Nathan, Bella, and Evelyn had their eyes fixated on one document. It wasn't even related to what they had found. Instead, it was the report from Neyeid.
Bella furrowed her eyebrows. "Neyeid. Are those people…"
"You don't have to worry about them for the time being. I have compiled all their information according to what they testify.
"A lot of them seem to have a messed-up mind due to the brainwashing. However, a portion of them are actually well enough to go around.
"After knowing about their chance of returning to their family, most of them actually agree. As a result, there are about 30 people that would like to be sent back to their family.
"The problem is that… These brats are annoying, especially the nobles. They're looking down on everyone. I just want to give them a good smack, but they might end up dying because of it.
"Anyway, a portion of them have chosen to retire, not wanting to do anything with the academies or be a summoner anymore. After what they've experienced, I can't really blame them.
"Last but not least, the people who decide to help us. For now, we'll take them in and nurture them."
Evelyn nodded in understanding. "Make sure to treat them well. And there are still a lot of people you haven't identified, right?"
"Yes. They're still unaware of the situation. Their minds have almost been destroyed, so I will give another report once I help them."
"Good enough. If there's a problem, just inform me about it. I can beat up anyone that is trying to do anything funny."
Nathan rubbed his cheek a few times as if he had a big question. "Sorry. How are you going to send them back? Will the people behind them recognize them?"
"We have actually made contact with two families. We're thinking about using them as the main connection to let these children go home."
Bella crossed her arms. "These guys are actually quite smart. They know that these people will come to attack them if they know they have abused these students. Hence, they're training them for several years first so that people forget about them."
"Indeed. That's despicable, but clever, considering they will be able to avoid unnecessary conflict."
"All right. Please proceed with everything accordingly. If there's trouble, inform us, and we'll help you solve it."
"Got it." Neyeid nodded and returned to his group.
Meanwhile, Nathan squinted his eyes and turned to Bella. "I guess no one really wants to help them, including their family."
"Yes." She nodded. "Arcane level summoners alone are already a rarity. If they attack them, they should need five or six summoners.
"That's why, rather than bringing those people, their families decide to forget about them.
"Even the kingdom doesn't really want to spend all that much. If they lose even a single arcane level summoner, it will be a huge loss to the kingdom after all.
"Thanks to the other three tyrants beside the Black Cat, the Black Cat survived.
"We're the only group that is small but strong enough to take them on. With their destruction, I'm afraid that the situation will be chaotic soon.
"However, let the people have a sigh of relief since they don't have to worry about these kidnappers anymore."
"Fair enough." Nathan nodded. "Is there any noble involved? Or maybe they're trading people?"
"Not at the moment. Everything I've read until now only contains evidence about other bad groups. There's no noble yet, but…" She pointed to the pile of books on the table. "I have only covered a few of them. There might be nobles in that pile."
"Then again. We can't do anything to a noble, at least not now." Evelyn shook her head.
"No. I'm not thinking about stopping them. If we work together with them, we might be able to find more information that can't be found from the Black Cat, such as their connections or other secrets.
"Besides, getting some of their money will be good as well. We can report them after that.
"The kingdom will probably turn a blind eye to this, especially with me here, so we can easily strike them."
"Indeed. Let's wait then. It's not like anything will change so soon."
They ended up agreeing on several matters. Even Nathan was a bit tired, but considering this was the last meeting, he immediately headed back after it ended.
He was missing everyone.
Fortunately, Alavenya and Flora were still practicing with their respective partners. Meanwhile, Sera was actually taking her leave from the town.
After knowing what happened to Vivian and Melissa, he didn't know how to face them.
If he suddenly pitied Melissa, the other party would notice it, and there would be awkwardness in their relationship. In the end, there was a chance Melissa would become much more calculative when dealing with him, so he did his best not to show any clues.
Meanwhile, Vivian would probably remain calm since she had moved on and got a new high elf. In addition, the Spirit Queen was also one of her familiars.
Even if the opponents outnumbered her, she might still be able to kill them.
In the end, Nathan returned to his home without meeting anyone. He was satisfied to see them from afar.
The fact they didn't mourn at this time meant Selena had returned safely. That was why there was no need for him to worry about Selena anymore.
To his surprise, the moment he opened the door, he saw Selena sitting on her bed while getting covered in a quilt.
Her complexion wasn't so good.
"Selena?" Nathan was startled. Did something happen to Selena when he was away?
Nathan panicked and rushed to her side. "Are you alright? Did someone hurt you?"
Selena looked at him for a moment. There was a sign of relief on her face, but she remained silent. She hugged Nathan as tightly as possible before crying.
Yes, Selena was actually crying.