One-Eyed Monster

Igor nodded with partial understanding, but in truth, he had no idea why Dean Hoffman went around such a big circle to talk about these things. He felt like everyone was waiting for Stan’s discovery, so why suddenly delve into such profound topics? It was quite a leap!

Dean Hoffman’s words were really meant for Governor Rostov to hear.

At that moment, Governor Rostov’s face was ashen, as he pondered over some matters. Seeing the bewildered expressions of the young ones in the library, he couldn’t help but feel a bit moved. Everything he did indeed carried some selfish motives—he wanted to leave his name in the long river of history, but he also genuinely wished to protect his hometown.

He wanted powerful support but didn’t want to be reviled by future generations.

Governor Rostov was a bundle of contradictions; he strolled slowly: ”Dean Hoffman, I won’t interfere in Yonder Travel Academy’s affairs from now on. Let the young people realize their potential. As for everything else, leave it to me. I won’t let apparent enemies approach this academy. As for the unknown enemy, you must find him, so I can continue. Only then can all of Luona proceed along the right track.”

”Rest assured, Lord Governor, we will notify you immediately if we have news of the enemy.”

”Good, I look forward to that day.” With those words, Governor Rostov prepared to leave the library.

”Father!” Hustace followed closely behind, ”You...”

”Don’t come out. Didn’t you want to become a scholar? Look, the scholars here are what true scholars should be. Learn well from them.”

”Yes, Father!” Although Hustace didn’t understand the finality in his father’s eyes, he seemed to see a kind of faith—a commitment to a cause.

”Godfather!” Perkins also trailed after Rostov.

”Do you still call me Godfather? I’ve always regarded you as one of my own children, Perkins. Though you unhesitatingly wanted to go out in the past, I actually secretly tried to stop you.”

”I know, I don’t blame you. I now understand why you opposed it. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter; I’ve learned a lot now. We were too hurried before. Next, we’ll face the coming storm together.”

”What do you plan to do? Continue to travel far and wide?”

”No, I will stay in Luona to help you. I will use what I’ve gained all these years to protect this place with you. Father!”

”Good, with your help, I believe Luona will weather the upcoming storm. Although the sky is clear now, danger can be anywhere. The Empire’s Guardian Army is too thinly spread; we need to have other preparations.”

”Lord Governor, although I can’t understand what you’re discussing, I will do my best to find the real enemy behind it all, those shadows you mentioned.”

”Those are just my suspicions. For now, you still need to explore further. All I can do is support you from behind. Here, Yonder Travel Academy will provide everything you need. As for Guru Mountain, I will also give it attention. Your friend there is a friend to all of Luona.”

Igor couldn’t understand why Governor Rostov’s attitude changed so drastically. Perhaps Dean Hoffman’s words carried a certain weight.

What on earth did Dean Hoffman mean? Igor began to ponder deeply.

”Sol, I hope you will continue to help me, and those bastards who slaughtered your kin—I will surely drag them out. After all, these bastards have turned my League Guard into mere shadows!”

”Lord Governor, the Sol Family will continue to serve you. We will avenge our grudges, and we will assist with avenging the League Guard!” Tobin Sol bowed to Governor Rostov.

”Thunder Army...”

”The Thunder Army was formed by you; the command is still yours. I am merely an instructor to train them!” Sol added.

”Good, with the Thunder Army, we have more confidence.”

”I’ve already instructed our kin to come to Luona as soon as possible. We’ve decided to rebuild our home here first,” said Stan Sol.

”This way, Luona will have new assurance. The strength of the Sol Family can make the entire Empire tremble!” Perkins said excitedly.

Dean Hoffman stroked his beard. He didn’t want to intervene in anything, but he was pleased with the current state where everyone could unite, each doing what they were supposed to.

Stim and his group were organizing the Travelogue, and Dean Hoffman habitually dozed off again.

Igor and his group were escorting Governor Rostov back. Lord Governor had been away from the City Administrative Office for some time, and it was probably in chaos now. That transportation minister, Aevernan, might not have the authority to keep Louvkat in line, so in any case, Governor Rostov had to return to the Administrative Office...

Governor Rostov originally wanted to clarify things before leaving, but Dean Hoffman’s words served as a reminder.

At any moment, one cannot seek quick success and instant benefits. The enemy has not truly arrived yet; if he loses his composure now, the consequences are unimaginable. There are many things he must do now, and the most important is to protect all of Luona, the entire Empire, and the entire world! So that the young people can explore and discover freely.

The real enemy has not yet revealed their hand, so they cannot show fear now. They need to continue what they’re doing.

Dean Hoffman’s words had many layers, which, as a politician, he could naturally understand!

Everything will come in time; there’s no need to rush. Seeking quick success will only lead to self-destruction.

Sitting in the carriage back to the Imperial Capital, Governor Rostov gradually calmed down.

Perkins was returning with him. Although his adopted son was not an Adventurer with Class, he had other talents. The things he brought back were very special, so those items also needed to return to the Imperial Capital. After moving all the strange items out of Yonder Travel Academy, Rostov felt his adopted son’s journey was not in vain.

Though it was already late, Rostov still chose to rush back overnight. He needed to implement new strategies; previous ones were too narrow and insufficiently broad. He wanted to extend the entire defensive line, to make everyone in Luona realize that Luona would only stand firm, never retreat.

Everyone in Luona must have a sense of protection, unlike the past when many nobles took their gold coins and families inland at the first sign of enemy invasion...

There was much to do, and now he had to be as down-to-earth as those young people in Yonder Travel Academy...