The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　But when the mission began, they were shocked to discover that "watching the street" could be so difficult!

　The incredibly strong orcs, the shrewd and mercenary goblins, the alcoholic and irritable dwarves, the highly skilled elves…

　Every outsider is someone you shouldn't mess with.

　Once a dispute arises, it escalates into a fierce fight.

　The adventurers in the tavern watched the battle between the city guards and the outsiders with excitement, raising their wine glasses, tearing apart beef, and even eating two extra bowls of rice.

　But most of these people in the public eye are just there for the spectacle; in reality, they can't cause much of a stir.

　On the contrary, those hiding in the shadows are all cunning and scheming, plotting many things.

　However, if anyone in the shadows reveals even the slightest clue, someone will immediately come knocking on their door.

　At this point, the battle is usually calm and ends very quickly, without disturbing many people.

　Ming to Ming.

　Darkness against darkness.

　This has always been the case throughout history.

　……

　ducal mansion.

　Dak did not return to his bedroom after dinner.

　After strolling around the mansion's library, he went to the rooftop observation deck, sat on a recliner, and squinted at the night view.

　The Duke's mansion covers a vast area, with high walls surrounding the entire residence and then nestled into the hillside behind it.

　The area around the courtyard wall, which is usually quite lively, was eerily quiet today.

　Both residential buildings and shops turned off their lights in advance.

　Dak could tell at a glance that the Duke's mansion had imposed a curfew in this small area.

　Moreover, there must be a large number of people patrolling outside the compound walls.

　Inside the courtyard walls, maids had also set up layers of security.

　At this critical time, no one can say for sure whether someone will be eyeing this place.

　Although both Alvitt and Claire were busy with official business, they certainly wouldn't let their guard down around their own residence.

　I hope everything goes well.

　Dak shook his head slightly, then focused his attention on the book in his hands.

　Just minutes later, Ollie came over with a tray and placed milk tea and pastries next to him.

　After that, Ollie stopped moving and just stood quietly by her side.

　With the holder of the "Aries Armor" protecting him, Dark's safety is naturally assured.

　The night is quiet.

　Moonlight poured down.

　A peaceful mind.

　Time flows on, and the clock has completed a full cycle.

　Night fell completely, leaving no light.

　Suddenly, Dak had an idea and looked up at a spot outside the courtyard wall where flames were bursting.

　Ollie also came out from behind, looked over, and her expression was solemn.

　Dark frowned: "Could it be that there really are some fools who want to storm the Duke's mansion?"

　"Perhaps it was just a mistake?" Ollie smiled.

　“Take a look.” Darke lay back down and looked around.

　The flames continued to burn, and the sound grew louder and louder. Suddenly, a beam of demonic light shot into the sky and burst into bloom like fireworks.

　"A signal light?" Dark asked, puzzled.

　Ollie nodded and said, "But it's green, so it seems to be a friend rather than an enemy."

　As the two were talking, the noise from the other side subsided. But the specially lit lights could be seen gradually approaching the mansion.

　"Who could be visiting so late?" Dak asked curiously.

　Auli thought for a moment and said, "The Duke doesn't have a wide circle of friends. Apart from her classmates from school days and comrades-in-arms from the war, she doesn't have many visitors. Perhaps they are demi-humans she met during the war?"

　Dark: "Elves? Orcs?"

　Ollie smiled slightly: "That's possible."

　Dark stood up from his chair: "Then let's go take a look."

　After thinking for a moment, Ollie said, "It's not necessarily a bad thing."

　A visitor at night, with unclear intentions.

　She shouldn't have let the young master take such a risk.

　But as the head maid of the Aries Palace maid corps, she must also have the confidence to protect the young master.

　However, just as the two were about to descend, a ripple like water suddenly appeared in the shadows of the corner.

　Although not as silent as Chris's, Eve's "Shadow Stalking" is still quite impressive.

　“Young Master,” Eve said softly as she stepped out of the shadows.

　Dark smiled. "Good evening, Eve. Is it about the visitor?"

　The most distinctive feature of "Shadow Stalking" is its ability to ignore spatial obstacles and quickly traverse complex terrain.

　Moreover, Eve and Irene have a telepathic connection, so it's not surprising that they received the message in such a short time.

　Eve nodded slightly upon hearing this, then pointed at the wall. Magic flashed at her fingertips, and projections appeared on the wall, showing the visitors and guards.

　It's likely that Irene is traveling nearby at this moment.

　Eve said, "These are the visitors who came tonight. They say they know the young master."

　"So they came to see me?" Dark was slightly surprised and turned to look.

　The guards in the mansion did not let their guard down, and surrounded the two visitors in a triangular formation.

　Despite the slight blurriness in the darkness, Dark quickly recognized the two men.

　"What are the two elders of the Church of Knowledge, Aaron Reades and Aviva Julius, doing here? Could it be that they've solved the problem? That shouldn't be the case."

