* * *
Once they reached a point where Remy decided it would be better to go alone, he let go of Oliver’s hand.
Looking down at Oliver, who was gazing up at him intently, Remy smiled warmly.
“Go back now. I’ll manage from here.”
Oliver nodded in understanding, bowing politely before scurrying back the way they came.
“That kid is adorable, seriously.” Remy muttered to himself.
The way Oliver, despite being an alpha, insisted on escorting him was irresistibly endearing.
“When you grow up, I hope you find an omega who suits you perfectly,” Remy thought to himself as he continued on his way.
By the time he arrived at the factory, it was almost the appointed time.
Aside from the factory manager, there was another man present—a stranger.
The man had a sturdy build and a thick jawline, giving off the impression of a life lived roughly.
If Remy hadn’t known he was an informant, he wouldn’t have wanted to approach him.
“My name is Bennett,” the man introduced himself confidently.
Remy responded with a polite smile.
“Pleasure to meet you.”
Though the factory manager already knew Remy’s identity, Remy hadn’t disclosed it to Bennett.
He had instructed the manager in advance to keep his identity under wraps.
If rumors spread that Remy was investigating the Aylesford family, it would cause problems.
“I hear you’ve done a lot of this kind of work?” Remy began, settling into the chair the manager had provided.
“Of course,” Bennett replied, leaning back lazily in his chair and bouncing one leg.
“And you understand how delicate this task needs to be?”
“Without a doubt.” Bennett brushed back his dark brown hair arrogantly.
Though a beta, his imposing build and mannerisms mimicked those of an alpha.
Not that it looked impressive—it didn’t.
“I assume you’ve been briefed on the task I’ve commissioned? It’s about the New Continent development project.”
The Frederica royal lineage had risen to the throne through rebellion.
Although that was an event of the previous generation, there were still factions questioning the legitimacy of their rule.
To distract the public, the current Emperor had conceived the idea of the New Continent development project.
“As you know, His Majesty has invested heavily in this project, with the Aylesford family spearheading the effort.”
“That’s correct.”
“It was last year, wasn’t it, when they started claiming they had discovered the New Continent to the west?”
The Frederica royal lineage had forced powerful noble families into this endeavor.
Initially, a few curious families jumped on board but eventually dropped out due to the daunting process of finding a new continent and the barren land that awaited them even if they succeeded.
“The journey to the New Continent is fraught with dangers—fierce storms at sea, uncharted waters, running out of food during long voyages, and even epidemics wiping out entire crews.”
Recalling the original narrative, Remy described the perils in detail.
Bennett listened intently, intrigued.
The Frederica royal lineage had worked hard to conceal these truths to promote the project.
“If that’s the case, why hasn’t this information been revealed before, my lord?”
“Because His Majesty suppressed it.”
“Why would he do that?”
“To garner support for the New Continent project.”
The current Emperor sought an achievement that would be remembered for generations—a monumental accomplishment to elevate the prestige of the royal family.
“Fascinating,” Bennett muttered, rubbing his angular jaw as his snake-like eyes glinted with curiosity.
“So, are you saying the ships sent by the Aylesford family failed to discover the New Continent?”
Remy shook his head slightly.
“On the contrary. They succeeded.”
“Then…?”
“Honestly, it might have been better if they hadn’t.”
“What do you mean?”
After a deliberate pause, Remy fixed Bennett with a stern gaze.
“Have you heard the stories the Aylesford family has been spreading about the New Continent?”
“Those stories… Could it be…?”
“Yes. What you’re thinking.”
“Gold.”
The Aylesford family, with its vast wealth and power, had long dominated maritime trade.
They boasted a legacy of unmatched economic and political clout.
“Their primary income had been spices and silk imported from the East—a success born from pioneering new trade routes over a decade ago.”
“Indeed. That reputation made it seem natural that they would succeed in the New Continent endeavor.”
“Exactly. But it wasn’t just reputation. They returned with gold—lots of it.”
“Wait, are you saying that gold is fake? That it was planted?”
“Bingo. The gold actually came from another continent, not the New Continent.”
“Is that true, my lord?”
“It’s unquestionably true.”
“That’s… unbelievable…”
The Aylesford family undoubtedly discovered the New Continent.
However, it was far from the resource-rich and enchanting land envisioned by His Majesty the Emperor; instead, it was an utterly barren and desolate place.
Still, the Aylesford family needed to produce visible results, so they decided to dock there.
Having anchored in the new land, they tried to find something worth bringing back to their homeland but failed to acquire anything after a month of effort.
They had to fight the native inhabitants who had taken root in the desolate land, committing cruel massacres without hesitation.
Hoping the natives might be hiding resources of value, they searched relentlessly, only to find nothing.
All that remained on the continent after the horrific massacres was desolation and despair.
“Then… are you saying they are deceiving the citizens of the Empire? Why on earth would they do such a thing?”
“Because of the Emperor’s trust and the massive investments, of course.”
“…”
“His Majesty promised the Aylesford family immense rewards if they succeeded in developing the New Continent. Not only that, but he personally promoted the project and even encouraged other noble families to invest. I can’t say for certain, but it’s highly likely a significant amount of funding has flowed into the Aylesford family. An amount so vast we can’t even fathom it.”
Bennett’s expression visibly shifted after hearing the story.
This was far bigger than he had imagined—a scandal of epic proportions, not involving some obscure family but a situation that, if exposed, would cause catastrophic damage.
Information like this was worth a fortune.
“If what you say is true, my lord… this is truly grave.”
“Indeed. The corruption in the New Continent project must be exposed to the Empire before it’s too late.”
“But, my lord, why haven’t you reported this directly to His Majesty? You seem to hail from a noble family yourself.”
“That’s…”
Remy had, of course, considered it.
But even if he reported it, there was no guarantee the Emperor would take his side.
The Aylesford family had a very close relationship with the Emperor, and their failures could easily implicate the Emperor himself.
It was clear the matter would likely be covered up.
“I judged this method to be more effective. After all, we can’t predict how His Majesty would react.”
Bennett nodded as if understanding.
Though Remy had worded it diplomatically, Bennett grasped the implication: the Emperor might try to bury the issue.
“So, my lord, what information would you like me to gather?”
“Evidence of this affair.”
“Evidence, you say…”
“The one overseeing the Aylesford family’s New Continent project is a man named Nick Barton. Extract information from him. He must have documents that could serve as evidence.”
“Nick Barton.”
Bennett nodded in agreement.
Remy placed a pouch on the table, heavy with gold coins.
“If you bring me the evidence, I will pay you double this amount.”
Bennett lifted the hefty pouch, estimating its weight, and grinned broadly.
“Understood, my lord. I’ll get what you need.”
* * *
