Chapter 729: Lanchi Has Many Fiancees

Chapter 729: Lanchi Has Many Fiancees

As the magi-vehicle gradually slowed down and entered the large mechanized courtyard, Lanchi knew that they had arrived at the Special Operations Division of the Empire.

Along the way, Lanchi had passed through many places, and the scenery outside the window continued to recede.

"Professor Landre, this is your first time visiting the Special Operations Division of the Empire. Please follow me and don't wander off."

It was rare for Nicola, the Red Kite, to offer a reminder.

Otherwise, he couldn't guarantee their safety.

"Rest assured, Colonel Nicola. I'm not going to get lost and take the initiative to lead the way."

Lanchi leaned back in his chair and replied with a soft laugh.

After saying that, he turned his gaze back to the window.

The soaring spires cast long, slender shadows on the spacious square, and the Kreese flag reflected the Empire's unshakeable might. If you looked up, you would see the majestic figure of the Special Operations Division building, standing tall under the clear blue sky.

Until the vehicle driven by the special agent stopped in front of the long staircase of this building.

The scene before Lanchi's eyes came to a halt as well.

As if to confirm Lanchi's thoughts, the car door was opened by the military guards of the Action Division.

The unique solemnity of the special agent organization greeted them.

The Special Operations Division of the Kreese Empire was located in the heart of the capital, Brierda, not far from the grand and magnificent imperial palace. Only a few streets separated the two locations.

The current chief, Duke Dex Reynolds, was the Emperor's most trusted confidant and had established great military achievements, earning him the title of the Empire's sharpest shadow blade.

"We've arrived."

Nicola the Red Kite's words drew Lanchi's attention back to the window.

"Please follow me, and let me give you a brief tour of the atrium of the Special Operations Division of the Empire before I take you to meet Chief Dex."

After getting out of the car, Nicola straightened his military overcoat and adjusted his hat brim as he spoke.

Lanchi nodded slightly, and Nicola turned and led the way.

Following Nicola, Lanchi walked along the path of the Special Operations Division.

The entire building, which they ascended via the staircase, was constructed from milky white granite, with the inscription "For the Glory of the Empire" engraved on all four sides. Ivy climbed up its walls, tinged with a warm golden hue, and delicate yellow maple leaves occasionally fluttered past the heavy metal door, which stood several meters tall.

Two pitch-black stone lion sculptures, their eyes gleaming with vigilance, stood guard at the entrance, silently warning all who passed.

Upon entering the grand hall, most of the personnel from the Special Operations Division gave a simple greeting to Nicola.

On the back wall of the hall hung the black and gold bicolor flag of the Kreese Empire, with portraits of the past emperors on either side.

Occasionally, two or three agents clad in ink-black windbreakers would hurry past, their chiseled faces expressionless. The sound of their military boots clicking on the marble floor echoed through the corridors, soon disappearing into the interplay of light and shadow at the end of the passage.

"Why aren't they acknowledging you?"

Lanchi asked Nicola in a low voice.

Based on their military ranks, Nicola, as a Major in the Empire, should have been their superior.

"They're from the Action Team, under the command of Captain Maguire."

Nicola the Red Kite replied nonchalantly, not seeming to mind.

"......"

Lanchi nodded thoughtfully.

Nicola was the colonel of the Countermeasures Department, and from the attitude of the subordinates, it seemed his relationship with Captain Maguire of the Action Team was not a friendly one.

From what he understood of their respective authorities, it was common for the Countermeasures Department and the Action Team to compete for credit or obstruct each other, so it was not surprising that they didn't get along.

Following Nicola's lead, Lanchi entered the core area of the Special Operations Division of the Empire.

"Lanchi... Lanchi, you're really something else."

Although Talia was a demon princess who had experienced much of the world, when Lanchi brought her into this understated yet majestic building, she couldn't help but feel a stir of emotion.

Once again, she validated a guess she had made.

It wasn't Lanchi who was seeking work and opportunities; it was his talents and undeniable aura that constantly attracted job offers and even compelled organizations to seek him out.

