Became the Villainess’s Guardian

Several years ago, when Freugne had sought to establish a foothold in Belfast, the Earl of Norton’s investment company was the first option that came to mind.

Conveniently, they had already set up a presentable branch in Antrim, and controlling the Earl indirectly facilitated manipulation.

However, after some contemplation, Freugne had abandoned that approach.
While it might have eased the initial expansion within Belfast, there were inherent limitations.

Economic inroads would be straightforward, but political access would become challenging.
Whether police or cabinet officials, foreigners – no matter how enticing the offer – tended to initially decline or regard them with suspicion.

Hence, assistance from local collaborators was essential.
Of course, she had no need to subordinate the Earl’s investment company – which flailed like an orphan snatching at every penny on the Antrim Stock Exchange under her guidance – as a mere stepping stone to infiltrate Antrim.

“It seems we have successfully established a presence in Belfast.”

“Then we should proceed to the next stage. Let us identify suitable talents.”

However, the investment company’s role ended there.

Recruiting menial errand runners akin to Londinium’s underlings was straightforward.

In the lingering aftermath of the panic that had struck Belfast slightly later than Glassgow, securing decent employment was akin to grasping at stars.
But if discretion was all that was required to earn a salary by relaying messages? Without risking life or limb? Few could afford to refuse such an offer.

In truth, most were oblivious to whom they served – a non-issue for her purposes.
However, assigning someone to oversee Belfast as a whole could not be treated so casually.

“What sort of individual do you seek?”

“A capable, obedient person with ambition and discretion.”

“Familiar traits shared by those occupying prominent positions within the current organization. However, satisfying all criteria is rather challenging.”

Yet the Earl soon compiled a list based on reputations and social standings for her consideration.

Unfortunately, unlike in Londinium where she could directly observe and interview potential candidates, her future-witnessing abilities – limited by the need for physical contact – rendered that approach impractical for Belfast.

Thus, Freugne boldly decided:

“Let us allow a period of six months and appoint the individual who achieves the finest results in Antrim.”

To host an unrestricted battle royale of sorts.

She would provide moderate information before stepping back to observe who could attain the highest social standing, immense wealth, and power within Belfast.
Six months elapsed, and the eventual victor was the magician Carno, who had established his own research institute in Antrim.

As the custom of erecting towering edifices had faded, in Londinium’s terms, he had essentially established a martop.
Moreover, by situating it within Antrim’s affluent district akin to Londinium’s West End, he had clearly amassed considerable financial resources, technical prowess, and societal prestige.

And upon meeting him directly, she could discern his competence – already proven – and his dependence on her information rendered him amenable to control.

“Let me begin by addressing your initial curiosity – the list of apprehended Demonic Tribe members within the city, along with their testimonies.”

“These appear to be police records. Based on my experiences in Londinium, we would need to at least cultivate contacts among the inspector or superintendent ranks.”

“Ah, the subsequent pages contain some information on Demonic Tribe captured by the military, albeit limited. I duly obliged the boss’s request, but procuring them was quite an ordeal – any misstep could have branded me a Demonic Tribe spy.”

However, what struck Freugne most upon briefly perusing the files Carno had provided was the sheer depth to which the Demonic Tribe had infiltrated Belfast – far exceeding her initial expectations.
Carefully stowing the documents away to study later, she decided to provide a commensurate reward for his dedication, as the carrot complemented the competitive stick she had previously wielded.

“Your efforts are appreciated. If you have any requests or proposals, feel free to share them when we next convene.”

“I presume relaying them to you would ensure they reach the boss directly?”

“Correct. And as you well know, diligence is never disregarded.”

“Then it seems my present duties are concluded.”

Carno, who had been seated on a nearby crate to maintain eye level, rose to his feet.

And as he turned to depart, Freugne lightly tapped his wrist, remarking:

“Ah, one moment, please.”

“What seems to be the matter?”

“You were headed to the research institute next, were you not? To discuss important matters with the representatives from the Kingdom.”

After a momentary pause, Carno turned with an admiring tone:

“…Indeed, you are well-informed, just as the letter stated.”

“In any case, a magician named Edan will be present there. Have you perhaps heard of him?”

“Of course, I am aware of that name from the list provided. Even without today’s meeting, I would have recognized that renowned moniker. Is there anything I should be mindful of regarding him?”

Freugne shook her head slightly.

“Nothing in particular. Simply that it would be advisable to accommodate his requests and entreaties, within reason.”

“Might that be…because he is a member of the organization?”

“No.”

Freugne had been about to assert that definitively but then appended a qualification.

“…Not yet, at least.”

“I see. Then I shall take my leave.”

With a nod, Carno departed the alleyway, heading towards the distant District 12.
Roughly ten minutes later, Freugne emerged as well, her gait betraying no outward affiliation.

Initially, she had intended to emphatically deny any organizational connection.
Yet this time, she lacked conviction.
The notion of inviting him to join the organization – or even defect to the Demonic Tribe’s camp – continued to linger, unsettling her.

Despite her revulsion towards the Demonic Tribe and Edan’s shared sentiments, the prospect of such a future struck her as disconcerting.

However, Freugne chose to temporarily set aside these inscrutable musings.

Locating the agreed upon venue proved simple. Upon entering District 12, she immediately spotted what appeared to be Belfast’s magicians and bureaucrats from the municipal authorities.
Their distinct attire – immaculate suits adorned with the city’s emblem as badges – rendered them unmistakable.

“Greetings. How did you find Antrim?”

“It was truly an awe-inspiring experience.”

While she may have struggled with some unfamiliar vocabulary, such lapses would likely be overlooked from a foreigner.
I exchanged greetings with the assembled individuals, mangling words in my faltering delivery, before commencing a tour of the imposing structure bearing the name ‘Carno Research Institute.’

The reason for selecting this civilian research facility rather than a military installation or Republic-affiliated site was straightforward:
Much like Ceres Martop and my club back in Londinium, we lacked the immediate budgetary capacity for such undertakings, necessitating outsourcing.

In that sense, this research institute could be considered a hybrid of Ceres Martop and my club.
Tasked with official duties yet under civilian leadership, while not purely civilian given its government associations – our positions bore numerous similarities.

“I was told this place is called the Carno Research Institute.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“I am curious about the identity of this institute’s martop master.”

“Rather than ‘martop master,’ the term ‘director’ would be more fitting in our parlance. In any case, the director had a pressing appointment this morning, so he has temporarily stepped out. But he should return shortly, allowing you to meet him directly.”

True to the bureaucrat’s words, a blond man appeared not long after the lunch hour had passed.

“My apologies for the delay. I am Carno, the director of this research institute.”

“I am Edan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“I have heard much about you, sir. In Antrim, there are none unfamiliar with the technological marvel you introduced – air conditioning. Please, allow me to express my profoundest gratitude.”

“Likewise, I have frequently read accounts in the newspapers about the emergence of a prodigious magician in Belfast. I have also perused the papers you have submitted.”

Having rehearsed polite introductions and subsequent small talk, I smoothly exchanged greetings before following Carno’s lead, accompanied by other Royal Academy magicians acting as our guides in lieu of bureaucrats.

“Our institute has experienced significant growth in recent years. And as a nation acutely aware of the Demonic Tribe threat, we have naturally amassed substantial relevant data.”

“Fortuitous, as that was precisely our need. Of little use crafting weapons without a means to field test them.”

“We shall provide you with all the information in our possession. Should you require any additional support or intelligence, please do not hesitate to make your requests known to us.”

And Carno, someone I had undoubtedly met for the first time today, left an initial impression of being unusually cooperative towards my entourage.