Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"Alright, alright, I won't mention it. Don't call me Lord Speaker, it sounds strange. Just call me Vina." Vina waved her hand. "Oh, I really envy you. You can travel around the world, wielding a sword, and uphold justice according to your own will. I can't do that. I have to be stuck in a pile of documents and let them molder every day. If this continues, my life will definitely be shortened."

"When Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon a man, it will first test his mind and will, exhaust his muscles and bones, starve his body, deprive him of all want, and subject his actions to obstacles. This is to stir his heart and harden his nature, and increase his ability to achieve what he was not already capable of." Noya could only use a Yan Country proverb to comfort the Speaker. "And Vina, what you are doing is absolutely right. Apart from returning to be the Protector of the Nation, I will do everything I can to help you."

"Really?"

"...Let's forget about the troublesome things..." Noah blinked, feeling that he had dug a big hole for himself, "I'm very busy."

"It's not a big deal. Do you still remember your little fangirl?"

"...little...fangirl?"

"The one codenamed Reed in Rhodes Island, her real name is Ravshini Dublin, and now she is the leader of Tara." Vina's mention of Ravshini was obviously beyond Noah's expectation.

"Tara? I remember... the Kingdom of Victoria didn't officially recognize Tara's independence, right?" Noah asked curiously, "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"

"Of course it's the Tara issue." Vina spread her hands. "On the one hand, it's not surprising that the Tara people want independence. From a cultural, clothing, and other aspects, Victoria does have a tendency to discriminate against the Tara people. But I don't want there to be too much conflict between the two sides. In this case, allowing Tara to maintain autonomy is not an option. But my opinion does not represent Victoria's. You should understand what I mean."

"Those dukes obviously don't want the so-called Tara people to have a share of the pie, right?" Noah nodded. Especially those people who don't get along well with the Iron Duke, most of them will never recognize Tara's autonomy.

"You're right. So even if I'm willing, it's going to be fraught with difficulties. From what I can foresee... once Victoria settles down, there'll be an application to [reclaim] Tara immediately, and it'll likely be approved." As Speaker, she has her own difficulties. After all, she's not a politician and can't rule the country. If Victoria and her group of nobles start stirring up trouble...

"I'm afraid I can't interfere in this matter..." Noah shook his head. "I can't get too involved in politics. You should understand that my identity is quite special."

"I understand, but besides looking for you, is there any other way..." Vina nodded, understanding Noah's difficulties. "My idea is to prevent the war as much as possible. More importantly... we must not let Tara become a means for the enemy to restrict us."

"You're thinking a little deeper than I thought..." Noah had also returned to the future. Vina didn't mind Tara's existence as a separate entity, but independence was another matter. When the wave of independence began to rise, what would become of the Kingdom of Lower Gaul? Victoria had also been a part of the original division of Gaul. Lower Gaul was originally annexed, and Victoria was too busy now. Turning Tara into an autonomous region was fine, but wanting open independence... where would Victoria put her face? "So, just maintain the status quo?"

"Both sides are limiting their own behavior. Besides, the situation in Terra is changing rapidly. After all... Tara is a part of Victoria." Vina smiled. "I can sense that Terra will have greater development in the future. Victoria can't be late, and neither can Tara. We're always one. Although I'm sorry to Ravshini, Victoria will absolutely not allow Tara to truly become independent."

What is really scary is not that Tara has her own ideas, but that Tara doesn't realize that she will become a knife for others and be used as a knife, and then continue to deepen the hatred between the two sides. By then, the enemy will be happy.

Of course, if Tara continues to persist... then Vina will also give her answer.

"...But it's actually Ravshini...I thought...it would be Abrana..." Noah remembered what Ravshini looked like. In her memory, Ravshini was still confused about how to move forward on her own path, but her sister, the Draco Abrana with the purple flame, was different. She knew exactly what she wanted to do, and would do anything to achieve her goal.

She's probably one of the people Noah hates most in this world. While she's certainly intelligent, she uses it in strange ways, particularly her tendency to second-guess her own thoughts and her self-proclaimed insight into human nature. Noah understands that she might have grown up in this environment, but he still resents her judgmental behavior. But... why isn't Abranah the leader of Tara this time? Is there something wrong within the Deep Pool?

