Chapter 502: Chapter 502

"I thought the Witch's House had already left Nolan City?"

"We managed to recover some valuable documents from the scene of the battle. They indicate that the women's objective was more than just contacting corrupt officials in the Nolan military. What's most concerning is that a significant number of the letters were sent from New Truman..."

He seized the opportunity to ask about the current vampire activity within the diocese, but Miss Bevanna's outlook was far from optimistic.

The ongoing joint investigation by the Orthodox Churches has confirmed the presence of at least one high-ranking pure-blood vampire and three common ones. The number of humans they've infected and now control is estimated to be in the hundreds.

They've been exceptionally successful at staying hidden. If not for that gruesome incident in the alley, the Church might have remained completely in the dark.

"So why did they come to Nolan? Could it be related to those rampant rumors about the End of the Epoch? But that's only been circulating for a few months. These vampires must have arrived in our city years ago, haven't they?"

"They came to find someone."

"An ancient vampire legend speaks of certain humans whose constitutions are exceptionally compatible with vampiric power. When infected, these individuals automatically transform into immensely powerful aberrant creatures. This legend has led some to believe that humanoid vampires are a rare human subspecies. Of course, there's no evidence to support that theory."

Jenkins nodded. Chocolate squinted one eye, glanced at the two of them, then stood up, found a more comfortable spot on the sofa, and settled down again contentedly.

Although Papa Oliver was vehemently against Jenkins getting involved in any operations concerning vampires, it didn't stop him from gathering what information he could.

The Orthodox Church's demigod-level Enchanter stationed in Nolan had personally intervened twice, trying to locate the four pure-bloods—they were, after all, the root of the problem. Strangely, the vampires escaped both times. The first time, they left just before he arrived. The second time, Miss Bevanna managed to track their presence using a special method, only for the trail to vanish abruptly in front of a shop.

Miss Bevanna had obviously spoken with Papa Oliver and knew he had forbidden Jenkins from getting involved. The details she shared were intentionally vague, omitting specific times, locations, and names. Even if Jenkins absorbed every word, there was nothing he could act on.

Besides, he had no intention of deliberately walking into danger. He was only gathering intelligence now out of fear that danger might come looking for him.

Tonight's combat training continued with the same set of peculiar movements. Jenkins felt it was paying off—at the very least, his flexibility had significantly improved. His progress was so rapid, in fact, that it aroused Miss Bevanna's suspicion, though she ultimately had to attribute it to his natural talent in this area.

"It took me a year to reach this level..."

She mumbled to herself, careful not to let Jenkins overhear.

When the lesson was over, Jenkins followed Miss Bevanna back to her office to retrieve his coat, taking the opportunity to scoop up Chocolate, who was dozing near a pot of flower seeds.

A new letter lay on the desk in Miss Bevanna's office. She gave it a quick glance before handing it to Jenkins:

"It's for you. They've finished the investigation you requested."

The envelope contained information on Mr. Nelly, the actual owner of the opera troupe. Once Jenkins's request reached the central church authorities, Bel Diran had immediately dispatched a letter to the relevant diocese in the Cheslan Kingdom, ordering an investigation.

The initial findings indicated that the gentleman's businesses were all in good order. In fact, he'd turned a substantial profit this year, so there was no risk of bankruptcy from the opera troupe's financial burden. However, a deeper look revealed that before departing for Nolan, Mr. Nelly had sought help from several exorcists and security firms.

Some of these individuals were low-level, unregistered Enchanters. So, when the Church came calling, they were immediately and enthusiastically cooperative.

"Haunted by an evil spirit?"

Jenkins murmured the phrase as he read it, quickly scanning the rest of the report before handing it to Miss Bevanna.

An expression of sheer amazement crossed his face. He never would have imagined such a thing was possible:

"This is fascinating. Mr. Nelly was passing a cemetery on the outskirts of the city when, by sheer chance, he saw a spirit—and it latched onto him. And the reason this spirit is pestering him is because it wants to see a perfect opera? Apparently, when she was alive, she'd read in the paper that he owned a major troupe."

He repeated the findings, his voice laced with disbelief.

"Hah. You really do see it all."

"It's not that unusual," she said. "The most common supernatural threats ordinary people face are these countless lingering spirits. This one's only wish is to see a new, spectacular show. That's actually quite fortunate, all things considered... Do you need help? The Church has professional exorcists."

Jenkins shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I can handle this myself."

Of course, he fully intended to help Mr. Nelly with his problem—just not yet. Solving the issue would remove any need for Mr. Nelly's partnership, and Jenkins still had his eye on those shares.

"Isn't this a little... despicable?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novᴇlfire.net

He wondered to himself, but then he recalled the report mentioning the 'minor tactics' businessmen used to accumulate their fortunes. It was standard practice. By Jenkins's own moral standards, every great merchant of the era was guilty of something.

"This isn't cruel at all," he decided. "Maybe I'll even a portion of the troupe's annual dividends to charity."

With that decided, he knew he had to act fast. The next day, before Jenkins even had a chance to ask for time off, Papa Oliver announced he was closing the antique shop for the day:

"I'm heading to York Town to acquire some things. A few weeks ago, there were rumors of a dragon sighting out there. No one found a dragon, but they did find some ancient ruins uncovered by an earthquake. No, no, you don't need to come with me! Business has been slow lately anyway, so there's no need for anyone to mind the shop."

"Are you sure you don't need me to come along?"

Jenkins asked doubtfully. He had never seen real ancient ruins before.

"I'm sure! At my age, I have no desire to meet some accidental, violent end in a faraway place."

Papa Oliver's tone was resolute. He gave Jenkins a dismissive wave, shooing him out the door.