Chapter 492: Helm's Disappearance

Chapter 492: Helm's Disappearance

Half an hour later, Ren and Maynia had returned to the Imperial Airship Fleet, while Federal Vice-Speaker Bertron and Senator Tereyna personally went to the Imperial Flagship to apologize to Maynia in person.

"Your Highness Maynia, we deeply apologize for what happened," Bertron said solemnly, bowing slightly to Maynia.

"Furthermore, we've found some clues at the foot of the volcano. The awakening of the ancient fire dragon 'Anguskin' was not a coincidence; it was orchestrated by an organization called the Zalar Resistance."

"Oh? It seems that His Majesty Tyrion has made some progress?"

"Well, Your Highness Maynia, we were a bit late. The traces left by the perpetrators have been covered by volcanic lava and ash, so we didn't capture any of them alive."

Bertron smiled awkwardly, feeling embarrassed.

He cursed the Federal Intelligence Department's slow response in his mind.

His subordinates' incompetence forced him to clean up the mess here.

"What a pity. But the Zalar Resistance? I know this organization; they've been causing trouble in the Empire's coastal territories." Maynia frowned slightly.

"Vice-Speaker Bertron, could it be that someone high up in the Federation is funding them? Were they trying to assassinate the Imperial Delegation this time?"

"Of course not, Your Highness Maynia, you're joking," Bertron quickly denied.

Although both sides were aware of such matters, some things couldn't be acknowledged in official settings.

"The fact that the Zalar Resistance dares to do this proves that they are also enemies of the Federation!" Bertron asserted firmly.

"Well, that's good. In that case, I hope the Federation will cooperate fully with the Empire to eradicate this terrorist organization," Maynia said with a smile.

"Of course, we will fully support this matter," Bertron nodded.

With the Federation deploying two more fully armed airship fleets as escorts, the rest of the journey proceeded smoothly.

Ren had wanted to quietly improve his leathercrafting skills in the cabin and work on his Elven leathercrafting specialization, but the Federal side, especially the beautiful Senator Tereyna, invited him several times, making it hard for him to refuse.

On the one hand, Tereyna was a Federal Senator, and having a good relationship with her wouldn't be a bad thing.

Moreover, Ren had a hidden concern in his heart—the Imperial Royal Family seemed to have some sort of apprehension towards the multi-headed dragon bloodline.

Of course, this matter wasn't clear at the moment.

But one must be prepared for the worst; if something unexpected happened, perhaps Ren's safety would be assured, but he needed to leave a way out for his family and friends.

On the other hand, Tereyna also had something he urgently needed—the continuation of the Level 3 Witchcraft 'Toothed Ring,' which was the last piece of the new Dawn Kill.

So, over the past two days, Ren and Tereyna's relationship had become more familiar than before.

Ren also learned some of Tereyna's personal details.

For example, her husband, Duke Hadenburg, had unfortunately died in battle against a giant beast last year.

Three days later, in a luxurious cabin aboard the Federal Giant Airship.

"Senator Tereyna, there's an issue with something," Vice-Speaker Bertron rubbed his temples, looking rather troubled.

"Hmm? Vice-Speaker, please go ahead," Tereyna looked at Bertron with a hint of confusion.

As far as she knew, the airship fleet had been calm these past few days, and nothing significant had happened.

Could it be that the Intelligence Department had discovered some new plot by the Zalar Resistance?

"It's about a piece of witchcraft."

"Which witchcraft? Could it be the witchcraft given to Lord Ren?" Tereyna was puzzled at first, but then her expression changed as if she had realized something.

Since this witchcraft was actually a collection of the Federal Government, not hers or the Hadenburg family's, she hadn't reacted immediately.

"Yes, it's that rare Level 4 Metal-type Witchcraft."

"The original manuscript of this witchcraft was taken to Zetaa by Helm."

"Can't we contact Helm and have him make a copy?" Tereyna became even more perplexed.

She was quite familiar with Helm, the director of the Federal Mechanical Research Institute and her daughter Rebecca's mentor, a kind and approachable person.

Tereyna also understood why Helm took the Level 4 Witchcraft—she had known for a long time that Helm was about to break through to the Level 4 Dawn Wizard tier.

"The problem now is that Helm has gone missing."

"Missing?"

"Yes, some time ago, a group led by Helm discovered an ancient gnome ruin in Zetaa. As you know, he's always been interested in such things, but now he's been out of contact for over a week."

"Just now, the Intelligence Department confirmed again that they still can't reach Helm."

"Can't we find another Level 4 Metal-type Witchcraft to replace it?" Tereyna thought for a moment and asked again.

After all, even though metal-type witchcraft was rare, it was unlikely that the vast Federation wouldn't have a second copy of Level 4 Metal-type Witchcraft.

