SilverAsh: I Can't Eat Another Bite, Really...

[Gregor: Has it been found yet?]

[Vera: Yes, we've connected with Babel Tower, and they're not against us communicating with the Doctor.]

[Vane: Well, we're going to their home base, so I'm confident.]

[Gorth: So... time is running out?]

[Vane: Don't get your hopes up too high. Even if the Precivilization has a way to send us back, their technology was almost completely destroyed.]

[Gregor:... It's always good to try, especially with the Magic Stone as an alternative.]

[Vera: Okay, have Ifrit prepare everything on your end, and don't neglect the treatment.]

[Gorth: Speaking of which, shouldn't we prepare a reward?]

[Vane: Tabo is quite tolerant, but we can't let him work for nothing... How about you summon some monsters to act as his operators?]

[Vera: Isn't this a bit odd a gift?]

[Vane: The more Mega-tier operators, the better!]

[Vera:... I will consider it.]

[Gorth: Remember to come here for materials.]

[Vane: Remember to help me collect CGs]

[Vera: Image (scout)]

[Vane: Okay!]

[Gregor: You still can't forget your CG...]

[Vane: Of course! Who told Hypergryph not to release all the Elite Operator? What about yours, boss? You promised to release Nearl Family's...]

After closing the Group Chat and ignoring Vane's follow-up questions, Gregor felt slightly awkward.

Even though it's just taking some photos, there's always a subtle sense of immorality in doing it without the person's consent.

"What's wrong? You look uncomfortable."

"... I remember I was wearing a full-coverage helmet."

"Then you'll have to ask that little guy."

He closed the book in his hand and pointed his mace at the Ten Percent Off on Gregor's head.

"It seems to express your feelings, isn't that interesting?"

"... Perhaps you and Maria get along quite well."

"The young lady from the Nearl Family? I must say, the weapons she forges are quite good."

Remembering the cracked greatsword of the other party, Gregor asked in confusion:

"You had her forge a new weapon?"

"A pair of iron maces; I plan to try out other weapons during the competition."

"You're participating in the competition too?"

"Of course, opportunities to have a formal duel with you are rare."

He stretched his shoulders, which were stiff from sitting for so long, and pointed to the registration form next to Gregor.

"I remember you said you weren't interested in these kinds of competitions, so why are you thinking of participating now?"

"I just want this absurd game to end sooner."

"That's all?"

"... Let's just say that's how it is."

Gregor turned his head away, not intending to elaborate.

This match was destined to be incomplete, and the duel that Jian was looking forward to will likely end inconclusively.

Russell's plan was simpler and more brutal than he had imagined.

Taking advantage of the crowds gathering at the arena during the competition, they carried out a cleanup and took down the Business Federation in the shortest possible time.

As for the subsequent counterattack--

Russell himself claims to have a large amount of evidence against the Business Federation, but the veracity of this claim will be confirmed once the arrests are completed.

But can it really be solved so simply?

"Give."

Gregor looked up to see the books that Jian had handed him.

"If you can't calm your mind, try reading more books. Even if you've read them before, reading them several times can give you different insights."

"... Thanks."

Gregor took the book but didn't open it.

"Not interested? I have others..."

"I can't read."

"..."

For a moment, Jian didn't know what to say. As if to break the awkward atmosphere, Gnosis, who was standing next to him, stopped taking notes.

"Knowledge is the ladder of human progress, and writing is the carrier of knowledge. If you want to learn more... I happen to have some free time now."

Seeing the worry in their expressions, Gregor said somberly:

"Was my behavior obvious...?"

"You've been sitting there staring at that registration form for two hours now, and thanks to you, the room temperature is rising, starting to interfere with my thinking."

"... Feel sorry."

"Tsk."

Putting down his work, Gnosis turned his chair around to face the two of them.

"I hate inefficient conversations. If you have any worries, feel free to say them directly."

"...No, I've made up my mind." Gregor shook his head, not intending to involve Kjerag and the others.

Russell's plan was certainly crude, but the armed forces he controlled were indeed powerful, and at least the Business Federation could not stop him.

All he needs to do is follow the plan and maintain order and security in the western district.

This time, he will control his strength.

At least... it won't be like Columbia.

Pushing up his glasses, Gnosis had anticipated Gregor's stubbornness.

"I don't want to say too much, I'll just give you one piece of advice."

Since you can no longer ignore it, be careful not to trip yourself up.

After saying that, Gnosis left with the organized documents.

"What's that guy's name?"

Suddenly, Mace asked a question, Gregor had been deep in thought, snapped out of it.

"His name is Gnosis, don't you know him?"

"I've seen too many arrogant guys like this, and I have no interest in understanding them, but now it seems they have some merit."

"Perhaps you could try becoming friends."

