Chapter 485

When it came to this point, the Red-haired Bureau Director couldn’t help but give Leon a grateful look.

Compared to those few divisions that had already “fallen,” his own Virgo Subdivision wasn’t in much better shape. After all, whether it was the Doe of Afflicted Flesh that almost manifested six years ago or the tin doll that had been lurking by the princess’s side for six years, they were each only one step away from success.

If not for his good fortune and the Doe’s plans being accidentally ruined, plus having Leon as an able subordinate who disrupted their plot during the rebellion, the Virgo Subdivision might have been the most embarrassing one.

“Meaning… the General Bureau is preparing to take its time again?”

Not interested in pondering which division was more disgraceful, after hearing the Red-haired Bureau Director’s words, Leon instantly groaned with a headache, realizing the kingdom might face sanctions for half a year or even longer: “Last time we uncovered Aquarius’ conspiracy, the bureau said the Watchtower Palace was more important, so they didn’t directly move to arrest the Aquarius Director but instead sealed off headquarters. This time, when someone is plotting against royal families across the kingdoms, they don’t act immediately but continue to investigate slowly? Are they really that indecisive?”

“The Honorable Taurus and her group can’t help it…”

The Red-haired Bureau Director helplessly shook his head and said: “You know, the Clearing Bureau has heavy responsibilities. Once a decision is made, there are no small consequences, so over the years, they’ve become accustomed to caution first.”

“But come on now.”

Leon, clearly disagreeing, shook his head and said:

“If the bureau were truly cautious, they should go straight to the source at the first sign of trouble, nipping every problem in the bud rather than hesitating endlessly without daring to act. That’s not caution; it’s pure hesitation!”

Indeed…

After hearing Leon’s words, the Red-haired Bureau Director couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Although planning carefully before acting is good, sometimes thinking too much and waiting for perfection before acting leads to missed opportunities.

It could only be said that since the director went to the Old Land, the bureau could still function normally day-to-day, but whenever something big happened, if the directors’ opinions diverged, there was no one left to make the final call. The responses to many situations were handled extremely poorly.

It wasn’t that the directors were incapable; compared to the director and the Aries Director, the other directors lacked that ‘leader-like’ assertiveness. Neither in status nor strength did anyone have an overwhelming advantage, leading to every decision being exceptionally conservative.

The current Clearing Bureau felt like a muscular giant who was always hesitant. Even though just throwing a full-force punch would easily knock down the opponent, he always worried about this and that, waiting for perfection before acting.

It was frustrating, frustrating enough to make one want to roar.

…

“Director.”

Just as the Red-haired Bureau Director sighed inwardly, feeling like this broken Clearing Bureau was beyond repair, Leon suddenly asked:

“Since the bureau has decided to take its time again, does that mean my investigation mission with Nicole in the Crocodile Kingdom needs to be changed to covert operations?”

“Hmm…”

The Red-haired Bureau Director nodded after hearing this and said: “Although the personnel hasn’t changed much—still mainly led by the Scorpio Division with our Virgo Subdivision assisting in joint investigations—the method has indeed become more discreet. By the way, Alleson… oh, the kingdom where the Scorpio Division is stationed.

You know, Alleson is known as the Green Canopy Kingdom, the largest grain exporter. The Thousand Sails Sea Country Sai Ao, Mechanopolis Crolock, Reflection Kingdom Riflai, and Frostland Country Ashito… four out of the twelve kingdoms must purchase grain annually from the Alleson Kingdom.

And recently, Alleson is preparing to send a delegation to exchange the new irrigation technology developed by the Crocodile Kingdom. Members of the Scorpio Division will likely infiltrate within the delegation and leave in a couple of days… Oh, by the way.”

At this point, seemingly remembering something, the Red-haired Bureau Director couldn’t help but chuckle: “During the last Nightmare King incident, you apparently left quite an impression on Edward. When he heard that you were participating in this joint mission from the Virgo Subdivision, his expression became particularly complicated.

