"I'm not from your department, so there's no need for formalities."
Expressionless, Ian raised a hand and stopped the captain from speaking. "Continue with your mission."
"Reporting, sir, the mission has already been completed."
The Iron Folk man with silver-gray hair forced out a rather stiff smile. Respectfully, he took a blank report and a pen from his breast pocket and handed them to Ian. "How many would you like me to write down?"
"Not a single one. This is a very law-abiding town."
Ian glanced at the report, drew a '0' on it, and returned it to the captain. "Take it. You did well."
As he spoke, a vial of alchemical medicine glimmering with a pale green light had somehow been slipped in among the returned paper and pen.
"This is..."
Captain Fasha's eyes widened. He instinctively sensed both danger and value from the potion, carefully holding it in his hands.
"Queen Ant Rot Poison," Ian said blandly. "Be careful not to spill it. It's very expensive... and very dangerous. Remember to hand it over to the person who should receive it. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" Fasha shuddered, but delight showed on his face.
"Mm. Go." Ian waved his hand. Though his face showed no impatience, his tone made it obvious enough.
Fasha saluted Ian again, then turned and roared at the squad behind him, "Everyone, fall back into formation! Release them! Today's mission is over!"
The guards did not hesitate. They quickly removed everyone's shackles and let them go.
The armored gear activated once more, and the search party left Gal Town.
On the road, the team member who had been reprimanded earlier edged closer, puzzled—he was related to the captain. "Captain, why were you so polite to that young kid? He just seemed a little... better-looking, maybe? He