They all call me Great Master-Chapter 443 440 Stonemason Guild!

Invisible ripples spread from this cyan gold ring.

Most people could not perceive such ripples.

Only those with the "Spirituality" Talent could sense them.

However, it did not take long for everyone to feel something was different—

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Amidst the dull sound of cleaving air, two figures, each four meters tall, flew out from various parts of the mansion, their grey-white bodies with fierce faces, and bat wings armed with hooked claws.

"Gargoyles?!"

Brule and the merchants behind him widened their eyes, unable to help but exclaim in shock.

Their voices were sharp and piercing, instantly causing Little Lisop and Fengter to frown slightly.

Both were aware that Kemir Manor was protected by gargoyles.

This was a semi-public secret among the Nobility.

Otherwise, this place would have been looted clean long ago.

Never underestimate the greed of the human heart.

But that was only in reference to the Nobility.

The Merchants' circle?

Even Brule was sweating profusely.

As his wealth and status had grown, this merchant had naturally come to know that beyond the everyday world he saw, there lay a hidden one unknown to most.

The Bernice family had once possessed such power.

But Brule had only heard of it, and had never truly seen it.

So when two gargoyles appeared before him, the merchant was utterly unable to remain calm.

It went without saying for those merchants behind Brule, who were even less composed than he was.

Besides exclamations, many even stepped back continuously.

Two of them even fell to the ground outright.

But at this moment, nobody had the time to mock these two— all eyes were fixed on Marinda, who stood before the two gargoyles.

The lady was gently rotating the lapis lazuli ring.

"Go!"

A low chant.

The two gargoyles took flight once more, returning to their original positions.

One to the roof of the main building.

The other to the depths of the back garden.

And only at this moment was Kemir Manor's defense truly deactivated—except when necessary, these two gargoyles would fall into slumber.

Everyday security?

That was naturally handled by Marinda's subordinates.

"Not bad for defensive power."

Arthur, standing to the side watching the gargoyles return to their spots, quietly admired.

The young 'Spirit Medium' was also seeing these gargoyles for the first time, but that did not hinder his performance.

Such a manner of taking things in stride and commenting from a position of higher understanding was far from difficult for Arthur.

Regarding this, Marinda had no doubts.

The identity of Arthur as the contemporary 'Black Cat' and the inscrutable 'Kledos Family' had already deeply impressed the lady. With such a background, the lady straightforwardly said—

"A masterpiece of the 'Stonemason Guild' during the Silver Age.

Although not true 'gargoyles' in every sense, these derived gargoyles, based on automata, still possess formidable attack and defense capabilities. Most importantly is their short-range flight, which is enough to be favored by any Noble, if not for the high cost of production and the need for more gold for regular maintenance, they would be the best troops."

Marinda lamented.

'Stonemason Guild'?

Arthur took note of this organization's name, which he was hearing for the first time.

At the same time, an appropriately ambiguous smile appeared on his face.

"A masterpiece of the 'Stonemason Guild' during the Silver Age?" he echoed softly.

No questioning.

No disputing.

But it was enough.

Marinda glanced at Arthur, slightly annoyed, and said softly,

"Ah yes, that's right, even at its peak, the 'Stonemason Guild' couldn't compare to one-tenth of the 'Cat Faction,' not to mention the 'Cat Hole.'

But, you can't deny their craftsmanship and secret techniques.

If the construction of a gargoyle didn't cost 100,000 Gold Coins and the minimum monthly expenses weren't 500 Gold Coins, not to mention the bottomless hole of battle and repairs, then the 'Stonemason Guild' would be one of the most formidable forces in South Los!"

Facing Marinda, who had learned to quote his catchphrases, Arthur just shrugged.

"You know that's not what I'm referring to,"

the young 'Spirit Medium' said with a resigned smile.

"Of course, I'm aware you're talking about how, after the Pioneer Era began, the emergence of cannons greatly diminished the role of gargoyles,

to the point where the 'Stonemason Guild' nearly vanished from public view.

However, they have recently improved their crowning creations and started to obtain greater combat power in a more effective and lightweight manner.

In Inner Bay, many nobles have placed orders for 'New Guards' with the 'Stonemason Guild'."

Marinda spoke in such a manner.

New Guards?

I wonder what their capabilities are?

How much do they cost?

It would probably be nice to have a couple at No. 2 Cork Street if possible.

Arthur never skimped on arming his 'home.'

Yet, once again, Arthur bemoaned his 'lack of intelligence,' having been unaware of 'such a big event' happening in Inner Bay.

Unconsciously, Arthur's thoughts turned again to the 'Cloak Society.'

Or, to be precise...

Garcia!

'Perhaps it's time to put some pressure on him?'

As Arthur considered this, Marinda, standing by his side, had already turned to signal to Edwin and Mary.

Immediately, the two sprang into action.

Edwin commanded the 20 attendants brought over from No. 6 White Bird Street to take up their positions.

Mary, full of enthusiasm, shouted—

"Two hours!

We have two more hours to clean and decorate this place!

Now, let's get moving!"

After speaking, the housekeeper-cum-cook, officially appointed by Marinda, rolled up her sleeves and quickly sprang into action.

15 maids and 15 attendants promptly followed suit.

Of course, the housekeeper hadn't forgotten to bring hot tea and pastries to those waiting at the door, offering her sincere apologies at the same time.

Little Lisop and Fengter accepted with a smile, expressing not only their willingness to wait but also their desire to help.

"Anything important to the Master is important to the Lisop Family; if you have any instructions, please do tell me,"

Little Lisop said earnestly.

For Little Lisop, had it not been for the worry of exposing his true relationship with Arthur, he would have knelt down and shouted 'Kind Father' by now, and broadcasted the 'Kind Father's' greatness to everyone around.

Fengter, however, frowned.

Because...

Little Lisop had stolen his line.

It was the line prepared by the old butler for him.

Fortunately, Fengter was adaptable.

He said earnestly—

"I feel the same way!"

Having finished, the young noble bowed slightly.

"Thank you both. If possible, please assist Edwin in patrolling the vicinity—even though we have 'cleared' it several times before, there always seem to be some who are undeterred."

Lady Mary didn't reject this kind offer.

Accepting goodwill is also an effortless way to close the distance between people.

Lady Mary, fully aware of this point, immediately communicated with Edwin and got everyone moving.

The cavalry from the Lisop Family started patrolling the surrounding roads.

The firearm bearers from the Doyle family paced through the dense woods.

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And the guards brought by Brule and others?

They didn't need Lady Mary's instructions to spontaneously start their duties.

Therefore, when Lady Mary came with the tea and pastries, her face bore a polite and etiquette-filled smile.

"Will Lady Mary have less time to bake egg tarts in the future?"

Watching this unfold, Arthur voiced his thoughts.

"That won't happen. Cooking is Mary's greatest passion, just like...

just like what we are passionate about."

Marinda shook her head, then lowered her voice.

After exchanging a glance with Arthur, they silently made their way towards a certain area inside the manor—

There lay the true purpose of their visit!