They agreed to meet after the visit because most of the staff were still dizzy from the sedation and laying down for so long.
Next, the groups of people split up. Delta and Chris stayed behind to protect those who are still recovering, while Kate and Violetta went to investigate along with relative personnel.
The water mage smiles as she sees the princess and her maid happily chatting. She was glad that in Violetta's eyes, she was a trustworthy person. It was such a warm feeling…
'I guess, I just made my first friend,' Delta tells herself in her head.
Although she was at such a prominent position in the Demigod Society, she was also a workaholic, so she never really had anyone closer than 'acquaintances'.
Violetta and Kate stroll behind the worker who leads them towards the Manager Sun's house. Violetta leisurely supports her head with her arms and looks up to the setting sun. Along with them were three other staff members, one who knew where Manager Xi lives, and another two who claimed to be close to the managers.
Soon, they arrive in a neighborhood district. The courtyards there are not wealthy, though they are not shabby either.
The gates are made of average grade material, but they are clean which gives off a refined feel.
Soon, they arrive in front of a courtyard with shale walls.
A staff member knocks on the large gates with the metal rings.
"Excuse us, is anyone home?"
"..."
"Hello, we're from Thousand Scent Herb Hall, and we'd like to meet Manager Sun."
Slowly, the large doors open. They look inside and see an elder couple. They seem to be Manager Sun's parents.
"Please come inside," the elder man says with a hoarse voice.
Each of them slightly bow their head to the elders as they walk in the courtyard.
Kate glances around at the modest and clean courtyard. It looks quite welcoming.
Respectfully, they sit down around the table in the front yard.
The elderly woman in front of them starts to tremble.
"If you're trying to find Sun Fu Wei… he hasn't returned home for a long time."
This news is quite the shock to the staff members.
Violetta furrows her brows, "How long?"
The elderly woman looks at them with sorrowful eyes, "A week already…"
"... come to think of it, those people also went missing a week ago. We thought they were taking a leave," one of the staff ponders.
"Something is wrong with this," another says.
It is too much of a coincidence if they all took a leave… they must check Manager Xi and Shopkeeper Li to see if they might also be missing! If so, the greatest possibility is definitely… they were kidnapped!
But why?
They quickly rushed to the other houses in search of hope, but to no avail.
"How could this be!" one of the staff collapsed.
"While we were working without a worry, they all disappeared!"
Kate holds the man's arm, telling him to stand back up, "Don't worry, we will find them and bring them back safely. It's never your fault. It's the fault of the kidnapper of course, for doing such a crime!"
The only other woman in the group speaks up, "Why would they be kidnapped? Just because of their business skills? Were they kidnapped to help someone else's business?"
Violetta smiles.
Her elegant voice suddenly fills the air, and she explains to them, "Close, but not exactly. Here's my speculation: They indeed were kidnapped for their business skills, and it is to help another business, but not literally. They were kidnapped and held as hostages. Then, the enemy told your boss, threatening to kill them if he does not step down from his position and abandon Thousand Scent. Your boss could not seek help, as that would put the managers and Shopkeeper Li in danger."
The staff gaze at her with a look of bewilderment and admiration.
The black haired princess looks at her maid, "Kate, I believe you can already guess the rest."
Her maid's hazel eyes shine a delectable chestnut color.
"Yes! So basically, your boss left Thousand Scent, and then you guys were drugged. If this goes on, Thousand Scent will have to go bankrupt because there isn't any one of you that can take over. Furthermore, the fact that you guys were drugged, and the shop is closed for so long ruined Thousand Scent's reputation."
The staff shake in anger. This was definitely quite thought out.
The next sentence makes everyone's face darken more.
"Your boss was tricked. They most likely never intended to let them go, as they knew of the scheme."
A vein bulges on a man's forehead.
"How dare they… how dare they!" he cries in anger.
They were aggrieved and livid, however they could do nothing at the moment.
"We cannot take action brashly in case it alerts the enemies," the woman points out.
"Yes, we should meet up tomorrow and think of a plan. Don't worry, if I'm correct about the perpetrator, the shopkeeper, managers, and your boss should still be alive and won't die anytime soon."
This sentence filled the staffs' hearts with ease. Although they are not familiar with this girl, her demeanor showed trustworthiness and professionalism. In addition, her plans and actions are reasonable and included all details.
Though she looked younger than twenty, she exuded a mature vibe too, which the staff admired.
They did not ask for who the perpetrator she thought is because knowing too much is not good and they believe she will honor her words.
The responsible maid, Kate, looks up at the starry sky.
"Pr- ahem. Violetta, we must go back. You still have something to do tomorrow morning," she hints at the edict the eunuch delivered in the afternoon.
"Indeed. Let's head back to Delta and Chris and have everyone go home. Your families must all be worried about you."
In the pitch black darkness of the night, they all head home in sorrow after knowing the painful truth.