In truth, Saria and her team had returned earlier than expected.
However, in Terra, due to the lack of satellites and the inability to set up communication bases in the wilderness, cross-city communication relied on couriers.
As a result, by the time Garde and his team received news from Saria, it was already delayed by a week.
"What's the bad news you mentioned?"
"The bad news is, we may need to return to Columbia first."
"How is that bad news?"
"Because Saria and her team can't come with us. The Ibut Lord Ameer, in alliance with two other Lord Ameers, has sealed the borders and extended an invitation for Saria and her team to 'pay them a visit.' It looks like they won't be able to leave the Ibut region for some time."
Garde immediately understood Muelsyse's implication. In other words, the Lord Ameers at the border saw Saria and her team emerging safely from the Hotland and were now trying to claim credit for their success.
Rhine Lab's deployment of personnel into the Hotland wasn't exactly a secret, and many Columbia government researchers had even accompanied the mission, though they hadn't ventured into the Hotland itself.
Under these circumstances, seeing Saria and her team return safely after more than a month, it was almost certain that the Lord Ameers at the border would start harboring ulterior motives.
"What does the Columbian government have to say about this?"
Garde crossed his arms, his large tail swishing back and forth like a broom on the ground.
Rhine Lab operates under the jurisdiction of Columbia. Even if the government contributed nothing to the mission, the organization would still be obligated to share a portion of the findings with the Columbian authorities.
As a scientific research company, Rhine Lab cannot go head-to-head with an entire nation. It's only logical to hand over a share of the spoils in exchange for government backing.
But now, the Sargon side was preparing to blatantly rob them before the Columbian government even received anything. There's no way Columbia would stand for this.
"There were Columbian officials among our personnel, and they've already sent a formal protest to the Padishah in charge of the administrative district under which the Ibut Lord Ameer's territory falls. Meanwhile, a government courier is en route to relay the message back to the authorities as quickly as possible."
Muelsyse's water clone casually found a place to sit, spreading her hands in exasperation.
"However, the most likely outcome is that our spoils will be split into three parts: one for the Columbian government, one for Sargon, and one for us. That would already be the best-case scenario."
Rhine Lab can't conceal the results of this mission. This endeavor wasn't just about developing a drug to suppress Oripathy; it was also aimed at boosting Rhine Lab's influence.
Judging by the results, the mission was undoubtedly a success.
As soon as news spreads internationally that Rhine Lab emerged from the Hotland with results, it's bound to cause a sensation. Investors will flood in, easing the organization's current financial pressures.
"But I need to know if the amount of medicine you've obtained is sufficient. If it's divided into three parts, how much will we actually have left?"
Muelsyse looked serious, as this raised a critical issue. If the amount of medicine they obtained from the Hotland was too small, the two giant entities—Columbia and Sargon—would inevitably squeeze Rhine Lab's share.
At that point, it's uncertain how much Rhine Lab would actually retain.
"No matter how much we have, all we need to do is publicly claim that we've collected enough specimens."
Even Kal'tsit had mentioned that with Terra's current technology, Black Dragon's blood couldn't be replicated. What the Columbian and Sargonian governments would receive would, at most, be one-time-use items.
Rather than competing with these giants over a share of the Black Dragon's blood, it would be wiser to voluntarily concede and negotiate for more practical benefits instead.
"That's strange," Muelsyse said, looking at Garde with a peculiar expression.
"I thought you'd be furious upon hearing this news."
The medicine to suppress Oripathy was obtained by Garde, Saria, and their team at great personal risk in the Hotland. Muelsyse figured that if it were her, she'd be livid if something she had risked her life for had to be divided among others.
She had even rushed over, worried that Garde might act out irrationally. Yet, judging by his demeanor, he didn't seem to care at all.
"Why would I be angry?"
Garde looked at Muelsyse with amusement.
"My task was simply to help Rhine Lab obtain the medicine. Whether you can hold on to it afterward has nothing to do with me," Garde said.
Hearing this, Muelsyse finally realized her mistake. She had unconsciously started treating Garde as one of their own. But his job was just to act as a guide, wasn't it?
Now that he had fulfilled his task, all he had to do was wait for payment. Whatever happened afterward was Rhine Lab's business, not his.
That was how it should have been.
Yet, despite knowing there was nothing wrong with Garde's approach, Muelsyse couldn't help feeling annoyed at his attitude. Couldn't he at least consider her feelings a little?
"Humph, I'm not talking to you anymore!"
Muelsyse pouted, and her water clone suddenly burst, splashing Garde all over.
Sure enough, rather than trying to comfort this obnoxious crocodile, she might as well think about how to console Saria.
Although Saria had a tough personality, having to hand over something she worked so hard to obtain would upset anyone.
Muelsyse didn't see the sinister grin that spread across Garde's face after she left.
"Heh, trying to take my wife's stuff?"
The crocodile had few good options for resolving the situation, given all the complicated interests at play.
But if he couldn't solve the problem itself, could he not deal with the person who created it?
However, when Razer passed by him shortly afterward, Garde's face returned to its usual calm demeanor.
"Razer, I'll be heading out tonight, so there won't be a lesson. Review your Columbian on your own, okay?"
"Understood," Razer quickly replied.
Over the past few days, Garde's teachings had caused Razer's attitude toward him to undergo a drastic change.
What began as cautious wariness shifted to respect and then to genuine gratitude.
She knew that the things Garde was teaching her would benefit her for a long time.
A month ago, she might not have been able to hold her ground, but now she felt capable of taking on three opponents.
Though curious about Garde's plans for the evening, she chose not to ask. Instead, she quietly harbored her gratitude toward him in her heart.
That evening, Garde left the house alone. After wandering aimlessly for a bit, he departed Melon City altogether.
The officers at the security outpost were curious about why Garde was heading out alone so late. But when they saw his imposing figure and the weapon slung over his back, they decided against asking any questions.
Whatever he planned to do—even if it was arson or murder—so long as it wasn't in the city, it wasn't their problem.
Garde was a civilized crocodile man. He wasn't out to cause trouble, just to visit his wronged girlfriend and give her the comfort she deserved.
When your girlfriend is upset, isn't it a boyfriend's duty to do something about it?
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