Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 832 - 97: Frank Freya

Chapter 832: Chapter 97: Frank Freya

"Yes, we are investigating this matter," Catherine responded straightforwardly. "This matter is related to another more significant event, as crucial as the Return of the Dead a century ago. Due to concerns about causing public panic, the details are still confidential and only known by the upper echelons of various powers. I assume you have already heard some details from King Falaer unless there are unexpected developments."

"Are you suggesting that someone intends to..." Nicholas didn’t specify, he just gestured toward the direction of the Sighing Desert, lowering his voice instinctively, "I always thought that it was just some Guild upper ranks being overly sensitive. Is it really true? Are people actually planning to do this? Are they insane? Releasing those things won’t be of any benefit to them, right?"

"From our point of view, they indeed are insane," Catherine said with a bitter smile. "But don’t forget, they are fundamentally different from us. Even those among us who study the same things are fundamentally different."

"Phew, I understand now," Nicholas exhaled deeply, adopting a solemn demeanor—how genuine it was, perhaps only he would know: "If they are related, then it truly is the most important issue. No wonder my father ordered an immediate scene lockdown alongside the Four Great Guilds. My father is truly wise, thinking further ahead and with keener senses than I, while I was still doubting the Guild leaders’ sensitivity. It seems I still have much to learn."

Freya opened her mouth as if to say something but ultimately remained silent, simply curving her lips into a subtle smile that seemed to find Nicholas’s reaction amusing. Although she hadn’t said a word, she still caught Nicholas’s attention, who then asked Catherine, "I’ve never seen this lady before, may I ask who she is...?"

"Freya, a student of Master Christo," Freya said in an upright posture, her round form and clothing strikingly mismatched, but her demeanor and movements alone resembled those of an elegant lady. "I also have another secret identity, Odin’s daughter, the Princess of the Holy City," the beautiful princess introduced herself with her enchanting voice that alone could mesmerize."

"So it’s you," Nicholas realized, enlightened. As a Demigod with significant power, Odin’s details were well-known to every major power, and his having a young daughter was common knowledge, but the princess’s whereabouts had always been a mystery. He didn’t expect that Freya would reveal her identity so openly, although he didn’t understand her purpose, Nicholas solemnly said, "Please rest assured, I will keep this secret, of course, except from my father."

"That’s fine, I don’t mind much anymore," Freya said nonchalantly. "But that’s not the point. The point is I want to tell you something. Look, you’ve sent your Upper Gold Rank bodyguard away, leaving only you and your teacher here. That means no outsiders on your side. While our group, except for the eldest sister who isn’t of ancient noble descent, can’t compare to your background, and some are not even humans, still at least four of us in our group of seven are very familiar with yours and your sister’s earlier actions, including your very last performance—everyone understood the intent clearly."

"Five," Lina snapped her book shut with a sound, her face showing impatience and disdain as she spoke in a childish yet icy tone. "I am Isabella. I used to see such people every day. Just as they begin to talk, I can pretty much guess the sound of their crying when they were born—truly annoying."

"Well, make that five then. As for the other two, it’s best you act as if they don’t exist," Freya said with a half-concealed smile. "Of course, I won’t exclude the possibility that you’re just pretending, using obvious behavior to disguise your true intentions, but we don’t really care about that, nor do we have the standing to care, because it doesn’t greatly concern us. So, what I am saying is, Prince Nicholas, I don’t compel you to drop your pretense, but I’d appreciate if you could be more direct, avoid unnecessary formalities—as Mr. Muir said earlier, it’s getting late. We’ve been traveling non-stop for two days and would not like to waste too much time on irrelevant matters, if you would kindly agree, Your Highness."

"Freya," Catherine said, looking at Freya with a reproachful gaze and shaking her head. "That was too impolite a way to speak. Prince Nicholas is not the way you imagine him to be. I hope you will apologize to His Highness."

"As you wish," Freya stood up and slightly curtsied in the manner of a lady, apologizing. "My sincerest apologies, esteemed Prince. Although I am Odin’s daughter, my knowledge of etiquette is vastly inferior to that of the nobles with their long traditions. Sometimes my words may come across as rude. If I have offended you in any way, please do not take it to heart."

