It was the morning of the much-anticipated tea party, and Helen, arising early, greeted the Duke with a pleasant smile. Together, they enjoyed a delightful breakfast before the Duke departed for his day's work. With the Duke's absence, Helen, feeling a surge of curiosity, decided to pay a visit to her beloved mall. To ensure she went unnoticed, she adorned herself in an exquisite green dress, complete with a fashionable hat and pristine white gloves, presenting the image of a prosperous lady. As she stepped into the mall's grand entrance, a familiar figure came bounding towards her in excitement. It was Lusav, her devoted companion, thrilled to see his mistress after a few days apart.
Mindful of attracting undue attention, Helen confided in Lusav her desire to remain inconspicuous. In response, Lusav swiftly guided her towards the mall's central office. There, she was welcomed with warm hospitality, offered a plush chair to rest upon, and presented with a selection of delectable snacks and refreshing beverages. Settling comfortably into her seat, Helen instructed Lusav to provide a comprehensive update on the mall's operations. Eager to fulfill his duty, Lusav reached into a nearby drawer, retrieving a meticulously organized blue file. He began his report, covering a range of crucial aspects such as customer statistics, financial expenditures, staff salaries, recent recruitment endeavors, and more.
Midway through Lusav's report, Helen interjected, specifying her interest in the coveted "Spade Special" intelligence—information concerning notable families. With a composed demeanor, Lusav promptly dispatched the remaining staff members from the room. Drawing from his collection of entrusted keys, he deftly unlocked another drawer, unveiling a black file and a red file. Opting to delve into the latter, Lusav commenced his account of recent developments within the imperial family. He detailed the number of maids serving in the palace, the frequency of Clivat's visits, and the warm reception she received from the esteemed empress. However, information regarding the second prince was scant, as he remained detached from political affairs and held no lineage to the empress, being the son of the first concubine. Despite the first concubine's influential background, the prince's lack of affinity for light elemental power had rendered him devoid of any significant authority.
Transitioning to the contents of the black file, Lusav's narrative shifted to encompass influential families and prominent officials. According to his report, Duke Carter had committed himself to combating the rampant spread of malevolent monsters. Additionally, recent records indicated that the Duke had visited the mall a few days prior, making an appearance at the esteemed gaming room. As Lusav continued his detailed account, a nagging sensation tugged at Helen's mind, whispering the possibility of forgotten details regarding Duke Carter's involvement. Nonetheless, she allowed Lusav to persist with his report, absorbing the information with a discerning gaze.
The chronicle proceeded to disclose the Marquess's unwavering affection for his daughter, Clivat. In an earnest display of paternal love, he had orchestrated the establishment of an exclusive greenhouse teeming with rare and exotic blooms, unrivaled in the entire nation. Clivat's mother, on the other hand, maintained a low profile within social circles, abstaining from public engagements. The report seamlessly transitioned to encompass the lineage and standing of other esteemed Marquesses, each family meticulously scrutinized by the slaves whom Helen had expertly trained. Through their impeccable espionage skills, these spies successfully recruited and bribed numerous individuals, amassing a wealth of valuable information.