Not long after the two finished exchanging information, Noah turned around and discovered that a piece of gray matter he had given to the faceless man had triggered an alarm. As expected, the two had just stopped talking when the door was pushed open, and the silver-haired Duke of Caister walked into the reception room. His narrowed eyes swept over the two people drinking tea in the reception room and said, "Mr. Chairman, are you having a good chat with my guests? Then am I here at the wrong time?"

"No, we were just chatting. This lady really likes black tea, so I thought I'd give her a few cans, that's all." Vina explained with a smile, "After all, she's the Duke of Caister's guest, and it's almost time now. Do you want me to step aside?"

"...That's not necessary." Duke Caister shook his head and looked at Noya—oh, should I say Lilith—with admiration in his eyes. "I didn't expect Miss Lilith to come to you so soon. It seems you've changed your mind?"

"Of course, as a musician, I still have to go to Victoria. I'm planning to hold a concert there, and if I can get some help... that would be great." Noah continued as planned. "You can think of me as just trying to solicit sponsorship. Wandering musicians like us don't have much money. If we don't get sponsorship, I'm afraid I'll really have to play the piano on the streets to earn performance fees."

"You are being too modest. Your skills are rare in the whole of Victoria. If you have to go to the streets to play that beautiful melody, most of the musicians in Victoria will be laid off and have to find new jobs." Duke Caister really knows what he is doing. With Lilith's level, there are few rivals even in the entire Terra dimension. The song she heard at the banquet was top-notch in terms of both technique and emotional investment.

If Lilith can be kept in Victoria, then we will have bargaining chips when we contact Leitania.

You have to know that those self-proclaimed noble warlocks in Leithania recognize the value of music. When they first met, they loved to show off their knowledge of music theory and boast about their great history and musical heritage. So what if Lilith were brought there? If Lilith wanted to support the scene, it would be a dimensionality reduction attack. Although those musicians were arrogant, they were definitely not fools. The difference was obvious to the naked eye.

"I'm just a wandering musician... I don't deserve such praise." Noah shook his head again. "I have no regrets meeting you, Lord Speaker and Duke Caister. No matter what the outcome, I hope to build a good relationship with you two, or even become friends."

"It's my honor." Vina smiled, standing up and shaking Lilith's hand. As she rose, Duke Caister's gaze fell on her, as if contemplating how they had struck up a rapport on their first official meeting. However, judging by the documents submitted by the Faceless Man, Miss Lilith's profile was comprehensive and complete, with no issues regarding her identity. She hadn't been to Victoria or Rhodes Island, so it seemed unlikely she'd ever come into contact with Vina.

She still trusted the information about the Faceless Man quite a bit. After the old Duke of Caster handed over the entire army to her, no member of the Grey Hat Corps had ever betrayed her.

If she had to say what she believed in most in this world, it would probably be this army. This army had a terrifyingly strict training system. Once trained successfully, it would be almost impossible for them to betray. In history, the number of times the gray hats had betrayed could be described in the single digits. What's more... would there really be any benefit in betraying the Duke of Caster?

Throughout Victoria, the Duke of Caster had complete control over the families of this unit, all of whom were supported by her funds. If anyone truly betrayed her, these families would undoubtedly be in danger. The Faceless Man was no exception; according to records, he had a loving wife and even a child to support.

These gray hats would also monitor each other, and under such strict security, few people could betray her.

Of course, old Caster’s teachings are also vivid in my mind… Only secrets can control people’s hearts.

She looked at the seemingly formidable musical talent before her, Lilith Noelle. What weaknesses could such a person possess? What secrets could she harbor? She looked forward to acquiring this treasure, a piece of music with a promising future. Like a canary in a cage, she only needed to sing for Victoria, to praise her. Her gaze was like that of a hawk gazing at an innocent chick, the lust so etched in her that even Noah felt a little uncomfortable.

"Me too. I am a person who respects art. So, of course I will help you with your wish to hold a concert in Victoria. You can just follow me and leave Kjerag. When our mission is over, I will personally find a performance venue for you. I guarantee you will be satisfied." Duke Caister smiled and wrote a check. This was not a blank check. With Duke Caister's financial resources, this could be done perfectly.

