Numerous proposals had arrived at the Brellof estate, all expressing interest in distributing K01.

Since the academic fair restricted public access, many who could not attend had sent letters directly to the Brellof estate.

It was after several days of this cycle—barely clearing the mailbox before it filled again—

That a provisional contract bearing the emblem of the Igteon Trading Company arrived. Judging from the letter I had left behind at the academic fair, it seemed Dekain had sent it.

Though I had already reviewed proposals from major firms distributing magical engineering weapons, the funding offered by the Igteon Trading Company was on an entirely different scale.

‘No wonder—it’s a company with deep pockets. The terms are excellent.’

Since this wasn’t a decision I could make alone, I immediately requested assistance from Orland and Barnen.

Thus, the three of us were able to reconvene once more in Orland’s office.

Barnen, who examined the provisional contract from Igteon first, nodded and spoke.

“Good. An amount like this is truly rare. It seems the Igteon Trading Company holds high expectations for you.”

“Right? The support they’re offering me is enormous.”

“Somehow, even when I first received support, it wasn’t nearly this much. Hmm… should I even be happy about this?”

Barnen’s expression was complicated—he seemed pleased for my success yet unsettled by the situation. His eyes were sad, but his mouth smiled?

Then Orland, having scrutinized the provisional contract carefully, spoke.

“It’s good, but we need to add a few clauses.”

“Which parts?”

Instead of answering immediately, Orland picked up a pen and began writing in the “Special Conditions” section at the bottom of the contract.

[1. All agreements must be executed under the developer’s permission.

2. Distribution is permitted only to countries or individuals approved by the developer.

3. If magical engineering weapons are sold without the developer’s consent, the Igteon Trading Company assumes full responsibility, and the contract is immediately voided.]

Barnen’s eyes widened as he read Orland’s additions.

“You’re taking such a hardline stance? Igteon won’t accept this.”

Before answering that question, Orland turned to me and said,

“Tanashia.”

“Yes, Father.”

“You must never forget that the weapons you create may harm others. The more powerful the weapon you build, the greater the risk someone will be hurt. Therefore, I wish to enforce strict regulations until you reach adulthood.”

I didn’t think Orland’s concern was misplaced.

Of course, I wasn’t quite the young girl he imagined me to be—but weapons inherently possess lethality and cannot be handled carelessly.

“I agree with you, Father. If they cannot accept these terms, we won’t contract with the Igteon Trading Company.”

“Good.”

A satisfied smile rose to Orland’s lips.

Only Barnen stared at us father and daughter with a look of astonishment.

“But… these conditions are too valuable to simply let go…”

Seeing Barnen’s lingering regret, Orland replied firmly.

“Tanashia is a minor. I want to nurture my daughter’s talent—not turn her into a tool for factional struggles.”

Certainly, the funding and contract terms offered by Igteon were industry-leading, but I fully agreed with Orland.

What I wanted was to prevent war with the Kalua Empire.

The mere thought of my weapons being used in places I didn’t intend—resulting in massacres—was horrifying.

I picked up the pen Orland had used and added one more clause.

[4. Weapons the developer does not wish to exist shall never be used.]

Both Orland and Barnen’s eyes lit up, clearly surprised by this addition.

I shrugged and explained briefly.

“I’m not developing magical engineering weapons just to make money. If something too powerful is created, I’d prefer it never be used in this world at all.”

Orland nodded at my words. Barnen’s expression turned serious.

After uncharacteristically deep contemplation, Barnen spoke softly.

“You think deeply. I understand your intent—but for the advancement of magical engineering, perhaps disclosure is necessary. What do you think?”

“Of course I support that. I don’t want weapons to kill people, but for research purposes, I welcome them entirely.”

“Alright, then that settles it.”

Barnen also nodded in agreement.

Holding the provisional contract now reflecting everyone’s consensus, I gave it a light shake and said,

“Then I’ll send this to the Igteon Trading Company. If they accept the terms, we’ll proceed with the contract. If not, we’ll treat it as if it never happened.”

The gravity vanished from Barnen’s face as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by his usual playful expression.

“I don’t know what the outcome will be, but since we’ve made a decision, we should celebrate with a drink.”

Looking at him, I shook my head.

“You just want to taste the good wine stocked at the Brellof estate.”

“Ahem, no. What do you take your master for!”

Just as I prepared to follow Barnen out, seeing him sneak away—

Orland, seated at his desk, called me in a quieter voice than before.

