— Naturally, each transformation must be approved by us; otherwise, it would lead to chaos.
The vampires watching the conversation between Konstantin and Eugene remained silent. Discussing plans to increase the vampire population seemed inappropriate at the moment. Winter was approaching, a particularly harsh time of year for vampires. Additionally, they were facing local rulers' disputes for the second autumn in a row.
Although it was decided to send a squad of mercenaries in their place, no one felt at ease. Having settled in warm and dry houses a year ago, the vampires had breathed a sigh of relief, finding their place in the new world. Now, however, the ground beneath them could ignite at any moment. The seven fugitives, their obscure plans, and their way of life could potentially attract the Church and its punitive squads to their settlement.
The Duke was delaying with titles and vassalage. The Archmage in Zalona could launch an attack from his mighty fortress at any time, with vampires being the first on his army's path. The fact that the local headache—goblins—was a delicacy rather than a problem was reassuring. However, against the backdrop of general threats, it didn't seem so impressive, and the vampires, who unanimously embraced the theory of someone's intervention in their appearance in this world, collectively cursed these so-called higher or not-so-higher powers. No one wanted to trade warm beds for damp earthen huts, though there were individuals eager for a life underground.
It was the theory that they had been abandoned in this world by someone's will that led Sergey to turn to the other side of his work for the first time. As is known, intelligence agencies have both external and internal spheres of activity. Since the only intelligence agency of the vampires was reconnaissance, its leader took his responsibilities seriously and tried to figure out methods of surveillance and possible observers.
However, no external surveillance was discovered; even the unnaturally high magical background that accompanied their arrival and remained for some time after had long returned to normal and even became too low, causing hunger among the goblins due to poor harvests of Horcha. The only remaining observers were internal ones, and this task fell to the group of vampires who had once been resting in the sanatorium.
Judging that it would be easiest to infiltrate their group with a spy as a "vacationer," Sergey began interrogating them actively, trying to find inconsistencies or illogicalities. This process repeated in a loop, and then those who were close to them were interrogated. It got to the point where the Triumvirate had to use its authority to cool the investigator's enthusiasm, as his zeal threatened to fracture the small community.
In the end, the presence of a spy among the vampires was completely unproven, as infiltrating would first require moving the spy to their world and then moving everyone to this world. Such power could only be wielded by gods, and gods had no need for spies. If one even considers that gods exist.
The door opened, and Yulia entered the room.
— Sergey has arrived and requests an immediate audience.
— Call him in.
The beaming man, upon hearing the permission, smoothly circumvented the fragile girl and, entering the office, placed a small box on the desk that he had been holding.
— A gift from the old country, — he announced, and seeing the confusion on the faces of those present, he smiled even wider, — Do you remember the merchant from Valeria who came to buy illegal moon silver?
Everyone confidently confirmed. The merchant, whose blood had taught the vampires the Valerian language, was certainly memorable to all.
— Well, my people shook down his accomplice, whom he intended to meet, — with these words, Sergey opened the lid and showed the contents of the box to those around him.
Inside were two small ingots. Maria, upon seeing them, let out a joyful squeal, instantly jumping to the table, grabbing a piece of moon silver in each hand, and happily pressed them to her chest. The girl's joy was understandable.
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