"Your art will be the pride of Victoria. I can provide you with a venue, instruments, and even musicians to accompany you. I can satisfy you with all of these." Caister's generosity made Noah feel increasingly chilled. Such an investment... surely it wasn't just to attract this musician. Perhaps she had her own plans... perhaps... training Lilith to be an agent as well?

"Thank you for your kindness. If I were to go that far, I'd be a little uneasy." Lilith smiled and shook her head. "I'm only here to solicit sponsorship, not to sell myself. In my profession, I usually sell my skills, not my body."

"That depends on the price, doesn't it?"

Chapter 48: Giant Beast Gathering

价钱?

Rather than saying it’s a price, it’s more like a blatant surcharge.

Sure enough, in the eyes of Duke Caister, she would never let go of a talent like Lilith.

Although the Duke of Caister had never been emperor, in Noya's eyes, he bore some resemblance to her brother. That power-obsessed monster, who sought to consolidate Victoria's power and bring imperial authority to its peak. What kind of person was Elizabeth Victoria Caister?

Even after reading her memories, Noah still couldn't truly understand what this woman, whose path was distorted by her brother and ancestors, was thinking. If one really said that she was a woman who went crazy because her brother didn't choose her, then that would be a bit of an underestimation of this Grand Duke who rode the waves of power. If that were all... she could have followed the late emperor long ago.

Isn't this what a yandere who can't get the love she wants should do?

However, she clearly had other aspirations.

People are complicated. She must have other desires in her heart. Apart from the illicit love affair with her brother, she must have her own goals.

His goal has been achieved. The more he talks to Duke Caister, the more likely he is to reveal flaws. It is better to be brief when communicating with such a spy chief. Noah made up his mind and left this place of trouble for the time being, using the excuse that he had other agreements to fulfill.

Noah did not change her appearance back immediately after leaving the building. She waited until she walked a distance and confirmed through her ability that no one was following her before she changed her face back to her original appearance in a corner. Her disguise was very perfect. Whether it was her voice, skin color, figure, hair, eyes, or even her height and weight, she could perfectly simulate it.

This trip not only achieved their goal, but also allowed them to learn about Ravshini from Vina... Honestly, Ravshini and Tara were a sensitive topic, and Noah would prefer not to get involved if possible. After all, this was Victoria's family affair... but she was indeed a little uneasy. Some things, even if you don't want to be involved... you can't be immune.

I hope everything will have a good outcome...Such a wish seems easy, but it is very difficult to sit down and do it.

Noah suddenly felt a little tired. This was not physical fatigue, but a fatigue that came from the heart. He seemed to have the power to change the world, but would everything be fine just by having power?

She could have gathered all the behemoths together and forced the nations of Terra to join forces, but... so what?

No matter how powerful you are, you can't fight against the Lumberjack alone. Only with the combined efforts of Terra...

"...Can we really defeat the lumberjacks?"

She talked to herself and looked up at the sky. This was the place closest to the universe on Terra. She knew that there was a thin layer of star pods very high above her head. It was a shield that existed to protect Terra and was a legacy left by the old civilization. She also knew that the old civilization had tried its best, and there was even a son of the star who worked hard to seek a chance for survival for mankind.

But even so... the old civilization failed.

To be honest, Terra's chances of winning are really no higher than 0.0000001%...and what's even more terrifying is that, apart from her and the three survivors from the previous civilization, no one is aware of the existence of this threat.

"Oh... I can't think like that." Noah patted her cheek and forced herself to suppress her worries. She had to keep moving forward, no matter what the outcome would be.

Do your best and leave the rest to fate.

-

Noya's collaboration with the Gray Hat was a secret. Aside from Enthiotis, she told almost no one about the Faceless Man. This was also the Faceless Man's own wish. After all, the more he knew, the more dangerous he became. So, to conceal his actions, he had to do his job. He reappeared near Silver Heart Lake, posing as an ordinary tourist, snapping a photo.

According to his intuition, the statue was just a cover, or something to attract attention.

There must be some unknown secrets hidden behind it, such as... a secret factory? Or an intelligence agency? Or a training ground?

