After receiving Edward’s reply, Griffith tilted his head back in thought. “Let me think…”
“No need to rush, Your Majesty. If you discover anything, please inform me. Likewise, we will share our findings with you.”
“Naturally. We are the closest of allies. But what you told me today… I’d never noticed it before.”
Neither had I…
Edward sighed inwardly.
Not long after this conversation, Griffith took his leave, leaving Alisa behind to accompany their guests.
Edward had Alisa examine The Jade Ten Swords while he pulled Yulia aside into another room.
“Girl, what are you up to? I knew you had something in mind.”
“I’m not up to anything! We just happened to talk about it.”
The conversation had been between the two Uncles—she’d only chimed in a few times.
Yulia put on a pitiful expression.
“Cut the act! You might fool Griffith, but not me. Do you really think I don’t know your tricks by now?”
He’d been tricked before—and suffered for it.
Learning from his past mistakes, the current Edward wouldn’t be easily fooled.
After all, everyone knows that Loli Xu’s greatest skill was saying half of what she meant—then relying on her cuteness to smooth over the other half.
“Fine, I don’t mind telling you, Uncle.”
“Call me ‘Teacher’.”
“Alright, Teacher.” Yulia shrugged.
“As Teacher knows, I have… unusual memories. Especially after going to Golden City. What I mentioned earlier was all discovered there. The city is full of outsiders from all over the world.”
“After observing them, I noticed striking similarities between them and us. I’m trying to figure out why.”
Edward rested his chin on his hand and nodded. “And once you do?”
“Once I do…” Yulia tilted her head, pacing a few steps. “I might want to formally—and fully—utilize their power.”
“Their power? They’re not that strong.”
“But their growth speed is fast.”
As if hit by a bolt of lightning, Edward stiffened.
Right! Their growth speed is fast, to the point of being absurdly fast!
The outsiders had only appeared a few months ago. Back then, most were barely Iron Rank.
Yet in such a short time, a significant number had already reached Silver Rank, with some even approaching Gold Rank.
At this rate, some would surpass Gold and even reach Jade Rank within a year.
By then, that force could shake the world.
Edward didn’t dare imagine what happens beyond that.
“You’ve already thought this far ahead?”
“Because I know outsiders well. There are many things I understand better than you. Preparing early won’t hurt. If we wait until their power fully matures, how will we handle them?”
“Even if they do nothing, their mere presence in the Jade Empire will make many—especially the old nobles—restless, right?”
“You’re right.” Edward nodded heavily.
“There’s one more thing you might not know, but Sister Aria does. The outsiders possess incredibly powerful and unique magic—or rather, ‘technology’. I’m wondering if we can integrate it with our own.”
Technology revitalizes the nation, ever heard of it?
“Have you discussed this with Aria?”
“Not yet. My ideas are still incomplete. I’ll tell her when they’re polished.”
“Fine. You’ve always had a good sense for major affairs. I won’t interfere.”
Edward sighed heavily.
Truly… even though she can be a headache at times, picking up this student was an absolute steal!
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he studied Yulia intently.
She’d said that the outsiders grew quickly—but someone here was growing even faster.
Even with inherited memories or reincarnator knowledge, her growth was unprecedented.
There were countless people in this world—there’d be a few reincarnators. But the ones he’d heard of were only slightly faster than ordinary folks.
“Teacher? Why are you staring?”
“Nothing.”
Edward shook his head and averted his gaze.
“So, was this your goal for coming here?”
“Nope! I mainly wanted to help Sister Alisa. The rest was just… incidental.”
“Heh…”
Edward smirked silently—he saw right through her.
Now everything made sense.
When they stepped out, Alisa was still engrossed in the sword manual.
Yulia moved to her. “Sister Alisa, how’s it going?”
Alisa frowned in frustration. “It’s a bit too profound. I need more time.”
“That’s fine! It’s teacher’s technique, after all. You can ask him if you have questions.”
Alisa brightened, looking between Yulia and Edward. “Really?!”
Edward: “…”
Why ask me? Shouldn’t you explain? You’re the one who gave it to her!
“Of course it’s fine! Right, Teacher?” Yulia nudged his waist.
Edward forced a polite smile. “Yes, of course.”
“Thank you, Lord Edward! And thank you, Yulia!”
Yulia nodded cheerfully, then winked at Alisa.
Alisa blinked in surprise before grinning and winking back.
Yulia’s such a good person!
No wonder Father adored her—I like her too!
Useless Father can’t even handle a simple request, yet Yulia solved it effortlessly!
“Sister Alisa, could you take us to the library now? As we discussed with His Majesty, we’d like to learn more about the Verdant Empire’s history.”
“Of course!”
Alisa eagerly took Yulia’s hand, and the two walked ahead while Edward trailed behind.
Watching the girls bond so quickly, he couldn’t help but marvel.
This girl is truly something.
A natural social butterfly, shining brightest wherever she goes. The title ‘Radiant Sun’ fit her perfectly.
He wondered what they were whispering and giggling about, occasionally glancing back at him.
But as a grown man, he couldn’t exactly eavesdrop on two girls’ whispered conversation.
Ah well. They’re both princesses from allied nations. It’s good that they’re getting along.
Edward followed at a polite distance, smiling faintly.
What he didn’t know was that he was about to be sold out.
Right now, he was in the stage of being sold while helping to count the money.