"No, I don't plan to go to Kjerag for tourism."

It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned it, because once it was brought up, Gregor couldn't help but rub his head.

Because of him, Machete didn't Kjerag. Will that affect SilverAsh's future plans?

Thinking about this, Gregor suddenly had an idea.

Since Vera can send monsters, sending a few Fire Grand Knight as guards isn't a big deal, right?

Seeing Gregor nod, Jian suddenly asked:

Where do you plan to go next?

"Kazdel... why are you asking this?"

"The Sarkaz kingdom, huh? Looks like they won't be short of rivals."

Understanding the other person's meaning from their words, Gregor was momentarily taken aback, and then advised against it:

"... The Armorless Union will soon cease to exist; you don't need to leave Kazimierz."

"Ten years is enough time for me to get tired of this place. Even without them, I plan to leave."

Jian straightened his hair and looked at Gregor with a mocking expression.

"Besides, someone should need a guide."

"..."

"What? Can't you speak?"

"No, as payment, I'll teach you how to fish."

"... Tsk, what a petty person."

Outside the door, Gnosis, who had returned to retrieve another set of documents, silently lowered his hand from the door before knocking.

His intuition told him that it was better not to go in at this time.

With this in mind, he decided to go out for some exercise.

Gnosis bought a newly published newspaper at the counter and read it as he walked.

The Adeptus Sprawiedliwy issued a notice: Criminals are present in the commercial street; residents should be aware of their safety when going out...

"Are you satisfied with this result, Mr. Enciodes?"

SilverAsh put down the newspaper in his hand, touched his chest, and apologized.

"SilverAsh is deeply grateful that you are willing to expend your valuable energy to handle these matters."

"No, it would be a dereliction of duty for the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy to rely on guests from afar to help us maintain public order."

"You don't need to blame yourself. The Business Federation's tentacles are spread to every corner of this city, and even the most far-sighted vision cannot see the shadows in every corner."

"Your rhetoric is far superior to what the intelligence reports indicate, head of the Silverash Family."

"... It is an honor for the Silverash Family to be remembered by His Excellency the Grand Knight Commander."

Looking at the impeccable SilverAsh, Russell nodded in satisfaction.

"It seems I need not worry about my knights being buried in the snowstorm."

"Thank you for your trust."

On the surface, he remained calm, SilverAsh he breathed a sigh of relief.

The meeting with this Grand Knight Commander put him under more pressure than any banquet he had ever attended in Victoria.

Conversely, the profits generated are tens of millions of times greater than those banquets.

Suppressing his joy, SilverAsh inquired about the details in the newspaper.

"Your Grand Knight Commander, does SilverAsh know... about the aftermath of the commercial district's development?"

"Just call me Russell. The unrest in the commercial district has been quelled." Russell took a sip of his black tea.

"The Infected have been returned to Block 0, but one person died from Oripathy. That area has been sealed off to ensure that Originium dust does not spread."

Has anyone died...?

SilverAsh felt a chill run down his spine, hoping the other person wasn't someone Gregor knew.

Sensing his concern, Russell explained:

"It has been confirmed that they are not Infected from block 0."

"Thank you for your answer."

I breathed a sigh of relief, but another question arose again.

"Ms. Russell, have you ascertained the Business Federation's purpose in doing this?"

Russell paused in his tea-tasting motion.

"They probably wanted to use this as a warning."

"Warn?"

"In the past, Business Federation have also used similar tactics, using Infected to cause disturbances in public places, and then using public opinion to put pressure on the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy."

Russell waved his hand, signaling the waiter to leave.

"They're probably doing this because they've realized something, but it doesn't matter, they won't be able to struggle for much longer."

Really...

SilverAsh sensed the stench of blood in Russell's words and began to speculate about the tense atmosphere within the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy.

But is this something I can tell him?

"Don't worry, you are a friend recommended by Mr. Gregor, so I naturally trust your character."

Russell smiled, like a kind old man, but what he said next made SilverAsh's body tense up.

"Therefore, the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy intends to conclude a friendly agreement with Kjerag. What is Mr. Enciodes's opinion?"

Not me, but Kjerag?

SilverAsh brows furrowed, as if understanding his concerns, and Russell pushed the documents beside him toward him.

Silently picking it up to look at, SilverAsh couldn't help but tighten his grip, leaving dark fingerprints on the paper.

This is a very favorable set of terms.

In short --

Ample financial support.

More military support.

There was even an official Kazimierz platform.

And the purpose of all this—

"Should I become the new spokesperson for the Business Federation?"

Looking at the terms and conditions before him, SilverAsh felt no joy, but rather a chill.

These terms are undoubtedly beneficial in every way, whether it's the increased military strength of the knights or the financial support from Kazimierz.

All of these can help accelerate the process of Kjerag's independence.

