Arka sent his right-hand man on patrol, leaving him alone with a group of people that Rasmus led. He sat on the couch and looked at the new faces that he didn’t recognize, but he could tell that both Daryus and Javi were from East Neva by their attire. He expected that the two of them would be important people or at least someone interesting if Rasmus decided to bring them with him.
"I don’t have much time, Count. I have to go on duty soon," Arka said with a serious expression.
"I know the whole situation, and I’m not going to take your time. I just came to ask you what you know about the current situation that isn’t told to the public," Rasmus nodded with understanding. "Just tell me what you know, and we’ll take our leave," he assured.
Daryus could see the tension between Arka and Rasmus. Seeing how Arka was cold toward Rasmus reminded him of himself, and he knew that Arka wasn’t fond of Rasmus.
"Things are worse than what people heard. The war is about to break anytime soon, and the South Neva Union can’t do anything anymore. We are ordered to provide the alliance vessels to travel unnoticed when the time comes," Arka answered as he rubbed his hands together anxiously.
"What about Carrion? Where is he? Still with Archduke Thalior’s side?" Rasmus asked.
"Yes, he had shown himself useful and prevented a few nations from joining hands with the alliance. He’s currently working together with his brother, the Earnwind family head," Arka nodded. "They’re the reason the rest of the nations from joining the alliance and stick with the South Neva Union."
"That’s good to hear," Rasmus nodded as he rubbed his chin. "Where is he right now?"
"The Suvistan Empire," Arka answered, staring Rasmus in the eyes. "You’re going to see him? If so, I can give you the permit to travel there," he suggested.
"That would be perfect, thank you," Rasmus nodded.
Arka stood up and went to his desk to write the permit for Rasmus. He then glanced out the window, where crows were flying around the fortress. He was confused because he had never seen crows on the island before.
"Videl is one of your people, right?" Arka glanced at Rasmus as he wrote the permit. "He’s currently in Lineva, and it has been weeks since we heard anything from him."
Arka and Daryus thought that it would make Rasmus worried, but they were surprised that he was so calm and unbothered by it.
"That’s not a problem. He knows what he’s doing," Rasmus said in a casual tone. "So, he has been leaking information to Carrion and to the South Neva Union?" He raised his brows and looked at Arka.
"Yes, we managed to prevent Kiel and his followers from advancing. However, since he has gone missing, everyone has been on the edge," Arka nodded and walked back to the couch with the letter in his hand. "This will be your permit to travel, and you can use it everywhere you go without having to worry about getting any inspection," he offered the letter to Rasmus.
Rasmus took the letter and put it inside his ring as he nodded with understanding.
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"When the time comes, when the alliance has decided to march for war, let me join you," Rasmus said with a serious expression. "I’ll tell Thalior and the others about it as well."
Arka was surprised that Rasmus volunteered to join the war with the alliance army. He didn’t expect that he would personally join the war, but knowing how powerful Rasmus was in magic and with Aris on his side, that would change the whole outcome.
"Thank you," Arka bowed his head to show his gratitude.
"No need to thank me. You know that I’m doing it with ulterior motives," Rasmus said as he stood up and fixed his suit. "But that doesn’t matter because right now, everyone is desperate. I’m just taking this opportunity, that’s all," he added as he looked at the others and nodded, telling them that they were leaving.
"Yes, that’s right," Arka nodded in agreement.
"We will see you soon," Rasmus said as he walked toward the door and waved at Arka without looking back at him.
They took one of the small ships to Eddenvilla, and when they arrived, things were still the same as before. Eddenvilla had become the most important city port because it was the only one left that was still operating. All the supplies from traders and merchants came from this city.
"Long time no see," Rasmus approached Eduard, who was busy counting the supplies on the dock that had just arrived.
Eduard turned around, and his face lit up when he saw Rasmus and Aris. He didn’t expect to see them again and immediately brought him to his office. The office was big with lots of expensive furniture, including a massive chandelier made of silver.
He told Rasmus that the business was going strong and the profits had gone through the roof. He became an important figure in Eddenvilla, and people respected him for his fairness in business. He also became a close friend with the current mayor and had a strong bond with him, making Eddenvilla a better place for everyone.
"I heard you went to the East," Eduard said as he looked at the servant that poured tea for everyone. "How’s the situation there?" He asked.
"Worse than here, that’s for sure," Rasmus answered and took a sip of his tea. "Let me introduce you to these two. Javi and Doctor Daryus," he pointed at Javi and Daryus.
Eduard looked at both of them from top to bottom.
"I’m Eduard. I’m the one who helped him when he was still skinny and dirty," Eduard said with a huge smile on his face.
Javi and Daryus nodded their heads and introduced themselves to Eduard.
"Do you know where Erlina is? I remembered from the letter that she was going to the capital city to expand her business," Rasmus asked as he rested his elbows on his thighs.
"Right, you haven’t heard. She has a seat in the parliament, she has become a politician now. Do you believe that?" Eduard answered with a huge grin on his face. "She bought a mansion in the capital city, and now she’s an important lady in this nation. I haven’t seen her for the past month, and if you want to meet her, I can give you a carriage and send you to where she lives now."
"Yes, please. I don’t have much time since I have to go to the Suvistan Empire to meet with Carrion and the council," Rasmus said as he emptied the glass. "I got the permit from Arka, so you don’t have to worry about it."
"Of course, I’ll tell the coachman to prepare the carriage for you," Eduard nodded and left the room hurriedly. Enjoy more content from Freewebnovel
Daryus heard Eduard’s story, and he didn’t expect that Rasmus wasn’t lying that he had people who were indeed trying to make a better place for the people. He thought Rasmus was lying about it, but after he heard about Carrion’s story as well, he was convinced that Rasmus indeed had people that cared about the people.
He realized that Rasmus needed people like Eduard, Carrion, and himself to reach his goal. He could see the pieces of the big picture that Rasmus didn’t want to deal with, what was morally right or wrong, since he wanted to be efficient. That was when people like Eduard, Carrion, and himself came to help him. He wanted them to deal with the people and give them a better world to live in while he kept his focus on his goal.
"The carriage is ready," Eduard said as he entered the room.
Rasmus stood up and approached Eduard with a smile on his face.
"You don’t have to worry about things that are happening outside this city. I’ll take care of it for you," Rasmus said as he patted Eduard’s shoulder.
"I know. Be careful, Count," Eduard smiled as he nodded with understanding. "I know you can do it, so go for it and beat those demons and bastards up for us, yeah?" He grinned as he shook Rasmus’s shoulder.
"That’s the plan. Take care, Eduard," Rasmus said and then left the room.