Chapter 164

After the final exams, Ivan summoned the group once again. It was the usual dinner gathering at Isabelles, as usual.

Eugene, any news on the quest?

Nothing yet, Brother.

Well, if the situation was urgent enough to warrant a disruption in the usual routine, he would have reported before being asked.

Ivan nodded thoughtfully, lost in thought.

Does this mean that the quests warning is meaningless unless its just before the event?

This was a major issue. Eugenes role was deemed akin to an early warning system. But what meaning did a warning system have when it warned only when the situation became so urgent that it was difficult to handle?

Having the powerful advantage of accessing others real names and information might be beneficial, but it seemed more like the realm of espionage rather than early warning systems.

Situations like the Tylesse rebellion cant be responded to even if theyre recognized right before.

Events like the rebellion of the three Counts were the kind that needed to be prevented from the start to finish without casualties.

I should go to Kalion during the winter break.

Ivan finalized his thoughts and looked at the group. Except for Elpheira, no one seemed pleased.

It didnt matter. The number of people he could take was already decided anyway.

Isabelle, Oscar.

Yes.

Yes, sir.

First, the companions from Tylesse.

To calm the uneasy sentiments in Tylesse that had worsened since the civil war, they needed to return to their homeland. The daughter of Maximilian and the son of Jil Ber, their names carried weight at this critical moment.

I need you to contribute to stabilizing the situation in Tylesse.

What difference does it make if I go?

Ugh, I want to go to Kalion too!

Ignoring the grumbling pair, Ivan turned to Ecdysis.

And you, you have an important role.

Are you telling me to teach real music to those spoiled brats in Kalion?!

No. Return to your homeland.

Huh?

Whatever the next major episode would be, it would happen either in Kalion or Drovian. While Ivan could respond effectively in Kalion, the same couldnt be said for Drovian.

If something happened in Drovian while he was absent, they would miss the opportunity. Such situations needed to be prevented.

Yuri, Eugene. Act with Ecdysis.

So Ivan planned to keep Yuri close. Among the current companions, she had the highest power.

In the first year of the knight department, there was a Huscal. However, Yuri remained the top practical student of the first year of the knight department. Its meaning was simple.

At just two years into her incarnation, she already possessed stronger power than Huskal.

Ridiculous growth. If one assumed that all incarnates had some kind of incarnation bonus, then her bonus seemed to be the most understandable form.

Its a talent. Overwhelming and brilliant. It seemed like the level of the protagonist of a growth-type light novel.

Therefore, the plan was to keep her with Ecdysis. In any situation, they should be able to make Ecdysis safe.

Wouldnt it be better for me to go with you, sir?

Its too risky.

What? But where isnt it risky?

No. Your mental barriers are too weak.

Even a simple courage enhancement made his personality change. Eugene was unusually vulnerable to mind sorcery.

And Kalion was the place where the most adept people in mind sorcery in the whole world gathered. While he could respond to physical attacks, Ivan had no means to protect his comrades from mental attacks.

On top of that.

We need personnel who can respond directly on-site when the quest erupts. I can handle it in Kalion, but youll have to do it in Drovian.

Someday, Eugene would need to replace him. His talent as an infiltrator was truly overwhelming.

If I respond I wonder what I can do if something like the Tylesse incident happens

Contact Patricia through the school and request military support from the intelligence headquarters. Drovian is closer to Tylesse.

At the point when Ivan thought of this world as an academy setting, the first adventurer party he contacted was Ecdysis.

Being the first person to cross the border for admission was also a factor, but the fact that Drovian was physically closer couldnt be ignored.

After hearing Ivans words, Eugene nodded quietly.

He now scanned the remaining members inside the mansion.

Elpheira. Essential personnel if they were to go to Kalion from the start.

Oswald. The son of a councilor, engaged to the daughter of the councilor.

Lucia. Supported Eugene during the Tylesse incident, and now he will support him.

And then Rundis. The only person capable of holding the vanguard in the current group, which lacked frontline fighters.

