It had already been more than a month since Grote and Stanley had been transferred away. Although he had his mysterious identity as Iro, which even the Mind Eater Wales was deeply wary of to protect the Dark Pact, and he also had the title of Vice President of Demon Heart covering for him, over time there was still no guarantee that no problems would arise.
He needed someone to go back and manage this vast underworld force.
As the shield of the dark side of the Crimson Mage Tower, the status of the Dark Pact was self-evident, and under no circumstances could it ever be abandoned.
In Li De’s eyes, the potential of the Dark Pact was no less than that of the Crimson Mage Tower. Though the Crimson Mage Tower had the astonishingly lucrative Magic Factory, the reputation and connections that the Dark Pact had accumulated in the underworld could secure many things the Crimson Mage Tower simply could not obtain.
For example, high-level slaves, forbidden magic and black-market weapons.
Especially in the Black Market within Green City, this super black market that gathered the sins of the southern Nolan Empire contained countless valuable things.
It was just that he had never had time to dig into the potential of the Dark Pact before.
But whether he exploited it or not, it could not be allowed any failure. When he had the time, he would naturally replan the development of the Dark Pact.
He was very much looking forward to meeting again with the Level 19 President of Demon Heart, the Mind Eater Wales.
It seemed the other party still believed he was a being beyond Transcendent, perhaps even one who had already touched the threshold of Legendary.
Just thinking of that Level 19 Wales showing such profound respect toward his Level 14 self brought a strange sense of amusement.
However, next time, he would not be forced to rely only on Betty and a few Level 16 combatants without any means of resistance. Very likely, he would have the Level 18 Beastmen King Kap and the Level 18 Bone Dragon accompanying him.
Of course, Li De also believed that Level 19 Mind Eater would not dare make a move against him.
After all, he was the great Majestic Iro.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh~
The three of them mounted the Whispering Bats and began their return to Green City.
Castro had remained in the Dwarven Valley the whole time to guard against unknown enemies and watch over the Mithril Vein.
This personal bodyguard had yet to perform his personal protection duties.
But judging by his recent activities, it was unlikely he would run into any danger, unless he went looking for it himself.
At dusk, Li De returned to the Crimson Mage Tower.
Grote had separated from them upon entering the city; the Dark Pact truly needed a backbone to sit in command.
“Lord Li De~”
Just as Li De stepped through the gates of the Mage Tower, he ran into Vina, who was overseeing construction planning.
The girl dressed in a blue mage’s robe instantly broke into a radiant smile the moment she saw Li De. Her exquisitely beautiful face lit up, her sapphire-like eyes curving into crescent moons, filled with unconcealed delight and joy.
She jogged forward a few steps, standing shyly before Li De, her smile warm and sweet.
That waist-length wavy golden hair made this commercial queen, who had stirred up such waves in Green City, look especially dazzling.
The members of the Crimson Mage Tower who were accompanying Vina stood dumbstruck at this sight. After exchanging glances, they could hardly believe it.
Was this really the same Vina who was always so decisive and vigorous in her work?
How could she look so much like a girl meeting her beloved?
They immediately turned their eyes to the newcomer. When they saw clearly that it was Li De, their bodies all trembled, and they no longer dared harbor the slightest hint of irreverence. They quickly stepped forward to bow in greeting.
“Good day, Lord Li De.”
Li De nodded to the seven or eight young men and women wearing the Mysterious Shop’s custom work uniforms.
“Mm, you all may leave for now.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The staff, both curious and respectful, raised their heads to sneak a few glances at Li De. That handsome face made several of the young women’s hearts suddenly race faster. They quickly turned away and hurried off.
“So that is Lord Li De? This is my first time seeing him… he’s really so handsome.”
“If Lord Li De ever took notice of me, I’d give up everything without regret.”
“I’m so envious of Lady Vina… but I suppose only a woman as outstanding as her could be worthy of Lord Li De’s regard.”
The girls’ whispered comments made the three men beside them look rather awkward. They were all members of the work team Vina had assembled herself.
No man could truly resist Miss Vina’s charm. Though they knew it was nothing but a dream, seeing it with their own eyes, and watching the usually queen-like, composed, and dignified Lady Vina show such an expression, really made their hearts feel as if they were shattering.
But the person Miss Vina adored was none other than the master of this Mage Tower, the very person to whom they had sworn their loyalty.
This was a crushing defeat from a higher plane of existence. They didn’t even dare feel the slightest twinge of resentment.
The gap was simply too vast.
Whether in terms of looks, overwhelming power, or extraordinary talent, Li De surpassed them in every possible respect.
It was a total rout, a battle lost before it even began.
Li De, of course, had no idea that simply appearing had caused so many thoughts to churn in the hearts of his subordinates.
Looking at the girl before him, whose joy radiated from deep inside, he smiled faintly and reached out to gently ruffle his little maid’s hair.
Vina’s eyes narrowed slightly in pleasure, her expression growing even more radiant with happiness.
As Li De inhaled the faint, youthful fragrance unique to her, his mood instantly lifted.
“Come, let’s go inside to talk.”
“Mm~” she replied sweetly.