June 21, 1346
The Sheffield Family manor was exceptionally lively today, not only because the guards who had survived following Altair's original father, 'Hard Sheffield', had returned.
The more important reason was that 'Leif Strauss', her own Maternal Great-Uncle, had advanced to become a Sequence 4 demigod of the 'Hunter' Pathway, an 'Iron-Blooded Knight'.
Given the relationship between the two families, this signified that as long as 'Altair Sheffield' remained alive, no one would cause trouble for the 'Sheffield' family. A demigod's lifespan starts at several hundred years; unless killed, they are the ancestral pillars of a family.
"Simon Blanco, what are your plans for the future?"
Altair asked, looking at the tall middle-aged man in front of her, who wore a black trench coat and a round hat.
Simon Blanco slowly shook his head. "Most of this squad are residents of the Baron's territory, and a few are from the orphanage sponsored by 'Sheffield'. Even if we disband, we have nowhere better to go."
"On the way back this time, we discussed it and hope that Count Altair can let bygones be bygones and continue to keep our squad."
Listening to 'Simon Blanco's' words, Altair could understand this choice.
The surviving members of this squad were all Beyonders, making them inherently unsuitable for returning to an ordinary life.
Although ready-made Beyonders don't worry about finding work—everyone needs them—anything connected to the Beyonder world is life-threatening. To risk one's life for a meager salary... how much money could they possibly make in a month?
They were originally from the 'Sheffield' family; since they were selling their lives anyway, it was better to choose a familiar old employer.
Furthermore, having spent a long time in the military, they were out of touch with outside society.
Altair looked at Simon Blanco and said, "Since no one wants to leave, then stay. During this time, you can ask Hahn for an advance on some gold pounds. These next few days, you can stay in Backlund or choose to go home to see your families and let them know you're safe. The Royal Summer Hunt begins in five days; just return before the event starts."
Altair hadn't made specific arrangements for this squad yet, but she already had a clear goal for their destination.
They would basically be packed off to the factory to oversee security. After all, the factory played a major role in her later plans. As for her own security, who could be more loyal than a pet... In the evening, Altair went to Uncle-Grandfather Leif's home. At this moment, perhaps because of his advancement to demigod, he felt younger to her—not a physical youthfulness, but a hard-to-describe sensation. Perhaps this was the charm of the Beyonder world.
Because Leif Strauss was the absolute protagonist of this banquet, he was constantly surrounded and had no time to greet her.
So, after entering the manor and greeting the butler to announce her arrival, Altair found a few acquaintances and began chatting... Seeing the man walking over, Altair quickly stepped forward to greet him. "Good evening, Uncle-Grandfather Leif. You seem to be gaining more and more masculine charm now."
After saying that, Altair thought of a funny phrase: "Drink 'Hunter' potions, be a man among men!"
Leif Strauss looked at 'Lucius Sheffield'—Altair's original name—who was dressed as a young girl, and felt a bit of regret over his initial decision. He sighed and said, "Altair, I didn't expect that in just over two months of my absence, you would make such a big move, researching and creating 'new gunpowder' yourself. It seems my grandniece might very well become the next Child of the Steam God, surpassing Emperor Roselle..."
Hearing these praises, Altair replied without blushing or a racing heart, "It was mainly good luck, and the family happened to have some legacy materials in that area. I just integrated those things and completed the invention."
Listening to Altair's humble excuse, Leif Strauss thought to himself, 'Others might not know what's in your house, but do I not know? If there were such things, that old fellow would have brought them out long ago.'
Leif Strauss knew the situation of Altair's family well, but since his own relative said so, he wouldn't expose her.
He said bluntly, "That still required your organizational skills; otherwise, those materials would be nothing but waste paper."
"By the way, I brought back a gift for you from your cousin-uncle in the Southern Continent. I've already arranged for someone to deliver it to your carriage. Remember to take good care of them when you get back, and stay safe; these are rare and precious gifts."
Altair had already learned this morning that Leif had returned from the Southern Continent.
Simon Blanco and the others had returned with her Maternal Great-Uncle via the military's specialized transport units. Otherwise, if they had tried to return on their own, they would still be drifting at sea.
Thinking of this cousin-uncle who only existed in her memories and whom she had rarely met, Altair was curious and asked, "How is Cousin-Uncle Charles doing in the Southern Continent? I heard it's starting to get restless there again. He hasn't been back in many years; will he be transferred back to the Northern Continent this year?"
Altair's words made Leif sink into thought. Once he snapped out of it, he said, "It's been six years already. Every time, I'm the one going to see him; he never takes the initiative to come back. He should be transferred back. When the time comes, I'll find him a wife to settle down with."
It seemed the main reason Uncle-Grandfather Leif went to the Southern Continent for his advancement was to see this cousin-uncle. Indeed, every advancement for a Beyonder is a challenge; failure means becoming a Monster. Not everyone has a cheat code.
As for the latter part about coming back to get married, that had nothing to do with her. If he looked for her then, she wouldn't acknowledge it.
"Right, that little fellow Owen said you've all been waiting for me?"
"Yes, Uncle-Grandfather," Altair nodded directly. "Ever since the invention was completed and tested, it couldn't be kept under wraps. It's just that because you happened to be away, I've been waiting for your return to discuss the factory construction."
"Ha... ha... ha!"
Hearing this, Leif laughed outright. "I can already sense from your eyes that you have a plan, but because you lacked direct support, you delayed its implementation."
Having her schemes seen through, Altair didn't feel embarrassed. "Regarding those inventions, I do have a plan. Of course, this plan requires various forms of help from different families in the early stages. If I were to talk to them alone, I wouldn't have much confidence in persuading them to participate."
"Wasn't I thinking that after you returned, Uncle-Grandfather, I'd have someone to back me up?"
Leif Strauss wasn't angry at the explanation; instead, he laughed. "You, oh you. You did well in this matter. If you faced them directly, it would be hard to reach a consensus."
"Those old fellows... what they can do for their families now is fight for more benefits. This would inevitably affect your interests and plans."
"When the banquet is over, tell me your thoughts, and I'll give you some advice."