　Dak couldn't help but mutter to himself.

　Eve noticed his confusion and said, "Should we have Irene deal with them?"

　“No need,” Dark shook his head. “Have someone tidy up the reception room; we have guests.”

　Eve nodded slightly and quickly disappeared into the shadows.

　After Dak waited for her to leave, he said to Ollie, "Let's go and see what they wanted."

　Ollie placed her hands on her abdomen and nodded gently.

　The night remained quiet.

　……

　The guards outside the mansion had apparently received a notification from Irene and allowed the two elders of the Church of Knowledge to enter the mansion.

　However, they remained vigilant, and the two maids who came out to greet them were also combat maids from the "Leo Palace Maid Corps".

　Aaron Reeds and Aviva Julius walked side by side, both elderly men with tense expressions on their faces.

　Aaron Reeds was in very poor mental condition, with dark circles under his eyes.

　Aviva Julius wasn't in much better shape; her eyes were bloodshot.

　They have been working hard these days to solve the problem left by Dak, but so far they have no clue how to solve it.

　However, for the two elderly people with a strong thirst for knowledge, the final result was not important; the process of pursuing the answer was enough to keep them excited.

　At that moment, they were completely absorbed in their surroundings, oblivious to everything else. If someone hadn't suddenly broken into their home that night, they probably wouldn't have bothered to even watch tomorrow's "Demon King's Execution Ceremony."

　But in this world, there are never any "what ifs".

　He recalled the terrible news brought by the cult members who broke into his residence.

　The two elderly people, who had been staying up all night for the past few days, looked increasingly haggard.

　After the two entered the Duke's mansion, they looked up slightly and observed their surroundings.

　The Duke's mansion was heavily guarded; from the moment they stepped through the threshold, countless eyes were fixed on them.

　It was as if they would be instantly wiped out if they made the slightest move.

　Not in a good mental state, they immediately hid their last remaining thoughts.

　"We'll have to ask Dark Dimon for help."

　"The fact that he didn't turn us away means there's still a chance."

　The two elderly people lowered their eyelids at the same time, concealing the irritation in their eyes.

　Any student who is engrossed in the exam questions and is suddenly notified that the exam time is over will experience this.

　……

　"Cold or hot, hot it is."

　Inside the reception room, Dak selected a pot of hot tea, poured it into two teacups, then put down the teapot and sat in the main seat.

　"And what about the young master?" Ollie asked with a sweet smile.

　Darke flicked his finger: "Of course I'll be cold, after all, my heart is as hard as cold iron."

　Ollie smiled broadly and deftly poured him a glass of iced lemon tea.

　After taking a small sip, Dak said to the corner of the wall, "Sister Eve, come and have some tea."

　Eve emerged from the shadows, bowed slightly, and sat down to Darke's left.

　As a maid, she shouldn't have been at the table in this setting. But Dark had used a commanding tone, making it impossible for her to refuse.

　Ollie smiled and said, "So, little Eve, would you like it hot or cold?"

　“It’s hot, isn’t it?” Eve said.

　Black tea is poured into a cup, and steam rises.

　As soon as Ollie put down the teapot, approaching footsteps could be heard outside the door.

　The maid in front pushed open the door, and then four guards quickly entered and stood at the four corners.

　The two elders of the Knowledge God Cult then entered the room under the "protection" of the remaining people.

　"Good evening, Master Dimon." Aaron Reeds took a light breath, crossed his arms, and bowed.

　Dak waved his hand and said, "Since you've come so late at night, there's no need to be so formal. Please have a seat."

　Aaron Reeds and Aviva Julius exchanged a glance, then walked to the table, pulled out chairs, and sat down.

　Dak clasped his hands together, rested them on the table, and smiled, "How have you two been these past few days?"

　Aaron Reeds took a breath and forced a smile, saying, "It's alright. It's just that the young master's two questions are really too difficult, and I still have no clue how to solve them."

　“There will always be a clue,” Dark said casually. “If you’re worried about your disciple Ignaz Cooper, then you don’t need to worry. He’s doing just fine. Once you solve my problem, I will return you a disciple in perfect condition.”

　Aaron Reeds smiled wryly, "Since you've said so, young master... of course I won't doubt it. It's just that sometimes I do want to see that brat."

　Dark took a sip of tea and smiled slightly. "Could this be the reason you came here tonight? If so..."

　Aaron Reeds's brow twitched, as if he had sensed the deeper meaning in Dark's words. He quickly said, "Not at all. Since my disciple did something foolish, he should pay the price for his stupidity. We have something else to ask for tonight!"

　"Is there something else you want?"

　Darke narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the two elders of the Church of Knowledge.

　Unlike when they first met at the Horseshoe Tavern, both elders were extremely listless and dispirited.

　Especially the old lady named Aviva Julius, who had completely lost her former toughness.