Chapter 183

Isaac wouldnt have tolerated the mutts and their persistent slander. Thats why Isaac already prepared an escape plan and even his next steps. But nothing happened, so Isaac just simply stayed put. Isaac was impressed by how the Queen read him so perfectly.

So it doesnt matter if Kunette knows now?

Theres no time left. Both you and Kunette foolishly squandered your last chances.

That might be true for Kunette. But I couldnt care less what happens to this world.

The Queen sipped her tea with a satisfied smile as Isaac replied nonchalantly.

But did you really not bring any souvenirs after coming back from the other world? No noodlesnot even cup noodles or its soup base?

Isaac began reminiscing about the rich flavours of the chemical powders as he watched the monitor. The insides of his mouth were dripping with drool as he asked with antic.i.p.ation, to which the Queen replied apologetically.

I didnt bring anything with me.

Isaac hung his head, despondent from disappointment. The Queen snickered and continued.

But Reisha seemed to have gotten many fans. Theyve quickly noticed how much of a glutton Reisha is, so they gave her a lot of food as a present. She brought all of it with her back.

Isaacs head shot up like a firework.

Then Ill be able to taste some soon.

Ah, I dont think so. Reisha is with Kunette at this moment.

s.h.i.+t. Nothing will be left between those two gluttons. But wouldnt there be problems if Reisha tells Kunette everything?

She didnt go there willingly.

That meant the Queen locked Reisha in the same place as Kunette.

The North Bears and elves wont stay put after this.

It doesnt matter. Frankly speaking, they are hostages.

Arent you going a little too far?

So what? Its only for a moment. Im prepared for the coming flak anyway.

Isaac made a face at the Queens brazen demeanour. Had her plan come so close to fruition that obscuring it was pointless?

I didnt want to ask this, but I have to.

Isaac threw his burnt cigarette into the tea cup and lit a new one. His lungs expanded with the smoke, his chest visibly puffed up. Isaac finally popped the question he didnt want the Queen to answer. She just looked back at him with a smile.

Where in our old world is the Gate opening?

Isaac asked. The Queen smiled brightly.

Its as you suspect.

I see.

Isaac looked at the ceiling with an empty expression. He laughed bitterly. No, he already knew the answer instinctually, but he wished he didnt.

The nations suffering and eventual destruction was all because of this Gate. Could they cope with it? Even he, who had resigned himself to everything, still felt a burning rage when remembering the faces of those who met their end. Fighting for the last moment, and for what?

Not to mention this world wasnt completely separate from the old world. The Expeditionary Forces invasionstheir mere presencewas a constant reminder of their nations tragedy. The urge for vengeance would never fade away, not even with time. Madness was the only natural conclusion.

Isaacs personal airs.h.i.+p landed quietly where the old City Hall used to be. Isaac left the s.h.i.+p with the Queen and scanned the surroundings. He muttered.

Now this is an unexpected welcome.

Isaac expected a ma.s.sive crowd throwing insults and whatnot at the arrival of the greatest villain to be recorded in history. But it was just Lanburton, Kainen, Security agents, and the mercenaries.

Wheres everyone else?

Everyone saluted Isaac politely when he approached. Lanburton stepped forward and answered Isaac.

New Port City was reappropriated as a free trade region for specifically interdimensional trade, so ordinary citizens are restricted from entry.

On whose orders?

Everyones eyes fell on Kainen. Isaac followed suit, and Kainen fumbled around in panic. Isaac approached Kainen and asked.

Are you the Lord of this city now?

No sir.

Then who told you to kick out all the taxpayers here? Do you know how much money I make in a single day? Are you going to compensate me for it?

Those were the Emperors orders.

He said that?

Kainens face paled when Isaac spoke about the Emperor in such an informal tone, ignoring the usual decorum of respect.

Kuku. Dont be so mad. Our old world had restricted areas that only select individuals could enter too, remember?

Isaac took a moment to consider the Queens explanation, eventually nodding in agreement.

True. This is the correct procedureto open in stages. Then what happened to my source of income?

Yes. You kicked out all of Port Citys citizens, so we relocated all the citizens of New Port City into Port City.

To Port City? Wouldnt they have been dispersed throughout the rest of the Dukedom? But why arent the brat and Cordnell here? Do they not want to see my face again?

They are too busy dealing with many problems regarding compensation, which is why I havent told them. Im sure they only just realised youre here from seeing your airs.h.i.+p.

Isaac nodded at Kainen. Compensation for the shops, casinos, and the entire magical artefact district would take more than a few days.

Then everyone I dont see here is still in Port City?

Thats not something a handful of us can tackle on our own.

