As Alen and Viana parted in front of the house, Dean saw it, too. So, as soon as Alen walked into the house, he couldn't help but ask, “Commander, are you going to let Miss Viana go just like that?”
Alen answered calmly. “What am I supposed to do? Isn't this her own choice?”
Alen was right. In the end, the decision was still up to each of them.
But Dean was a little unsure. “After all, Miss Viana's identity is special. She's a famous person in the capital! I'm afraid she'll have a hard time hiding herself.”
“I know. I've also persuaded her to stay here. However, she still left.” Alen glanced at Dean with an incomprehensible look. “Are you agitated about it?”
Dean immediately shook his head. “No... no.”
Alen was silent for a few seconds. He thought Viana's presence had brought a lot of color during their time here. However, things had to keep moving forward and evolving.
“We'll be back in the capital soon,” Alen reminded.
Dean had expected this answer. They and Viana couldn't stay here forever. Even if Viana didn't want to leave here, Alen and his position would still return to the capital.
So, whether Viana leaves or not, they will still be apart.
Dean nodded. “Understood.”
After Dean left, Alen pondered. Viana's words flashed back into his head.
“For your kindness, Viana Harvey expresses her deepest gratitude. Hopefully, someday, there will be an opportunity for me to repay you.”
Then the scene of Viana half-bowing to salute gracefully flashed.
Alen couldn't help but be stunned. It had been a long time since he had seen such a salute. Especially from Viana, Harvey's noble daughter.
Alen immediately sighed and shook his head helplessly. “You'll see, Viana Harvey. When we meet again, I will demand that you reciprocate.”
***
Two days later...
Viana and Ellie were sitting in the train car. Because of the long distance, they used the train. The two of them were very calm and talked casually on the journey, as if they were traveling and observing the scenery.
“Sister Viana,” Ellie called softly.
“Hm?” replied Viana casually. The mask that covered her mouth and nose left her beautiful eyes shaded.
“We traveled so far. Where are we actually going?” asked Ellie curiously.
Viana looked at Ellie's innocent face. “We're going to Lyge City.”
“Lyge City?” Ellie frowned. “Isn't that a small area on the border of the Harveina Kingdom?”
Viana nodded.
“Why go there? Is there a special reason?”
Viana paused for a moment, then looked out the window. Her eyes became soft.
“I vaguely remember that when I left home, I already had a destination,” Viana said softly. “That place is the Lyge region. My father told me to visit this place before he died. But unexpectedly, there was an accident.”
Because of her father's will, Viana will go far away from the capital city. But unexpectedly, she had a severe accident and delayed her destination for half a year.
Ellie was stunned. “So, it started like that. Then, what kind of place in Lyge City is your destination?”
Viana lowered her head slightly. “My mother's birthplace, as well as the place where my mother and father first met. It is a remote village in the Lyge area.”
This touched Ellie. That place must have meant a lot to Viana. “Why did your father suddenly tell you to go there?”
Viana shook her head. “I don't know. I'm going to solve this question. Maybe when we get there, we'll find out.”
Ellie nodded, then smiled and touched Viana's shoulder gently.
“We'll definitely get the answer.”
***
Alen also arrived in the capital in two days. After going to his house in the city to clean up and rest for a while, the first thing he did was to go to the main headquarters of the royal intelligence secret in the capital.
Despite being in the capital, the base was very closed off and hidden from the bustle of the city. The previous commander was very good at finding a good spot; the outside was a public shopping building, and the entrance was behind all the buildings. Of course, there was not just one door, but many doors scattered at several points.
The capital's secret headquarters were underground. So, the entrance is unique, hidden, and using some kind of mechanism. Other than intelligence members, no one would realize there was a door behind those buildings.
The main headquarters are huge, spacious, and sophisticated. It is very similar to the image of a future office filled with sophisticated electronic facilities. Of course, it was all to support the smooth entry and exit of information.
Upon reaching the ground floor, all his subordinates immediately greeted with respect Alen. He replied with a little hospitality, as usual. His footsteps did not stop until he entered the workspace. After sitting down and working on some important reports on the computer, someone rang the bell.
“Come in,” Alen said flatly.
It was a man from another department. He immediately entered and saluted. “Commander, there is an invitation from the royal palace.”
Alen didn't need to open the invitation, and he already knew the contents. With a slight sigh, he got up from his chair. “Alright, I'll be there now,” he said and went to change again.
By the time they arrived at the main palace building, it was already dark. With his official clothes and the badge of a second-rank government official, Alen entered through a special door that only the king could pass through. This was a privilege granted by the king to make it easier for him to report directly when needed. After walking for a while, Alen arrived at the main hall of the palace.
Alen kneeled on one knee and saluted. “Your Majesty the King.”
A middle-aged man sat on the highest chair made of gold and red cushion. His expression was relaxed and smiling. “Stand up, no need to salute.”
Alen stood up.
The current king of Harveina was Edric Harvey, the younger brother of Viana's late father, which meant he was Viana's uncle.
“I heard you had just returned from a mission, so I specially took the time to welcome you personally,” Edric said kindly.
Alen smiled. “That's very generous of you.”
The interaction between Alen and the king could be said to be special. Alen was the king's confidant, so the king was always relaxed and kind to Alen. Because of his familiarity, Edric already considered Alen as his own friend.
It was already dinner time, so the palace servants immediately served dinner dishes at each table. Edric ate at his own table, and Alen did the same.
“You spent a lot of time on your mission this time,” Edric said with a smile.
Alen nodded. “Yes. Even so, no task was left undone,” he replied in reality.
Edric nodded with satisfaction. “I know. I've read all the reports.”
Alen smiled.
“Was there anything special about this trip?” asked Edric curiously.
Alen was silent for a moment, then shook his head. “Nothing. Diving while drinking water, completing one task while doing another."
Edric didn't discuss it anymore. Whatever Alen wanted to do, as long as it didn't betray the country, there was nothing to worry about. It had been years, and he had faith in this man's abilities.
“Originally, I wanted you to stay longer in the capital to help me directly in the palace. But apparently, there are other pressing duties for you,” Edric objected.
Alen nodded. “Please tell me.”
“The southern border is chaotic right now,” said Edric.
Alen, as the intelligence commander, naturally knew about this problem before anyone else. So, he calmly continued. “The southern border. There is a severe landslide in the Matna area and adjacent to Lyge City.”
Edric nodded. “Many ministers have reported and complained about this. Behind the disaster there are fatal irregularities. If left unchecked, I'm afraid the people will suffer even more. Go with my full support.”.
Hearing this, Alen rarely hesitated anymore. With the king's full support, he had the ultimate power in this case.
Alen firmly replied, “Ready to carry out your orders, Your Majesty.”