It was indeed a long-awaited reunion. As soon as Hugo Le Baskerville, the leader of the Baskerville Clan, heard the news of Vikirs return, he moved personally. This was a reaction so intense that not even Vikir himself could have anticipated.

Even John Barrymore, the head butler, accompanied Hugo as they visited the Underdogs headquarters. He went straight to the office and found Vikir.

Where is my son?

In response, Chihuahua briskly led Hugo into the office. Vikir had no chance to go out and greet him. Hugo suddenly opened the office door and came face to face with Vikir.

!

Hugos eyes widened. Vikirs eyes also grew slightly larger.

Youve returned.

I have.

Well done.

Thank you.

Considering they were reuniting as wealthy relatives, their conversation was quite dry and brief. However, standing behind them, John Barrymore watched their conversation with a satisfied and moved gaze.

The master seems genuinely pleased to see him after such a long time.

It was only natural for Barrymore to think this way. Hugo hadnt smiled once in the two years since Vikir had disappeared, not even a slight smile. Yet now, Hugo was looking down at Vikir and smiling, even though his face was extremely cold and composed, almost giving no hint of it.

Meanwhile, Vikir cautiously glanced at the side door of the adjacent room. Because Hugo had arrived in such a hurry, he hadnt hidden Pomeranian properly. It shouldnt be a big deal, though, as he had hastily placed Pomeranian in the adjacent room.

Then, Hugo tapped Vikirs shoulder.

So, how have you been all this time?

Vikir tensed up instantly. His reason for cultivating power during his absence was to ensure that Hugo couldnt discern his true strength. Vikir had honed his unique mana-hiding technique, a skill learned through surviving in a world on the brink of destruction.

However

?

Surprisingly, Hugos hand on Vikirs shoulder exerted no pressure at all. There was no attempt to scan his internal mana or probe his thoughts. Even more unexpectedly, there was a faint warmth to Hugos touch, which didnt match his voice at all.

Whats going on?

Vikir felt a little perplexed. Could it be that Hugo was simply asking out of genuine curiosity? Was he really interested?

Vikir looked back at Hugos gaze, but there was nothing he could read. If he had to pinpoint something, it was a mixture of surprise, happiness, curiosity, and relief. It was almost as if

He seems like an ordinary father.

Vikir furrowed his brow slightly. It could be one of two things: either Hugos intentions had become even deeper and more sinister to the point where Vikir couldnt perceive them, or his own feelings had softened.

Back before the regression, on that night when the rain poured relentlessly, Vikir could never forget the sensation of countless teeth piercing his body. How could he forget the one who falsely accused him of collaborating with demons and sentenced him to death?

The owner of the hunting dogs and the king of all hunting dogs. Wasnt that Hugo Le Baskerville?

Vikir sharpened his dulled fangs once more. With each passing moment, his tone became even softer.

During my time adrift in the mountains, I focused on healing the wounds I suffered from the demon. I also established friendly relations with some of the indigenous people.

Hugos complexion brightened a little.

I see. You established friendly relations with the savages?

Yes.

Thats good.

Hugo nodded. His reaction was somewhat unexpected, considering his strong dislike for the indigenous people of the Mountains.

But soon, in response to Hugos words, Vikir could only nod and think, Thats right.

While you were getting friendly with the savages, you must have gathered information about their positions and strengths, right? That should make it easier to wipe them out on a large scale, Hugo said, still regarding the indigenous people as something akin to monsters.

Vikir replied, concealing a sigh, What I learned from being with them is that their power is more significant than I thought.

Hmm, I see. Especially the Night Fox, Shes a threatening presence.

But I found a way to control them.

Oh? What is it?

Hugo asked, clearly trusting Vikir to always provide a good answer. It seemed thats how he saw Vikir.

Vikir lived up to Hugos expectations once again.

The indigenous people of the Mountains are susceptible to the Empires goods.

Goods?

Yes. I found that the Industrial Clan Bourgeois merchants were secretly smuggling in and trading with the indigenous people.

Hugos expression stiffened, and he growled softly.

Money-minded traders. Now theyre colluding with external enemies? Ill have to eliminate those bastards soon

Dont worry, Father. Ive already exterminated them.

What?

They were the deputy governors subordinates of the Underdog City. I executed them promptly under the deputy governors authority. There were no witnesses, of course.

Hugos eyes widened once again. Then, his gaze, as he looked down at Vikir, transformed from surprise to an incredibly affectionate and proud one.

Thats my son. Thats how Baskerville should be.

Then, Hugos eyes gleamed, and he asked, So, the Bourgeois guys were luring the savages with minor goods, right?

Thats correct. In the Empire, things like cheap glass beads, thread crafts, or even vegetables and grains were considered valuable to them. By using this, we can efficiently control them and gain significant diplomatic advantages.

