Roland knew Angelina would agree.

As long as she wasn't thinking irrationally.

She might be very angry inside, but in the face of real interests, personal emotions are negligible.

She's just selling off surplus grain at a low price but can retrieve over thirty intelligence personnel, a trade that's certainly worthwhile.

Roland secures a stable grain supply channel to prepare for the war in the second half of the year, while Angelina retrieves her dispatched intelligence personnel, a win-win situation.

After concluding the negotiations, Roland returned to the Governor's Mansion, and just as he was about to check the schedule, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in, the door's not locked."

There were no footsteps, but the air became a bit more humid.

Roland turned around in surprise and, as expected, saw Munina.

Sea Demons primarily breathe through gills, although they can also use their skin to assist with breathing, prolonged time leads to dizziness, coupled with strict management systems, few Sea Demons leave the Great Lake Region, except for Munina.

Since being taken in by Norton, she mostly stayed at the Norton Laboratory with Nana and returned to the Great Lake to manage the defected clansmen otherwise, yet she'd never met Roland.

Being Norton's adoptive daughter, Roland couldn't put on an imposing face as before to intimidate her, so he smiled and asked, "Miss Munina, you look well; have things been good for you lately?"

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Governor. I'm doing well, and the clansmen have gotten accustomed to the new life. You've built new houses for them, and they all wish to make contributions for you soon."

Though Roland's attitude was gentle, just thinking about Roland's methods made Munina a bit fearful.

A smiling Demon is still a Demon; she wouldn't dare provoke the Demon.

Roland pointed at the opposite sofa, suddenly realizing Munina didn't have legs, sitting might be inconvenient; his fingertip froze in mid-air, unsure of what to say.

Fortunately, Munina obediently moved to the sofa's edge, curling her tail to sit down.

Though sitting like this wasn't comfortable, she dared not object.

Seeing her trying hard to sit upright, Roland said with a smile, "Munina, relax, don't be so stiff. Is there something you wanted to discuss with me?"

"I... I wanted to talk to you about the tribe and the matters under the sea."

Hadn't it been discussed before? Roland was somewhat surprised. He knew Munina probably sought something but hesitated to directly state it, hence starting with small talk.

He smiled and sat down, adopting a listening posture.

"Alright, I always enjoy hearing stories."

Munina cleared her throat lightly and softly said, "Have you heard me mention General Nephropidae?"

"I've heard, but you also said the Graham Clan isn't a significant figure under the sea, so there isn't much known about it."

"I don't know much, but I have friends."

Munina softly said, "Our Graham Clan is just a marginalized small role under the sea, but the Grim Clan is different; they are the confidantes of General Nephropidae. I have a very close friend who's the granddaughter of the Grim Clan's leader, and I wish to visit her."

Roland furrowed his brows, instinctively wanting to oppose but restrained himself.

"What does Mr. Norton say?"

Munina now being Norton's adopted daughter, his sentiments had to be considered.

"Foster father agrees." Munina softly stated, her hands twisting from nervousness.

"Since Mr. Norton agrees, I naturally have no reason to object. Stay safe outside, and return quickly if anything seems amiss."

Munina was somewhat surprised; was she let go so easily?

Seeing her incredulous expression, Roland softly explained, "Perhaps you think my methods cruel, but they're all for enemies. You can ask directly if you need anything in the future."

"No, nothing else. I will bring back news of General Nephropidae as soon as possible."

Seeing Roland agree, Munina didn't dare linger, promptly bidding farewell and departing, like fleeing a demon's lair.

Am I frightening?

Recalling earlier dealings with the Sirens, he understood Munina had reasons to be fearful.

Though he found no grounds to object, Roland still worried, promptly visiting Norton amidst his lively labors at the laboratory.

Upon seeing Norton, he couldn't wait to flaunt his recent research results to Roland.

"Roland, the Steam Tank blueprint you provided has been reconstructed by me! Though it's not quite successful."

Roland's eyes showed a hint of surprise, "Really?"

"Come on, follow me to the testing field in the back."

Norton's eagerness to show off couldn't be contained, pulling Roland toward the testing ground.

Seeing the so-called "Steam Tank" Norton described, Roland, momentarily, didn't know what to say.

The steam engine was present. Armor also was present.

But its gigantic size was vastly different from the blueprint; this thing weighed at least dozens of tons.

Lacking quality steel, many parts had wooden replacements for the armor.

Norton enthusiastically leapt into the tank cockpit, starting it up.

The steam engine slowly heated, thick smoke billowing, forcing Roland to continuously retreat.

As the coal filled continuously, water heated to boiling point, the steam engine activated, the tank slowly crept its massive body forward, inching ahead.

After some struggle, the gigantic Steam Tank managed to move less than fifty meters before breaking down.

Norton came crawling out of the cockpit with a face somewhat dark, incessantly coughing.

"Al, although somewhat embarrassing, this is a great first step!"

Roland didn't mock the tank's clumsiness like foolishly ridiculing a slow train.

Just as Norton stated, this was a great first step.

He applauded vigorously, offering sincere blessings.

"Very good, Mr. Norton, I'll continue investing. Do you have the confidence to bring this thing to practical use within three years?"

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