Subjugation Permission

After leaving the Grand Master of the Knights, Vim and Hana returned to their mansion. The only drawback was the slight distance from the knight’s quarters, but they reached home after a few dozen minutes of walking.

“Welcome home.”

James greeted them upon their return.

“I’m back. I might be away from the mansion again soon; it looks like I’ll be accompanying the Knights on a subjugation mission.”

“Understood. The Knights this time, I see. My best to you, sir.”

With those words, James went back to his work. Vim headed to his room to draft some letters. He wrote to both the Guild and His Majesty, requesting permission to accompany the Knight Order, and then applied the wax seals. Once he finished, he stepped out of his room.

“Sorry to bother you, but could you send these letters out for me?” Vim asked Aria.

“Certainly. I shall go at once.”

“Thanks.”

Aria took the two letters and left the mansion to deliver them.

“James, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, how may I help you?” James stopped what he was doing and turned around.

“I’ve heard there’s a human trafficking organization operating lately. Do you happen to know anything about it?”

James had connections in every corner of the country. Vim thought he might have picked up some information.

“Ah, the matter the state is currently investigating.”

“So you did know about it.”

“Yes. I have heard the rumors, but the crucial details regarding the organization’s identity have not reached me yet. I apologize for being of little use.”

If information hadn’t even reached James, it meant they would have to investigate from scratch.

“No, don’t worry about it. Thanks.”

“Shall I put out some feelers on my end as well?”

“Would you?”

“Understood. I shall report back the moment I learn anything.”

James’s information network was formidable. Being a former royal steward, his connections ranged from high society to, occasionally, the underworld. Someone in the underworld might know something about this.

“That helps a lot. I’ll look into it on my end, too.”

“As you command.”

With that, Vim went to his study and began scanning through various reports. Once an adventurer reaches S-rank, reports on important matters from across the country are forwarded to them. Reviewing these documents was also part of Vim’s job. After a while, a knock came at the door.

“Come in—”

“Excuse me.”

The door opened, and Aria entered holding a document.

“A subjugation plan has arrived from the Knight Order.”

“Thanks. I’ll take that.”

The Knights were certainly fast workers to send the plan over so quickly. Vim opened the envelope and reviewed the details.

“Well, this seems like a solid enough plan.”

There appeared to be no flaws in the strategy. There was still some time before the subjugation began; he decided to spend that time making preparations.

The following day, Aria came to Vim’s room with two letters in hand.

“Letters have arrived from the Royal Palace and the Guild Headquarters.”

“Thanks.”

Vim took the letters and checked their contents. Both were formal requests asking him to cooperate with the Knight Order.