Hmm But isnt this more like a trade than subjugation?

Its a way to win without fighting.

At this, Hugos expression briefly turned sour.

Its meaningless if theres no fight. We exist to draw blood from the bodies of the savages, just like the monsters.

A true war enthusiast. Vikir rolled his eyes internally but didnt show it.

Of course, the savages will shed blood.

Hmm? But earlier, didnt you say it was trade?

My point is, its not about living peacefully with the savages.

Then?

In response to Hugos question, Vikir, with a gleam in his eye, replied, Its about using them as the front-line troops for hunting monsters.

To manipulate and utilize the indigenous people for his strategies was a tactic Hugo often employed.

Hearing this, Hugos expression became rather intrigued.

Hmm, lets lure them with cheap goods to provoke them to hunt monsters. Not bad. After all, the monsters are our targets too.

Yes. Ive already set up the infrastructure, so you can make use of it as it is.

Vikir didnt want the indigenous people of Ballak to suffer because of Baskervilles actions. With Madam Eight Legs, who had been pressuring Ballak from the west, now gone, Ballak would likely move deeper into the Mountainss depths, away from Baskerville. Then, there would be no reason for Ballak and Baskerville to clash.

Baskerville could easily expand into the vacated territory. Hugo was unaware of Madams existence, so he would likely interpret Ballaks move to the West as fleeing from Baskerville. From Vikirs perspective, it was a win-win situation preventing war and securing trade deals.

Finally, Hugo nodded.

Very well. Ill leave the trade with the savages to you. Can you handle it?

If you order it, I will accomplish it.

Good.

Hugo, satisfied with his loyal son, who had become even more dependable than two years ago, smiled contentedly.

For Vikir, it was a profitable situation in more ways than one.

At that moment,

Wait!

Hugo interjected.

There should be a tribe among the savages called Rokoko.'

Yes, Im aware.

No trade with them. Promise me youll annihilate the Rokoko tribe without fail.

Hugos demeanor suddenly turned fierce again. This was an area where he would absolutely not compromise. Vikir simply nodded quietly, as arguing would risk undoing all the previous discussions.

After that, a few minor matters were discussed, mostly similar to what Vikir had told Chihuahua. Hugo sat on the couch and listened to Vikirs report, mostly with satisfaction, occasionally with surprise.

Eventually, Hugo spoke to Vikir.

After you rescued Morgs daughter and disappeared, we were able to gain significant diplomatic advantages in Morg. Even the royal family praises Baskervilles knights for it.

But all of this must have been pointless for a father who lost his son.

These words were becoming increasingly unexpected.

Even butler Barrymore seemed to be wide-eyed and well representing Vikirs feelings.

Finally, Hugo concluded, Nevertheless, now that youve returned, everything feels like its back in place.

For a while, resign from your position as deputy governor of Underdog City and take a good rest. We should also discuss an appropriate reward for you at the family level.

Vikir gave a brief response and ended the conversation respectfully.

Suddenly, he had a dilemma.

The portrait in the pendant found inside Pomeranian. Should I report it or not?

Vikir assumed the original owner of the pendant was Roxana, Hugos first wife. He believed that Hugos character had turned aggressive after Roxana died and their daughter Penelope, who had been kidnapped by the indigenous people of the Mountains in an unknown accident, became an adult. This information was reliable, as it had been shared by the pre-reversal Butler Barrymore.

Perhaps he should return this memento to Hugo? What about the existence of Pomeranian?

No, its better to leave it alone. Scratching that icy heart wont do any good. I cant expect anything from that cold-blooded man.

Vikir lightly shook his head.

If Hugo had had a sister or a daughter, Vikir might have been able to gauge how he treated female kin. But in Baskerville, there wasnt a single female, so he couldnt deduce Hugos attitude.

Women are weak, so theyre not needed, or something like that. Hell probably say that mixed with savages blood, they shouldnt even touch a sword.

Considering Hugos usually cold disposition, it was better not to mention anything related to Pomeranian.

Vikir made his decision.

However,

Two events completely overturned Vikirs expectations.

Ugh! Uncle!

The side door suddenly burst open, and Pomeranian rushed out.

Wah! Uncle! Outside, rain! Thunder! Bang bang! Waaah-

With tears and a runny nose, Pomeranian clung to Vikir, who had just finished his conversation.

This little fellow was the first variable.

And then

!

Vikir couldnt help but widen his eyes.

A second variable was even more alien than the first.

It was Hugos expression upon seeing Pomeranian.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Perfectly round eyes.

A mouth that had never opened like that before, not in all the time Vikir had known him, spanning two lifetimes.

This was a face Vikir had never seen before, in either of his lives.