Half an hour later, Byro and Knightwalker returned to the research institute with five apprentices.
As for the remaining task of researching and isolating the teleportation magic, Roland, having never dealt with this field, couldn't interfere. He could only read a book out of boredom.
Beside him, Knightwalker dutifully served tea, her expression as cold as ever, giving her the air of an ice queen.
"Thank you."
Roland took a sip of the hot tea in his cup, propping his cheek on his hand as he watched her.
Knightwalker was now wearing the Soi Fon casual outfit. From his vantage point, he could just see her delicate collarbone and her fair, smooth shoulders.
Looking further down, the white inner shirt meant to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions... couldn't be seen at all.
When they were alone later, I'll have her take off that cumbersome white inner shirt.
"..."
Noticing his undisguised gaze, Knightwalker couldn't help but think of the earlier kiss, and she looked away, her expression slightly unnatural.
She didn't know if it was her imagination, but when she looked at Roland's face, she always felt a strange flutter in her heart.
"Oh my, what a cute expression."
"...As long as you like it, sir."
Knightwalker subconsciously used a respectful tone and replied softly.
Ever since pledging her loyalty, she had also accepted her identity as a servant. Both her words and attitude were becoming similar to that of a maid.
"Well... I'm a little unused to this." Roland placed the book face down on the table and couldn't help but say, "How about you go back to your arrogant posture?"
Sure enough, compared to her current maid-like appearance, training the Fairy Hunter was more interesting.
"..."
Knightwalker didn't reply, her eyes staring at him thoughtfully, her mind on who knows what.
While they were chatting, the apprentices led by Byro quickly completed the simplified version of the Anima magic within three hours.
"I almost forgot that the magic here is activated by items."
Looking at the design schematics for the large, ring-shaped gate, Roland was stunned for a moment before he reacted.
He had to admit, although the humans here had no magic power in their bodies, the quality and abilities of the magic items they created were no worse than those on the other side.
"Lord Roland, I don't know what you plan to do with this World-Crossing Gate..."
Byro looked at the satisfied expression on his face and suddenly had a bad feeling as he asked cautiously.
World-Crossing Gate, a fitting name.
"What am I going to do..."
Roland stood by the high tower's window, his gaze overlooking the bustling scene of the Royal Capital, a slight smile on his lips.
"I'm just going to turn this world into my own backyard, that's all."
"Ba-backyard?"
Besides Knightwalker, the other six people all had expressions of disbelief, even suspecting that their ears had heard wrong.
"Heh heh heh... as expected of Lord Roland, what a magnificent ideal."
Byro let out a sinister laugh and agreed in a fawning manner.
Ever since he had helped create the World-Crossing Gate, he had, in a sense, also betrayed the empire. If the king were to find out, he would have no choice but to go to the gallows.
After all, as the Chief of Staff, he knew too many of the empire's secrets.
If this guy from Earth Land really had the strength to turn this place into his backyard, then following him wasn't out of the question.
Having gotten what he wanted, Roland prepared to leave the palace and meet up with Mirajane first.
But before leaving—
"You, eat this pill."
Roland tossed the Honesty Pill in his hand. Seeing the increasingly strange expression on Byro's face, he said.
"..."
Although he didn't want to eat this strange pill, with Knightwalker standing by with her spear, Byro could only brace himself and swallow it.
He was prepared to die from poison, but after waiting for a long time, he didn't feel anything amiss.
"Did you tamper with these schematics?"
Roland asked with a smile.
"...No."
Byro shook his head decisively.
"Good. Then, Chief of Staff Byro, we'll meet again in a few days!"
Next time we meet, it will be my turn to be king here.
As he thought this, Roland was about to call Knightwalker to leave when a knock came from the distant door.
"Byro! His Majesty has called an emergency meeting. You're the only one who hasn't arrived yet!"
A deep, rough voice sounded from outside, accompanied by a heavy knock on the door.
"Panther Lily—the guy outside is the captain of the 1st Magic War Division, and also an Exceed."
Knightwalker's gaze sharpened, her left hand resting on the hilt of the sword at her waist as she introduced him softly.
There weren't many people in the empire whose strength was on par with hers, and this Lily was one of them.
So it's the Iron Dragon's cat.
Roland nodded slightly, having an impression of that giant black cat.
"What should we do? Should we find a way to bluff our way through?"
Knightwalker turned her head to look at him and asked calmly.
According to the king's recent orders, she and Hughes should both be besieging the Fairy guild at this time. They clearly shouldn't be in the Royal Capital.
"No need for that. We'll just break out of the Royal Capital."
Roland said nonchalantly.
He hadn't forgotten that he had a mission to do—that Steal magic from Kazuma Satou. To be honest, he really wanted it.
Also, isn't it almost time to go back?
"I understand."
Knightwalker nodded in understanding, then quickly walked forward, the Ten Commandments Spear in her hand suddenly piercing through the door.
"—Ten Commandments Spear!?"
Seeing the spear pierce through beside him, Lily's eyes widened, and his tall figure quickly retreated.
Bang!!
As the door was kicked open, the crimson figure and a young man he had never seen before appeared before his eyes.
"Erza, do you know what you're doing?!"
Lily's face darkened as he took the magic greatsword from his back and roared.
"Cut the crap!"
—Explosive Spear.
Knightwalker charged forward, the Ten Commandments Spear in her hand imperceptibly changing form, the tip glowing with a red light.
Boom—
A huge explosion rang out. The marble-paved floor was blasted into a deep pit, and a sturdy figure was sent flying.
"Be careful. Don't break my royal palace."
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