Even though 30 years have passed since coming to this world, only three months seem significant. Ivan was in the Cleanup Unit, and the Cleanup Unit specialized in waiting, lurking, and silence.

Trained operatives can lurk motionless for over ten days. Three months is by no means a long operation.

If lucky, it could be even shorter.

Ivan smiled quietly.

A smuggling ship is my specialty, after all! Remember? Cohenulf once practically smuggled herself in! And I did say Id be returning home this winter.

Lets launch the airship!

Elpheira shouted confidently.

*

Your Highness.

Yes?

The trade routes to Tylesse are in chaos. Its not just one or two, but many railway lines and trade routes have been disrupted since the rebellion of the three marquises. Therefore, even acquiring essential supplies for winter is difficult. While famine can be barely avoided with stored food, if logistics arent stabilized, the winter will be harsh.

Fortunately, the military industry is thriving, so it wont be difficult to secure funds for Tilles and the entire United Kingdom.

Great, the country is gradually stabilizing.

With the submission of the First Legion, the regime has finally been completed.

Now, if only Alexander can be dealt with definitively, then we can hold the coronation

No one would dare to oppose the absolute monarchy. Under the guise of constitutional monarchy, where all responsibility is delegated to the parliament while authority is retained, finally

No one can stop me from marrying whomever I choose.

Even if she had devoted herself to the state solely for this day, it wouldnt be an exaggeration.

Recently, Elizaveta had been unusually joyful in life. In this month, Ivan quietly listened, shaved his beard, the First Legion obeyed, and the colonies expanded!

Even the notorious pirates of Kalion wouldnt dare to attempt a military demonstration under the aerial battleships of the dwarves.

If we get through the winter well, we might attempt military diplomacy next spring.

If its confirmed that Alexander is in Kalion, pressure could be applied by mentioning the rudeness of sending Koenwulf to the last tournament.

Power stems from military strength. And from the moment the aerial fortress is ready, Kalion cannot afford to underestimate Krasilov.

After smoothly transferring Alexanders recruits and neutralizing Kirill in front of the Oktyabryskaya Throne. Only then will the succession to the throne be secured.

And at the coronation, proudly in front of all the people of this country

Would March be good? Hmm. But Id prefer to wear sleeveless in April, wouldnt it be better? Thinner dresses look prettier. Yes, yes. Perfect.

Elizaveta smiled contentedly as she organized the documents.

Come to think of it, Dmitry had requested an audience. About Tilles-related reports, perhaps.

Yes? What is it?

Um, uh, um. Your Highness. That

Speak quickly. Your time is limited.

Yes, Your Highness. Um Your Majesty Um Yes, Your Majesty. Sir Yermov is missing.

-Drip.

The fountain pen I was holding without realizing it bent. Dmitry hastily knelt and shouted as he slapped his knees on the ground.

I swear, I swear, I really dont know. Perhaps, its Pavel, maybe its that man? I-I have no idea!

Fetch Pavel.

Yes, yes!

And release the agents. No, not flyers. Release the agents. How many agents are left in Frechenkaya?

There are about a hundred and sixty.

Release them all. Deploy agents on all land and sea routes to Kalion Release Pavel, and have him report on the smuggling route! Ill give you 30 minutes!

Yes, yes!

Trembling, Dmitry fled as if he were running away.

Elizaveta shook with anger and threw the inkwell.

Mutiny! Mutiny! Its mutiny treason!!

After a while, Pavel, who had hastily searched the chaotic room, quickly prostrated himself on the floor.

Ill do my best to bring the traitor back. Your Highness.

Once you catch him, make sure to hear his testimony.

Understood.

I will strip him of his rank and prepare for his return home with a lifelong pension. So be it!

I humbly accept the marriage in advance.

Youre dismissed! Go!

As you command. Your Highness.

Pavel smiled slyly as he stepped back.

Now that the commander is finally becoming a married man and retiring from military service, Counterintelligence Command is in Pavels hands. So..

Ill give him a generous gift. Yes.