Unknowingly, that boy from the borderlands had grown into such an extraordinary man. When did time start moving so quickly? She almost didn't notice it.

"You sound like a simpering girl, Master."

Lanchi replied telepathically.

"You..."

Talia felt that this guy's obnoxiousness had never changed.

Served him right that no girls liked him.

"That's more like it."

Lanchi instantly felt the alcohol taking effect.

"Go ahead and savor it... If you have the skills, go ahead and sniff me like you did last time..."

She couldn't deal with him now, but she vowed to get him back, gritting her teeth in frustration.

Passing through the deep and winding interior corridors of the building, the two arrived at a concealed transport lift.

Nicola took out a crystal card from inside his coat and swiped it, pressing several floor buttons in a complex rhythm that seemed random.

"Wow, how many floors are we going up?"

Accompanied by a barely perceptible humming sound, the lift began to ascend at a speed that made Lanchi wonder if they were heading for the sky.

He recalled that this building was quite tall.

The exterior of the Special Operations Division building was fortified with hundreds of restrictive barrier formations, accumulated and reinforced over the centuries.

Even an eighth-rank expert would find it difficult to forcefully break into the Special Operations Division, and once inside, it would be even more challenging to break out using brute force.

"Relax, Professor. This ascent may be a bit uncomfortable, but you'll probably be coming here frequently from now on.

Perhaps sensing his tension, Nicola reminded him with a hint of teasing in his voice.

"I wish I could come here for a proper job instead of being brought here by you for questioning every day, Colonel Nicola."

Lanchi spread his hands and shook his head helplessly.

"I didn't mean it that way."

Red Kite Nicola stood with his hands behind his back, his posture as erect as always, as he gazed at the helipad entrance.

When the helicopter door opened again, Lanchi found himself in a spacious sky lobby, with floor-to-ceiling circular windows offering a panoramic view of nearly the entire central area of the capital, Brierda.

Atop this towering skyscraper, all the hustle and bustle of the city seemed distant, leaving only the sound of footsteps and breathing.

Red Kite Nicola led Lanchi further inside, walking along the corridor and circling around several times before finally arriving at a courtyard that occupied most of the floor.

Enclosed by towering glass walls, the open space spanned an estimated area of over a thousand square meters. A silver-white circular beam of light descended from a domed ceiling, forming the focal point of the courtyard, extending from the floor to the ceiling, and allowing light and air to flow freely through a round opening.

The entire courtyard was carpeted, furnished with both office desks and sofa rest zones, essentially serving as a grand office.

"Director Dex, I've brought Mr. Landre."

Nicola bowed towards the figure in front of them.

Lanchi looked ahead and saw a tall and slender figure standing there, gazing out the window while casually lighting a cigarette.

The silver-white light outlined his silhouette, with the capital spread out before him.

"Come, take a seat."

Thin wisps of smoke curled around his fingertips, soon dissipating into the air, as he slowly turned around.

He stood at a height of about six feet, with a lean yet muscular build. His black hair was neatly combed, showing a few strands of gray at the temples.

His eyes were a deep brown, almost black, and held an air of exceptional calm. High cheekbones, a square jaw, and a neatly trimmed thin beard completed his striking features.

This man matched the intelligence profile of Dex Reynolds, Duke of the Kreese Empire's Foreign Minister, which Lanchi had received before departing from the Kingdom of Posen.

Even seeing him in person, it was hard to imagine that he was the head of a special agent organization.

"Duke Dex Reynolds, thank you for your invitation."

Lanchi did not forget his manners and bowed first to Duke Dex, just as Nicola had done.

"..."

Red Kite Nicola glanced at Lanchi sideways before leading him towards the sofa again.

"Professor Landre, you don't need to be as formal as Nicola. He is my former student, so he often greets me in that manner. You can relax a bit more."

Duke Dex released a puff of smoke and gestured for them to sit on the sofa by the window.

"Our department is not as strict in hierarchy as the Imperial Army Command. Due to the unique nature of our work, we prioritize efficiency and accomplishing our missions as the ultimate goal. Serving the Empire transcends any differences in authority."