Using another Level 4 Metal-type Witchcraft as a temporary solution would solve the problem.

"No, that's not possible. The Imperial intelligence personnel made it clear to Ren that this is a complete set of metal-type dawn kill spells, consisting of four different levels of metal-type witchcraft. The one they didn't give is precisely the last one."

"This..." Upon hearing this news, Tereyna couldn't help but be speechless.

"So, if we can't find Helm, does that mean the promise made to Ren can't be fulfilled? Is that right?" Tereyna furrowed her brows and asked.

Now, all communication with Ren was handled by her, which meant this troublesome matter was now her responsibility.

"Yes, that's what's giving me a headache. I've already ordered two elite investigation squads from the Zataa garrison to head to the site and gather information."

"So, after arriving in Anthol, Congresswoman Tereyna, I hope you can delay things for a few days."

"Just a delay? That's not a big issue. The capital has arranged a grand welcome ceremony and various activities, but the problem is, even with a delay, I estimate it will only buy us three days at most."

"Your Honor, what if there's still no news after three days?"

"Oh, I hope we get some news these days! If not, then..."

At noon, the mixed airship fleet arrived at the federal capital, Anthol.

From the airship's deck, Ren gazed down at the massive city below, which was completely different from the imperial capital, Temmriel.

Below, in addition to the Gothic-style spires with a sense of age, there were also numerous square buildings with simple and symmetrical lines, obviously constructed within the past decade.

In the distance, rows of towering factory chimneys stood, spewing thick smoke that soared into the sky.

Clearly, even the federal capital was not concerned about air pollution at this time and was vigorously developing its industry.

With Ren's vision, he could naturally see the bustling streets filled with horse-drawn carriages and steam locomotives pulling some kind of rail transport.

For a moment, Ren felt like he was witnessing 18th-century London.

As the airship fleet docked, a dense crowd was already waiting below.

Next, a series of grand receptions followed over the next few days.

For Ren, this was a bit tedious.

However, since it was a collective action by the imperial delegation, he naturally couldn't be too impolite.

Additionally, he noticed that Congresswoman Tereyna, the beautiful woman, seemed to be busy with various activities as the federal representative from the previous visit to the empire, leaving her with little time to spare.

So, he didn't rush Tereyna about the magic matter and patiently waited.

In a high-level office of the federal parliament.

"Congresswoman Tereyna, it can now be confirmed that the exploration team led by Helm has completely fallen into the ancient Goblin Empire site."

"Also, the two elite squads sent to investigate have now completely lost contact."

"What! Is the situation that severe?" Tereyna's beautiful eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Yes, the situation at this site is complex. According to the reconnaissance from the periphery, it's very likely the ruins of the ancient Goblin Empire's capital."

"Now, the General Staff is considering whether to request the involvement of federal epic-level strongmen."

"Sigh, the critical issue is that all of this takes time, but Ren's side... I hope you can help explain the situation." Bertron sighed and said.

"I understand your intentions, Your Honor. At the very least, we can't let His Excellency Ren develop a grudge against the federation over this matter." Tereyna spoke at the right moment.

"That's right, Congresswoman Tereyna. At the very least, we can't let His Excellency Ren think that we, the federation, are two-faced and untrustworthy." Bertron nodded as he looked at the beautiful woman, Tereyna.

"Otherwise, the good impression that the federation has just planted in this young imperial strongman's heart will be cut short."

However, he also knew that this matter was very difficult, and even though he had high hopes for Tereyna, he felt that it was a bit too much to ask of her.

"By the way, speaking of Ren, the imperial spies have sent the latest intelligence, basically confirming that Ren has no relation to the imperial royalty, and he's a quality target we can pursue."

"I understand." Tereyna nodded, having made a decision in her heart.

That afternoon, Ren finally received the long-awaited invitation.

A letter of invitation from Congresswoman Tereyna, inviting him to dinner at her residence and to tour her mansion.

Since it was a formal dinner, Ren thought it over and decided to change into formal noble attire.

In the evening, a luxurious four-wheeled carriage awaited Ren at the entrance of the federal state guesthouse where he was staying.

Although Anthol had small steam locomotives, due to the noisy engine sounds, they were mainly used for public transportation, while the nobility and upper class still preferred luxurious four-wheeled carriages.

About half an hour later, Ren arrived at Tereyna's mansion in the carriage arranged by her.

Through the small window of the carriage, Ren immediately saw Tereyna in a light and elegant white lace dress, standing in the front garden of the mansion with a smile, accompanied by two young maids.

Ren didn't see any other guests, not even Rebecca.

This made him realize that he might be the only guest for the evening.

"Your Excellency Ren, I apologize for not inviting you earlier. I've been extremely busy with official duties these past few days, please don't take offense."

"Of course not, Congresswoman Tereyna, you're too kind."

