In any case, we soon arrived at the front gate. Just as expected, there didn't seem to be anything important hidden here, but the security measures were quite exaggerated. There were surveillance cameras, electronic gates, and a dedicated guard room at the front gate. There were even long rifles hanging on the wall…

No, rather than saying this was to prevent people from breaking in, it was more like it was to prevent anyone inside from escaping. After all, it was impossible for ordinary people to invade this place, especially when there were no treasures to be found.

Before we could get any closer…

"Who are you people?"

The guard's questioning voice came through the speaker at the front gate.

Damn…

It was even a video call.

It seemed impossible to establish any connection at all, which meant that Ayane's ability couldn't be used here.

Thinking this, Ryuto shifted his gaze towards Ayane, wanting to see her expression. She must be feeling very frustrated.

But…

To his surprise, she was also looking in their direction, with eyes filled with anticipation.

Hey, hey, are you already counting on me? You didn't just pass the buck to me; you threw it all to me right from the start, didn't you?

Hmm…

Thinking this, Ryuto wore a pained expression.

Nevertheless, the other side's voice didn't stop. Seeing that Ryuto and the others didn't respond, the guard questioned them again.

"Let me ask again, who exactly are you people? If you don't answer, I will resort to using force."

The tone grew more menacing. By the way, what does using force entail specifically?

Well, even though he wasn't sure what using force entailed, it didn't sound good. Pondering this, Ryuto spoke up.

"I truly apologize. Since this is a secret visit, I was considering how to explain our identity."

"A secret visit?"

The other party asked in confusion.

"Yes, let's just be straightforward. I am actually a distant relative of Count Delanc,."

"Count Delanc's? That's not possible. I have never seen you before. You must be some impostor. If you don't leave now, I will arrest you."

After seeing through Ryuto's deception, the other party threatened him.

Seems like he's not that easy to deceive, but this is just the beginning.

So Ryuto put on a calm smile.

"It's natural that you don't recognize me. The reason I was sent for this secret visit is precisely that. Count Delanc entrusted me with this mission because he didn't want to be discovered."

"How is that possible?"

The other party started to waver. Haha!

"Let me phrase it differently. You must be aware of what happened this afternoon at the auction house, right? The explosion, and it wasn't just a simple accident as claimed."

"What? How could you know? Only a few high-level people should be aware of this."

"Didn't I mention that Count Delanc asked me to come? I learned about this from him. Don't you trust me?"

"Well…"

Although visibly shaken, the other party still wasn't entirely convinced.

Well, since they don't believe it, it's time to step up the game with a combo attack.

"And, Count Delanc sent me to prevent what might happen next."

"What might happen next?"

"Well, since the incident at the auction house was deliberately staged by someone, it's highly likely that this place will be the next target for the enemy, and they have probably been planning this for a long time."