Published: July 5, 2025
Four days had passed since the incident at Termori Port, and the procurement team was in a waiting period.
During that time, they were not slacking off.
They were certainly not indulging in cake and coffee in Doge Pietro's lobby.
Absolutely not.
"We're just enjoying some cake as a reward for our hard work," Ryo said.
"... Is it really necessary to say that?" Nils replied.
"I have to write it in the report later. Otherwise, I won't be able to get the cake expense approved."
"Cake? Cakey?"
"Nils, it's my role to make puns, so don't take that from me!"
"I didn't mean to."
Ryo scolded Nils for his pun, while Nils looked confused.
Indeed, the four members of the team had trained in the morning and done their own research or exercised after lunch, so it wasn't a lie to say they had worked hard...
It was just the fact that Ryo had insisted on it that created a strange atmosphere.
"By the way, the republic government hasn't said anything, has it?"
"Maybe the investigation hasn't progressed since then," Amon speculated, tilting his head, as Eto nodded slightly.
"Nils, you can't just swing your sword and barge in because you want to know the progress of the investigation. There are diplomatic relations to consider," Amon added.
"I never said anything like that, right? What are you talking about, swinging a sword? I would definitely get caught," Nils responded.
"I just made it clear what desires were in your heart with my mind's eye," Ryo replied.
"Yeah, don't worry. That's not what I was thinking at all."
"Really...?"
"Why do you sound so disappointed?!"
Ryo shook his head in disappointment, and Nils retorted.
It was then that the receptionist approached the team.
"A representative from the republic government has arrived."
"Ah, please show them in."
Ryo immediately put on a serious face.
Amon was surprised at how quickly he could change his demeanor.
Nils shook his head slightly.
Eto seemed to have an idea of why they had come and was smiling.
As expected, what was handed to Ryo was the special stay permit and investigation cooperation certificate promised by Lord Barley.
"Now we can finally move!" Eto exclaimed, and Ryo nodded.
"... You were waiting for that for four days?" Nils asked.
"Of course. What did you think? That I was just idly lounging around for no reason?" Ryo replied.
"I just thought you were holed up in the inn for cake and coffee," Nils said.
"What a thing to say..."
Ryo frowned at Nils's overly direct words.
However, he could not continue frowning for long.
"Then, let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"Of course, the first place is where the most information gathers," Ryo said confidently.
"Normally, a place where information gathers is a tavern or something, but it feels different coming from you," Nils replied.
"It's still only three o'clock, so it feels early," Amon added.
Eto and Amon also seemed puzzled.
"Could it be... the Special Agency?" Nils suggested.
Ryo's eyes widened in surprise.
He was genuinely astonished.
"How did you figure that out, Nils?"
"I'm a B-class adventurer too. I can make that deduction," Nils answered.
"Why do I feel like I lost to you?"
Ryo shook his head at Nils's obvious confidence.
The procurement team arrived at the Special Agency in a carriage.
At the gate, Ryo presented his identity plate, special stay permit, and investigation cooperation certificate.
Only Amon might have noticed the guard's face twitch.
"What is your destination?" the guard asked.
"Destination? Uh, it's the capital defense command room. To see section chief Bangaan and deputy chief Amaria," Ryo replied.
"... Do you have an appointment?"
"I don't. If you pass me through, they will certainly say that you can let me through," Ryo answered confidently to the guard's inquiry.
Abel always wondered why Ryo seemed so self-assured.
However, such confidence did intimidate some people.
Especially when they presented the identity plate that indicated noble status, along with a special stay permit and investigation cooperation certificate from the republic government, arriving in a carriage.