Chapter 88: The Committee’s Benefits

Alistair didn’t let the meeting end immediately after Damon accepted his offer.

Instead, he gestured toward the man standing beside the wall. The man stepped forward carrying a black folder, a slim card, and a sealed envelope, placing everything on the table in front of Damon.

"These are the benefits arranged for you," Alistair said. "Since you’ve agreed to cooperate with the committee, you’ll have access to the resources and privileges attached to that arrangement."

Damon drew the folder toward himself and opened it.

The first few pages contained names, photographs, and brief profiles of different families.

Some were accompanied by detailed records, while others had only basic information and references to their standing within Eclipse Concord. The material was organized well enough that he could find what he needed without sorting through a pile of unrelated documents.

"These are the families connected to the committee," Alistair explained.

"Their backgrounds, positions, and other relevant details are recorded here. Some files are more complete than others, but you’ll have a starting point for understanding the families connected to us."

Damon turned another page, scanning a name before moving to the next.

There were quite a few families involved, and their circumstances weren’t all the same. Some had held positions within Eclipse Concord for generations, while others appeared to have gained their standing through more recent developments.

Their influence and resources differed, too.

He closed the folder and moved to the card.

It was dark, with a discreet emblem on its surface and no unnecessary decoration.

Alistair explained that it would give Damon access to Eclipse Concord’s private website, where members could find information and services unavailable to outsiders.

"The files are only a starting point," the old man continued.

"The website contains more information, including updates to family records, resources available through the committee, and other restricted material. Some sections require additional authorization, but your card will give you access to the areas available to you."

Damon slipped the card between his fingers, examining it briefly before setting it beside the folder.

The website would let him search for particular families, check the information available to him, and see what resources he could obtain through Eclipse Concord.

The old man continued, explaining that the website included information about the inheritances associated with the connected families.

Each family had its own inheritance, with its own history and significance.

Those inheritances were separate from the ordinary resources exchanged through the committee, and the information available about them varied from family to family.

Damon listened with greater interest.

A family’s inheritance could be much more than a collection of valuable objects. Depending on the family, it might involve techniques, specialized knowledge, medicinal formulas, or other resources passed down through generations.

The committee’s records could help him understand what made each family important and what kind of resources existed within its network.

Alistair then indicated the sealed envelope.

"There’s also a residence arranged for you. You can use it whenever you need a place closer to the committee’s activities. The basic arrangements have already been taken care of, so you won’t have to concern yourself with the day-to-day details."

Damon opened the envelope and looked over the information inside. It contained the details of the property and the arrangements made for its use.

He already had Blackstone Manor, and he had no intention of moving out. Thomas was managing the estate, recruiting additional staff, and gradually putting everything in order. The manor suited him perfectly well.

"Fine. I’ll use it when there’s a reason to."

Alistair nodded, apparently satisfied with the uncomplicated response.

"The people listed here can also help direct your requests to the appropriate channels. You don’t need to handle every matter personally. If something falls within the committee’s responsibilities, contact the relevant person and let them deal with it."

He provided Damon with the accompanying contact information. Some matters would require approval, and others might depend on the family or department involved, but Damon now had a proper way to approach the organization rather than relying entirely on Alistair’s personal attention.

Damon gathered the files, card, and envelope, setting them neatly in front of him.

Alistair waited until he had finished before speaking again.

"We’ve provided the benefits promised on our side. Now it’s your turn."

Damon leaned back slightly, his expression remaining calm.

"There’s not much I can tell you. Four years ago, sixty-four people met with my parents. I only learned about that meeting recently, and I still don’t know what they discussed or why so many people connected to it later disappeared."

Alistair listened without interrupting.

"Only five are confirmed to have survived. I don’t know where any of them are now, or what happened after that meeting. All I know is that they may still be in danger."

"Five people," Alistair repeated, considering the information.

"Then they’re our best leads. Finding them may help us understand what happened."

"I’ve already instructed my butler to investigate them," Damon replied. "We haven’t found anything useful yet."

Alistair nodded. "Continue the search. If you need assistance, use the contacts you’ve been given. Eclipse Concord has resources that may help once we have something concrete to pursue."

Damon gave a brief nod. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Alistair didn’t press the matter further. He had received the information Damon possessed, and anything beyond that would require an investigation of its own.

For now, there was little point in keeping the discussion focused on something neither of them could immediately resolve.

"Your access should be active by now," Alistair said, gesturing toward the card.

"If you encounter a problem with the website or need access to a restricted section, contact the person responsible for it. They’ll tell you what’s required."

"Then I’ll take my leave."

Alistair nodded. "Of course. We’ll speak again when there’s something worth discussing."

Damon stood up. He had come to the meeting to settle his position with the committee, and he was leaving with more than an agreement. Whether those benefits would prove as useful as promised remained to be seen.