“Tanashia.”

“Yes?”

I halted and turned to face him. He gazed at me with solemn eyes and asked softly,

“Do you truly have nothing to say to me about your injury?”

“…….”

Truthfully, because I had concealed the reason for my injury at the academic fair, Orland and I had been in a cold war lately.

I knew well that since we hadn’t caught Charles’s murderer, Orland was especially sensitive to such matters. But I couldn’t explain in detail.

To tell everything, I’d have to reveal Ascan’s true identity—which required admitting I was reincarnated into a book, something impossible without that context.

Yet I couldn’t predict how Orland would react if I confessed everything, nor did I feel confident handling the aftermath.

After struggling internally, I could only lower my head.

“…I’m sorry, Father.”

I couldn’t offer excuses. Orland wasn’t someone who’d accept half-hearted justifications.

“But please believe me. It’s not the kind of situation you’re worried about.”

Orland stared at me silently. Then he let out a deep sigh.

Eventually, as if resigned, he spoke softly.

“Understood. You may go.”

“Yes. Please rest, Father.”

I stepped out carefully, closing the door to Orland’s office behind me.

My heart felt heavy, but I truly had no other option.

I could only hope my sincerity reached him.

Time flew by, and the laboratory was finally completed.

I headed to the laboratory with Ascan, Barnen, and Matela.

Though I had seen the blueprints and had some idea, the actual laboratory was even more impressive.

The laboratory occupied an entire multi-story building, surrounded by tall walls to prevent unauthorized access.

Landscaping with flowers and trees ensured the surroundings weren’t bleak, creating a pleasant view.

Waiting at the large entrance were Robin and Tyler, who had worked hard up to this point.

I approached them with a cheerful expression and spoke.

“Even just seeing the exterior, I’m already very pleased.”

Robin smiled gently and gestured toward the interior.

“Glad to hear it. Shall we go inside?”

As Robin gave detailed explanations, I toured the laboratory—it was flawless.

There was ample space for large magical engineering machines, storage areas were prepared, and even sleeping quarters were available for when tired.

I pointed to two of the many rooms and said,

“These can be used—one each—for Master and Teacher Matela.”

“Oh my, really?”

Matela clasped her hands together, happily examining the interior.

Unlike her, Barnen didn’t outwardly display emotion, but I noticed the corners of his mouth twitching slightly—he seemed quite pleased.

“Well, it’s usable.”

I was watching Barnen inspect the space attentively despite his curt remark,

When Tyler, who had remained silent until now, discreetly called me.

“Young Lady.”

When I turned, I could read his gesture: “Please follow me for a moment.”

Since Ascan was with me, I walked over without hesitation.

Tyler glanced at Ascan, looking slightly troubled, and said,

“I have something private to discuss…”

“He’s my attendant. It’s fine—you can speak freely.”

Even with my permission, Tyler hesitated briefly, then reluctantly spoke carefully.

“Visually, it’s not obvious, but this entire building is internally reinforced with Blutanium, making it impervious to ordinary attacks.”

I recalled the incredibly hard Blutanium Tyler had shown me before and nodded.

“Since others’ attention seems drawn here, if you have a moment, I’d like to show you the bunker underground.”

I glanced at Matela and Barnen, still listening to Robin’s explanations, and replied,

“Alright.”

Ascan looked slightly puzzled but followed me and Tyler without protest.

Descending a hidden staircase to the basement, we found an enormous space.

The interior, built like a massive iron door, was clearly constructed entirely of Blutanium—almost like a different world from above.

I tapped the walls and inspected them carefully as I spoke.

“This place—how durable is it?”

“I’m confident even direct bombardment won’t collapse this area.”

“Can it withstand intense heat? Up to what temperature?”

“Blutanium is especially fire-resistant. No matter how fierce the flames, it won’t melt or collapse. Why do you ask?”

“I was wondering if I could conduct experiments in here.”

“Experiments?”

Tyler asked curiously, but I didn’t elaborate.

Instead, I winked at Ascan, signaling he didn’t need to watch anymore.

Ascan looked surprised at my expression, then frowned slightly before smiling. His smile was always beautiful.

Originally, I intended to use this space strictly as a bunker—a place to hide and protect myself if danger arose.

But recently, my thinking had changed.

Here, Ascan could safely unleash his power without restraint. Outdoors would leave traces, and witnesses would be problematic.

No better location existed, no matter how I thought about it.

