Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1422 - 486: Trena’s Mission (Part 2)

"The General Staff must launch an immediate analytical review of these recent developments."

"Understood, Vice Chairman! Your orders will be carried out!"

...

Rein had little involvement in the remaining procedures once the combined airship fleet of the Federation and the Empire arrived.

During this time, Vice Speaker Bertrand was focused on scrutinizing the most recent intelligence reports regarding Rein.

"What? He has a penchant for mature women and appears to harbor an interest in Senator Trena?" Bertrand’s eyes widened with a trace of astonishment as he read the report.

"Is this information verified?"

He looked up, questioning the middle-aged intelligence officer standing before him.

"Vice Chairman, it is completely certain. This data was recently transmitted by a deep-cover operative stationed within the Dragan Empire."

Stunned for a moment, Vice Speaker Bertrand eventually nodded and resumed his reading of the file.

"I see. Has the intelligence department already initiated contact?"

"It was done under Senator Trena’s name, and Lord Rein did not decline. That is a positive sign."

"Indeed. The two offerings presented by our department were graciously accepted by him. This suggests that Lord Rein maintains a positive outlook toward the Federation," the middle-aged officer added with a grin.

"No, it merely shows he has a favorable impression of Senator Trena," Vice Speaker Bertrand corrected, shaking his head.

"I... well, technically, that is correct." The officer was momentarily flustered but quickly agreed with a nod.

"Since we have pinpointed the subject's human vulnerability, Senator Trena is the most qualified person to step forward."

"About that... Senator Trena... our department is in a difficult position..." the officer muttered sheepishly.

"I will handle the discussion with her personally," Vice Speaker Bertrand said, dismissing the concern with a wave of his hand.

"That is excellent, Vice Chairman. Your personal intervention is the best possible solution," the officer replied, visibly relieved and smiling.

In the political hierarchy, even an admiral could not stand on equal footing with a Federation senator.

Using a false pretense was the furthest he could go in trying to involve Trena in the scheme to recruit Rein.

...

Several hours passed.

The joint airship fleet of the Federation and the Dragan Empire began its slow descent once more, docking at the Westin City Hall’s official platform.

A reception party waited at the docks, with the elegant Trena leading the group.

Because Vice Speaker Bertrand had personally overseen the previous joint combat operations, Senator Trena had stayed behind in Westin City rather than participating.

Following a spirited welcoming ceremony, Vice Speaker Bertrand requested an immediate meeting with Trena.

They met inside Bertrand’s temporary office within Westin City Hall.

"Senator Trena, the raw power and potential exhibited by young Rein are unrivaled by any youth in the Federation."

"Because of this, it is imperative that we secure his loyalty to the Federation."

"I understand your perspective, Vice Chairman, but my previous attempts to recruit him yielded little result. What more can I do now?" Trena asked, her expression clouded with confusion.

"Well..." Faced with her direct question, Vice Speaker Bertrand hesitated to speak plainly.

Instead, he passed the latest intelligence file on Rein over to her.

"Review this for yourself."

Curious, Trena took the document and began scanning the pages quickly.

"What? These incidents... the intelligence department used my identity without any prior consultation?" Anger flared in Trena's eyes as she read the report.

She discovered that several actions taken by the Federation Intelligence Department had been carried out in her name without her knowledge.

"Senator Trena, please calm your anger and read further. This is all for the sake of the Federation, is it not?"

At the mention of the phrase "all for the Federation," Trena bit back her frustration and continued her inspection of the file.

Before long, a flush began to creep up her pale face.

"This... Vice Chairman, are the conclusions in this report actually reliable?"

"Rein... he prefers mature women?"

Trena finally grasped why the intelligence department had borrowed her name.

She also realized the true intent behind Vice Speaker Bertrand’s meeting.

Her husband, Grand Duke Heidelberg, had fallen in battle the previous year while fighting a resurrected Ancient Giant Beast.

The subsequent rise of these monsters had taught the Federation—which was only in the early stages of its steam revolution—that firearms alone were insufficient for ordinary men to stop such beasts.

Only elite combatants and mechanical prodigies could turn the tide against the giant beasts.

"The data is solid. According to our reports, Lord Rein’s solitary weakness is his attraction to women. Specifically, he favors mature women over young girls. In the Empire, he already has more than two mature women serving him."

Trena’s face turned an even deeper shade of red upon hearing this.

Though Vice Speaker Bertrand hadn't spelled out exactly what she needed to do, a woman as sharp as Trena easily understood the underlying message.

"Is there... truly no young lady talented enough to catch his eye?"

"At this moment, no."

"While we haven't searched the entire Federation for a candidate, looking at how Rein interacts with Rebecca, even a girl as exceptional as your daughter doesn't seem to spark much interest in him."