Everknight

Chapter 8

Salem silently read her novel, occasionally plopping a piece of chopped braised pork ribs into her mouth. Her Everknight came by hours ago, offering her some of his homemade cooking, which she happily accepted and thanked him for. Granted, the immortal didn't need food or drink but that doesn't mean she lost her taste buds. Turning a page in her book, Salem was about to mentally read the first word on the page when her scroll started ringing.

Although she was slightly annoyed by the sudden interruption of her leisure, Salem picked up her scroll and checked who the caller is. It's from the 'good' doctor, Arthur Watts.

She wiped her mouth clean with a napkin and answers the video call, screen flickering to life revealing a faintly tanned man with dark hair and a mustache. "Hello, Dr. Watts." Salem greeted the doctor. "Do you have something to report?"

"Not quite, ma'am. My apologies for calling you this late in the day." Dr. Watts meekly replied before composing himself. "I am calling to ask for assistance on a little operation I happen to be working upon at Mantle. It involves an abandoned mining facility that was shut down after an explosive accident. A notable incident for the Schnee Dust Company," He couldn't help but add that last sentence in. "if I must say."

"What is this operation you are planning?"

"Several of my projects and operations require a substantial amount of Dusts." Dr. Watts glance over at another scroll. "I'm afraid I am nearly running slow on Dust after several import laws were imposed by Atlas Council. Even my regular contacts are having difficulties answering my supplies."

"If Dust is what you require, why not ask Cinder for some amount?" Salem can see the obvious hatred between the two. If they had it their way, they would have killed each other a long time ago. Regardless, their bickering will cease if she steps in. "I know she has much to spare."

Annoyance flickers in Dr. Watts's eyes upon mentioning Cinder. "While Cinder may be 'willing' to supply me by your command, I'd rather spare all of us the inconveniences down the line." By inconveniences, he means Cinder will be bitching about how much of a debt he owes her. "Besides, the recent import laws are heavily enforced, especially in Mantle."

No doubt, these new import laws are causing a fuss among the Mantle citizenry. Something that Dr. Watts plans to be utilizing in his further plans.

Salem rested her head on her hand, "Very well, I will order the Grimm residing within the mines to stand down for you to acquire what you need."

"You have my thanks, ma'am." Dr. Watts bowed, "But I'm afraid that's not all to it. If you don't mind me sparing the details."

"Explain."

"The amount of Dust I wish to acquire requires a significant amount of manpower to mine and transport. My assets are barely sufficient without expending a substantial amount of our resources."

The Queen of Grimm understands what Dr. Watts wants. "To use the Grimm as a labor force for this operation?"

"They are being utilized in the mountains of Vale." Dr. Watts politely pointed out. "I believe they can be employed similarly, with some... Delicate assistance of course. I understand that the Grimm will not easily obey what I say, nor perform their role well without in-person supervision."

"You wish for my Everknight, my emissary, to assist you in your endeavor?"

Dr. Watts swallowed, understanding that one of Salem's most valuable assets at risk with this request. "If that is allowed, your grace. There will be careful measures I shall be implementing to ensure his safety. While he is here with me, I will also be utilizing our acquired resources to return the favor. For example, armor and weapons that he wishes to procure using Atlas's state of the art technology."