At that moment, a faint voice calling for me drifted down from above.

“Young Lady! Where did you go?”

Likely Matela, approaching nearby. Tyler spoke without lowering his voice, as if to reassure me.

“Sounds from upstairs reach here, but sounds from here don’t leak upward.”

“Really?”

It exceeded expectations—I liked it even more.

I couldn’t leave Matela searching for me, so I gestured subtly toward upstairs and whispered to Tyler,

“Buy me a little time. I’ll look around a bit longer, then come up.”

“Yes, Young Lady. And this…”

Tyler glanced at Ascan beside me as he spoke. But since I nodded encouragingly, he finished his sentence.

“…is the key to the secret passage, as instructed by Robin.”

“Oh, I was just about to ask about that.”

I took the elegant key, set with a central gemstone, and tucked it into my pocket.

Ascan, despite surely having many questions in this secretive situation, remained quietly in place without asking anything.

Having completed his duties, Tyler bowed to me.

“I’ll go upstairs and guide the others here. Please take your time inspecting, then come up.”

“I will. Thank you for your hard work building the laboratory. I’ll speak to Father later to formally invite you to the Brellof estate.”

“Thank you.”

Tyler smiled bashfully.

He seemed flustered by my gratitude.

Somehow, Ascan’s gaze seemed slightly displeased—but since he had no reason to be, I figured it must be my imagination.

Once Tyler left, I took Ascan to tour the underground bunker thoroughly.

“You’ve probably guessed already—I’m thinking we could practice controlling your power here. What do you think? Does it seem suitable?”

Ascan examined the Blutanium walls thoughtfully, then replied.

“I won’t know for sure until we try, but I think it should be fine.”

“I also learned while building this place that Blutanium is an exceptionally hard ore. I didn’t know it was fire-resistant—perfect timing.”

“I see.”

“You must have many questions—yet you haven’t asked anything?”

“Am I allowed to ask?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Ascan’s question.

“Of course. Ask me anything.”

“This doesn’t seem like an ordinary laboratory…”

“I put some extra thought into it. Built secret passages, this underground bunker, even a storage room for food.”

“Is there a reason you built the laboratory this way?”

“Call it preparation for an uncertain future. Anyway, I originally built it just as a bunker—but now it has a use, so that’s fortunate.”

Feeling I’d sufficiently explored the basement, I headed upstairs. A thought occurring to me, I turned to Ascan and continued,

“I’ll show you the secret passage another time, when we have free time.”

“For me?”

“In case you ever need to use it.”

Ascan’s expression grew slightly peculiar.

As I turned to walk again, he stepped forward and caught my shoulder, forcing me to stop.

“What’s wrong?”

To my puzzled question, he replied in an even softer voice.

“I will do my utmost to gain control over my power.”

“That’s good.”

“Whatever happens from now on, don’t get hurt in my place. It’s better for me to be injured than to watch you get hurt.”

“Understood. Back then, it was reflex…”

“If I could control my power right now, I’d rush over and kill Lady Krisha immediately.”

“Huh? What?”

I’d already been wondering how to deal with Reiana—but I hadn’t imagined going as far as killing her, so I was momentarily speechless.

Thud. Ascan took one more step toward me.

Just one step—but the atmosphere around us felt entirely different from moments before. Unconsciously, I widened my eyes, staring at him.

Somehow, I felt a thrilling, dangerous sensation.

“No one—not a single hair on your head—will be touched.”

It was as if the golden flames he conjured burned within his golden eyes.

“I will protect you.”

I could only stare, spellbound, as Ascan murmured this vow toward me.

Suddenly, I realized the wound Reiana had left on my shoulder—the one Ascan had noticed and apparently kept worrying about.

Somehow, a strange tension seemed to hang in the air, but I deliberately ignored it, pretending nothing was amiss.

“You don’t have to protect me so fiercely. You can just hide behind me.”

At my words, Ascan chuckled softly inwardly and slowly leaned his face toward mine.

What—what is this?

I stared at him, startled, while his eyes—narrowed slightly—held a glimmer of amusement.

“You said you’d give me any reward if I gained control over my power. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Suddenly, I remembered what role Ascan played in the novel . He was the supreme villain, the shadowy mastermind manipulating everyone from behind the veil.

Back then, I’d agreed to his request as lightly as handing candy to a child.

But hearing that promise spoken from his lips now felt perilously dangerous.

What’s this? Why do I suddenly feel like I’ve stepped into a trap?