"Here's a small gift, I hope you like it." Ren produced a small gift box the size of a fist and handed it to Tereyna with a smile.

"Your Highness Ren, you are so thoughtful."

Everyone loves gifts, especially Tereyna, who had a request of Ren.

As it was already dinner time, Ren was led directly to the banquet hall of the mansion.

In the fading light of the setting sun, Ren took in the beauty of the entire mansion and the front garden.

Various flowers and shrubs bloomed in layers at the end of summer, and even the lawn was meticulously trimmed, obviously maintained by professionals. At regular intervals, there were reliefs and fountains.

The entire garden design was full of layers.

Inside the luxurious banquet hall.

Ren and Tereyna sat facing each other at a long, rectangular solid wood dining table covered with silk satin as a tablecloth, adorned with fresh seasonal fruits and flowers.

The main course was a plate of Angus beef ribs, accompanied by smoked giant salmon from Salt Lake, and the side dishes were stewed land birds and honey-roasted duck. Considering Ren's appetite, Tereyna had the kitchen prepare double portions.

"This is Halis County's tequila, with a very limited annual production. Your Highness Ren, let's enjoy it together tonight, shall we?"

Tereyna waved her hand, and a young maid approached, holding a bottle of pale blue liquor in both hands.

"Of course, it's my honor."

Ren took a sip, his eyes flickering slightly.

He realized that the Halis tequila had a surprisingly high alcohol content, far surpassing the Bordeaux vintage he had tasted before and even higher than aged rum. Moreover, it had a unique spicy sensation in addition to the herbal fragrance.

This made him a bit puzzled.

After all, even if this liquor was very expensive, it didn't seem suitable for ladies to drink, did it? Could it be that Tereyna was exceptionally good at drinking?

Ren glanced at the beautiful woman beside him, and her reaction was far from what he had expected.

Tereyna took only a sip, and her fair, plump face already had two red blotches on it, and her beautiful eyes seemed a bit unfocused.

Obviously, she wasn't good at drinking.

"Interesting, could it be..." Ren smiled at the corner of his mouth.

After a few cups, Ren could feel a faint warmth rising from his lower abdomen, indicating that this tequila had special effects, further confirming his guess.

Of course, for his robust physique, this influence was negligible.

By now, Tereyna's eyes were already hazy, and her face was flushed, looking as if she couldn't hold her liquor.

Ren's heart fluttered, and he couldn't help but feel the urge to support her and take good care of her.

However, his heart stirred slightly, as if he had thought of something.

He turned to look at Tereyna and smiled, "Your Highness Tereyna, when can I have a look at that magic you mentioned last time?"

Tereyna had thought that under the influence of the Halis County tequila, which had a special aphrodisiac effect, Ren would do something with her first, and then some matters would be easier to discuss.

But to her surprise, he brought up this matter at the height of their drinking.

"This..."

"I'm so sorry, Your Highness Ren. Something unexpected happened with this matter."

"Hmm?" Ren narrowed his eyes, and his demeanor changed abruptly. His gaze at Tereyna became exceptionally sharp.

In his opinion, the Federation was planning to back out, or more accurately, to engage in some kind of blackmail.

And he hated such things the most.

Even if it was a woman he had feelings for, if she stood on the opposing side, he wouldn't hesitate to be harsh.

As soon as Tereyna saw Ren's sharp eyes, she sobered up considerably. She realized that although he was young, his will was firm.

"Your Highness Ren, please listen to me. It's like this... Zetaa... Helm..." Tereyna no longer hid the truth and slowly explained.

"Oh? Is that so?" Ren nodded, his expression calm.

But in reality, his heart was already churning with turbulent emotions.

Wasn't that ancient goblin empire site in Zetaa the very place he planned to explore? Had the Federation found it first? The fact that Helm, the director of the Federal Mechanical Research Institute, and his team were trapped inside also indicated that this site held unknown dangers and was not simple.

After all, as early as three thousand years ago, the master of the ancient wizard school, Valzig, had also been trapped within.

Additionally, he could naturally tell that Tereyna wasn't lying.

Moreover, this matter wasn't difficult for him to verify; he just needed to contact the Empire's spy within the Federation to get a rough idea of the situation.

"Yes, so, Your Highness Ren, as additional compensation, I'd like to present this mansion to you. Perhaps one day, your family or friends might need it, right?"

"Also, I assure you that if His Highness Helm escapes, I'll arrange for the magic to be delivered to the Empire and into your hands as soon as possible."

"Of course, if the site is truly dangerous, we're willing to compensate with other Dawn Kill Techniques. How does that sound?"

Tereyna was worried that Ren might misunderstand again, so she blurted out all the conditions at once.

Then, her beautiful eyes anxiously watched Ren, awaiting his response.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end