Kazimierz, the Grand Knight Territory.
After asking Saria and the other two to lend him the name of Rhine Lab to treat Cyril Nearl, before he could even mention the payment, he was met with Silence's exclamation.
"Cyril Nearl? That legendary... Ah, sorry!"
"You know him too?"
Gregor handed over the potion with some confusion.
"Anyone with even a slight understanding of the history of Kazimierz will have the name Cyril Nearl etched into their mind."
Saria handed the sample of the medicine to Silence, who took it for testing.
"Please forgive our caution, but the target of our treatment is Cyril Nearl. If not handled properly, it could be classified as a diplomatic issue."
"I understand, or rather, I should thank you."
Gregor nodded. He was just asking for help, so he shouldn't be picky.
"That won't be necessary. If we can truly cure that person... Rhine Lab will offer a token of our gratitude."
Saria answered frankly, without any intention of saving money for a colleague who was still struggling with funds.
However, Justin himself wouldn't refuse...
"If the treatment is truly successful, it will be tantamount to gaining the friendship of the entire Kazimierz."
Gregor was somewhat skeptical of Saria's explanation.
"Including Business Federation?"
"At least they will maintain a facade of respect."
Saria turned to look at the isolation window of the laboratory, where Silence was testing the medicine.
"We will delete all information regarding the medication once it is confirmed to be harmless."
"Casual."
Gregor didn't care about this; he would be happy if the other party could research and develop the same potion.
Shaking his head, Gregor raised a new question.
"If Cyril Nearl were to use his influence, could the situation of the Infected be changed?"
You've got one thing wrong.
Saria pushed a swivel chair toward Gregor, who sat down.
"The Nearl Family is of great significance to Kazimierz, but that doesn't mean they can participate in decision-making. The one who can truly decide this... is the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy."
Seeing the question mark on the other person's electronic screen, Saria crossed her arms.
"Although the Business Federation is also under the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy, the real political power lies with the Campaign Knight, and at the pinnacle of their ranks... is Grand Knight Commander Ioleta Russell."
"She was a contemporary of Cyril Nearl, the true ruler of the Grand Knight Territory, and even more so..."
Can you just give me the conclusion?
Seeing the expression on the screen turn sorrowful, Saria nodded.
"Simply put, we can do favors for the Nearl Family and leverage their connections to influence the Grand Knight Commander."
"But the issue of Infected is of great importance, and it probably won't be that easy."
"Because of Oripathy?"
"That's one reason..."
Saria did not deny it, and instead turned on the television.
Gregor realized what was happening when he saw the Business Federation's advertisement on the screen.
"The Business Federation is getting involved?"
"Of course, the Commercial Union has always wanted to increase its influence within the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy, and naturally does not want the Nearl Family, as a symbol of knighthood, to rise again."
Saria quietly looked at the background on the screen; it was the National Assembly.
The venue for the formulation and trial of a country's laws is now being used as a backdrop for advertisements.
"The Commercial Union has corrupted some of the Campaign Knight with money. Although they are insignificant compared to a real army, they have already tasted the power and will not give it up easily."
"Didn't that Grand Knight Commander consider doing something about it?"
Gregor couldn't help but feel puzzled. To hand over the country's power so easily? Even just a portion of it was astonishing.
"Perhaps that Grand Knight Commander is confident enough."
"She was confident in the power of the Campaign Knight, and the arrival of the Business Federation did indeed accelerate the development of Kazimierz."
"But as long as she has the power of the Campaign Knight, she can drive the Business Federation out at any time."
Gregor was somewhat speechless; this was also the difference between this Daichi and his Daichi.
The people here are truly capable of forming an army single-handedly, and even the kings and generals are incredibly courageous.
But...
Gregor looked out the window; even though it was late at night, the neon lights were still shining.
The so-called land of knights...
Is the problem here really solvable simply by driving away the Commercial Union?
Unaware of Gregor's doubts, Saria made her conclusion.
"In short, if you really want to improve the living conditions of the Infected, persuading that Grand Knight Commander is the best option."
"..."
... Nothing happened that night...
The sun rises, the long night departs, and only now... do the neon lights pause briefly.
The Grand Knight Territory was utterly silent in the early morning, devoid of lights and noise. Perhaps this was the true nature of Kazimierz.
A gentle breeze swept through the tall buildings, causing newspapers on the ground to flutter in the wind.
The sun shone on the paper, clearly displaying the words "[Honor Championship is about to begin]".
Brush...
Saria held the newspaper in one hand and quietly read the report.
What do you think?
A calm electronic voice came from the side, and Saria turned the newspaper over.
If previous reports still raised suspicions that the Commercial Union intended to profit from the new event...
