How To Gather Intelligence II

"Okay, we can end this session here for today. Ponder on what I've said and return with your updates next week. Any questions?"

While rubbing her forehead to alleviate the minor headache she gained during the meeting, Lety shook her head at Benedict's query. This didn't happen after every meeting, but it wasn't the first time she experienced this sort of headache either. Fortunately, it wouldn't lead into anything more troublesome as long as she didn't push herself.

Carolyn also felt pressured by the volume of issues that were discussed, but she managed to keep her question from being buried in the back of her mind.

"Yes. This is unrelated, but I noticed that there were some new faces among the children. Could you tell me what happened?"

"Sure. Broadly speaking, they came here after being displaced as a result of Anthony's manoeuvring. Some are orphans who had lived far from the church, while others lost their guardians to drugs. As long as they follow the rules, I generally don't refuse them, but space is limited, so if too many arrive, I'll have no choice but to close the door of the church."

Carolyn frowned after hearing this, but she didn't think Benedict was in the wrong. If he tried to pack the church with too many children, it would only lead to worsened living conditions and a higher chance of conflict among them. No matter how strongly she wished for it, it was difficult to save everyone.

"I see."

"If that's all, you're free to go."

"Thank you, Mr. Benedict."

"Thank you, Mr. Priest."

When Carolyn and Lety finally left Benedict's office, both released heavy sighs of exhaustion.

"Lety, are you okay?!"

As soon as he saw her fatigued expression, Derrick rushed towards Lety. He had returned while the two were with Benedict, so he waited for them to appear while keeping Benedict's office door in sight. This wasn't the first time Lety had looked drained after a discussion with Benedict, but it still worried him every time it happened.

"I'm fine, Brother. I just need some rest."

"Yes, it was quite a demanding meeting."

"Yeah. I thought that I would be prepared, but there's still so much I didn't consider. I'm sorry that you had to jump in for me so many times."

"Don't be sorry. I'm glad that I was able to support you."

Lety nodded, but she still seemed awkward. Carolyn could tell that there was something she wasn't saying, but Carolyn wasn't sure about how to broach the topic.

"Hey, don't leave me out. What did the Priest say?"

As Derrick interrupted, Lety and Carolyn turned to him, but before either could respond, a different voice reached them.

"Carol, are you ready yet?"

When Carolyn turned towards the voice, she spotted a small group of children at the kitchen entrance. Among them she spotted Ann, who had called her name, and Katty, who had learnt how to cook from her. Ann still watched her with cynical eyes, but she would hide her distrust, albeit clumsily, and approach her if it was to her benefit.

"I'll be right there."

After responding to Ann, Carolyn turned around to speak to Lety and Derrick.

"Sorry, I need to make lunch. Lety, can you update Derrick in the meantime?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

After putting on the apron she brought with her, Carolyn entered the kitchen. She nodded in approval after seeing that it was well-maintained and then selected four children to assist her, including Ann and Katty. Katty was very withdrawn compared to the other slums' children, but her eyes lit up whenever she worked in the kitchen. They made the usual soup, so it wasn't difficult with Carolyn overseeing and Katty taking part, but although she had bought extra ingredients, Carolyn wasn't sure if there would be enough considering the new children.

When Carolyn voiced this concern to her assistants, they all told her that they would have to settle for whatever they got. Although a few of the children could cook, with the exception of dinner, for which Benedict arranged the ingredients or funds, the chefs only prepared food for those who contributed to its creation. This meant acquiring and transporting the ingredients along with taking part in the cooking. The new children were still trying to find their footing, so none of them were able to participate in these extra meals. Carolyn wondered how she could change this, but it wasn't a problem she could solve with the snap of her fingers, so she returned her attention to cooking.

Once lunch was ready and served, Carolyn returned to Lety's group. Some children weren't able to return for lunch, so the soup was enough for everyone at the church with room for a couple of second servings.

"How is it?" Carolyn asked.

"It's good."

"It's alright."

Carolyn smiled in response to the praise from Lety and Derrick.

"I'm glad to hear that. Were you able to cover what we discussed with Benedict?"

"Yes, we went through the main points. I was thinking of bringing everyone to the office that Brother found so we can discuss more after lunch. Can you come?"

"Yes, I should have plenty of time to spend with you today."

"Mmm, that's good."

They moved to other topics as they continued eating, and while Carolyn watched a small group of children cleaning up after lunch, Derrick gathered the other members of their team. Although Derrick and Lety were now able to handle the compensation for valuable information by themselves, Carolyn still helped out when she could, so she was familiar with the three children that Derrick returned with. Cassy and Jog were boys who looked around the same age as Derrick, while Mia was a young girl about Lety's age. Lety apparently hadn't told them everything about her business plan, only that they could make money if they worked for her. It was a little dishonest, given that all the money they had received so far was from one client who would soon stop doing business with them, but Carolyn believed that they could simply make it the truth going forward.

Once the after-lunch cleaning was complete, Lety stood up to address the group. She was easily the shortest among them, and her pale features didn't help her look any older, but there was a sharp light in her eyes that made the three recruits straighten up. Carolyn almost applauded her, but she realised this wasn't the time and kept her hands down. For the same reason, she held Derrick back from trying to support Lety.

"I believe everyone already knows each other, so I won't waste time with introductions. From now on, we'll be making a serious effort to pursue our goals. I can't say much here, but it'll be a lot of hard work and dangerous jobs, and I won't allow anyone to back out just 'cause things got tough. So this is your last chance to leave."

Based on Carolyn's understanding, this work would be even more difficult than Lety described it, but she knew Lety wasn't trying to scare them. In fact, the manpower they had was quite limited, but even Carolyn couldn't condone accepting anyone who might give up in a difficult situation. Lety had apparently considered scouting one of the new children, but she judged that it was too risky. At this early stage, a single traitor would be enough to end them.

The three recruits seemed somewhat intimidated by Lety's warning, but they all returned firm responses.

"I won't leave. I already decided that."

"As long as I get paid, I don't have a problem."

"I won't give up either."

After hearing their confirmations, Lety nodded and patted Carolyn's hand. It only took Carolyn a few moments to guess her intentions and then lift her off the ground. Standing was one thing, but Lety might exhaust herself walking to their destination, so it was best for someone to carry her, and Carolyn was the most suitable choice.

"Lead the way, Brother."

Derrick looked bitter as he looked at Lety sitting in Carolyn's arms, but he didn't say anything before leading them out of the church. The slums' district was small, and few places met the requirements that Lety set out for their office, so it ended up being just a couple minutes away from the church. Additionally, it was closer to the commercial district, making it safer than places near the mixed district. Carolyn usually entered from the commercial district, but she had visited the mixed district side during Anthony's rampage, so she knew that that place proved every stereotype related to the slums.

"Here it is," announced Derrick.

Derrick led them to a small wooden house barely larger than Carolyn's room at The Fruity Breeze. Nonetheless, for a structure inside the slums, it was certainly prime property. However, there appeared to be one problem.

"Wait, someone's inside."