But all of this changed instantly when the information in the contract was revealed.

[The crackdown on the Business Federation, and the subsequent restoration and consolidation of order]

"What does Mr. Enciodes think?"

Russell asked another question, his smile still kind, but it put immense pressure on SilverAsh.

Not getting a reply, Russell wasn't annoyed and quietly started brewing black tea.

There were no traps in the terms, and as Gregor's friend, Russell had no intention of harming SilverAsh.

All the preferential treatment was real, and all the intelligence was real.

The collapse of the Business Federation was inevitable, but as previously feared, the Business Federation is inextricably linked to the present-day Kazimierz.

She needs someone to replace those companies.

Such people are hard to find...

The Business Federation's reach extends beyond Kazimierz; those companies have connections to other countries.

Even if those spokespeople have been executed based on the evidence, the ownership of the company remains an issue.

She could gain a large amount of money from this trip, but she wouldn't be able to legitimately take over these businesses.

Although she didn't care about her reputation, the other nations clearly didn't mind causing trouble for Kazimierz.

Therefore, it is important to have a suitable successor.

Enciodes SilverAsh Clan

The head of one of the Three Great Families of Kjerag.

At first glance, it seems insignificant, but its brilliance lies in Kjerag's political purity.

This remote little country has no enemies with any country, nor does it receive any attention from any country.

Kjerag took over the Business Federation's assets, and everything had nothing to do with Kazimierz.

Although it sounded like utter nonsense, Russell was convinced those companies would agree.

The Business Federation's ties to Kazimierz are too deep; not only she, but the other party cannot sever them either.

If they successfully take over, they will have no choice but to grit their teeth and continue the cooperation.

SilverAsh himself can also acquire a large amount of resources from it.

That sounded really good, and SilverAsh couldn't help but give a reply.

However, great profits come with enormous risks.

SilverAsh closed his eyes, calculating the cost behind this contract.

They will accept the Commercial Union, but they will also have to bear the backlash from Commercial Union.

Those companies are nothing to Kazimierz, but they are still behemoths to him now.

He would take the blame and reap the benefits; the Campaign Knight could be used by him, and their safety would be guaranteed.

Even, as Russell metaphorically suggested, he could use this power to become the master of Kjerag.

But the price was heavy; during this period, he would also be subject to the supervision of the Campaign Knight.

The influx of foreign knights was tantamount to military colonization for Kjerag.

Looking at the overly young politician in front of him, Russell pushed the brewed black tea towards SilverAsh.

Do you have the guts?

SilverAsh agrees to sign this contract.

"... I thought you would take some time to think about it."

Looking at SilverAsh, who seemed to have regained his composure, Russell felt a surge of curiosity.

"The Campaign Knight will protect your safety, but are you really sure you want to accept this contract?"

"Or rather... do you really have the ambition to match it?"

"Ambitious people pursue power out of cowardice, only to find that the pinnacle of power is empty. I have seen too many examples of this."

SilverAsh drank the cup of red tea that the Grand Knight Commander had personally brewed.

"In the face of change, the fate of those who shrink back from the old ways and those who blindly speculate will not be much different."

"Of course I understand the dangers behind this contract, but clinging to the old ways has made Kjerag far behind the times, and SilverAsh cannot sit idly by and wait for his doom."

"All nations are sharpening their claws and teeth; I must ensure... that Kjerag will not be left behind by the times once again."

Seeing the young man's increasingly determined gaze, Russell couldn't help but sigh.

"If I had your courage back then, things might not have turned out this way."

"You don't need to belittle yourself, but staying in this position for so many years has already proven your ability."

"... You trust me that much?"

Looking at the already signed contract, Russell said, as if threatening, yet also joking:

"Aren't you afraid I'll use this to control Kjerag?"

"No, SilverAsh believes in your character."

With a perfect smile, SilverAsh tapped his fingers on the contract.

"However... SilverAsh hopes to gain more support."

"Yes, is it funds? Or an official statement from Kazimierz?"

"No, I hope to acquire more troops, or other talented individuals."

"???"

Russell stared at SilverAsh in astonishment.

"Aren't you afraid I'll use this to sideline you?"

Fictional setting? It still needs a place to exist.

Understanding that the Grand Knight Commander did not fully understand the internal situation of Kjerag, SilverAsh suppressed an overly flamboyant smile.

"Of course I'm not afraid, in fact... the more the better."

"... I'm a little curious, where does your confidence come from?"

"You're overthinking it. SilverAsh just believes in your character."

Though he said this, SilverAsh once again recalled that reassuring promise.

[Gregor: Our friendship lasts forever.]

A radiant smile spread across his lips as SilverAsh picked up his teacup and offered it to Russell:

May the friendship between Kazimierz and Kjerag last forever!