He casually explained as he sat down on the sofa opposite them, crossing his arms over his knees.

The sofa was made of fine black leather produced by the Duke's family business, offering a comfortable yet dignified seating experience.

A pot of fragrant coffee and royal-supplied snacks had been prepared on the coffee table, evidently arranged by someone from the Action Division for this meeting.

Red Kite Nicola sat up straight, his expression solemn. Although he was merely an observer, Landre was someone he had brought, and any matter concerning him could potentially involve Nicola as well.

The fact that the Director personally requested Landre's presence indicated the significant value placed on the professor's research achievements.

In addition to the headquarters, the Kreese Empire's Special Operations Division maintained external stations in various provinces and cities, categorized into several levels based on regional area or importance. Lanchi's hometown, the northwestern border of the Empire, was a relatively low-level third-order station.

The headquarters had a clear division of labor, with Director Dex overseeing all station chiefs, while also serving as the station chief for the capital, Brierda, the only zero-order station, directly commanding the Empire's most elite special agents.

Under his leadership were four major departments: the Intelligence Department, the Countermeasures Department, the Action Team, and the Research Institute. Nicola, the chief of the Domestic Countermeasures Division, was primarily responsible for on-site investigations, and generally refrained from engaging in direct combat.

Captain Maguire, who led the Action Team, was more likely to handle confrontational situations and arrests.

Meanwhile, the Intelligence Department focused on logistics, and the Research Institute operated as a secretive support unit.

Although Professor Landre held the title of honorary consultant for the Research Institute, he would mostly interact with the Countermeasures Department. Nicola juggled the tasks of liaising with Professor Landre and monitoring him.

Lanchi seemed relatively relaxed, appearing to heed Director Dex's suggestion to let go of his apprehension.

"The Empire is truly blessed with talented individuals. You're even younger than I imagined. When Nicola informed me that the professor who proposed the principle of magic-energy fission at St. Kreese Abbey was none other than Sir Landre Washington, whom I met on the mag-lev train that day, I was quite surprised."

Duke Dex fixed his black obsidian eyes on Lanchi as he spoke.

"In times of change for the Empire, those who love the Empire tend to be drawn together, and their paths inevitably intertwine in the annals of history. Such is often the way of the world, so I don't believe this is merely a coincidence, but rather destiny."

Lanchi met his gaze with a composed expression.

"A brilliant young scholar, your maturity of thought surpasses even your remarkable talent. Rest assured, now that I've chosen to employ you, I won't treat you with constant suspicion. The fact that you've earned Nicola's trust is proof enough. Even if there's a need to investigate your background, it's not something I need to concern myself with. I'll leave that entirely in Nicola's capable hands."

Duke Dex seemed to see through Lanchi's thoughts as he calmly turned to look at his star pupil, Nicola.

He spoke frankly with a hint of jest in his tone. "I only care about results. Even if it's a deception, if it can fool Nicola's hawk-eye and keep it up, then it's as good as the truth, and that's what I'm after—getting things done."

"Since you, Landre, are here, it shows that you are willing to accept our invitation to be an honorary consultant for the Empire's Special Operations Division." As he spoke, Duke Dex turned to look at Lanchi once more.

"Of course, I must thank you for your invitation and kindness." Lanchi agreed.

"Hahaha!" The Duke laughed heartily. "To be honest, Professor Landre, if I hadn't recognized your ability, I would have felt that talking to you was more like conversing with a politician than a magic engineer. This is not a criticism but a genuine observation that you are very easy to deal with."

With just a few words, he could tell that this professor spoke with warmth and had long shed the immaturity of his age. Unlike most temperamental or arrogant magic engineers, he seemed to understand that "even with achievements, one must consider others' emotions."

"You flatter me, Duke Dex," Lanchi replied candidly. "One person alone can't accomplish anything. Since I want to serve the Empire to the best of my ability, I've come to realize that I should always consider others, no matter the endeavor. For any undertaking, we need a leader, a visionary."

Lanchi boldly revealed his ambition to Duke Dex.

