Hayes awoke on Manta's bed to find his mistress already sifting through the latest intelligence on Inner Bay—as one of Inner Bay's intelligence chiefs in Bert Territory, Manta held very high clearance, so the woman was not easily fooled by covert matters.
Upon seeing Hayes awake, Manta tucked the loose hair by her ear behind, blocking the gaze Hayes had on her slender, fair neck.
Manta knew what Hayes liked about her.
So, she always enjoyed teasing the man who set her heart racing.
Just like at this very mont—
"Do you know what happened in South Los?"
Turning her head with a playful smile, Manta teased.
The sight of her shallow dimples made Hayes unable to resist reaching out to touch them, but with a quick move, Manta caught his finger in her mouth and gently licked the tip with her tongue.
"Hiss!
Stop that, Manta.
Today I've got two troubleso guys coming over.
I need to be fully energized to deal with them."
Hayes inhaled sharply, going on and on with his words.
"Mhm, I know.
That's why you're awake now.
Otherwise...
You'd wake up around four in the afternoon, and when you left here, you'd be rubbing your waist, leaning on the wall, and muttering 'this dicine doesn't work anymore, need to switch to another.'
Manta teased her man.
Hayes could only wear a bitter smile, not daring to refute even a tiny bit.
Because he didn't want to be the butt of jokes for Jimte and Kalal.
He wanted to present himself to them as perfectly normal.
So, the nephew of Count Bert begged for rcy.
"I swear, last ti, taking advantage when you weren't looking was my fault.
But I just couldn't help myself.
And...
I love you."
Hayes looked at Manta with deep affection.
Unfortunately, the lady was not fooled.
However, she did give Hayes so face.
She knew n needed their pride.
And Hayes needed it even more.
So, the lady wrapped her arms around her chest, the black and red silk nightdress imdiately bulging impressively, before slowly saying.
"Guess what happened in South Los?
If you guess correctly, I'll let you leave.
And for the next week, you can rest at ho."
Hayes didn't hazard a guess right away.
He knew this woman's tricks too well and, keeping a serious tone, he said.
"A week is too long!
I can't stand to be away from you for a mont, Manta.
Evening!
I will co back in the evening!"
Having said this, and after seeing the smile on his lover's face, he then spoke, "It must be related to the 'Spirit dium,' right?
Recent ssages have all been about this 'Spirit dium'!
The long-hidden Kledos Family must be making their move!"
Having received the answer she wanted, Manta was not so concerned about other matters anymore.
Upon hearing Hayes' response, she just nodded—
"Mhm, it's related to the 'Spirit dium.'
He has beco the new master of Harold Manor.
The daughter of Baron Harold has beco his goddaughter."
Even though he was sowhat prepared, Manta's words still made Hayes frown.
As far as he was concerned, Baron Harold was a lonely man.
And without any Talent, a complete dud.
Apart from a loyal butler worthy of praise, there was nothing else.
Even in his notes, there were records of Baron Harold's activities for the past six months.
According to these records, it was clear that Baron Harold was not doing well.
As for why keep records?
Of course, it was because he had his eyes on Baron Harold's title and manor.
As the nephew of Count Bert, he enjoyed nurous privileges in the Bert Territory, but as his uncle aged, and his cousins gradually took control, he knew he would inevitably have to "travel."
This was crystal clear to Hayes.
Therefore, he had made so preparations in advance.
But any preparation can encounter the unexpected.
For example: Manta.
For example: Jimte, Kalal.
He had known the forr's identity for a long ti, and his approach was deliberate; Manta knew that he knew her identity and also knew of his deliberate approach.
But at that ti, both needed each other.
Thus, they hit it off right away.
Gradually, Hayes, with the help of Manta, accumulated his first pot of gold.
Similarly, Manta had gone from an insignificant spy to one of the persons in charge of the Bert Territory.
However, what started as a relationship of convenience between them gradually developed a tiny bit of affection as ti went by.
The two were smart enough not to voice it.
But they couldn't help but test each other in various ways.
As for Jimte and Kalal?
The two could be considered half friends of Hayes.
The only reason they beca such was because their family backgrounds were similar, and they sympathized with each other's plights.
Of course, Hayes felt he had been more comfortable lately compared to the two of them.
He heard that at 'Yumir Manor,' these two ran into that 'Spirit dium' and suffered a crushing defeat.
Not only was their pride severely damaged, but upon returning to their respective territories, they also faced a fair amount of censure.
Especially Kalal, who almost lost all his honors.
Therefore, after receiving the prize for the 'South County Swordsmanship Competition' Champion from the Old Lion of Inner Bay, Kalal sent a letter early, stating that he wanted to spend the 'Cold Winter Festival' in Bert, closer to Inner Bay, and go directly to the Swordsmanship Competition.
Jimte did sothing similar.
The Marquess of Seberlin hadn't said much to his daughter, but the Marquess's daughter emphasized sothing every day.
So, Jimte also sent a letter.
Hoping to spend the 'Cold Winter Festival' in Bert.
And coincidentally, they both chose today.
Because of this, Hayes felt a headache coming on.
He was well aware of their discord and conflict.
Having them appear in Bert at this ti, he hoped nothing unexpected would happen.
"Sigh!"
Hayes sighed, both for the helpless situation of Jimte and Kalal and because his own plan of usurpation was thwarted in advance by Arthur.
'In a way, the three of us really do sympathize with each other's plight.'
With this sentint, Hayes got dressed.
"I've saved so money,"
just as Hayes was leaving the house, Manta suddenly said.
"I've saved so money too.
But I'm just a little short of the goal.
I can't help but feel unwilling to give up without trying."
Hayes turned and smiled.
Manta smiled as well, then turned away, paying no further attention to Hayes.
Years of living together had made it clear to Manta that Hayes was not soone she could persuade.
Her attempt just now?
It was also an effort driven by unwillingness to give up.
And the answer she just received?
It was reasonably good.
At least, Hayes had promised that if they didn't succeed this ti, he would join her in moving to South Los or overseas to live a secluded life.
That was enough for her.
Hayes turned to leave the house, and just then, Manta's voice rang out again in the room—
"I'll leave the door unlocked for you tonight."
In her voice, there was a clear note of invitation.
Suddenly, Hayes felt his face blanch, and his legs trembled a bit as he descended the stairs.
It wasn't until he arrived at the eting place and saw Jimte and Kalal that he snapped back to reality.
Looking at the two who could be called his friends, Hayes unconsciously smiled.
However, the next mont, the nephew of Count Bert frowned—
'Sothing's off!'
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