So when the term "[Infected]" appears, the competition has already lost its purity.
Saria replied softly.
"It's a scam, isn't it obvious?"
"If only everyone understood as much as you do..."
Gregor stared at the smiling face of the spokesperson in the newspaper, a fake smile... just like the promises made by the Business Federation.
Will any Infected participate?
You already have the answer in your heart.
Gregor fell silent; of course he knew...
How appealing would the Business Federation's so-called "wishes" be to Infected have nowhere else to turn?
Having not seen the sun for a long time, Gregor looked up and was greeted by towering skyscrapers.
This is the core area of Grand Knight Territory, where hundreds of businesses may be located in a single building.
The cost of just one level of space is enough to sustain all the Infected in Block Zero.
Gregor silently gazed at these colossal structures that blocked out the sunlight; they were towers built with money, yet also prisons that held Kazimierz captive.
"The shuttle vehicle will arrive in a while; I can wait here."
Saria's gentle dissuasion brought him back to his senses, and Gregor turned to observe her expression.
"Don't you need to rest for a while?"
After testing the drug's effects, the other party immediately contacted the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy.
I was on the phone all night and only managed to get an hour of sleep close to dawn.
Having barely slept a wink all night, Gregor couldn't help but worry about Saria's mental state.
"No need, I'm not that fragile."
"But you don't look well."
Gregor bluntly pointed out that Saria's fatigue was evident on her face, and she was clearly not as relaxed as she claimed.
"No, this isn't about sleep duration..."
Saria rubbed her head. She couldn't very well say that she'd been dreaming about a pair of men confessing their love to her every time she had a dream these past few days, could she?
"Just consider it a nightmare."
Nightmare?
Gregor was somewhat surprised, then comforted him:
"Dreams are often the opposite of reality; perhaps something good is about to happen?"
This claim has no scientific basis.
Saria crumpled the newspaper into a ball and threw it into the trash can not far away.
Gregor nodded slightly as he watched the fluid movements.
"Looks like you're adapting well to your new arm."
"I did the corresponding training."
Saria gave a brief reply and looked up into the distance.
"They're here."
Gregor looked up and saw that the street, which should have been unlit, was now illuminated by numerous lights.
"A convoy?"
Numerous vehicles drove towards this direction, their uniform appearance indicating their origin.
"After all, it concerns the life and health of that [flag bearer], so it's only natural that it's taken seriously."
Saria wasn't particularly surprised; instead, she encouraged her:
"This shows that the other party is very important to the Grand Knight Commander, which means... the success rate of what you want to do will be higher."
I hope so.
As they were talking, the convoy pulled up beside them.
It wasn't a commercial vehicle, but a cargo truck covered in heavy armor.
Squads of knights dismounted and surrounded the two, warily observing their surroundings.
The staff member carrying the documents stepped out of the central vehicle and, after confirming Saria's identity, turned to Gregor.
Who is this?
"Black Iron Knight"
Saria's words startled the staff, but her subsequent explanation filled them with respect.
"They are also the providers of the medicine."
Gregor felt the knights' gazes and nodded in response.
"Thanks you."
The staff didn't say much, perhaps because they didn't have much hope for the medicine.
The attention it has received is largely due to the guarantee from Rhine Lab.
"Please get in the car, gentlemen."
Following the staff to the central van, the riders did not board but instead followed the vehicle on foot.
The synchronized footsteps created a deafening roar, prompting many residents to peek out while cursing, only to silently retreat after being met with the unified gaze of the group.
"You two need not worry. The people who have come this time are the backbone of the Campaign Knight, and their safety is more than guaranteed."
There was no response.
The staff member awkwardly touched his nose, wanting to say something, but was stopped by Gregor's gesture.
Looking to the side, I saw Saria resting with her eyes closed.
The staff kept quiet, Gregor used his special vision to observe his surroundings.
As early as midnight, after the test results were obtained, the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy personnel had already taken away some of the samples.
It's probably still in testing, but its powerful restorative effects are likely already known to everyone.
Including Commercial Union...
Remembering the Assassin of the Armorless Union, Gregor warily glanced around at the surrounding high-rise buildings.
He wasn't afraid of being sniped, but there were too many people around... He had to protect these knights.
The procession continued its march, and the silhouette of the National Assembly came into view.
Just when Gregor thought he would arrive safely, the temperature beneath the ground ahead began to rise.
"Parking."
"What?"
The driver instinctively slowed down, and the surrounding knights immediately became alert. Saria, who had just woken up, looked over with the staff.
"It's too late..."
As the heat source drew ever closer, Gregor looked toward the car door.
How much does this car cost?
"Ah?"
