"Hmm hmm hmmm~~"
Moris bounced lightly around the kitchen as he cooked, deftly cracking eggs and igniting the stove with practiced ease.
Even though his face remained hidden behind that featureless black mask, the carefree tune he hummed carried a strangely calming warmth.
He pulled a loaf of bread from the oven and brushed melted butter across the crust, adding a richer aroma and a glossy sheen. From a paper bag nearby, he took out several wrapped biscuits to serve as snacks.
A touch of cinnamon for the grilled beef was indispensable, followed by a drizzle of wine sauce over the juicy slices of meat.
Within mere minutes, an extravagant meal had been prepared. Moris happily carried the tray out of the kitchen.
The living room was still filled with the voices of the other two. Clearly, their discussion had not ended yet, and Moris had no intention of interrupting. Quietly, he retreated from the room.
His first task tonight was simple:
Take care of the woman captured yesterday so Ron could later pry information out of her.
6:20 PM
Ron and Quân were discussing the mission.
"This is the Third Princess, Janeus.
Same age as you. Recently went missing in Pegasus City."
Ron carefully flipped through the documents one page at a time. The fact that the military and central authorities had requested assistance from One Line already meant the situation had become desperate enough to require outside involvement.
"Whew~ She's pretty damn cute."
Quân whistled while staring at the photograph.
She truly was beautiful. Slightly curled golden hair, eyes resembling emerald gemstones embedded with crystalline diamonds.
Ron, however, showed no interest in her appearance. He continued turning the pages as he explained.
"You don't need to concern yourself with these reports. I've already gone through them, so I'll summarize the important parts for you.
First: Janeus disappeared after arriving in Pegasus City. Prior to that, she had traveled to Pekal, a city neighboring Pegasus, to take her final practical examination. Her disappearance was reported by a fellow student named Promet who had accompanied her.
Second: her magic concerns biological mutation.
Third: she left using multiple forms of transportation."
As Quân listened, an image of Janeus slowly formed in his mind.
Unfortunately, it was far from a flattering one.
"Alright then. So this is just another 'hero saves the beauty' situation, huh?
We just frame some creeps and squeeze information outta people, right?"
Quân enthusiastically pushed himself off the chair, seemingly ready to begin the operation immediately.
Ron merely shook his head.
"If it were that easy, the authorities would've solved it already. This is a PRINCESS. Even if she's at the absolute bottom of the succession line, she's still royalty.
And the fact they're dragging us into this means the situation resembles a large-scale tracking operation. A treasure hunt for Janeus, with dozens of factions already involved."
Ron paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, I already have several theories. There's one hypothesis in particular I support the most, but I'll explain that later. For now, just follow me."
Without waiting for Quân's response, Ron walked toward the front door.
"Do you know why I arranged for you to sleep in that creepy mansion before?"
Ron spoke while putting on his shoes and stepping outside.
"Huh? How the hell would I know?"
Quân blinked in confusion. He lazily stood up, dusting off his clothes before following after him.
Ron glanced at his own hand and muttered with faint frustration.
"I'm weak. I never received proper education. At most, I can only use three spells.
So, Quân... I tried creating something stronger. Something capable of supporting the entire foundation of One Line itself.
Naturally, I don't possess deep knowledge about it, but a basic prototype was still possible. Using the principles of magic in this world, I designed a new foundation for power outside of magic itself.
The core secret behind One Line:
Firearms."
Whoooosh~
A refreshing spring breeze swept across the face of the red-haired young man.
He lay comfortably atop a rooftop, completely relaxed. If he had kept his eyes closed any longer, anyone passing by would've assumed he was asleep.
He stared at the darkening sky as night slowly descended and quietly sighed.
Tonight was New Year's Eve, yet he still had to work.
"It would've been nice if I got promoted. Bastard won't even pay overtime bonuses."
Lunas sat upright. His tall, sculpted 1.8-meter frame made him resemble an international movie actor.
Dressed simply in a black tank top, a leather jacket, and brown khaki pants, he looked powerful and well-built.
Riiing~
A sound echoed from his pocket.
Without even checking, he already knew it was the internal communication device distributed by One Line.
He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a worn silver matchbox. Inside it rested a small metallic device resembling a modern-day wireless earbud case.
Click.
He pressed it open.
According to protocol, he waited ten seconds to confirm the caller's identity.
If fifteen seconds passed in silence, it meant the boss himself was calling.
If twenty seconds passed, it meant someone he actually needed to speak with.
Exactly twenty seconds later, static crackled from the metal box.
"Lunas, it's Ron.
Government officials visited me this afternoon. They've initiated a plan called Operation Dandelion.
I already briefed you on the details several days ago. Tomorrow is New Year's, which means the Royal Family will make their annual public appearance. This is the opportunity I mentioned before.
Before tomorrow arrives, we'll find her.
And if my hypothesis is correct... then this operation is far more dangerous than it appears on the surface.
First of all..."