Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

Chapter 1009 - 749 Lanci’s Night Tour of the Capital

"Mr. Barton Hall, I’ll have to trouble you to look after that Bloodline Viscount," Lanci walked briskly after Barton, retracing his steps through the winding passage that led to the ground floor.

Talia silently followed beside Lanci,

pretending to be nothing but a simple, beautiful, yet powerful Summon under his control.

"Take care,"

Barton understood Professor Landry’s thoughts.

The disappearance of a Bloodline Viscount would certainly make the Blood Clan realize their plan to kill Elsa had failed.

Landry would then brazenly take Elsa back to Saint Kray Monastery from the Mafia’s territory.

Naturally, all suspicion would point towards Professor Landry.

As for him, Mafia leader Barton, he was supposed to be a character who wouldn’t show up today.

Even though Professor Landry might attract the hatred of the Blood Clan by shielding Elsa, he was still a brother protecting his sister, which was both natural and righteous. Furthermore, his reputation in Bulida had grown not insignificant. Judging by the operational patterns and style of the Blood Clan, they still had to abide by the rules of Bulida.

Considering the cost, the Blood Clan might not attempt to move against him anymore.

If the Blood Clan really wished to overturn the table and use force to sort out the "insignificant" Professor Landry, regardless of their success or failure, they would risk exposing themselves from the shadows, facing a total loss, and being forced into the open.

Above their heads, the dim lighting flickered, casting long shadows of their figures.

The Anti-Magic Steel-constructed walls exuded a cold metallic sheen, silencing all the hustle and bustle from the outside world, leaving only the sound of their footsteps, which resonated clearly.

Turning the final corner, the Magic energy elevator leading to the Mafia headquarters in Hassel Building came once again into view.

"Before I send you off, is there anything you need my cooperation with?"

Barton halted his steps and suddenly turned to ask.

He had received a request from Isatia to assist Landry.

"I’ve been told by Isatia that, Mr. Barton, you are well-acquainted with the Imperial Army’s gifted craftswoman, Abigail. We may not see each other for a while, so I would like to ask you to introduce me to her."

Lanci nodded, inquiring without any pretense.

"Abigail…"

Barton pondered,

"It’s not easy to see her; she doesn’t readily leave her secured domain."

He confirmed to the professor, his words echoing through the hollow passageway.

Barton had noticed that Landry was very interested in the Spatial Barrier of the palace when he brought him here.

Even without observing these details, it was easy to understand why Professor Landry would seek out Abigail.

As the Empire’s only Space Magic Mechanic, her status in the field of Magical Engineering was like that of the Emperor—her influence was tremendously high even if she conducted no research at all.

However, the Imperial Army currently cannot engage her services as a Royal Craftsman.

If Professor Landry could persuade her, the value of Professor Landry’s team in the eyes of the Imperial Army would increase, with the addition of Abigail’s worth.

"That’s pretty clear,"

Lanci said with a sigh and a hint of a smile.

From Abigail’s creation—the underground palace—it was evident that Abigail placed a high emphasis on safety and secrecy.

Some Magic Artisans’ ranks might be elevated by accompanying elite members of the Shadow World as specialized support, not studying frontline combat too extensively.

Abigail’s combat strength might indeed be quite frail, but if within her meticulously arranged domain, the nature would be entirely different.

"…"

Barton’s hand rested on the button to activate the Magic energy elevator, his brief silence returning the underground tunnel to its previous quiet state.

As the leader of the Mafia, he couldn’t just wander out of this area; otherwise, it would attract too much attention. There were many in the Empire who watched him closely, and even assuming a different identity to go to Brielda Opera House would make it easy to deduce his whereabouts.

This night, he couldn’t let the Blood Clan realize he had any contact with Professor Landry.

It was, of course, impossible for him to lead Professor Landry to Abigail directly.

"Can you contact Miss Abigail with Communication Magic?"

Lanci asked tentatively.

He felt that Barton was very distrustful of Communication Magic, for Barton had said that its use within the Empire carried the risk of being monitored.

What Barton might actually dread was not the surveillance method, but Divination methods. Without specific shielding techniques, they were indefensible.

"…Not really convenient,"

Barton hesitated for a moment, then opened the door of the Magic energy elevator.

"That’s alright,"

Lanci, along with Talia, entered the silver-white Anti-Magic Steel elevator cabin following Barton.

Seeing Barton’s reaction, Lanci deduced that Barton might indeed have the means to contact her, but after assessing the risks, he likely deemed it unsafe to use.

Lanci wouldn’t push Barton; after all, Barton had been very sincere and forthright, and the Mafia head surely had his principles and difficulties.

With a "creak," the elevator began its slow ascent, with the air around them gradually warming.

"I’ll contact her for you later, then I’ll arrange a meeting time for you,"

Barton proposed to Lanci and Talia.

"That would be most appreciated, Mr. Barton. I’ll need to manage my subsequent schedule first," Lanci calculated his upcoming commitments, which were becoming packed. To see Abigail, he would have to cancel some other engagements.

"Or..."

Barton paused, then continued.