Ivan’s schedule is always regular. During leisure time when there are no operational situations or situations requiring preparation for operations, he used to invest time in checking his capabilities.
Adequate calorie intake for essential activities. (Snacks on nutrition bars.)
Compliance with essential sleep time for optimizing sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. (3 hours, increasing by up to 35 minutes depending on conditions.)
Basic physical training for maintaining muscle strength (Takes 5 hours and 25 minutes to complete all routines.)
Repetitive training to block sensory organs for checking the state of the nervous system (Usually always doing it.)
When the timetable is planned as meticulously as possible, all these activities can be completed in about half a day.
And the remaining time is for repeating the above or modifying and supplementing future guidelines.
“I’m bored just looking at it.”
Edelplatt Cohenulf’s comment on this was harsh.
“Hey, you. Having a bad day?”
“Hmm.”
It was true. The weather had suddenly deteriorated since flying out of the Tylesth aerial zone over the northeastern Elven Sea.
“The sky is clear and the sea is blue! How beautiful the sea is at this time. Look at the horizon. What do you see?”
“The horizon.”
Ivan turned his head and started cleaning his rifle again. Carefully oiling it, wiping it clean of any rust, then disassembling, assembling, checking functions, and managing ammunition.
In the midst of the strong smell of gun oil, Edel let out a deep sigh.
“Look at those kids over there. They look so lively. Isn’t that how to enjoy life?”
Following Edel’s gesture, when he turned his gaze, he saw Oswald and Evelyn bickering. To be precise, Evelyn was alone in the argument, and Oswald was responding indifferently.
Evelyn was Oswald’s former fiancée. The important point is the ‘former’ part. Evelyn Rustpitz, daughter of a prestigious member of the Councilor, unilaterally broke off her engagement with Oswald.
The name of the content Oswald was obsessed with was “[The Genius Wizard Haunted by the Villainous Heroine].”
Judging from his academic performance in magic, he didn’t seem like a genius. But it was clear what Oswald had gained as a “[Reincarnation Bonus].”
The fact that he was an elf from a prominent family of the Councilor.
And, the fact that he had a connection with the Councilor.
This is an abstract but clearly existing bonus that cannot be expressed in numbers. Clearly, as a high-ranking noble of the United Kingdom, he can interact with and influence the Council.
Therefore, Ivan nodded at Edel’s words.
“I needed to meet with the Councilor on this Kalon expedition.”
“No way.”
“Yes, indeed. I told Oswald to arrange a meeting with the Rustpitz family.”
“Has he lost his mind…?”
Edel stared blankly at Ivan and then clenched her forehead.
After taking a deep breath, she soon stood up.
Yes, she must have endured the Dragon’s Breath.
Oh well, it seems there is a ‘lost’ part after all.
“Take up your sword, Jhon.”
“All of a sudden?”
“Why not? Isn’t it the basic principle of martial arts to reach a level through combat? I seem to have rested too long, and it feels like I might rust, so I need your help.”
Martial artists are those who convey intentions through martial arts. As someone who had faced Ivan with a sword, it was only natural for her.
Therefore, it didn’t matter if there were things she had lost or hurt in her heart.
Because pushing harder will solve it.
“Why, are you afraid?”
“Hah.”
Ivan nodded quietly. Not bad. It was necessary to loosen up and clear his mind.
There were too many variables in this operation. It wasn’t something to worry about, but it was difficult to say there were no concerns.
There was no solution other than being stuck in the player’s unit right now. The lack of information on Kalion’s internal affairs was the kind of thing that couldn’t be solved right now.
It would be better to warm up properly instead.
And fighting with Edel would help. There was always something to learn. Isn’t he the strongest elf inspector and the master of a warrior’s swordsmanship?
There was also a need to organize the recent enlightenment.
“Rehabilitation training seems good.”
“That’s right.”
Facing Edel’s fierce smile, Ivan took up his sword and stepped onto the deck.
*
When Elpheira found herself on the deck, she could see Ivan, who looked somewhat dried up from sweat and Edel, who appeared refreshed.
“Eck.”
Ivan, who seemed soaked in sweat and then dried up by the wind, was sprawled out in a corner of the deck. As Elpheira hurried over, Edel smiled and shook her head.
“I’m tidying up right now, so wait.”
“Cohenulf commander…? What’s this…?”
“Martial artists converse with swords. We had a deep conversation.”
Edel chuckled. After a moment, Ivan slowly regained his composure and stood up.
“You recover quickly. As much as your growth.”
“I’m grateful for the teachings.”
“Hmm.”
Edel scrutinized Ivan with eyes like a whip. She brought her finger to the tip of her lips and licked it slightly.
The golden eyes of a bird of prey quickly scanned Ivan’s sweaty neck.
“???”
A shiver ran down Ivan’s spine. He took a few steps back.
Why do I feel a sense of danger…?
“Indeed. Still young on the subject of rapid growth…”
“What are you talking about now?”
“Nothing. Just talking to myself. Well, your physical condition doesn’t seem great. Was it from the last expedition?”
“It’s getting better. It’ll recover in a couple of months.”
“Have you heard about the alchemy school?”
Edel looked at Elpheira as she spoke. Elpheira’s ears perked up happily at her words.
“I was just thinking about that! Does Commander Cohenulf have something in mind too?”
“Primarily focusing on medications for physical recovery. How about you?”
“Primate… um, well. It’s a potion for extending primate lifespans. It’s said to help humans too.”
“I see.”
Edel nodded quietly. Well, they were both of the same race.
There are noble families who occasionally keep small monkeys as pets. Since monkeys have extremely short lifespans, potions of that kind were also popular.
They were somewhat effective for humans too. Although the effects weren’t very dramatic considering the price. At most, it was only a few years, and that varied by individual.
