CH 209

“Kalin!”

I say while entering Kalin’s office.

Kalin’s staff are all huddled together with giant communication devices around them.

“Ooh! Rust! I received the message that the Kagero Institute is taking in wounded people. Thank you.”

Kalin comes to me while pushing through her staff.

“Yes, that was Shellrule’s doing. How badly damaged is Putaresque?”

I say while lightly waving my hand sideways. I want to clear any misunderstandings right away, and not take away the accomplishments of my subordinates.

“I see, but that’s also the result of your leadership. We didn’t suffer a lot of damage, considering how big that tremor was, but there’s this here. Can you take care of it, Master Rust?”

Kalin opens a map and points to a certain point.

As I look at it, I can feel she expects something from me.

“All right. I guess I am the right person for the job.”

“Great. I’m counting on you as always.”

Kalin then smacks my shoulder. I know she’s holding back, but it still hurts.

“Also, Rust. It wasn’t just Putaresque…”

“The tremor was felt throughout the continent?”

I try to get confirmation before Kalin can finish her sentence.

“How do you…! It was during the night, so we haven’t received confirmation from some places, but judging by the information being sent to the capital, you’re right. A lot of places in this continent shook.

Apparently the damage was especially bad in the kingdom next door. But that information was supposed to not have left this room yet! Even the capital just received it!”

Kalin’s eyes are wide open with surprise, but she still makes sure to tell me what’s going on. I don’t usually see the easygoing Kalin this surprised.

“I actually might have a clue about the tremor.”

“What!? Seriously!?”

Kalin’s face is very close to me now, as she was really hooked by what I said.

“Wait wait. It’s not confirmed information or anything like that. I’d be happy if you could make some time to talk after we’re done dealing with the current situation.”

I take the opportunity to ask that while I tell her I might know something.

She’s looking up and staring directly into my eyes. Those shining eyes release so much pressure.

“It’s rare for you to say something like that, Rust.”

“Is it?”

“Yes, you wouldn’t say that unless it was serious. All right. We have to deal with the problem at hand first, and then when we’re done, I’ll definitely make time for you. And when I do, you’re going to tell me the whole story!”

Declares Kalin while pointing at me and standing tall. That’s not good manners.

“All right all right. I’m the one who said it in the first place, so I want us to discuss it calmly. I’ll go take care of what you asked me, and I’ll be back soon.”

“A normal person wouldn’t, but I’m counting on you, Master Rust.”

Kalin looks exasperated, but sends me off with kind of a defeated smile, as I leave her office and the building.

I’m in kind of a hurry, so I manifest and ride Hipopo.