Chapter 164: Heroes of the Turbulent Era 3

Hestia’s declaration of failure regarding Wallenstein’s request left him visibly surprised.

“Is that truly so? I did not expect even your prowess to falter.”

“My apologies. I could track them for a while, but they employed various methods to scatter and obscure their trail midway. It seems our adversary is no ordinary foe.”

“Hmm…”

Frowning at Hestia’s words, Wallenstein slowly nodded.

Reputed as the most formidable mage, he had enlisted Hestia to uncover the truth behind the massive provision trades occurring throughout the Imperium over the past few months.

Seemingly materializing from nowhere, these unidentified merchants had been selling vast supplies at triple the standard prices.

Though avoiding Wallenstein’s territories after perceiving his vigilance, most surrounding lords had already concluded deals with them to narrowly avert catastrophe – some even incurring debt to procure provisions.

In ordinary times, such exorbitant markups would undoubtedly be deemed profiteering. Yet amidst this calamitous famine, the anonymous traders faced no resentment, even being hailed as divine benefactors by the lords and their starving subjects.

Though expensive, the prices remained within the lords’ means, and any solution to avert mass starvation could be construed as a form of aid.

However, such naive perspectives resulted from shortsightedness. Observing from a detached vantage, Wallenstein discerned a different reality.

‘People may invoke divine providence or charity, but the truth is far removed from such complacent notions. This is outright exploitation – a calculated effort to fleece the Holy Imperium’s lords to the last coin.’

On the surface, these anonymous forces merely provided precious provisions at affordable rates for the lords.

Yet Wallenstein recognized that the “affordable” prices stemmed not from benevolence but precise calculations and cold analysis.

Had they demanded slightly higher sums, the lords would likely have refused or harbored profound grievances despite acquiescing.

Even in dire straits, human patience had limits. Excessive extortion inevitably breeds resentment and potential retaliation.

The aggrieved could retaliate by inciting the populace to forcibly seize provisions, or seek to uncover the traders’ identities through other means.

However, the thrice-marked rates teetered on the precipice of psychological tolerance for the present lords.

Previous famines had seen grain prices surge over fourfold, and the current crisis was no less severe.

Offering thrice the value allowed framing it as an act of mercy.

Moreover, should this famine persist, the lords would likely accept even steeper prices from these traders with increasing resignation, further entrenching their reliance.

From these observations, Wallenstein could only draw one conclusion:

‘A situation allowing both profit and customer retention… This could not have arisen by mere chance. Someone is undoubtedly orchestrating this in an organized manner.’

While foreseeing natural phenomena like famines was impossible, someone had clearly anticipated and capitalized on this crisis when the opportunity arose.

‘Hence my request for Hestia to trace these anonymous figures… Yet even she failed.’

Basing her formidable magic powers, Hestia’s unsuccessful attempt compelled Wallenstein to acknowledge an extraordinarily capable adversary behind this scheme.

‘One who could foresee and disrupt even magical tracking… Whoever they are, they are no ordinary foe. Perhaps this affair conceals even graver secrets than I imagine…’

As Wallenstein pondered this with renewed gravity, his purported ‘contractor,’ Hestia, savored a profound thrill from the discovery she had chanced upon during her investigation.

‘So they are here… Undoubtedly.’

Hestia had seamlessly tracked the anonymous figures until her magic abruptly encountered an obstructive force, as if her pursuit had been anticipated from the outset.

However, this very failure allowed her to recognize an undeniable fact:

‘Just how many in this world could shatter my magic in such a manner? Especially at this juncture, within the Holy Imperium itself…’

Had she remained her former, middling self, the possibilities would be innumerable.

But Hestia’s present powers far surpassed her past, leaving only one likely candidate at this particular time and place.

‘That person is involved in this affair. Most likely because of me…’

An unsurprising development, given her own transgressions.

Through this realization, Hestia could easily discern the identity behind these events.

‘With their might and backing, orchestrating all this would certainly be feasible. Though I did not expect them to intervene so brazenly here…’

From this failed tracking alone, Hestia could deduce considerable information.

However, she had no intention of divulging the full details to her contracted partner, Wallenstein.

Their association was merely a contractual arrangement – she owed him no allegiance as a subordinate.

Moreover, this matter directly impacted her own well-being, and disclosure could prove detrimental.

‘I need not forfeit my gains to benefit this man… He is but a temporary foothold in pursuit of my true objectives…’

With that thought, Hestia lightly bowed and departed her contractor’s presence.

In that moment, a faint, chilling smile graced her lips, imperceptible to others.

‘Regardless, I shall reunite with them soon enough. It has been a while since I last beheld their face… Cenelle.’