Nicola, the Red Kite, glanced at him from the side. He knew that Lanchi's candor, rather than hiding his thoughts at this moment, would make people more inclined to trust him. However, Nicola was unsure if Lanchi's reference to a "leader" meant the leader of a research team or something even higher.

Nevertheless, this guy's devotion to the Empire didn't seem like an act.

"Well, perhaps there really is such an opportunity," Duke Dex said with a meaningful smile, as if he had thought of something clever. "How so?" Lanchi asked with interest, not hiding his desire. Even if the odds seemed slim, he wouldn't let go of any opportunity to advance within the Empire. All of this was for the sake of love and peace.

"First of all, Landre, as an honorary consultant for our Special Operations Division, you currently don't have any fixed duties. I won't let any official business interfere with your research. Usually, you just need to cooperate with Nicola and synchronize your research at St. Kreese Abbey with the Action Division, helping us with confidentiality." Duke Dex shifted the conversation to the main reason for meeting Lanchi today.

"Yes, no problem," Lanchi nodded as if he only partially understood, and extended his hand to Nicola. "Colonel Nicola, I look forward to working with you from now on."

"We really are fated to meet," Nicola said with a smile as he shook Lanchi's hand.

Both of them were well aware that this was merely a formality.

Lanchi believed that Dex would definitely brief him on the duties of an honorary consultant.

Before coming here, Lanchi had already guessed as much. He knew that his daily lectures and research at St. Kreese Abbey would likely become a focal point for the Empire's magic engineering military scientists. Many investigations were related to the Empire's Special Operations Division, which served a bridging function. If Nicola had to collect Lanchi's cutting-edge theoretical propositions on the spot each time, it would cause a lot of trouble without direct access.

Making Lanchi one of their own would make the subsequent work much more efficient. Additionally, if any of the Empire's cutting-edge academic principles were leaked at St. Kreese Abbey, having Lanchi's cooperation would make it much easier to trace the process and investigate suspected spies among the faculty and students.

The only uncertainty for Lanchi was how the honorary consultant role, which Duke Dex had mentioned as a side note, was related to the "possible promotion opportunity."

"I heard from Station Chief Nixasend that Professor Landre was already an outstanding talent at the university in the northwestern border and even had an understanding fiancee. I wonder if coming to the capital, Brierda, and taking on multiple roles will affect your personal life." Duke Dex suddenly asked, leaning in a little as if inquiring about Lanchi's private affairs.

"......"

Lanchi fell silent, his expression stiffening as his mind raced with questions.

Does Landre have an fiancee?!

Talia's surprise mirrored Lanchi's.

She realized that Duke Dex was telling the truth.

How could this guy, who had lost his parents and only had a sister as close kin, have an fiancee?!

"It won't affect it at all," Lanchi finally shook his head after a moment.

"Is Professor Landre flustered?" Nicola, who had been quiet until now, suddenly interjected, seeming to have piqued an interest.

"......"

Lanchi's throat seemed to constrict, and he fell silent, lowering his gaze.

"Are you alright, Lanchi?" Talia felt that Lanchi's reaction might seem too forced and could arouse Dex and Nicola's suspicion.

She was now trying to read Dex's thoughts to help Lanchi.

"This reaction seems more natural. Lanchi is obviously hiding something related to his fiancee, so it's understandable if I seem a bit taken aback here, unlike at St. Kreese Abbey, where there was no mention of an fiancee by either Secretary Naira or Principal Violet. If I remain calm now, it might seem odd."

Lanchi's mind remained calm and focused as he contemplated his next move.

"You're quite experienced. Your strained expression is quite convincing. Where did you learn that from?"

Much to Talia's surprise, she found herself thinking that Lanchi was indeed dependable, but she was curious as to why he had such a wide range of acting skills.

A person's life experience had its limits; surely he hadn't encountered and personally experienced every possible situation.

"Loren."

Lanchi recalled that Dean Loren would make this exact expression every time he heard the words "fiancee."

"..."

Talia was at a loss for words.

The office fell silent for a moment.

Lanchi looked at Dex with a pleading expression, while the latter smiled meaningfully.

