One-Eyed Monster

Aevernan was momentarily taken aback upon encountering Governor Rostov.

Rostov was surprised to see the normally composed Minister of the Department of Roads so flustered. What could cause such a seasoned politician to lose his composure?

"Don't worry, take your time," Rostov gestured to Aevernan to calm his emotions. Politicians, after all, must maintain control in times of confusion.

Seeing the young Aevernan agitated, Rostov sighed inwardly. The young were always short on patience, wearing their thoughts on their faces—a sign of immaturity that would be tempered with time.

Aevernan took a deep breath, regaining his usual composure as the Minister of the Department of Roads. During his relatively short career in the Luona City Administrative Office, he had learned to speak clearly when necessary, and hold his silence when it was not.

"Lord Governor, we have received feedback regarding the exploration of Guru Mountain and the Black Crow organization, an issue discussed in our last meeting," the now collected Minister said with due reverence, a stark contrast to his demeanor before.

"That's unexpected. Your contact seems to be quite efficient," admitted Rostov, who hadn't anticipated Aevernan's reporting on this matter. Aevernan's panic had made his heart flutter, as he had prepared himself for complaints about new obstacles in the railway construction. The last time Rostov witnessed Aevernan's emotional loss of control was when the Department of Roads' steam railway construction had been disrupted by local carriage unions.

Besides the recurring rail construction issues, Rostov couldn't think of anything else that might unsettle this gifted young politician. The steam railway project had been a persistent difficulty for many years. Despite initial support from the Emperor, the Imperial Capital Xinbal was a great distance from Luona, and the Imperial Guardian Army stationed in the surrounding areas was reluctant to confront local merchants. Looking back, Aevernan had certainly borne significant pressure.

Nonetheless, the young man possessed a certain resilience. Although fraught with friction and resistance, the steam railway was eventually constructed. The moment gem dealers realized that the steam train cut the travel time to Imperial Capital Xinbal by half compared to carriages, they immediately shifted their support. Only the obstinate carriage unions held out, desperately clinging to their fading dominance.

The young can indeed bring pleasant surprises...

Now, with a response from Liuli City in less than two days after their private meeting, Lord Governor felt a sense of reassurance.

However, this fleeting solace was replaced by lingering doubts, triggered by Aevernan's previous panic-stricken behavior.

"It's not just my friend's efficiency; it's more of a coincidence. Estev happens to have some insight into Guru Mountain and the Black Crow organization," Aevernan said, entirely unaware of the Governor's inner conflict.

"A coincidence?" Rostov straightened up from his desk. "Has he found anything unusual?"

"My lord, I suggest you read this reply first."

"Alright, let me take a look." Rostov accepted the letter from Aevernan and began to read line by line.

Considering Aevernan's high esteem, if a letter could stir this talented young politician to lose his composure, Rostov was adamant about finding out its peculiar content. The beginning of the letter seemed harmless, merely a customary greeting between old friends... His views on innovation were very insightful. This Deputy Court Chief of the Liuli City Court of Guards was also a man of talent... Wait, Guru Mountain actually concealed secrets? Ah! So, there is this undercurrent in the Black Crow organization; this cyclical management style has some merits, though the methods are quite sinister. The Puppets and the walking-dead are basically just disposable pieces... Wait, is Guru Mountain still being guarded? ...

There were lots of thoughts swirling around in Rostov as he carefully read the letter, but no one could see them. Standing by the side, Aevernan watched as Lord Governor maintained a calm countenance without the slightest ripple of emotion. He couldn't help but wonder about his Lordship's opinion on this matter.

After a short while, Rostov finished reading the letter and looked up at Aevernan to ask in a low voice, "What do you think?"

"Ah, m'lord…" Aevernan was caught off guard by Lord Governor's question. He had hoped to hear the Lord Governor's judgment, but since his Lordship had spoken, he couldn't just retreat without saying anything. It was possible that Lord Governor was testing him, or perhaps he wanted to understand more about Estev. "My old friend Estev is not one for alarmist talk. I always felt that his abilities were wasted as the Deputy Court Chief of the Court of Guards in a border region. I wanted him to come to the Imperial Capital with me, but he refused." Aevernan didn't know what else to say, so he just kept talking about Estev.

"So, by what you're saying, this Estev presumably is hiding some kind of secret, then?" Lord Governor interrupted Aevernan.

"Whether he is hiding a secret or not, I can't be sure, but Estev has always maintained an air of mystery that makes many people perceive him as strange."

"Hmm, Court Chief Aymond also mentioned it last time." Rostov narrowed his eyes, his thoughts drifting.

"My lord, I know my old friend well. Although he has always been mysterious, I am sure that every word he says is true. Now that the Black Crow organization is eyeing Guru Mountain, I think we need to investigate the reason. After all, despite the Empire overlooking it, Guru Mountain is still part of Luona Capital's territory." Aevernan became more and more excited as he spoke. He didn't know what came over him, but he was resolute in uncovering the secrets of Guru Mountain.

"What you say is true, but your old friend has already advised you in the letter not to waste your effort. Have you given his suggestion any thought?" Rostov waved the letter in his hand.

"No. I've known him for a long time. He would never ask anyone for help, even when he's in trouble. It could be that he is the secret force protecting Guru Mountain. Now with the invasion by the Black Crow organization, a dark force, I feel compelled to let him know that he is not the only one responsible for guarding Guru Mountain!"

"Look, finally, you speak out what you intended," Rostov smiled.

Aevernan suddenly felt his face burning hot. He didn't understand why he was repeatedly losing control of his emotions—this wasn't right for a politician. How could he use the power of the Administrative Office to help an old friend? Was he really getting his head muddled by emotions?

Observing the self-accusing Minister of the Department of Roads, Governor Rostov got up and walked to the young politician. Patting his shoulder, he said, "We all were young once; everyone has had similar experiences—no big deal."

The comment, rather than helping, made Aevernan's face burn even hotter.

His thoughts were now in complete chaos. He came here to hear Lord Governor's opinion, but his purpose had surprisingly turned into resolving his personal problem. Something was definitely amiss.