In accordance with Seo Dawons plan, we decided to monitor how Ru Hyerin would approach Lim Jisoo. The task was divided between two teams; Garam-ie and Choi Kyung-sik would each play a role in observing Lim Jisoos movements for 12 hours.

And, in order to aid our monitoring, we unpacked and moved some luggage into another hotel near the one Lim Jisoo was staying in. We went through all this trouble in order to fully maximize the use of the servants skills.

The servants stated they could use their skills if they were some distance away from me, their master, but the farther they were the less potent their skills would be. Furthermore, their minds would be beset by mental stress.

I had never heard of this penalty before, but none of the servants raised any objections or contradictions when Seo Dawon informed me of this limitation. In order words, he spoke the truth: the further the others were from me, the less capable theyd be. Everyone was already aware of this.

In addition, the flimsier our bond, the less they could exert their abilities.

In other words, Seo Dawon and Lackey may rarely experience headaches, stress, and loss of concentration even if they were quite far away from me, but other servants, especially Choi Kyung-sik and Woo Ragi considering their low friendliness or affection stat, would be nervous even if they were just outside the range of my home.

I was surprised by their unexpected weakness. What do you mean by lose concentration?'

We kept thinking about you.

What? When I heard Seo Dawons answer, I couldnt help but be conscious of the gazes looking at me for some reason.

However, Seo Dawon adopted a serious tone, abandoning his usual joking demeanor. Its true. I keep thinking, Ill have to return by your side quickly. Worries like, What if someone infiltrates your home while Im gone and put you in danger fill my head. I couldnt concentrate on my own tasks because I kept checking your status constantly.

That must have beendifficult, I answered, bluntly.

Was this why the servants always seemed so strangely insecure and restless?

However, even after listening to the Mages explanation, I couldnt believe that Choi Kyungsik, who always smiled so vaguely, or Woo ragi, who became annoyed whenever our eyes met, would think like that.

Anxiety Perhaps Seo Dawon feels that sort of emotion because its him Choi Kyung-sik or Woo Ragi probably feels annoyance

I stared at those two in disbelief, but neither seemed interested in me. They remained still, neither denying nor confirming this new revelation. So, I focused on the operation planning that followed the lull in the conversation.

Anyway, because of that penalty, Choi Kyung-sik had to stay with me to prevent him from deteriorating to uselessness. The speed at which we overpower Ryu Hyerin was the key to this plan, so any mistakes or poor concentration had to be prevented as much as possible.

There was much foot traffic around the hotels here; our movements may be filmed or we may attract witnesses. So, to increase the chances of success without consequences, we considered observing from within the Royal Palace hotelLim Jisoos hotel. However, since there was a possibility that Bae Jaemin would make a surprise visit, we eventually decided on another hotel just 3 kilometers away from the Royal Palace hotel.

I decided to speak my mind, This feels similar to the Park Hoseok casethe way we follow and observe the target.

Unlike then, though, Ryu Hyerin will already be aware of strange happenings and possible dangers, so shes sure to be wary. Furthermore, the fact that her powerher attributeis opposite to yours is something to be cautious about. Kim Olim answered as she unfurled the map and checked the nearby roads.

After contemplating her words, I realized that Lady Luck blessed us in many ways when we captured Park Hoseok. We hadnt visited the Jeju Island villa during the holiday season, so there were few people around at that time. The fact that Park Hoseok actually came exactly as he was summonedto a location we specially chosemeant that we were halfway to success by the beginning of our operation.

However, our current operation would take place in some of the busiest locations in the hub; there were many department stores and restaurants near the hotel, so people wandered around day and night. Furthermore, as was usual in most downtown districts, public officials from the official Users Association regularly patrolled the area as security detail. If Ryu Hyerin called for help, we would risk being exposed.

I kept looking at the crossed-out routes and asked Kim Olim, About Ryu Hyerin How is she at combat?

Its meaningless to ask about her combat capabilities. Ryu Hyerin is a High-Priest who can use [Holy Descent] 1 If she attempts to flee while in that state, itll be troublesome. As you can glean from the skills name, she would literally be under Gods protection.

