"D-Director!?"
Fujimaru Ritsuka abruptly grabbed the communicator.
"Communications can connect now? But didn't Leonardo da Vinci say this morning that normal communication was only possible within a few kilometers of the Shadow Border?"
Mash hurriedly leaned in as well.
"Mm, after trying all sorts of methods, the technical advisors have successfully found a way to stabilize communications. Of course, that was all thanks to the instructions issued by the wise and mighty me."
Goredolf still wore that smug expression.
"Still, how exactly did they do it?"
Mash's mouth fell slightly open.
After all, they were currently in a village a hundred and fifty kilometers away.
Going from a communication range of only a few kilometers to one spanning well over a hundred kilometers in a single day was just too terrifying!
But it truly was encouraging news!
"First, they improved the quality of communications, then they expanded the range using hastily modified drones. In short, that's about it. Just get the general idea."
"Still, being able to establish communications this quickly was an unexpected stroke of luck."
Goredolf wiped the sweat from his face. Clearly, he did not understand how it had actually happened either.
"Then, where's Leonardo da Vinci?"
That was what Fujimaru Ritsuka cared about more.
"She went to help repair the Shadow Border. What do you mean by that? Don't tell me you simply don't want to see me?"
Goredolf glared at Fujimaru Ritsuka with dead fish eyes.
"N-No."
Fujimaru Ritsuka gave an awkward laugh and took two steps back.
"Um."
Gerda cautiously raised one hand.
"I mean, I mean..."
"Who is this tiny, chubby little uncle?"
Chubby?
Goredolf's gaze sharpened.
"He's so chubby!"
An excited smile appeared on her face.
"This is my first time seeing a chubby person! So this is what they call a