“Anyway, it’s all good. There’s an alchemy logistics berth at the intermediate stop! Why not take a break to replenish supplies?”
“Alchemy logistics?”
“One of the five major schools. Its stock prices have skyrocketed recently! They say they’ve practically raked in money after the war ended….”
“Well, there’s plenty of quality herbs and minerals in demon territories.”
Elpheira nodded at Edelplatt’s response.
It was uncommon for Ivan to explain something unknown. Elpheira straightened her chest and said.
“It’s called the Ashhold Mage Alchemy Association. It’s a company that occupies one island… It was founded by the Viscount of Ashcliffe and the Viscount of Chesterhold 500 years ago!”
“I see.”
“They’re both affiliated with the Councilor! Haven’t you had business with the Councilor?”
“I have.”
But are they figures you can just meet because you want to? In modern terms, they have the aura of a group leader, and they’re not even elves.
At Ivan’s question, Elpheira chuckled and her ears twitched excitedly.
“Who am I? I’m the heir of the Graykencos family! Even without making an appointment, there’s no one in this country I can’t meet except for Her Majesty the Queen!”
“Hmm.”
Thinking of Veolgreen’s reputation.
Ivan nodded absentmindedly. Might as well get some healing potion ingredients cheaply while at it, he thought.
*
“I’m sorry, but the chairman is currently unavailable.”
“Eck.”
“You shouldn’t dock without permission, Miss Graykencos.”
“No, wait a moment.”
The entrance was blocked.
Ivan accepted it quietly. Well, they weren’t elves. he thought.
Elderly elves were as old as the nation’s history. Each one boasted the authority of the royal family.
The company that occupied this huge island had a history of 500 years. From a human perspective, such a long-standing reputation would imply a solid foundation, but the founding chairman of this company is still running the business to this day.
To put it in Earth terms, what would you call it? It’s like the founding chairman who started a company around the time of the Japanese invasions of Korea, and is still running the same company today.
For such a lineage, especially for a successful elf, this is to be expected. Their interactions are not merely social, but even individual exchanges fall within the realm of diplomacy.
“And pet—. Foreigners are allowed entry only after passing quarantine measures. Miss Graykencos. Please sign the entry permit—.”
“Oh, stop! Enough! I’ll lodge a direct complaint with the Councilor!”
“Do as you wish.”
Elpheira blushed and extended her hand. Near the immigration office, the elves were all murmuring, covering their noses and mouths with fans.
Despite the hateful glares directed at him, Ivan looked around slowly.
“Quite impressive.”
The immaculately clean, wide roads and the continuous movement of logistics at the docks. Huge cargo ships and various goods.
In the distance, a massive factory belched steam, and beyond that, a castle even larger than the factory loomed in the background of the island.
All owned by a single company.
Ivan nodded in admiration.
“Not inferior to Earth.”
“That’s right.”
Oswald sighed with a tired expression. To be blocked from the dock by a group of elves, including members of high-ranking families, was quite something.
Meanwhile, Ivan was lost in thought as he surveyed the crowd.
Among the group were the Councilor’s daughter, the daughter of a Hero Party, and the champion of the nation. Even if elves were arrogant, they were still elves. And it was impossible to act like this against such dignified nobles.
And the military presence near the docks was significant. Armed elves moved around, and there were even spells targeting Elpheira causing a disturbance.
The atmosphere was so tense that it was almost palpable. It felt like someone had poked a hornet’s nest.
“It seems there was a reason they couldn’t plant spies in Krasilov. How about first visiting the diplomatic mission…?”
“They’ll probably be sent back to the homeland right after.”
“…Then what should we do?”
“Do what needs to be done.”
Ivan turned back emotionlessly and headed towards the ship.
“What needs to be done?” Oswald followed him with a bewildered expression.
“What’s that?”
“Operation Cleanup Unit.”
Well, no matter how serious a single company is, would it surpass the authority of the Dragon General?
It was necessary to confirm what had happened here and to meet with the high-ranking elf entrepreneurs, who were current members of the Councilor.
Since the moment they heard about Alexander’s involvement, it was clear that Kalion was also included in the “next episode.” If something had happened internally, it was necessary to investigate.
And, after all, the Cleanup Unit was quite curious by nature.
—
“-uduk.”
“Your Highness, my hand is hurt.”
“No!! My stomach hurts!!”
If Ivan decided to disappear, the only person who could track him down in this country was Enrique. And Enrique refused the royal decree.
It was not possible to force her to obey the royal decree. After all, Enrique was not in a position to receive orders from the state.
Therefore, when the extensive tracking attempts by the intelligence command failed for over ten days, Queen Elizaveta’s nails would be significantly shorter.
“Dmitri!”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Pavel’s “secret immigration routes” all turned out to be useless. He wondered what secret immigration route could be there that even the Krasilov rebels didn’t know about, but the opponent was Ivan.
As the commander of the intelligence command and a man who personally inspected the Frechenkaya intelligence network, he couldn’t possibly not know about the information vulnerability.
So, it could be assumed that he had already moved to Kallyon.
“Go to Kalion! Take your seal with you. Enter as an ambassador and find Vanca!”
“I’ll escort him immediately.”
“No.”
Elizaveta closed her eyes tightly and groaned for a while before speaking softly, as if moaning.
“Help him.”
“…Yes…?”
“Since the moment he entered the country, things have already happened…! Even if you bring him now, what difference will it make? Help him…. Whether it’s capturing my husband or anything else you want to do, help him. And, at least, make sure…”
Come back alive.
With a prayerful heart, Elizaveta bowed deeply.
After groaning for a while, she finally raised her head.
“Please, come back safely this time. Please.”
—
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