"Professor Landre, you're ambitious and quite the ladies' man. I hear that back in the northwestern border of Nixasend, there are quite a few women who have caught your eye. So, it seems you have more than one fiancee?"

Finally, Duke Dex asked the question he had been waiting to ask.

"For now, the only important things in my life are my work and my sister. Rest assured, I won't be distracted by women. Rumors tend to get twisted as they spread, but if you must know, the only woman I need to take care of right now is my sister," Lanchi replied, relieved.

As he had suspected, Duke Dex's mention of fiancees didn't necessarily refer to women with whom Landre had officially betrothed. Instead, they were likely referring to the many women he was rumored to be involved with back in his hometown on the northwestern border.

Lanchi knew that such gossip couldn't be allowed to spread further, as the number of alleged fiancees would only grow more exaggerated.

"..."

Duke Dex sighed upon hearing this, seemingly disappointed that Lanchi hadn't understood his hint.

"Your research has caught the attention of the upper echelons of the Empire, and while I can't disclose certain details yet, I can tell you that you have a great opportunity to join this plan. However, you are not irreplaceable, and the Empire's review of you during this period will be crucial. Do you understand?"

Director Dex leaned in and whispered in Lanchi's ear.

"So that's how it is..."

Lanchi's eyes lit up as if he had suddenly realized something.

"I understand. Thank you, Director."

He immediately expressed his gratitude.

Duke Dex smiled and took a sip of his coffee, satisfied with the response from the intelligent young man.

The atmosphere in the top-floor office of the Empire's Special Operations Division became harmonious once more. The meeting with Lanchi was drawing to a close, with only some casual conversation left to wrap things up.

"What do you mean, Lanchi?"

Talia was confused and couldn't understand what Lanchi had just realized.

She could only confirm that Duke Dex had been truthful and hadn't intended to deceive Lanchi, so his words were likely harmless.

"Duke Dex's plan is most likely related to the research on magic-energy fission, and the Empire has clearly recognized its value," Lanchi explained to Talia through their mental connection.

"If this plan is implemented, the Empire will prefer participants with families. Once the plan commences, they will likely gather all the researchers and their families in one place, both for protection and as hostages."

So, Director Dex was hinting to him, both overtly and covertly, that even if he didn't have a family, he should try to bring his fiancee over as soon as possible to become part of his family.

Lanchi felt a headache coming on, but he knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip by.

If he outright denied having a fiancee, Red Kite Nicola's suspicions of him would only increase, and in the worst-case scenario, he might even travel to the Nixasend border himself to investigate Lanchi's relationships.

On the other hand, having a clever partner would not only help alleviate the Empire's Special Operations Division's suspicions of him but also improve his political review and secure him a spot in the Empire's crucial upcoming plan.

"Then where will you find a fiancee?"

Talia understood the logic but felt a pang of jealousy at the thought of Lanchi finding a fiancee.

"I can only seek help from the Allied Forces or from people in Posen. As a last resort, I can ask for assistance from the mysterious organization that Landre used to be a part of, and see if they can help me find a female spy with a registered household in the Nixasend border or lend me that identity so that you can play the role."

Lanchi conveyed his thoughts to Talia.

After all, Landre's reputation as a ladies' man worked in his favor here, as any woman from his hometown could potentially be his fiancee. As long as they synchronized their stories, it would be believable.

The advantage of having Talia play the role was that she was absolutely trustworthy, and they wouldn't need to rehearse their lines since they already knew each other inside out. They could perfectly pretend to be an engaged couple. The downside was the high energy consumption; keeping Talia manifested for extended periods each day would significantly increase Lanchi's burden.

Additionally, if Talia, as his spiritual companion, were to obtain an official identity in the Kreese Empire, there might be suspicions if she suddenly disappeared or reappeared at times. Thus, their interactions would need to be more discreet.

"Alright, if possible, the best scenario would be for the Allied Forces to send a reliable female spy to play the role of your fake fiancee."

Talia agreed, feeling relieved.

She didn't know why she emphasized the word "fake" so much.

After all, it was just an act, and once they entered the house, they would live separately. She wouldn't feel uncomfortable because she knew it was all pretend.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end