Published: July 8, 2025
"Your Majesty, we have received a report from Duke Rubine that the suppression of the Second Mining Site has been completed."
"I see, understood."
Graham nodded at Cardinal Stefania's words.
His expression appeared the same as always.
However, only Stefania here noticed something.
(Graham-sama, is there something bothering you?)
Reports of the suppression being completed have come in from all locations, except for the First Mining Site where the main force of the French Army is engaged.
According to the gathered information, even the last remaining First Mining Site has eliminated all vampires except for one viscount.
There have been no casualties, and the golems have hardly sustained any damage.
Everything is in perfect order.
Therefore, Stefania could not understand what Graham was dissatisfied with.
The headquarters where Graham sits is bustling with people coming and going.
Thus, there are rare occasions when no one is around Graham except for Stefania.
Seizing one of those moments, Stefania quietly asked,
"Your Majesty, do you have any concerns?"
Graham seemed surprised by that question.
His expression shifted just slightly.
That was unusual.
"You noticed, Stefania."
This time, he wore a distinct wry smile.
"Of course, I have no complaints regarding the current progress of the operation. The issue is that there is no stock."
"No stock?"
"Yes. We have occupied the area for as long as two years. During that time, the ores mined have not been placed in warehouses adjacent to the mining sites."
"That is true."
Stefania nodded as she recalled the report in response to Graham's words.
In all the mining sites, there is hardly any ore left that would have been mined in the past.
While a small amount of ore believed to be from a few days ago has been found, it is far too little considering they had occupied the site for two years.
They likely had the Strigoi mining for them...
"So it means they were transported elsewhere."
"Exactly. The fact that they were transported suggests that there is an intention to use them. Furthermore, it indicates that the person who issued the transport orders is in a different location. That place where they are could very well be the actual target we need to conquer. However..."
Graham paused his words.
"The Etosha Government might believe that recovering forty mining sites is sufficient."
"Indeed, that seems natural. However, for us who wish to exterminate the vampires, the transport destination might be what is truly important."
"I'll have them investigate if there is any information regarding the transport destination even at the suppressed mining sites."
With that, Stefania left the headquarters.
Graham remained behind.
"The one responsible for the mining site was a viscount. This means that those at the transport destination are higher-ranking vampires. Perhaps this incident is connected to the main target."
His murmurs, of course, went unheard by anyone.
Two days after the successful retaking of all the mining sites.
On the deck of the Papal Barge "Archangel," an explanation was being provided to the officials from various countries.
King Abel I of the Naitorei Kingdom, First Duke Ryo, and of course, Duke Rubine Fiona and Count Oscar from the Debuhi Empire were also present.
"The mined ore has all been transported to this location... approximately fifty kilometers southeast of the Etosha Kingdom. According to the Etosha Government, it is a wasteland, with not even a village in sight. However, we do know there are quite deep caves there, although we do not know their depths."
Cardinal Stefania explained.
"We know there are deep caves, but their depths have not been investigated?"
Abel asked from an adventurer's perspective.
"Yes. Previously, the entrances to several caves were surrounded by many dangerous poisonous marshes. There were those who approached the cave entrances while avoiding those, but it was said that the cave entrances were also filled with poison. It was deemed impossible for humans to enter, and since then, no investigations have been conducted."