Nordix nodded calmly.
"As expected...."
To be honest, he had not been certain until now.
Even if they managed to successfully arrange an educational institution in Flint Cove, taking Tie there every day while avoiding others’ eyes would be extrely difficult.
But the Commander’s plan seed convincing.
"How exactly does the underground passage function?"
"It is extrely restricted. If you are not a resident of Flint Cove, you will run into trouble right at the entrance. We have already confird that even informants cannot freely enter."
"I understand what you an. However, there is no guarantee that soone like Tie would even be allowed in, correct?"
At those words, Alexander, who had been listening until now, stepped forward.
"You need not worry about that. I have so connections with those people."
With a gentle smile, Alexander continued:
"I have carried out several officially prohibited dical procedures there. Inside Flint Cove."
The squad mbers and Tie looked at him with curiosity.
Recalling the past, Alexander spoke:
"A year ago, a severe coughing illness broke out inside Flint Cove."
The disease was highly contagious.
Simply being in the sa space was enough to beco infected, and for children and the elderly, it was fatal.
The Emperor imdiately sealed off Flint Cove.
He began supplying only basic food and water.
But Alexander thought differently from the Emperor.
"This cannot continue. It is too dangerous. Food and water are not a solution to disease."
He believed that Flint Cove needed dical personnel for treatnt.
The problem was that the Emperor had no interest in the residents of Flint Cove at all.
He directed dical aid only to noble patients within the Ancient Border.
In the end, Alexander made a decision, taking a risk.
He decided to secretly take dical supplies from the Holy Knight Order and bring them into Flint Cove.
On the outside, he pretended to be infected and isolated, while secretly infiltrating Flint Cove.
And he began gradually treating the severely ill patients.
Valentis also secretly supported him from behind the scenes.
As a result, they managed to save many lives in Flint Cove.
"That was when I t the district manager. As expected, once I explained the situation, he said he would allow Miss Tie to freely enter and leave."
Tie swallowed.
"So... normally, Tie wouldn’t be able to go there."
But thanks to Alexander’s connections—she could?
Her heart began to race with excitent.
"An educational institution... I really wanted to go there...!"
To co in, place her coat and bag on a shelf.
Then greet friends and play together!
Sing songs, talk about the weather, read stories, make crafts!
"Tie, you’ll be able to play with friends again...?"
Bale gently patted Tie’s head.
"Yes. But your schedule will beco tighter."
Tie nodded energetically, her face bright with happiness.
"Busy is not scawy!"
Go to the educational institution during the day and raid magic crystals at night—so what!
"Tie can do evewything!"
At her pose, overflowing with determination, the squad mbers burst into laughter.
Valentis and his three sons also watched with fond smiles.
A few more days passed, and morning ca.
"Oh my, Tie, how well this princess dress suits you. You’re so beautiful."
Tie put on the princess dress that Lady Marshal had helped her with and clipped her hair.
Then she threw on the Agavert uniform, stood in front of the mirror, and squeezed her cheeks with both hands.
From the side, Lucarion warned:
"I already said this, but if sothing dangerous happens—shout. I will be nearby."
Tie nodded briskly.
"Mm-hm!"
Placing Pupu on her shoulder, she stepped out of the room—Basto was already waiting.
"Let’s go! To the pub!"
Bale, coming up the stairs, said:
"Not ‘pub,’ tavern."
"It’s the sa! Both tis people drink alcohol there, Bale oppa."
Tie answered with a sulky tone and ran down the stairs while humming.
On the first floor, the squad mbers had already gathered.
"Tie, do well there."
Nordix patted her on the back.
"Squad Leader! Good luck!"
Raul and Enzo, having learned the word "fighting" from Tie, pumped their fists.
Tie nodded solemnly, opened the front door, and stepped outside.
"The weather is nice."
Basto said softly.
Tie giggled, glanced at the empty house next to Papa’s house, and passed through the gate.
Walking along the neat brick path, she saw the enormous roof of the imperial palace in the distance.
"If we walk, it’s about fifteen minutes. We’ll pass through the trade district, and at the end there will be the tavern building. I will always accompany you."
Tie simply nodded.
Because she could already feel it—behind her, a crowd of informants was trailing.
Interest in Tie had grown even stronger after Agavert entered the top seven.
"The life of a popular person is so tiring...."
Shaking her head, Tie continued walking briskly.
After so ti passed,
they finally reached the bustling morning trade street.
"Miss, take a look! A new line from the Camor distillery—excellent taste!"
"Clothes! Today only—special prices!"
Holding Basto’s hand, Tie skillfully moved through the crowd.
So recognized her and stared with curiosity.
"Over there."
Basto pointed ahead.
At the end of the alley.
A round plaza and the entrance to Flint Cove.
And a massive six-story building with a sign towered right there.
Tie quickly looked around.
Then deliberately said loudly:
"Ahem! Craving sothing strong this early in the morning!"
She had learned that phrase together with Bale—to look like a hardened drinker.
As expected, the people watching her exchanged glances.
On their faces was certainty—Tie was not a child, but the King of the Dead who enjoyed strong alcohol.
"Go ahead."
Basto said as they approached the entrance.
Tie lazily waved her hand and went inside.
The tavern was enormous.
The first floor was already crowded.
But the place Tie needed to go was completely different.
"Ahem! Craving sothing strong this early in the morning...!"
Repeating the phrase just in case, the girl headed to the very back of the tavern—to the stairs leading down.
Two n guarding the stairs recognized Tie and silently stepped aside.
As she began to descend, whispers ca from behind.
"Wasn’t that just the King of the Dead? They say he’s ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ a very successful rcenary now."
"Indeed, Your Excellency."
"...Seems it’s true he’s raking in money. Even the tavern gave him the entire basent."
"You an the rumors about the VIP hall?"
"Yes. They never show it to anyone, I kept wondering who could be so important. And it turns out—it’s just so lowly rcenary commoner."
In reality, the story about the VIP hall had been fabricated by the tavern to conceal the underground passage into Flint Cove.
But the nobles believed it.
"I asked so many tis to be taken to that VIP hall—and they didn’t even respond!"
Several arrogant aristocrats cast sharp glances at Tie.
But when they saw the large figure of Basto behind her, they imdiately looked away.
anwhile, Tie descended the endless stairs, passed through a storage area piled with clutter.
Then another long staircase—and opening a tal door—
"Oh... soone... ca down... from the tavern...."
Before her spread a vast, complex underground labyrinth of rusted tal and wood.
Dozens of gazes turned toward Tie.
They were elderly people, sitting along the sides with small stalls.
"Child, how old are you...? How did you get here?"
Tie stood for a mont, her mouth slightly open, looking at them.
Basto, who had caught up, watched her anxiously.
He was afraid that Tie would be frightened by the elderly.
But that turned out to be a huge mistake.
"Granny, hello! My na is Tie!"
Tie ran up, bowed politely, and imdiately sat down among the elderly.
"Tie is fouh yeaws old! How old are you? What awe you doing hewe?"
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