Regardless, a full-scale assault was her last resort. Mithra didn't want to antagonize a Dreamland city so early on.
And Sun City was under the Xyrin Empire's jurisdiction. While she doubted the city would declare war over a minor incident, it was better to avoid conflict if possible.
Advisor Cí had left with Leo Duncan and Nie Hong. This field trip incident was probably giving the university a headache.
Silence filled the room. Mithra suddenly looked at the guard and said, "Relax."
Guard: ...
Mithra was about to play with her weapons again when she noticed something potentially useful.
The Sanctuary Communication Tablet.
"Hmm..."
Her half-Planet Blue status wouldn't impress Sun City. But what about her connection to the Sanctuary?
...
Nino entered the city under the cover of night to attend a meeting called to discuss the recent attack.
He didn't have high hopes for the meeting's outcome.
Sun City's inner and outer city had been essentially separated during times of peace. The inner city wouldn't typically be involved in such a minor incident.
When he arrived at the meeting hall, everyone was already seated.
"You're finally here. Report," someone said impatiently.
Nino scanned the room, sighed inwardly, and began recounting his investigation, the progress made, and Mithra's involvement.
"So the culprit is from the Enchanting Land?" someone immediately interjected.
Nino frowned. "Our investigation points towards the Enchanting Land, and Flesh Transmutation believers are a possibility..."
"I said we shouldn't let those Enchanting Land people roam freely. This was bound to happen," the person interrupted, seemingly uninterested in the details.
"Easy for you to say. If we didn't accept them, could we have stopped them from using the teleportation point? At least by giving them a legal status, we have more control over them,"
"But don't worry about what happens now."
"...Our policy is sound. Sun City has clearly benefited from the Enchanting Land people. We're not the capital anymore; we can't afford to be arrogant,"
"So how do we deal with this?"
"..."
"Sun City hasn't seen such a serious incident in years, since the initial influx of Enchanting Land people. We need to give an explanation," another attendee said.
"Didn't we catch an Enchanting Land citizen? She's the culprit."
Nino, who hadn't relaxed his frown, spoke again. "This hasn't been confirmed..."
"The third Xyrin Project is approaching. This incident, while causing negative publicity, has no tangible damage. Our priority is to calm the public and minimize any impact," an elder said, his gaze fixed on Nino.
Since the Xyrin Project began, much of Sun City's funding had gone to it. Many budgets had been cut, including Nino's border guard budget.
The cuts naturally affected his power.
"Let's just… let it go."
Suddenly, a guard entered the hall. "Reporting, a representative from the Sanctuary wishes to attend the meeting."
"What does this have to do with them? Why should they join?" someone protested.
"But the Sanctuary is a major funder of the Xyrin Project..."
"..."
"Let's them..."
...
Mithra saw Nino enter the room with a man in a white hooded cloak, appearing gentle and polite.
"Good evening," Mithra said.
Recognizing the tower-shaped insignia on the man's cloak, Mithra realized this was Orph's promised backup.
She had contacted Orph via the communication tablet earlier. After discussing her situation, Orph had promised her assistance.
Because Mithra hadn't provided many details, she had waited.
It seemed she had underestimated Orph's commitment.
"Good evening. You are Miss Mithra, yes?"
"That's right."
"I am Salomo, the Xyrin Empire's ambassador to the Andemiriya Sanctuary in Sun City. Ms. Orph has briefed me on the situation," the man said, smiling as he shook Mithra's hand.
Mithra looked at Nino before responding.
Nino spoke. "Sir, with the Sanctuary's backing, although some aspects are still unclear, we are dropping our suspicion."
"It's that simple?" Mithra hadn't researched the Sanctuary's influence in the Xyrin Empire, but it seemed quite powerful.
"When people are reasonable, they can always reach an understanding," Salomo maintained his smile.
Mithra looked at Salomo for a moment.
Salomo continued. "However, this incident has significantly impacted Sun City. Therefore, we request your assistance in investigating this attack. This is at the behest of Sun City's authorities."
So that was it.
Assisting in the investigation was a way to indirectly restrain Mithra. While she would be free in Sun City, participating in the investigation would limit her ability to act independently, and she wouldn't be able to simply leave before they found something.
It was a gentler approach.
Of course, Mithra could refuse, but she knew that refusing might lead to her being expelled from Sun City.
"I accept," Mithra replied.
She still had unanswered questions about Sun City. Those Slime had attacked her twice—although the second time was her own doing—and she was curious about the "Chrysalis" organization.
It was clear that the "Chrysalis" were somehow connected to incomplete Wandering Gods.
Mithra couldn't handle fully-formed Wandering Gods, but incomplete ones were manageable.
She would prioritize the main quest from her patrons.
Hearing Mithra's agreement, Salomo exchanged a glance with Nino. Salomo showed no expression, but Nino visibly relaxed.
"Thank you for your cooperation," he said.
"I have a very important matter to attend to," Mithra said seriously.
"What?" Nino's expression turned serious.
"I'm very hungry. I want to eat. A lot," Mithra said, clutching her chest.
Nino suppressed the urge to ask why she was clutching her chest. He just twitched his lips.
Salomo chuckled. "Very well. I'll arrange it immediately."
"I prefer to eat alone and in silence," Mithra added.
"No problem," Salomo readily agreed.