Meanwhile.
Armand Manor.
Javier walked down the hallway, his hands tucked into his pockets as he let out a long, weary exhale.
Man... I wonder what it is this time? I know thereās a girl who arrived at the Elven border town, but what kind of mission does Father want me to do now?
I was so close to finishing my new weapon, just a few more parts to craft. And the new mana core for the energy system is nearly complete.
He paused, glancing up at the ceiling as he continued his thoughts.
Once itās done, the new mana core will automatically convert raw surrounding mana into more stable energy, no need for external fuel or constant maintenance, making it far more efficient and more powerful than anything we have now.
He paused mid-step, letting out another sigh.
I donāt mind any mission, really... but please, donāt make me babysit her...
If Father asks me to babysit another princess from another continent...
That would mean less time for my inventions.
Iāve got so many things I want to craft. A new type of assault rifle that doesnāt just fire mana bullets, but can also unleash explosive mana blasts, like a small launcher attached to the barrel. That way, my puppet knights will have even more firepower in the field.
Even though I know my current puppet knights are already well-equipped.
Mana jet packs for aerial mobility, mana missile launchers hidden in their arms, a newly developed mana core that converts raw surrounding mana into usable energy automatically.
Assault mana rifles, side mana guns, magic blades for close combat, and mana bombs for area denial.
But I still want to add more... more upgrades, more improvements, more ways to ensure they can protect everyone without fail.
He sighed again, running a hand through his hair.
But if I have to babysit this princess...
Looks like Iāll have to depend on Liana and Gloria to handle most of the arrangements.
But... Liana already has so much on her plate. Handling all of my fiancĆ©es, training Gracelle, keeping Mimi in line, managing the household. If I add another responsibility onto her shoulders... sheāll be overwhelmed.
I guess Iāll think about it later. No use getting a headache over something I donāt even know yet.
Since I donāt know what kind of mission Father will entrust me with.
Celine, huh?
I wonder what she wants.
From the observation data Iāve gathered through my mana glasses, linked to the Sky Eyes and mana satellites, combined with the audio from the invisible drones launched the moment the Sky Eyes detected their mana signature approaching the Elven border... everything points to her being a legitimate princess.
And from the zoomed-in visual, the emblem she carries looks legitimate. The craftsmanship is exquisite, the materials high-quality, and the design matches what a royal insignia should look like... itās not something a commoner or a low-ranking noble could produce.
And from the audio I intercepted, she claims sheās coming here as a delegation, seeking diplomatic relations.
But itās weird.
A nation from the same continent where Julius and the other summoned heroes are from... the same continent preparing for an invasion against us... and she just happens to show up now, right after we captured Jaigar and Gorak, claiming to want diplomacy?
Is she really here for peace? Or is she part of their scheme?
Something doesnāt add up.
Well...
Whatever.
If she tries anything, Iāll make sure she pays for it. Iāll crush her first and ensure she wonāt be able to report back to anyone.
I donāt have the ability to read her true purpose or know her real intent.
But all I need to do is make sure she meets Father.
Father has the Eyes of Truth, and other skills he rarely shows me, even during our "practice matches." He can see through lies, deception, and hidden motives. Iām sure heāll be able to uncover her true purpose the moment she stands before him.
And if sheās really here to cause trouble... well, sheāll regret ever stepping foot in Armand.
Javier paused just before reaching his fatherās private room, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
But...
Even if Father is the strongest... well, Mother is the strongest among us all. But I still canāt risk my fatherās life. We donāt know anything about this girl who claims to be a princess, her real power, or her hidden skills.
Hmm...
Should I use that?
He scratched his head and shrugged.
Nah... I donāt think I need to use that. If I use it, I wouldnāt be able to test her real power or observe her abilities up close.
I should face her directly, but not as myself. If I approach her in disguise, I can get close without her knowing who I really am. That way, I can assess her strength, her intentions, and her true purpose without raising suspicion.
He smirked, a plan forming in his mind.
If I approach her as the "Beggar Jee" again, I can get close without raising suspicion. She wonāt know who I really am, and I can assess her strength, her personality, and her true purpose firsthand. That way, Iāll know if sheās a real threat or just another lost princess looking for help.
And if she proves to be a threat, Iāll deal with her before she even realizes who I am.
Javier grinned, rubbing his palms together with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Heheheh~
Itās been so long since I summoned all 130,000 puppet knights, or deployed my Shironii Unit, or even my strongest white ore puppet knight, the most advanced of them all.
If sheās a threat... I guess itās time to show them what true, advanced magic technology looks like. No matter what they plan, no matter how they gather their armies, no matter how powerful their artillery cannons or bolt-action rifles are, they will face something theyāve never seen before.
They will face true, modern magical warfare for the first time. A real modern magical army made of soldiers that wonāt die, that donāt tire, that follow orders without hesitation.
They will face the swarm of magic battle drones, my Gaasad Units, and of course...
The Mothership.
His smirk widened as he imagined the display.
Ummph~ I love it.
Maybe I should just finish this by showing off everything. Kekeke~
With a smug, confident stride, he puffed out his chest and walked toward Gariusās room. He pushed the door open with exaggerated confidence, his voice booming.
"Esteemed Father! I have some suggestions about how we should handle this..."
But before he could finish, a soft, sweet voice cut through the air from inside the room.
"Youāre late, honey bun~"
Javier froze, his smug expression dropping instantly as he saw his father sitting casually while Fransesca stood behind him with a sweet, terrifying smile. Alf and Erinette stood in the corner, pretending not to notice anything.
Ah...
Crap...
( End Of Chapter )