Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1437 - 492: Haleem Missing

Thirty minutes passed.

While Prince Menia and Lord Rein had already retreated to the Imperial Airship Fleet, Councilwoman Trena and Federation Deputy Speaker Bertrand personally boarded the Imperial flagship. They arrived in haste to offer a formal apology to Menia.

"Prince Menia, we offer our sincerest apologies for the recent events," Bertrand stated in a heavy tone, offering a slight bow with a grave expression.

"Furthermore, our investigation at the volcano's base has yielded results. The awakening of 'Anguskin,' the ancient fire dragon, was no accident. It was orchestrated by a group known as the Zaral Rebellion."

"Is that so? It appears Lord Terrio has achieved a breakthrough?"

"Well... my apologies, Prince Menia, but our arrival was somewhat delayed. The erupting ash and lava from the volcano obliterated their tracks, preventing us from securing any living witnesses."

Bertrand offered a strained smile as he spoke.

Internally, he was cursing the Federation Intelligence Department's sluggishness.

Because his subordinates were incompetent, he was forced to step in and handle the fallout.

"A shame, indeed. However... the Zaral Rebellion? I am familiar with them; they have been instigating trouble along the Empire’s coastlines," Menia remarked, his brow furrowing.

"Lord Bertrand, is it possible that high-ranking members of the Federation are financing them? Was this an attempt to liquidate the Imperial delegation?"

"Certainly not, Prince Menia, you must be joking," Bertrand replied, quickly dismissing the suggestion.

Even if both parties were aware of such clandestine activities, certain truths could never be acknowledged in a diplomatic setting.

"Since the Zaral Rebellion has dared to commit such acts, they are now officially enemies of the Federation as well!" Bertrand declared with conviction.

"Good, that is for the best. I trust then that the Federation will collaborate fully with the Empire to eradicate this terrorist cell entirely," Menia said with a smile.

"Of course, we will provide our full cooperation in this endeavor," Bertrand agreed with a nod.

...

With the addition of two fully weaponized Federation airship fleets acting as escorts, the remainder of the trip proceeded without incident.

Lord Rein had initially planned to stay in his cabin to quietly refine his skin-making Craft and begin the transition to elf skin-making, but the repeated invitations from the Federation—particularly from the alluring Trena—made it impossible to decline.

On one hand, maintaining a positive rapport with a Federation councilmember like her was strategically sound.

Furthermore, Rein harbored a nagging suspicion that the Imperial Royal Family felt a certain apprehension toward the Multi-Headed Dragon Bloodline.

While the situation remained murky for now, he kept the future in mind.

As the saying goes, "A man without long-term considerations must have near-term worries." Should the unexpected occur, Rein might be safe, but he wanted to ensure an escape route for his comrades and family.

Additionally, she held something he desperately required: the continuation of the Third Level Witchcraft Sawtooth Ring, the final component for his new Dawn Killing Move.

Consequently, Rein and Trena became much closer over the following two days.

Rein also discovered details regarding Trena’s private life.

He learned, for instance, that her spouse, Grand Duke Heidelberg, had perished during a battle with a massive beast the previous year.

...

Three days later.

Inside a lavish suite on a Federation Giant Airship.

"Councilwoman Trena, a problem has arisen," Deputy Speaker Bertrand said, looking stressed as he rubbed his temples.

"Oh? Vice Chairman, please, tell me," Trena replied, looking at Bertrand with confusion.

To her knowledge, the fleet's journey had been peaceful lately, devoid of any major incidents.

Had the Intelligence Department uncovered another Zaral Rebellion scheme?

"It concerns that specific witchcraft."

"Which one? Do you mean the one promised to Lord Rein?" Trena was puzzled at first, but then a look of realization dawned on her.

Since the witchcraft was technically Federation property and not part of the Heidelberg family’s private collection, she hadn't made the connection immediately.

"Indeed, that rare Metal Series Fourth Level Witchcraft."

"The original text of that witchcraft was taken to Zetaya by Haleem."

"Can we not simply contact Haleem and have him produce a copy?" Trena asked, her confusion deepening.

She was well-acquainted with Haleem, the Director of the Federation Mechanical Research Institute and mentor to her daughter, Rebecca. He was known for being a kind and reasonable man.

She also knew why he had the Fourth Level Witchcraft; it was common knowledge that Haleem was on the verge of ascending to the Fourth Level Dawn Wizard rank.

"The issue is that Haleem is currently unreachable."

"Unreachable?"

"Yes. An ancient goblin ruin was found in Zetaya recently. Given his passion for that field, he led an expedition to explore it. He has been out of contact for over a week now."

"The Intelligence Department just confirmed that they still cannot establish a link with Haleem."

"In that case... can we not offer Rein a different Metal Series Fourth Level Witchcraft as a replacement?" Trena suggested after a moment of thought.

Surely, despite the rarity of Metal Series Witchcraft, a powerhouse like the Federation could locate an alternative Fourth Level spell.

Wouldn't a different Metal Series Fourth Level Witchcraft serve as a suitable substitute?

"It won't work. The Imperial intelligence officers explicitly told Rein that this is a unified set of Metal Series Dawn Killing Moves, consisting of four distinct levels of Metal Series Witchcraft. The missing piece is the final, essential part of that specific set."

"This..." Trena was left at a loss for words upon hearing the news.