Normally, he would have sharpened his wits, even if it was just to satisfy his own curiosity, to find out what Kjerag was hiding. But now, the purpose of his work had changed. He wasn't really investigating, but rather just slacking off. After all, he still had to write the report himself. Regarding Kjerag's true situation...

Although I'm interested, it's best not to be interested...

But just as he was complaining in his heart, he caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of his eye, someone who perhaps shouldn't appear at this time.

"Viscount Harold... and... the Saint?"

Why did they get together?

-

"Your Excellency, the Viscount should remember that there will be a bonfire party tonight by Silver Heart Lake as a warm-up for tomorrow's inauguration ceremony," Enya politely invited Harold. "I heard you've been traveling a lot lately, so I came to remind you in case you forgot."

"Of course I remember. Don't worry, I will be there." Harold has been much more relaxed recently. After all, with the help of the Faceless Man, his family is safe. Now he has no worries at all. He has even begun to think about how to retire from the military in Victoria. The most urgent task now is to retire from the army and then settle down in Runshelag!

Compared to Victoria's extremely poor air quality, Kjerag is honestly much better.

He is old and no longer has the desire to continue to advance. He just wants to retire early.

"Liexia, come too?" Enya did not forget Miss Rosaline, who had suddenly become the eldest daughter of the three families in the Snow Region. Although she herself did not admit it, Enya still took the initiative to invite her.

"Bonfire party? Sure, sure, I'll definitely be there." Rosalin had become quite familiar with Harold recently. During their time in Kjerag, the two of them basically traveled together. On the one hand, their relationship was really good, and on the other hand... she also had to avoid her own father. This guy was almost becoming a **, randomly appearing around Rosalin from time to time, which made Rosalin almost pstd. Later, Rosalin found that this father didn't seem to want to get close to Victoria's people, so she simply ran to Harold's side.

"...Then...this...this Mr. [Gray Hat], can I consider him as your friend?" Enya asked hesitantly, looking at the faceless man who appeared at the side.

"...Ah...yes...yes, of course." Harold felt a little uncomfortable. He didn't even notice when the faceless man appeared, but this man should be considered one of his own, so he could only nod.

"Since you are a friend of His Excellency the Viscount, you are my guest, Shelag. I hope you will do me the honor of attending this party." Enya was very polite, and the Faceless Man also gave her face.

"Since it's the invitation from Her Majesty the Saint, how can I not accept it?" His tone was relaxed. After all, if everything went well, he would also take a vacation in Kjerag for a while. It would only benefit him to establish a good relationship with Her Majesty the Saint.

"Then... it's settled." Enya nodded, feeling relieved. However, her affairs seemed to be as numerous as Kjerag's mountain, and she couldn't stop at all.

But after Enya left, Harold looked at the faceless man with some doubt, and there was confusion in his eyes. He didn't know why the faceless man appeared here, but he always felt that nothing good was going to happen... No, nothing good happened after the gray hat appeared.

"I'm here to remind you, Sir Harold, about your garrison..."

"Those are my brothers and sisters, my dearest friends and relatives, what do you want to do?!"

"I mean... I just saw your soldiers chatting and laughing with a Kjerag. It seemed like a good atmosphere." The faceless man shook his head helplessly. "I just came to ask, are your troops really here on vacation?"

"It wasn't like that before... Well, it's not impossible now." Harold curled his lips. "Don't you think Kjerag is a good place?"

"Of course." The faceless man nodded. "But I also want to remind you that I have helped you eliminate your worries, but... if the Duke of Caister and the Speaker give orders at the same time, whose arrangements will you follow?"

"...In what capacity do you ask this question?" Harold frowned. This question was not easy to answer.

"Of course..." The faceless man wanted to say that he just wanted to know, but considering their previous relationship, he changed his words and said, "I'm just simply curious."

"I'm sorry... I can't trust you to this extent." Harold shook his head. "Also... there's a lady here now. We shouldn't have such private conversations."

"That's right, I'm sorry for being rude." The faceless man nodded. "I wish you a pleasant stay, Sir Harold."

The conversation ended, and the faceless man left immediately. Harold returned to Rosalyn and asked, "Have you been waiting long, Miss Rosalyn?"

