Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter 1283: Chapter 701: Hidden Schemes

Lance wouldn’t think that such a brief encounter could make Tamara lean towards him or be wholeheartedly devoted. He’s not narcissistic to that extent; on the contrary, he has a clear understanding.

First of all, Tamara has a history and a rather vile personality. She had to rely on him previously to gain leverage in the organization, but once she’s established, things might change.

After all, the Romu Organization’s higher-ups can’t really allow Tamara to favor an outsider; they’ll surely work on her, and it’s possible she might abandon him for resources or other benefits.

Though Lance felt a bit regretful about this, gaining Amanda in return was a great deal, as she’s far more reliable in Hamlet than Tamara ever was.

”I find it very hard to contact her.”

Grendel knew there was a problem when she saw Lance fall silent, and her face turned nasty when she heard this.

”If it wasn’t for your intervention saving her back then, who knows if she’d even be alive? Either killed by a wizard or taken down by Amanda.

Moreover, if it weren’t for your support later, could she have cleared her name as a traitor and returned to the organization? It hasn’t been long, and already it’s like this. I told you those Romani aren’t trustworthy!”

”Sigh~ Actually, after Tamara went back, we didn’t give her much help. It’s normal for her to distance herself after needing internal support; it’s nothing unusual.

The Romani aren’t trustworthy, but Amanda is reliable. She’s done everything for us; don’t say things that might hurt everyone’s feelings.”

Lance remained calm because he had already infiltrated the dungeon, making Tamara unimportant as she was just a casual setup at the time.

”I’ll be setting off again for the dungeon in the next day or two. Leave Boudica and Amanda; bring back the cavalry brigade, have Laura spread out the scouts, and bring back half of the cannons...”

Lance pointed and instructed on the map; he had long drafted plans, redeploying many units from the relic frontline to the surrounding areas.

”Those merchants, mercenaries, and healers haven’t all left; most of them are on the new town side. If we withdraw too many troops, I’m afraid they might cause trouble.”

”Why did I choose to place the new town here? It’s because the outpost is in our hands, so no matter how much they stir, it’s futile.

The more important thing is that there’s no food production in the relic; do you know how much material gets consumed by so many people in a day? If we cut off the supply, they’ll be eating tree bark and grass roots in no more than three days.”

Grendel realized she was overthinking; there were reasons Lance was the Lord, and everything had already been considered.

”Who are you planning to take with you?”

”Junia, Baldwin, and...”

Lance suddenly hesitated here. He planned to rely on Junia to break the Sanctuary Ceremony and bring Baldwin because his weak powers would mean death down there. He wanted to raise him while various parties hadn’t reacted.

But the third one left him uncertain because he intended to summon the Limping Walker, worried it might cause issues with the other two, especially since collaborating with Void Demons was hard for many to accept.

Particularly as both had backgrounds tied to the Church; despite being persuaded by him to separate faith from religion, still...

”Should I go instead?”

Grendel seemed to see Lance’s hesitation and tested with a suggestion.

But Lance shook his head, ”There’s no soil in the dungeon; your abilities can’t be wielded.”

However, he quickly decided, ”Reassign a ten-man squad back from the Honor Guard; you don’t need to worry about this, I’ll handle it.”

This isn’t some game with player limits; the real limits are environmental factors.

What good is worldly honor to cultists? Let’s go side by side!

Now that the first level was cleared, Lance intended to intensify his efforts. After all, time is life. If the inner ruins hadn’t required the Honor Guard to execute tasks and heroes to oversee control, he would’ve brought them all back to storm the dungeon.

”In the meantime, if you have time, go check on Boudica and Amanda; the two of them are probably struggling.”

Lance gave his instructions and didn’t intend to waste too many words. He couldn’t spare much energy for these things; what’s more important was the leftover data and finding out why the dungeon is so strange now.

Only by understanding the old patriarch’s and the cult leader’s plans can he proceed with the next actions.

Grendel also comprehended Lance’s intent, agreed, and turned to leave...

As the day slowly transitioned into evening, most people finished work, returned from the fields, prepared to eat, sleep, and end the day. Those with a bit of spare cash could even start their nightlife.

But for Amanda, who just returned from the dungeon today, it was only the start of her day.

The sound outside the door was Grendel knocking and waking her up.

”Haven’t rested well?” Grendel noted Amanda’s still drowsy appearance. ”We’re going to eat now; want to join us?”

”No, I don’t have much of an appetite.”

Amanda became a bit more alert, though her complexion remained pale, and her voice weak and weary.

Not everyone can recover as quickly as Lance did, that beast; the dungeon’s shadows loomed over them, possibly for life. Amanda’s current reaction was what you’d consider normal.