malakor still said nothing, just taking all the information in.

Finally, his gaze shifted to Lady Vayne. "And your report, Vayne?"

"My brother Gregor lives," she stated, her voice laced with cold fury. "The plot failed. The dormant stone was discovered and neutralized by a mysterious commoner. He seems to be at the center of all our recent... difficulties." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

A heavy silence filled the cavern. All of their carefully laid plans, all of their recent troubles, all pointed back to one mysterious commoner.

"Alaric," Lady Vayne urged. "You have faced this... Riku. Tell us. Everything."

Riku stepped forward, his heart pounding slightly. He tried to see through the shadows of Malakor’s hood, to place his face or his aura with any character he’d encountered in his past life. However, he could gauge nothing, not even a speck of mana.

He could use some spells, but most of his spells would attract attention, so he did not. There was no need to rush to try to uncover his identity.

Playing his part to perfection, Riku adopted Alaric’s resentful sneer. "Lord Malakor, the man is a commoner, but his abilities are... abnormal. He appeared at the manor suddenly one day, and got me kicked out. He uses some kind of strange healing art that completely suppressed the Creep in my uncle."

He recounted the events, carefully painting a picture of a mysterious, powerful individual acting alone, avoiding the girls and the dwarves.

"From my servant Thomas’ report, this ’Riku’ discovered the stone we planted with some unknown method. He spoke as if he knew of our plans, of the stone’s purpose. It’s clear he is the source of the healing talismans my father mentioned. He operates with an unsettling confidence, as if he fears nothing."

"And did you find out where this ’Riku’ is?" Malakor asked with an even tone.

"Not yet, Lord Malakor. It seems that he disappeared from the surface of the planet. My men tracked him down to an old inn in the outer district, but he has not returned there for a few days now. Even the innkeepers are missing."

"What are your thoughts on this matter?" Malakor turned to the bodyguard behind him.

Though it seemed like a casual question, Riku found it very strange.

An all powerful person, seeking the opinion of a bodyguard?

The bodyguard stepped forward, and instead of addressing Malakor, addressed the others.

"Most of the problem seems to be stemming from one person - this commoner named ’Riku’. I would not be surprised if the person who attacked ’Marden’ was this same guy. Looks like a powerful enemy has appeared."

"Normally, I would propose bringing him onto our side with a plethora of carrots. However, based on how he has been distributing talismans almost for free, money might not be what he is after. And if it was power, he would have asked for a high position in the church for sharing his research. And a frontal fight might not be beneficial, given we don’t really know the true extent of his capabilities. That only leaves one more way to deal with him."

"What is it..." The Grand Luminar asked with curiosity.

Riku shuddered, listening to the explanation given by the bodyguard. He got a bad feeling on what he was going to suggest next.

"The way is... Never mind. We will discuss this in a smaller meeting. For now, focus on delaying official restrictions on the research of the creep and the supply of the Talismans."

"I and Lord Malakor shall deal with this ’Riku’ ourselves."