Perhaps noticing Angel’s gaze, the Black Earl remarked lightly, "You don’t need to worry too much. Even if Laplace didn’t remind you about Earl Mi’s situation, I’m sure Rhein would have told you."
"Based on my understanding of that old friend, since he entrusted Earl Mi to you, he would have naturally considered all the potential hidden dangers. If there are truly doubts, you could ask Rhein after you return."
At this point, the Black Earl sighed slightly, "I didn’t expect that old fellow Rhein was sneaky enough to find a way to control the awakened demons. If this gets out, it could definitely stir a storm... It seems like I’ll have to see him once I leave."
For the kind suggestion from the Black Earl, Angel could only respond vaguely with an "mm-hmm."
Earl Mi’s origins are easy to explain, but how to control Earl Mi is harder to explain. So previously, Angel shifted it to Rhein, which was sanctioned by Rhein himself.
From the Black Earl’s perspective, what he said wasn’t incorrect. But from Angel’s side, Rhein probably can’t resolve the Earl Mi issue.
To truly solve it, they likely need to visit Xinnai Land.
Xinnai Land...
Thinking about Xinnai Land made Angel’s calves tremble slightly. Had it not been for the Dalmatian, he wouldn’t have known how to face Minister Nuka in an oppressive state last time.
Although there are powerful figures like Nuka in Xinnai Land, as long as Angel can find a way to solve the pressure problem, he still has some confidence to ’fool’ Shava.
Moreover, Earl Mi’s issue is bound to be resolved.
Alas, I can only take it step by step. But what Angel doesn’t know is why Earl Mi had a second awakening during this period? Could it be that the Seed of Distortion has a catalytic effect?
Angel immersed his thoughts into Earl Mi’s shadow, ensuring that Earl Mi shouldn’t have any problems in the short term, which temporarily put his mind at ease.
"Let’s continue forward. Unless there are unexpected circumstances, the ’test’ should be coming soon." Angel raised his head and looked toward the depths of the tunnel.
After resuming the journey, perhaps the mysterious nature of what Laplace mentioned, combined with the Mirror Domain being new to them, loosened their tongues a bit.
Their conversation mainly revolved around Laplace, the Thief of Time, and the Mirror Domain.
When asked, Angel occasionally replied but spent most of the time in contemplation.
This time, he’s not pondering over Earl Mi.
He’s considering how to distribute... the Shepherd’s Mask.
He does have some desire for the Shepherd’s Mask, but this desire is mainly in the context of future research in the Mirror Domain, where entering the mirror world would require the mask to connect with Laplace.
This is actually an unknown proposition. The future is unpredictable for Angel. If he doesn’t plan to study the Mirror Domain, obtaining the mask is pointless.
Besides, he doesn’t necessarily have to get the mask. As long as there’s an agreement in place, borrowing it from whoever has it wouldn’t be a problem for Angel.
But this is Angel’s personal inclination. How others feel and who else wants the mask might require further discussion.
Angel coughed twice, interrupting everyone’s chat: "Let’s talk about something serious now, the Shepherd’s Mask. Who among you wants it?"
After a pause, Angel specifically looked at Kaier: "Do you have any thoughts about the Shepherd’s Mask?"
The reason Angel asked Kaier personally is that the present interests would roughly be divided into four camps: the Dox camp, Angel with his own camp, Vay and the Black Earl in one camp, and Kaier in another camp.
The first three camps all have Official Wizards, so when distributing the interests, there’s generally no need for courtesy. If there’s no interest, it’s directly refused; if there is, it’s stated before engaging in further discussion and distribution.
Only Kaier stands alone, and as an apprentice, he doesn’t dare to fight, especially when facing several Official Wizards, so there’s a high probability he would yield.
That’s why Angel asked Kaier separately.
"The key itself is yours. Whatever you want in the Underground Aqueduct should not weigh heavily on you." Angel said, "I suspect that Lord Esos wouldn’t allow his apprentice to be bullied."
This statement by Angel seemed to suggest that Esos would back Kaier, but it actually meant that Angel would support him.
This is both Angel’s promise to Kaier and what Kaier rightfully deserves. Without Kaier’s information and drawings, this expedition wouldn’t have been possible.
Kaier understood the implication in Angel’s words and directed a grateful look towards Angel before saying, "The Shepherd’s Mask, if it’s truly related to the Shepherd Family, holding onto it would only become a curse for me. I can’t always stay with my mentor and rely on him for protection because I have my own path, and my mentor has his. So, I have no intention towards it."
Angel agreed with Kaier’s perspective; this is essentially the danger of possessing something valuable. However, Angel still offered the opportunity to Kaier because investing in staying with Esos wouldn’t make holding the mask bad. But Kaier was clear about his path; it was Angel who overthought it.
With Kaier turning it down, it was now the others’ turn.
Dox was the first to express his desire for it, which was no surprise to Angel, who noted it down.
Then, Angel looked at Vay.
Vay glanced at the excited Dox beside him, hesitated for a moment, and said, "I want it too."
Angel wasn’t sure of Vay’s reasons for wanting it, but it didn’t matter. After all, Vay was backed by the Noah Family; if the Shepherd Mask is truly related to the Shepherd Family, having the Black Earl would not only ensure no loss but possibly earn them a fortune.
Having asked Vay, it wasn’t necessary to ask the Black Earl.
Because whether Vay gets it or the Black Earl, it makes no difference.
However, to show fairness, Angel still looked towards the Black Earl.
The Black Earl snorted dismissively, "What’s the use?"
Angel paused, wanting to inquire what he meant, only to realize the Black Earl addressed it to Vay. His question was indeed aimed at Vay.
Vay opened his mouth, unsure of what to say until, after a long pause, he finally squeezed out a comment: "I think the mask might be useful for researching materials and perhaps could even be exchanged with the Shepherd Family in the future..."
The Black Earl mocked, "Is that something you should be worrying about?"
Vay remained silent, acknowledging that the reasons he gave were indeed not his concern. If it needed considering, it should be his lord’s responsibility.
The Black Earl continued, "Your thoughts are simple: either competing with Dox or, like Dox, being captivated by the hunt."
Nearby, Dox, who was unintentionally snubbed, felt a bit displeased but didn’t dare complain in front of the Black Earl, only managing to say awkwardly, "Vay must really care about me."
Vay rolled his eyes at Dox and, when facing the Black Earl, quickly put his expression away and stood properly.