"Hahaha…" Lucius glanced at him a few times, then burst into laughter, "The Duke is joking, we're merely an Academy and have no direct competition with other companies. As for our peers… Newspapers and bookstores everywhere could count, but compared to the Panlogical Machine, they're not on the same level at all. Why, does Your Grace perhaps wish to offer protection to our Academy?"
"If the Kingdom could be pacified, I would be able to do that. But unfortunately, there are still many remnants of nobility colluding with the Heretical Cult, and I really cannot spare the strength to protect your company."
"I understand. There will be longer days ahead; we are sure to have numerous opportunities for cooperation."
Lucius led Duke Longjiu to the main courtyard of the headquarters and then into an elevator that rivaled luxurious chambers. After inputting the password, the panel made clicking noises as the "room" began to move slowly downward.
