Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 4: Volume 6 Chapter 3, Watcher

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Mia faced the man before her, suppressing the urge to let out a heavy sigh. She reminded herself that she was doing this for Towa’s sake and gave a carefully measured reply.

“Are the people here everyone you’re referring to?”

The man spread his arms dramatically. “That’s impossible! There are many others willing to join your cause.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll need to meet them as well. I’ll give you my answer afterward.”

“What? No, but…” The man seemed confused, but Mia continued without pause.

“I’m sorry, but given the circumstances, I cannot trust your word alone.”

Though her words sounded cold, the logic left the man at a loss for a response. Mia’s attitude was, of course, calculated. She was already rumored to be a capable Princess, so there was no point in feigning ignorance now. She needed to demonstrate her intellect at this point.

The man stared at her as if trying to gauge her intentions. Since this was their first meeting, he was naturally attempting to discern Mia’s true nature. In her heart, however, Mia had already given him high marks for his transparent demeanor. A truly capable man would never reveal such an attitude in public. He would smile while conducting coldly calculated conversations beneath the surface. Though some might intentionally adopt such a posture as strategy, Mia had already determined this man lacked that level of cunningness.

Nevertheless, she maintained the bearing of a moderately intelligent and somewhat pretentious Princess. Goosebumps rose on her arms, hidden beneath the sleeves of her dress, but she held herself steady.

Eventually, the man let out a deliberate sigh and nodded. “Oh dear. I’m really no match for the Princess. Understood. I’ll arrange a gathering with everyone.”

“Excellent. Shall we proceed with preliminary discussions in the meantime?”

“Would that be acceptable?” The man looked quizzical.

Mia shrugged. “We need to demonstrate some sincerity if we want people to follow us, don’t we?”

For the first time, the man appeared genuinely impressed. “You’re quite right. Well then…”

“Yes. Surely we can proceed with what you mentioned earlier?”

Mia nodded emphatically, and the man responded, “I understand.”

“That’s all for today, then. Speaking too long will raise suspicions.” With that, Mia departed with Mikage at her side.

Upon returning to her castle chambers, Mia released a long sigh once she confirmed that only Mikage remained. Even in her own room, maids and others kept watch. She had grown accustomed to this since childhood, though perhaps this constant surveillance was one reason Mia spent so much time with the management staff rather than out of the Tower.

“Are you okay?” Mikage asked with unusual concern visible on her typically impassive face.

“I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“You look tired.”

Mia instinctively reached up to stroke her cheek with her right hand. She hadn’t meant to reveal anything, but Mikage had known her too long to miss the signs. She attempted a smile, then pressed her hand to her forehead instead. “I guess thai meeting has taken its toll on me. I really should get the management involved…”

“No.”

“That was quick.” Mikage had interrupted her Mistress mid-sentence, and Mia gave her a pointed look. Her expression remained unchanged. She knew Mia well enough to know she wouldn’t get angry over something like this.

“You’ve decided to help Lord Towa, haven’t you?” Mikage’s ability to identify critical points with such accuracy came from long experience.

At a loss for words, Mia released another deep sigh. She knew she couldn’t prevail against Mikage when she spoke like this.

“It can’t be helped. I’ll do this seriously.” With that resolve, Mia headed to her desk.

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A group gathered at a discreet location in the northern town. They arrived carefully, taking pains not to arouse suspicion among the townspeople. The man who had met with Mia earlier joined them there.

Perhaps having awaited his arrival, one group member immediately questioned him. “How did it go?”

“Not badly at all. There were some unexpected developments, but everything is proceeding largely as planned.” Those around him murmured in response.

“Unexpected? What happened?”

Sensing the others pressing closer with concern, the man gently waved his right hand in a placating gesture. “Nothing serious. I thought the rumors were exaggerated, but the Princess may actually be as shrewd as they say. However, since she’s agreed to participate, we should welcome her cooperation, shouldn’t we?”

Several people nodded at his assessment. “Indeed.”

“But is that truly a good thing? If she’s that shrewd, won’t that eventually work against us?”

“How so? As I said before, the Princess already has one foot committed to our path. There’s no escape for her now.”

Another person reinforced this point. “Since we have evidence that she agreed to this arrangement, it makes sense to proceed with our plan.”

“Precisely. If this comes to light, the Princess will be culpable along with us.”

These reassurances caused those who had appeared anxious to visibly relax. The assembled group continued their discussion for some time. Eventually, having concluded their business, they began departing one by one to avoid drawing attention.

After the last person left the area, none of them realized a crucial fact: they had been under surveillance the entire time.

“They seem vigilant, but they’re completely ineffective,” came an exasperated mutter from the person who had been monitoring the location. No matter how careful one’s guard, using the same meeting place repeatedly was foolish in the watcher’s assessment.

“Well, it makes things easier for us, so that’s fine.” With this observation, the watcher also departed before long.

As the watcher had noted, this location was already under comprehensive surveillance. Even after the current guards departed, someone else would arrive to take their place. The previous conspirators remained unaware that this place was monitored. Had they known, they would have relocated immediately.

After leaving the area, the watcher took the newly gathered information and entered a bar in the northern town. His companions were already waiting there. While engaging in innocuous conversation befitting ordinary bar patrons, he discreetly handed over a paper containing the information just obtained. This document would be combined with intelligence gathered by others and sent onward to the appropriate destination.

This marked the completion of the watcher’s immediate assignment. Tomorrow, surveillance duty would await at another location. This was one of the Succubi’s essential responsibilities.