"Not really. Um... what's going on with your colleague? I thought you two had a feud."

"After all, we're all colleagues, so there's bound to be some friction at work, but we see each other all the time...it's pretty complicated anyway," Harold explained. "And even if I explain it to you, they might not understand."

"That's right... That's what Zhenli said back then. Anyway, I don't need to think about this."

"of course."

-

"Thank you for your help, Miss Yaer." At this time, Yaer had met Noah again. As Yelagundbender, Miss Yaer had the ability to monitor the entire Shelag by controlling her followers. It was also because of this that Noah asked her to help monitor the situation of Duke Caister. Yaer naturally agreed very readily.

But according to her surveillance, Duke Kaster was honest, even a little bit unreasonable. During this period of time, he basically did not leave the house prepared by Ensiodis, and seemed to be really harmless.

However, to describe a duke as harmless was a bit far-fetched, and Noya didn't think he was a pushover. However, she was more concerned about the situation of the Behemoths than this matter.

"A lot of fellow behemoths have gathered outside Kjerag right now... This is the first time I've seen so many of them. Honestly, if any of these guys spit, they could probably destroy Kjerag. Do you know how much pressure I'm under right now?" Ya'er cried, but could only smile awkwardly. "Don't worry, if something like that ever happens, I'll help."

"...Oh, forget it. They're here to see you anyway," Ya'er said helplessly. "You're the Son of the Stars. You're the greatest."

"Besides the behemoth...is the Beast Master here too?" Noah inquired. "For this meeting, I think it's best to invite everyone I can. I don't want to go looking for them everywhere."

"Anma should have done her best, but you know... some beast masters are so elusive that Anma can't find them either." Ya'er nodded, "But everyone who can come should have come."

"That's good. I'll try to come back as soon as possible." Noah nodded. "If I come back soon, I should be able to make it to the bonfire party, right?"

"I hope so. Enya will definitely want to attend the party with you. Although your matters are very important...but."

"I understand what you mean." Noya took a deep breath. Even though she had inherited the identity of the Child of the Stars, she was still a little nervous about meeting so many extraordinary beings. "Anyway... I'll be back soon."

Yaer put her hand on Noya, and the next second, the scene in front of her changed completely. She came to the border of Kjerag. As long as she crossed the small tree in front of her, she would leave Kjerag and leave Yaer's protective area.

Noah took a step forward and quickly passed the small tree. At this moment, the overwhelming terrifying aura pressed towards Noah. She raised her head and waved her hand, and the terrifying aura was completely separated, just like the scene of Moses parting the sea. The howl of the wolf lord, who originally wanted to show Noah a warning, was stuck in his throat.

"...I'm here to negotiate, not to fight." Noah frowned slightly, "...If you want to fight me, Wolf Lord, I'll give you some time after the meeting."

"Zaro, she said she wants to beat you up." The emperor beside him laughed. After all, that hand was indeed terrifying, frightening even Zaro himself. "She really is the Child of the Stars! I feel like she's right in front of me, but she's blended into the entire land, and I can't even sense her presence."

"Shut up... Your Majesty!" Zaro didn't dare to act presumptuously. After testing the waters, he realized... If Noya hadn't spoken, the behemoths gathered nearby would have attacked him. But since Noya had spoken, the beasts withdrew their murderous intent. Even that momentary killing intent was enough to frighten Zaro to the point of tucking his tail between his legs. "...I'm sorry, Lord Starson. I was just... testing him a little."

Facing a being far more powerful than himself, Zaro also lowered his head.

"Great Star Child, do you have any instructions?"

Chapter 49: Strength is the best means of debate

To say Noya wasn't nervous at all would be a lie. Behemoths... this term wasn't common on Terra. Most people referred to these beings more generally as "gods." They were creations of the Children of the Stars, possessing power from the moment they were born. Even in the descriptions of pre-civilizations, the existence of behemoths was miraculous. They were beings capable of creating unique ecosystems on their own; their very existence was a miracle.

And now, he was standing in front of these great beings, and even had to serve as their leader... at least a nominal leader, to control these monsters.

If it were my past self, I definitely wouldn’t believe it, right?