How should I put it… like a tiger starving for ten days finally seeing some passing prey, but this prey happens to be a hedgehog. He wants to eat it but fears getting pricked, that kind of feeling. It was quite amusing.”

“…”

“And, after pondering for a while, he eventually made a request to the Honorable Taurus. He said that your participation is welcome, but he hopes you follow orders.

Also, he doesn’t want you to act impulsively, notify him before doing anything, and not make decisions on your own. Absolutely don’t resort to extreme measures and choose gentler ways to handle things…”

“…”

Speechless, Leon pouted slightly, thought for a moment, then suggested meaningfully: “Director, what do you think about changing the plan and learning from the Scorpio Division’s methods?”

“Hmm?”

Hearing Leon’s suggestion, the Red-haired Bureau Director blinked, catching on immediately: “Send your lover’s delegation?”

“…”

What lover… Where did that come from? His mouth twitched slightly as Leon replied speechlessly: “Anyway, since the Crocodile Kingdom is urging us, let’s also send a delegation to explain the Boarding Tower matter, and I’ll mix in with Nicole, making it less noticeable.”

“Hmm hmm, excellent!”

Smiling broadly, the Red-haired Bureau Director approvingly said: “Compared to sneaking in disguised as travelers or merchants, this way is definitely better. Although there will be more eyes watching you, there will be more ways to confuse the Crocodile Kingdom, making actions easier.

Plus, delegations have another advantage. As a prince leading the delegation, according to international diplomatic etiquette, the Crocodile Kingdom must send a royal family member to receive you.

In that case, you’ll have the best excuse to interact with the Crocodile Kingdom’s royal family, investigate the situation, and even intervene. It’s a win-win… No! It’s a triple-win great thing!”

No mistakes in content, all in 69 Book Bar!

“I thought the same.”

Leon added upon hearing this: “Sending a delegation simultaneously with the Alleson Kingdom allows us to officially meet with members of the Scorpio Division without raising suspicion from the Crocodile Kingdom, facilitating our joint actions.”

“Yes, but if that happens, the schedule will need to be moved up. Not only will your vacation end early, but the Honorable Taurus won’t have enough time either. You won’t have time to bring a new main combat anomalous item…”

Furrowing her brows in deep thought, the Red-haired Bureau Director asked:

“Oh, I remember the dagger that Aquarius used to kill the Hound God; shouldn’t that also be a very strong anomalous item?”

“Hmm… but its abilities aren’t suitable for me.”

After pondering, Leon replied: “That thing is a silver paper cutter named [Silver Knife]. Its ability is to cut anything as easily as cutting a piece of paper, even some non-material things can be sliced open.

However, this requires personally handling the cutting to activate its power. My physical fitness and reaction speed are only at the lowest level of a Level 2 Cleaner. Bullying ordinary people is fine, but if I encounter controlled cleaners from the Gemini Division, I doubt I’d stand a chance with it.”

So the issue is the lack of reaction speed, making it hard to attack effectively against stronger cleaners? After listening to Leon’s response, the Red-haired Bureau Director considered for a moment, then touched her ear and removed a half-heart-shaped earring.

“This is for you~”

“???”

In Leon’s puzzled gaze, the Red-haired Bureau Director handed over the [Heart-Stealing Earring], then explained cheerfully:

“Leon, your greatest strength has always been taking hits. Even if the Sheep Heart substitute death ability isn’t usable, considering just [War Diagonal] and the state after drinking, you still have two usable immortality abilities. It’s just your reaction speed isn’t fast enough, making it hard to hit people.

My idea is, since your problem is reacting too slowly and you can’t stab anyone with a knife, why don’t you stop trying to react?

Instead of trying to improve your reaction speed, rely directly on these two immortality abilities to endure a hit and use the effect of this [Heart-Stealing Earring] to listen to the opponent’s thoughts while being hit.

When the opponent successfully lands a blow and relaxes slightly, starting to attack you again, you can prepare in advance, holding your knife and waiting for them to run into it themselves!”

“…”

(End of Chapter)