Since I was ignorant of a High Priests Power, I couldnt even recklessly state that wed be fine due to Kim Olims outstanding abilities.

Furthermore, I was concerned that no other servant refuted the Paladins words. In particular, Seo Dawon remained silent and continuously stared at the map; I could feel that he was seriously considering that possibility.

However, I still strived to speak whatever came to mindafter all, I wanted to be of some help as well. Then, why dont you get rid of the chauffeur firstjust like you did with Geum Miyoung?

Ryu Hyerin, she She usually drives herself around. She makes it a hobby.

R-Really?

And, if shes trying to keep her visit with Lim Jisoo a secret, theres an even greater chance shell travel alone Though, thats only a guess. Kim Olim said quickly, as if she knew everything about Ryu Hyerin.

If I were ignorant, I would have thought the Paladin joined Ryu Hyerins fan clubThey must have had a pretty close relationship before the guilds downfall. Furthermore, her expression while gazing at the map was so ferocious, I couldnt help but flinch. Her current energy couldnt be compared to when she killed Geum Miyoung.

In a way, more so than Seo Dawon, Kim Olim is

How should I put this She looked even more emotionally agitated. I suppose one could describe her fierce anger as a gripping obsession.

I looked at Kim Olim through the corner of my eye; crazily enough, Seo Dawon, who had been engaged to Ryu Hyerin, was calmer than the Paladin. As soon as he felt my gaze, the Mage opened his mouth. Looking towards Choi Kyung-sik, he asked, Is there anything you can make that can follow a targetlike a familiar?

Choi Kyung-sik looked completely flustered at that question. He crumpled his brows, Im an Alchemist! Are you serious?

Youve really improved your whining skills.

Well, I could make a mini-golem. Thats no big deal, but The contraption will definitely stand out too much. Also, its durability will be weak enough that even Ryu Hyerin could trample it beneath her feet.

Everyone in the living room fell silent; no decent methods arose from our brainstorming session.

So, if Ryu Hyerin were to run away, itll be disadvantageous for us, right?

Looking down at the map, I recalled my servants conversation. Then, without thinking much, I opened my mouth. Hey, this is just my idea, but

Rather than worrying about Ryu Hyerin escaping Mmmn Why not entice her to chase after us? So, we can throw a bait thatll secretly place Ryu Hyerin on our trail.

However, when the servants red eyes simultaneously looked towards me, I felt a bit awkward and wondered if I had said anything wrong.

Woo Ragi asked bluntly, What would be the bait?

T-Thats Ummm

While I stammered at Woo Ragis words, it was Choi Kyung-sik who unexpectedly answered, Why not summon Guildmaster-nim for a little while as lure? We just need to be clever and not directly expose his facejust a few side profiles or his back.

Huh?

If I were Ryu Hyerin-ssi, I would become curious and follow in secret.

However, I thought differently. If I see someone who looks like my fiancethe fiance that I killed with my very own hands If that were me, Id never follow because I would be so scared

However, the servants nodded their heads as if they thought it was a good idea.

Knowing her personality, shell definitely do more than follow. Kim Olim mumbled to herself before shutting her mouth.

Seo Dawon lowered his eyes as if he were contemplating and tapped his fingers on the table. Im alright with acting as the lure, but I cant make her feel threatened She cant sense that anything is off with the situation. Ryu Hyerin must not contact anyone else or give up in the middle of her chase.

At those words, Jung Garam raised his hand, How about using some drugs? Like making her feel momentarily fuzzy?

Choi Kyung-sik agreed, I do have a few [Seductions] left.

Seo Dawon continued to contemplate for a while longer before shaking his head and explaining, Thats good, but, well have to lure Ryu Hyerin to a deserted place Specifically, well need something to definitely lower her vigilance and induce curiosity within her.

As I listened to the mage, I looked down at Lackey, who lounged by my feet as it assembled toy blocks.

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TL: Lee-kyung! Is adding to the planning sessions and giving his own opinions!

Also, is it just me? or Do other people notice that Choi Kyung-sik is often the one to give Lee-kyung a sense of agency or validate his opinions Even if Lee-kyung doesnt notice.