Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 445: Contact ’Them’

The atmosphere inside Demin's opulent office was in total silence, only filled with the scratching of a pen against the paper.

Although Demin Klover is at odds with his cousin, Duke Percival Klover, it doesn't mean he can't diligently attend to his tasks.

Engrossed in his work, he barely noticed the butler's entrance until the sound of papers being placed on his desk.

As his concentration was disrupted, Demin glanced up and his sharp eyes fixated on the butler, who stood beside the stack of documents. "What's this?"

The butler replied, "This is the result of the investigation on Johann's grandson that you asked me to do, master."

Demin's expression shifted. A flicker of recognition crossed his face. "Ah! I nearly forgot about that."

There are so many concerns swirling in his mind, making it easy for some matters to slip through the cracks.

Among them, one matter loomed largest.

That is solidifying and maintaining stable support for his son as the next duke's candidate within their faction. This was the linchpin of his political strategy, the cornerstone upon which his family's influence and power rested.

Those two pesky people, Johann and Betto, haven't shown any sign of giving up yet. They are very persistent and remain as stubborn thorns on his side.

Reports from his sources indicated that each of them frequently met with various individuals over drinks. While seemingly innocuous on the surface, Demin would be a fool to think the purpose was as simple as that.

Those small fries in the faction were individually weaker than Demin in terms of voice and influence. But if united, they can overwhelm Demin and challenge his near-total control in the faction.

It was a scenario Demin could not afford.

"How is it?" Demin's voice filled the room.

"The information provided by the anonymous sender is true," the butler replied.

"Hahaha!" Demin's laughter reverberated within the confines of his office.

With the confirmation from the butler, he now held one of Johann's weaknesses firmly in his grasp. And he had no intention of relinquishing his advantage.

Demin's eyes gleamed with hostility. Dealing with the old man Johann would be his first step, and once he had neutralized that threat, the rest would be a piece of cake. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Meanwhile, the butler remained composed and patiently waiting for Demin's next order.

"Have you found out where 'they' are?"

"You mean the outcasts? I have located one but I have yet to establish contact with them," the butler responded calmly.

"Then go ahead and establish the contact for me," Demin ordered.

Although Demin was excited to carry out his plan, he couldn't rush it. 'Outcasts' is a bunch of sensitive people. Once they feel the slightest uneasiness, they will drop everything and go into hiding.

"Very well, master," the butler replied with a bow.

....

That night, the butler stealthily slipped out of the Klover estate for an unknown destination.

Aside from him, only Demin know about his destination.

The butler relied on the plethora of sources he had gathered. Some were trustworthy informants, while others provided more dubious information.

But, with his extensive network, he could piece together enough clues to approximate the location he sought.

He had no way of knowing how long it would take to reach his destination or establish contact with the 'Outcasts'. However, he heeded his master's instructions to proceed cautiously, taking one step at a time.

As for the matter at the estate, Demin had made arrangements to cover the butler's absence. He plans to assign his son, Darren, to assume the role of butler using the guise of giving Darren administrative training.

By now, everyone already knows Demin's ambition of putting his son on the Duke's throne.

Therefore, his move won't be regarded as out of the norm by the prying eyes.

Back to the butler, the path he took led him out of the city and into the wilderness.

"How long do I have to walk?" the butler grumbled. Although he looks unperturbed, the butler is scared in his heart.

He was surrounded by complete darkness. Had it not for the flicker of light from the lantern, he wouldn't be able to see his own hand.

Crunch—

"W-who's there?" the butler called out. His voice trembled slightly despite his efforts to maintain composure.

The butler's steps faltered as a crunch of footsteps echoed faintly. His heart quickened its pace, thumping loudly in his chest as he strained to identify the source of the noise.

Due to the inability of his eyes to see clearly, his hearing sense sharpened by several levels. The lack of visual stimuli allowed his ears to pick up even the faintest of sounds with remarkable clarity.

However, there was no reply. Instead...

Crunch—

The sound echoed through the stillness of the night again, sending a shiver down the butler's spine. He froze in place and felt so suffocating.

Frantically, the butler swung his lantern around. The feeble light cast eerie shadows. His eyes strained against the darkness as he searched for any sign of movement or presence.

But try as he might, he could see nothing beyond the veil of night.

'Don't tell me...it's a ghost?!' The butler shook his head. 'No, that's impossible.'

He hadn't heard of any incident ever happening in this area in the past.

Knowing he couldn't retreat and return to the mansion, the butler summoned all his courage and forced himself to take a step forward. He had to contact them no matter what.

It was only then, that the butler heard something else aside from the footsteps.

"Are you Demin's butler?" A voice asking him a question.

The butler's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing with a jumble of fear. He hesitated for a moment before finally manage to nod his head frantically in response.

"Yes," he stammered. His voice was barely above a whisper. "I am Demin's butler."

"Follow me!" the voice replied. A series of footsteps was heard clearly afterwards.