CHAPTER 114: BERSERK SLAVES ON THE LOOSE

Once Cheryl stood behind Leonard, the other merchants no longer cared about the incident.

An insignificant figure like Cheryl being taken under the wing of someone else meant nothing to them.

What they cared about was the berserk slaves now on the loose.

With their status and the numerous slaves under their control, they were frightened by the possibility that they might have also gone berserk.

They refused to believe the series of incidents was a coincidence.

Maybe once or twice could still be counted as a coincidence.

But a third time and more times?

Then that was no longer a coincidence!

Instead, the incident had to be orchestrated by a mastermind behind the scenes.

They indulged in the pleasure of flesh and many more debaucheries, but they weren’t foolish. None of them made it here through fluke or luck.

They all made it here through their wits and intelligence to survive in grim situations.

"This is bad. I don’t know if my stores are still safe with the situation outside." A merchant uttered. They were worried about the losses they might sustain.

It wasn’t just one merchant holding such concerns, but many more who were somewhat anxious.

After all, the majority of them made sure to open their stores near the Merchant Guild. It was not only for the convenience, but for the prestige to be next to the guild.

"No, I need to get out and check on my merchandise." One merchant finally couldn’t take it any longer.

"I have a big transaction deal with a Viscount. If things go south, then imprisonment would be the least of my worries." They added, emphasizing the reason for their extreme anxiety.

Although the merchants were separated from the nobles, that didn’t mean either parties were allowed to renege on their deal or trample on the other without a reasonable explanation.

The contract that they had signed was special, with any losses or mishaps being completely the merchant’s fault. In other words, the Merchant Guild wouldn’t intervene in the matter due to the nature of the contract.

Since he signed it, he must bear the consequences.

However, they refused to accept the consequences stemming from some slaves.

"Let me out!" They approached one of the guards and demanded.

Without Wesley’s presence, they needed to act fast. Otherwise, once Wesley returned, he would be dreaming if he wanted to behave forcefully.

"Sorry, but outside is too dangerous." The guard calmly replied. They had long received orders to ensure the guests remained on the spot.

On the one hand, it was to guarantee their safety. But on the other hand, it was to prevent a possible sabotage or a spy within the merchant circle from causing chaos.

Frustrated by the response, the merchant clenched their fist angrily.

"Am I a criminal here?" They questioned coldly.

"I need to return to check if there are any damages in my merchandise. My head would be rolling if there were indeed problems and I failed to resolve them in time."

When the guard realized the situation was starting to get out of hand, Ethan promptly intervened.

"At ease, Sir and Madam." Ethan raised his hands and explained, "Any losses incurred during the situation would be covered and explained by the Merchant Guild and the authorities in Velastra! This is an unexpected situation, and we have received news that all unrelated personnel should remain in the building to avoid being implicated."

Only after hearing those words did some of the anxious merchants heave a sigh of relief. Naturally, there were still some who were doubtful and skeptical of the explanation.

Would the Merchant Guild and authorities really go that far for them?

Maybe if the opposition party were of less significance, then sure.

But what if it were a Viscount and above?

Everyone knew that outside of Velastra, the nobles’ influences and powers were far superior and vast.

When the first merchant who initiated the commotion wanted to press on, they suddenly trembled upon sensing Ethan’s unfriendly gaze.

Needless to say, Ethan was done being polite after the explanation was said.

If anyone were to still challenge him afterward, then he would outright treat them as a spy or hold some insidious intention.

Afraid of the repercussions, the merchant could only swallow a mouthful of saliva and slowly retreated to his table.

Just when Ethan thought the crowd’s agitation had subsided, his brows furrowed upon spotting a new group coming at him.

’Why is he trying to leave, too?’ Ethan dreaded this group in particular.

After all, the group not only consisted of a highly prioritized researcher, but it also had a merchant whom Lord Wesley was attentive to.

"Sir Vincent and Miss Caroline." Ethan greeted the two and said, "The situation outside is still chaotic, with many evacuating to safety. I hope that the two of you aren’t trying to head outside where your safety might be compromised."

Unfazed by the explanation, Leonard pointed at his bodyguard.

"My hired guard here alone could tackle any berserk slaves." He calmly said.

"I don’t have any doubts about your guard’s ability."

Ethan had long been informed by Lord Wesley of his bodyguard’s capability to be that of a sixth circle mage. Nevertheless, that still didn’t mean he would allow Leonard to leave the banquet.

"Am I being suspected as the person responsible for the series of incidents?" Leonard suddenly asked.

"Of course, not." Ethan shook his head. Ever since Wesley gifted the Rosalia Troupe to him, the meaning was essentially declaring him innocent.

"Since I’m not being suspected, then I do wish to witness the berserk slaves for myself. After all, I needed to see whether the symptoms had anything similar to my slave."

After saying so, he snapped his fingers and signaled for Claudia to come closer.

"Now, I don’t know if you have heard about it. But this slave of mine almost made a fool out of me at the Research Facility. I wish to investigate whether her foolish action had anything to do with the current situation."

Claudia had been nearly invisible the entire duration of the banquet. So for her to suddenly be brought to the front, even Ethan was a bit taken aback.

’The reason is very far-fetched, but I can’t possibly offend him either.’ Ethan now assumed the same position as the previous merchant he had sent away.