The staff were a little puzzled. Did this person really like the car? Giving it to them as a gift wouldn't be difficult...
Just as he was thinking this, Gregor punched the car door open.
Staff member. "???"
Amidst the horrified gazes of the crowd, Gregor lowered the handbrake on the vehicle.
Laugh--!!!
With his hands gripping the ground, the vehicle jerked violently, then came to a stop enveloped in crimson light.
The knights came to an abrupt halt, but before they could inquire about the situation, the ground not far ahead suddenly exploded.
"Attack!"
The atmosphere immediately became tense, Gregor scanned his surroundings again.
"It's alright now, let's keep going."
"But..."
The staff looked at Gregor's hand; the glowing red armor made them wonder if the hand inside still existed.
"Don't worry, no one will get hurt."
Gregor shook his hands, trying to cool his armor, and with his other hand offered several gold bricks, saying under the other's questioning gaze:
"Is there enough money for the car repairs?"
"No, no, no! Please take it back immediately!"
Seeing the disapproving looks from the riders outside the car, cold sweat broke out on the staff member's forehead.
"Please, for the sake of my job!"
They continued onward, and this time there were no attacks along the way; the group successfully arrived.
As soon as I got off the bus, a Kuranta woman came up to me.
Golden hair, a resolute face etched with wrinkles, and the medals adorning her body.
His identity is self-evident.
"Welcome, both of you. I am Ioleta Russell; you may call me Russell."
"Hello, Knight Commander."
Saria would never actually call her that, Russell smiled and didn't correct her.
"Thank you for the gift from Rhine Lab. No matter the final outcome, Kazimierz will always keep its doors open for you."
"It's our honor."
Saria gave a brief reply, and Russell glanced at the knights behind them, smiling approvingly.
"And thank you, young men, for protecting our guests."
"..."xN
The knights lowered their heads. Russell keenly sensed that something was wrong, and a staff member came to his side to explain in a low voice.
Russell's expression turned somewhat grim. Not far away, a man dressed in a well-tailored suit was hurrying towards them.
"Grab him and take him away."
The man was immediately seized by the knights and dragged away without any mercy.
Realizing what had happened, he immediately started cursing.
"Russell, what are you doing! I'm a member of the board..."
"Shut him up."
Thump--
The man fell silent, Gregor re-examined the kindly smiling old man before him.
Russell also scrutinized Gregor, not questioning his unusual appearance, but instead offering a sincere apology.
"My apologies, it's so rude of me to ask a guest for help..."
"Don't worry, no one is hurt."
Gregor interrupted what could have been a long speech, and Russell, sensing his eagerness, smiled and stepped aside.
"It was my oversight. Please come with me."
The crowd entered the building, surrounded by people, and the bright lights illuminated the entire passageway.
"This is the Champion Wall, where portraits of champions from all generations are displayed."
Russell introduced the two men without any airs of being the highest leader.
The two responded occasionally, and Gregor, scanning the portrait, suddenly slowed down.
Russell looked in the direction Gregor was looking, was surprised for a moment, and then laughed.
"I heard you two have a good relationship. Didn't she bring you to meet her?"
The old man walked up to the portrait and stroked the frame.
Above, Caprinae, clad in black armor, stands tall and imposing, his face radiating arrogance.
And there are three such framed paintings, all bearing the same name, despite the different expressions of the figures depicted.
Black Knight - Mace
"We've only been friends for a short time... Wait, do you also read the Wine Report?"
Gregor realized what was happening, and Russell cleared his throat to change the subject.
"Speaking of which, I awarded Black Knight a medal when she won her first title."
"Back then, I never imagined that Caprinae, who came from Leithanien and knew no magic... could achieve the legendary feat of winning three championships."
Russell continued walking forward, and the others followed.
Upon arriving in the new space, perhaps it was the old man's gentle tone that eased the atmosphere.
Looking at the armor and shields around him, Gregor asked curiously.
"This space is very spacious; is it an exhibition hall set up for the champion?"
Russell paused, then responded softly.
"This exhibition hall existed before knightly competitions flourished; it used to be a museum preserving the relics of heroes..."
"Museum..."
Gregor was somewhat surprised by this answer; how could a place like this be associated with knightly competitions?
Seemingly sensing Gregor's thoughts, Russell explained with a smile.
"In the eyes of many knights, knightly competitions are indeed not respectable."
"But undeniably... those who ultimately win are the truly strong."
As he spoke, Russell seemed to remember something and turned to Gregor with a smile.
"Speaking of which... would the Black Iron Knight be interested?"
Gregor instinctively turned around and met Russell's somewhat serious gaze.
"To become Kazimierz..."
"The new champion."