"Ah, it doesn’t matter, no worries." Nicholas maintained his smile as usual and said, "Actually, Master Freya was quite right, I’ve overly emphasized irrelevant matters and overlooked everyone’s fatigue. If anyone should apologize, it should be me. Let’s cut to the chase then. The Four Great Guilds have expressed their hope that we can coordinate with some professionals in their investigations. The Empire will naturally give this matter the highest priority. So, could you please tell me directly what you need from our side of the Empire?"

"It’s still too early to say," Catherine shook her head and said, "We need to first inspect the site, then decide based on what we find. If everything goes as expected, we will need to canvass nearby villages and towns, to fully understand the movements of outsiders during this period. What we need from Your Highness is to ensure that the public cooperates with our inquiries as much as possible and responds promptly. Also, if there are any individuals who have knowingly provided assistance to the suspects, once identified, the Empire must take action."

"In theory, this shouldn’t be difficult," Nicholas pondered, his fingers habitually exploring the tabletop. "However, there’s always a possibility that local officials might cover up their own mistakes by deliberately withholding key information. This issue cannot be ignored, and we must prepare for it in advance."

"Such an important matter." Vivian, without being lost in thoughts and having heard everyone’s conversations, widened her eyes and said in surprise, "It pertains to a major issue concerning all intelligent beings of the Yarran World, and yet there are people who dare to conceal crucial information just to cover up their own mistakes? Don’t they know that if something really goes wrong, it would be hard for anyone to survive?"

"That would be a matter for later, and besides, a disaster is only a possibility, we might just avoid it," Pannis said, patting Vivian on the head from behind and whispering in her ear, "But if they don’t hide the information, they’re certain to be punished, losing not only their positions but potentially endangering their lives, their wealth, and even their families. Therefore, compared to a possible future threat, they prefer to avoid immediate risks and pursue immediate benefits. As for the future, let’s worry about that later. Besides, if there are any significant risks in the future, there will be powers to shield us anyway."

"Huh, how interesting." Vivian’s expression shifted, eventually settling into a mocking smile, "Is this the habit of human nobles? It makes one feel not only pitiable but also quite laughable."

"It’s not just the nobles; many people act this way. It’s just that the nobles, because they hold power, have more conspicuous behaviors," Pannis turned to Ava, who was indifferent, and confidently said, "This is one of human nature’s weaknesses, of course, it’s only a part of people. There are still many who can overcome this weakness."

Nicholas, of course, didn’t know that Pannis was helping Ava better understand human nature; Nicholas didn’t pay much attention to Pannis’s seemingly odd remark and continued pondering by the table, "Here’s what I’ll do, originally, I planned to return to the capital after this meeting, then from there proceed to the border regions. However, since you all came so quickly, I won’t return to the capital. I will go directly to the border regions with you. With me overlooking them, even if they want to conceal, I can detect the problems in time. I am confident about that."

"This also allows him to foster closer relations with several Legendary Rank professionals," Pannis leaned in close to Ava’s ear, explaining to the seemingly puzzled girl, "Though it’s for the whole world, his active cooperation will likely make Catherine and the others feel somewhat indebted to him. Plus, by him following us and deliberately fostering relationships, the others will inevitably be biased towards the Falar Empire in the future. Of course, this action may not necessarily benefit him anything; with the strength of the Falar Empire, they might not need everyone’s help. But, should a situation arise that necessitates it, they would likely help him because of his cooperation now."

"So, he’s essentially using an action he was already planning to do to earn a favor from a few Legendary Rank professionals?" After several months together, Ava had come to understand roughly the status of Legendary Rank professionals on the Continent and thus whispered back to Pannis, "He actually didn’t do anything extra, right?"

"Exactly," Pannis nodded and said, "Lina earlier mentioned the wisdom of nobility; this is exactly the true wisdom of the nobility. Sometimes, they merely need to rephrase the same action to achieve completely different effects, using the least to gain the most."

"It’s not easy to understand," Ava stated emotionlessly, "But, I’ve remembered it and will analyze it with all my efforts."