Extraordinary Voyage

Anthony knew that in the recent operation to exterminate the "Killing Ghost," besides the Principal of Princeton and the Church—both extraordinary existences—Aiven was evaluated as the individual with the most contributions.

He was in the limelight!

Coupled with prior academic achievements and contributions from this operation, this not yet officially of-age Navy Major had become the hottest figure in "New Inn Port." Even his father, a dignified Count with real power, specifically instructed him to maintain a good personal relationship with Aiven.

At least in the upper circles of "New Inn Port," if there were to be any more banquets, if the two stood together, Aiven was no longer a small figure to be ignored. He relied on the power of the Kramer Clan, whereas Aiven relied on himself!

In the tumult caused by the "Killing Ghost," even if they were unaware of the hidden schemes among the upper echelons for the time being.

But just the fact that four "Killing Ghosts" died directly or indirectly at Aiven's hands, plus discovering the anomaly of the "Ship's Figurehead" in the end, and using the sniper firearm to interrupt the effect of "Military Witchcraft: Drowning Spring," already made his achievements brilliant.

Though he wasn't clear on the exact bounty in Aiven's hands, he estimated it wouldn't be less than four thousand Golden Lions! This also related to the generally high danger level of Navy missions, and the dual reward system of military achievements and material rewards that the Navy had always practiced.

Moreover, with a little belt-tightening, over four thousand Golden Lions would be enough to build a brand new Level 6 Battleship!

"I am certain, but I want to designate the use of the donation.

This money is solely for the education funds and retraining funds for reemployment of the impoverished families encountering difficulties in this event, and a monthly living allowance can be allocated to those particularly destitute.

We must not coarsely distribute the money for them to allocate by themselves, good management in the later stages must be ensured."

Aiven, despite wanting to do good, understood the principle of providing emergency relief rather than poverty relief; only by helping them break free from the original shackles that burdened both their bodies and spirits could true escape from poverty and even social class leap forward be possible.

Conversely, if aid was distributed directly to them, these people might temporarily not worry about food and clothing, but they would ultimately return to the starting point, failing to solve the problem.

Aiven's mind once again recalled the tragic scenes he "witnessed" at that time, finally fixing his attention on the young mother who seemed nearly irrational after her child was shot.

"I hope the brand new living environment can compensate for their pain of losing loved ones!" Indeed, this was all Aiven could do.

"Alright, I'll do strictly as you wish. As the largest contributor to the foundation's funds, the position of Honorary President belongs to none other than you, and your name will be printed on every disbursement slip."

Nurtured from a young age for succession as Count, Anthony could perceive the benefits of this operational model, thinking if done well it could also reflect his capabilities, solemnly promised.

Aiven smiled, graciously accepting Anthony's goodwill.

As his own strength gradually improved, the benefits of having fame slowly emerged. Although it might bring inexplicable troubles, Aiven, crowned with multiple honors, favored by the Goddess, and having the big tree of the Princess to lean on, was no longer as isolated as when he started.

Moreover, he was also responding to the Princess's call.

The severe reconstruction of the city had already placed a significant burden on the Kingdom's finances, added to the huge bonuses and compensations for the combat personnel involved in this operation, even the Princess's little treasury was said to have contributed significantly.

At this point, the decision he made, albeit looking costly, would bring about... more in return!

"Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing. Come, let me formally introduce you to my cousin Elante, whom you've already met.

Elante will soon be participating in the academy's next admission test, but the timing will certainly be after my short course finishes. I'm not worried about his grades; as for everything else...haha, you understand."

What Aiven meant was naturally understood by the three of them.

Such an attitude from Aiven of not asking others for favors did not make them feel neglected but rather comfortable. Besides Alva, the remaining two had fought side by side with Aiven, experiencing life and death together; speaking too politely would make them feel awkward.

Besides, after experiencing the Killing Ghost incident, they could see the potential Aiven possessed; a small effort for a huge favor, why not?

"Our family still has a recommendation slot this year. I'll send the recommendation letter to you later." That was Alva.

"No problem, leave it to me. Professor Tiger, who's in charge of admissions this year, is a good friend of my father. I'll visit him tomorrow." That was Anthony.

"My brother is also in the same class; I'll introduce you before enrollment." Delis was more straightforward, making it seem like the slot was already predetermined.

Indeed, what Aiven was doing now was somewhat of what would be considered despicable "pulling strings" in a past life, but when it happened to him, why did it feel...hmm, so satisfying...

Joking aside.

In reality, Elante's ability at his age was already considered top-tier; coupled with Uncle Gel's Navy Captain family background, directly taking the exams would also grant some hope, but whether he could truly enroll remained uncertain.

Especially with the Crown Prince now serving as Vice Principal, the originally fierce competition for slots might now see some backdoor attempts.

This world's system still being feudal, how could it avoid the customary practices seen in many novels where pure exam scores secure genius status, with major institutions fighting to recruit talents?

Even the so-called free and democratic Ivy League in the past world examined family backgrounds, personal connections, and alumni relations alongside scores.

"Haha, Rebecca, don't forget to open a good bottle of wine for tonight's dinner; I want to share a drink with some guests." With these friends' promises, Aiven's mood improved greatly.

"Yes, Master Aiven."

"Hah, someone's just fifteen and wants to drink us under the table?"

"Haha, I turned sixteen last month, officially an adult!"

It was at this moment that they realized with some sentiment that although Aiven seemed taller and more robust compared to most adults, who would have thought that this Navy Major, laden with honors and achievements, had only just reached adulthood?

If there were truly any so-called geniuses in the world, it would probably be someone like him.

With only a few days left till Aiven's short course ended, the group arranged to see him off together after a sumptuous dinner. During this time, Aiven even humorously introduced his student Angie to them as if for familiarization.

Since Aiven would mostly be at sea after returning to Gabred, bringing Angie along wouldn't be suitable for her growth, so he decided to temporarily leave Angie at Cooper Manor, where interaction with those "Wizard Apprentices" was inevitable.

...

Knock... knock... knock...

"Come in!"

Thud—

Aiven, dressed in a crisp Major's uniform, entered, standing at attention to salute.

"Your Highness, you summoned me?"

"Just in time. Major Aiven, your new assignment has arrived. The official documents have been sent to the Third Fleet, and here is your appointment letter from me."

The beautiful and dignified Princess seated behind the desk looked a bit fatigued, clearly beleaguered by various city affairs recently. She signaled her assistant Linda to hand Aiven a commission letter while speaking.

Though curious as to why the assignment, normally issued directly by the Navy Department, routed through the Princess, he held his tongue and accepted respectfully. Though very curious about its contents, he refrained from peeking out of propriety.

The official protocol was completed.

Liweina signed off on another document, admired the vibrant, uniformed youth, and felt even more satisfied with her prior decision. Her once stern face eased a bit, and her tone turned more casual: "My Knight, I heard you donated your entire bonus to the relocation of suffering families?"

"In fact, it was the collective intention of several friends. It's our honor to ease Your Highness's burden too!"

"Hehe, thank you for your contribution to the Kingdom." Liweina's soft smile was like snow thawing and spring returning, dazzling everyone.