Kainen answered naturally. Isaac quickly swept over the faces of all the Security agents and smiled inwardly. Everyone who originated from the Directorate of Surveillance and a.n.a.lysis had remained in Port City, and only those from Strategy had come to welcome him. Whatd be his next move?

We should go now. Weve already prepared where the Gate will open.

The Queens voice hurried them along, and Isaac shrugged. Just as he was about to follow the Queen, Lanburton immediately approached Isaac.

I have something to tell you.

Ah! And what happened to the elves and northbears?

Theyve all returned to their tribes.

Really? I guess they cant hang out with me after I shot that three-eyed f.u.c.ker.

That aside, Id like to talk privately

Why dont you speak as we walk?

The Queen intervened in the conversation with Lanburton, putting him on the spot. Lanburton glared at the Queen and grit his teeth, to which Isaac smirked at. Isaac tapped Lanburtons shoulder.

Im sick and tired of secrets now. I dont care what the secret is, just say it.

With that, Isaac followed behind the Queen. Behind them were Security agents, mercenaries and the Queens bodyguards. Lanburton tried to weave his way next to Isaac, but the Queens bodyguards moved to block his path every time.

Hehehe. My Lord, Im glad you are safe.

Hm? Ah! Your name is Flander right?

Isaac asked, and Flander rubbed his hands together, grovelling with such glee that Isaac immediately remembered him.

Hehe. With your blessing, we have done our best.

Really? So how were they? Were they useful?

Isaac asked Kainen. Kainen furrowed his brows and glared at Flander before replying.

Well. They were capable. And sharp too.

Handling the mess with the Directorate of Securitys limited personnel was a huge endeavour, but it was much more bearable with the mercenaries as their limbs. And they would cajole the agents at the right moment without being overbearing; Kainen wondered if grovelling was a mandatory cla.s.s for mercenaries these days.

Good to hear that youre doing well.

Hehehe. Thank you.

Isaacs pace slowed down as he spoke with Flander, which was the opening Lanburton needed to quickly join in.

I have something to say.

Can you say it here?

Isaac asked, to which Lnaburton looked at the Queen and spoke.

I guess I dont have a choice.

Then go on.

Isaac didnt slow his pace, and Lanburton followed closely behind.

As ordered by the Director of Surveillance, you have been appointed the temporary leader of the Directorate of Surveillance.

Isaac had to stop and turn to look at Lanburton after hearing that.

Im what?

The Director of Surveillance has stated that in the event that she is unable to command the Directorate for any reason, the Directorate will enter an emergency state, and leaders.h.i.+p will transfer to Sir Isaac temporarily. Now that Ive told you this, the Directorate of Surveillance will follow your orders going forward.

Isaac stared at Lanburton as he processed a frankly unimaginable scenario. He caught the Queens brows twitch ever so slightly, and sn.i.g.g.e.red as he raised another cigarette to his mouth.

When did she issue that order?

We are simply following the scenario of an emergency state.

She prepared this in advance?

Thats right.

Che! She couldnt be slow like the bear she is.

The Queen spoke, frustrated but still unimpressed.

I guess Kunette wont be going quietly. Although, I wonder if it will have any impact.

Since the Director of Surveillance has been locked away, the Directorate of Surveillance has been operating in an emergency state. But we had halted all operations until now since you, who is supposed to give new orders, werent here. So give us the orders

I know, you can go. But I think youre already too late.

Lanburtons face brightened immediately and quickly left the plaza. Isaac asked the Queen, who watched Lanburton disappear into the distance.

Thats surprising. I thought youd stop him.

As youve said, theyre already too late. If Surveillances entire force was here, that may have been a problem. But you moved them away for us. Mr. Lanburton is a respected elder among the elves, so friction with him isnt something I want.

Lanburton is that reputable?

Of course. He was an elite agent operating in this world and ours back in his youth.

What an exceptional guy.

Isaac seemed unimpressed in contrast to his remark. He followed behind the Queen, looking at his surroundings as he walked. New Port City had turned into a ghost town, not a single person in sight.

After walking for a long time, a great piece of architecture at the docks finally came into view, just past what was formerly the magical artefact district. Isaac whistled in awe at the giant circular gate that was reminiscent of the movies and dramas of his past.

Wow, its a stargate.

Huhu, it just ended up looking that way as we built more and more of it.

The Queen replied with pride.

So what do I need to do now?

You have to open the Gate with the key.

The Queen led Isaac to a 2m tall stone tablet around 30m away from the Gate. The tablet was inscribed with indecipherable letters from top to bottom with a hole in its center. The Queen pointed at the hole.

The Gate will begin to function when you put the key in here.

Isaac took out the pen from his finger. He looked at the pen for a moment and then asked the Queen.

This is the last time Im asking. Is this what you really want, Queen?

Yes. Ive waited hundreds of years for this.