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 extremely difficult.

But the Commander’s plan seemed convincing.

"How exactly does the underground passage function?"

"It is extremely restricted. If you are not a resident of Flint Cove, you will run into trouble right at the entrance. We have already confirmed that even informants cannot freely enter."

"I understand what you mean. However, there is no guarantee that someone 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 some connections with those people."

With a gentle smile, Alexander continued:

"I have carried out several officially prohibited medical procedures there. Inside Flint Cove."

The squad members 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 same space was enough to become infected, and for children and the elderly, it was fatal.

The Emperor immediately 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 medical personnel for treatment.

The problem was that the Emperor had no interest in the residents of Flint Cove at all.

He directed medical aid only to noble patients within the Ancient Border.

In the end, Alexander made a decision, taking a risk.

He decided to secretly take medical 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 met 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 excitement.

"An educational institution... I really wanted to go there...!"

To come 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 become 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 members burst into laughter.

Valentis and his three sons also watched with fond smiles.

A few more days passed, and morning came.

"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 something 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 same! Both times 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 members 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 some time 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.

Some 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 <Tavern, Tavern> towered right there.

Tie quickly looked around.

Then deliberately said loudly:

"Ahem! Craving something 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 something 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 men guarding the stairs recognized Tie and silently stepped aside.

As she began to descend, whispers came from behind.

"Wasn’t that just the King of the Dead? They say he’s ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ a very successful mercenary now."

"Indeed, Your Excellency."

"...Seems it’s true he’s raking in money. Even the tavern gave him the entire basement."

"You mean 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 some lowly mercenary 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 times 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 immediately looked away.

Meanwhile, Tie descended the endless stairs, passed through a storage area piled with clutter.

Then another long staircase—and opening a metal door—

"Oh... someone... came down... from the tavern...."

Before her spread a vast, complex underground labyrinth of rusted metal 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 moment, 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 name is Tie!"

Tie ran up, bowed politely, and immediately sat down among the elderly.

"Tie is fouh yeaws old! How old are you? What awe you doing hewe?"