"Alert! Detected S-Rank Rare Material: [Ice Demon Core] and S-Rank Rare Material: [Ice Soul Iron]!"
The Dominator's notification suddenly echoed in Granstar's mind, and his expression instantly dulled.
"Extract?"
Granstar couldn't help but grip the Ice Demon in his hand, gently stroking the blade. The frosty aura it emitted brought him a strange sense of comfort.
"I didn't expect such a pleasant surprise. Dominator, don't extract them just yet—store them in the material library for now."
"Understood."
A flash of light shimmered as the Ice Demon vanished into the material library. Curiously, it glowed with a distinct purple hue—something not seen with the other materials.
Could this purple light indicate the S-Rank classification?
Granstar shook his head. He hadn't realized the material library could display such distinctions.
"Since I've already promised the Dwarf King, I guess I'm heading back to the [Night Butterfly] again."
Striding forward, Granstar rummaged through the stockpile of materials and selected a mask, placing it gently over his face.
It was exquisitely crafted, covering nearly two-thirds of his face and adding an aura of mystery. More than a simple disguise, this mask was one of Granstar's own creations—synthesized in the material library. Though its only function was to conceal magical presence, it suited his needs perfectly.
He wore it partly because it aligned with his personal aesthetic, but mostly due to his unique circumstances—he wasn't well-suited for public appearances. The mask, then, was his best cover.
At the entrance of [Night Butterfly], Granstar stepped in without hesitation. As expected, the familiar elven shop assistant was dozing off again.
He walked over to the dozing elf, but perhaps due to the mask, she didn't sense anyone enter. Helpless, Granstar reached out and gently stroked her hair—only to have his hand slapped away as she rolled over, still fast asleep.
That's when Granstar noticed a water stain on the counter. On closer inspection—was that… saliva?
He frowned and quickly took a few steps back, coughing softly.
The elf stirred, lifting her head groggily, her eyes still blurry with sleep.
"Who are you?"
Granstard sighed. You don't recognize me? With no choice, he removed the mask to reveal his face.
"Ah—L-Lord Granstar! I—I'm so sorry!"
The elf flushed in embarrassment, subtly trying to hide the drool on the counter with her sleeve. Her small, adorable face turned bright red, and she quickly scrambled to act more professionally.
"I'll go get Sister Eve right away! Or is there something I can help you with?"
Granstar raised a hand, stopping her with a soft cough.
"I'm not here for drinks today. I'd like to speak with Madam Freyana—I have a matter to discuss."
"Oh, I see. If it's Lord Granstar's request…"
He quietly took a seat and closed his eyes, waiting. After a short while, a mature, gentle voice reached his ears.
"Lord Granstar, what brings you here today?"
Freyana approached, wearing a flowing purple dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Granstar opened his eyes slowly, his gaze meeting hers. She radiated a calming, big-sister-like aura—warm, refined, and composed.
"I'm here to ask about the Elf Queen, Ramiris."
Granstar didn't hold back, explaining the entire situation to Madam Freyana.
"After all, I did agree to help the Dwarf King."
A faint trace of disappointment flickered in Freyana's eyes. She had hoped Granstar had come for her, not for business.
"Ah… so it's on behalf of the Dwarf King," she murmured softly, a quiet sigh escaping her lips.
"Since the last cooperation ended in failure, the Queen hasn't asked about it again. I didn't expect the Dwarf King to find you,"
Madam Freyana said with a hint of helplessness, resting her chin on her hand.
Hearing this, Granstar frowned slightly, asking with concern,
"Is there no chance at all?"
He thought to himself—he had just accepted someone else's request. It would be truly embarrassing if he failed to complete the task.
"No… if it's Lord Granstar's request, then maybe there's still a chance,"
Freyana replied, casting him a meaningful look.
Granstar felt slightly uncomfortable under the gaze of the older, sisterly elf.
"Madam Freyana, please—tell me."
Freyana covered her small mouth and smiled softly, no longer keeping him in suspense.
"I already reported you to the Queen last time. She's quite interested in your presence. She's even sent a reply—she'll be visiting the Jura Forest."
She winked at him. Not only was the Queen intrigued by this mysterious male elf, but even the elves of the God Realm were eager to meet him.
What truly astonished her, however, was Granstar's immense power. How could she not have noticed the great battle that took place in the skies over the Dwarf Kingdom?
She suspected that Granstar had already surpassed the level of a high elf… perhaps even reached the level of a Demon Lord. It was almost unbelievable.
"The Elf Queen will come to the Jura Forest?"
Granstar's heart leapt with joy. If the Elf Queen came, the Dwarf King would surely follow. Then he could bring them together and let them speak face-to-face—wouldn't that solve everything?
"Madam Freyana… actually, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you."
"Go ahead."
Freyana casually ran her fingers through her long hair, curious about what he would say next.
"Well…"
Granstar spent several minutes explaining his thoughts. What Freyana would decide now depended on how she reacted.
"What!?"
Freyana shot to her feet in shock.
"You and Lord Rimuru… plan to build a country in the Jura Forest?"
She covered her mouth again, stunned by the revelation.
"Do you realize how many surrounding nations are watching that region? They won't recognize it! If things aren't handled properly, it could lead to war!"
Freyana was at a loss. The elves were a peaceful race—they rarely involved themselves in political conflicts.
"And now you want me to open a branch there? Can you guarantee the safety of our people?"
Granstar calmly picked up the tea cup from the table and downed it in one smooth motion. Then he spoke just one word.
"Yes."
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