Elena finally set foot inside the Laboratory.
"We have several research labs here. The golem from earlier was developed by one of them."
Rokou B. Sihalo guided Elena into one of the rooms.
"Karion, do you have a moment?"
"Ah, Director, what can I do for you?"
Calling over Karion, the laboratory chief, Rokou introduced Elena and explained the purpose of her visit.
"I see. If His Majesty has granted permission, there is no issue at all."
"Very well. I leave the tour to you, then. As for the time... let us say thirty minutes. Once you are finished, bring her to my office."
"Understood."
With that, laboratory chief Karion took over guiding Elena around.
"I look forward to your guidance."
"A-Ah, yes, of course."
Karion was visibly flustered by Elena's beauty.
"U-U-Um, w-well, first off, this is where we conduct golem analysis."
"Oh? And what golem is this?"
"Yes. Um..."
Working on the unit was Raig Armor, the unit leader of the research team.
He glanced toward Karion, silently asking if it was acceptable to speak. Catching the look, Karion gave a slight nod.
"T-This golem was acquired during a skirmish with our neighbor, the Norha Principality. We are currently disassembling and analyzing it like this."
"I see... And what kind of things can you learn from doing that?"
Elena played the role of a complete amateur to perfection.
"Y-Yes. Analyzing its structure reveals its durability, while studying the muscle tissue shows its power output. By examining the control system, we can determine its reaction speed."
"Hmm..."
Elena continued to feign ignorance.
The way she tilted her head in thought utterly captivated the all-male staff of the research lab.
Inside her brain—her control core—she was not merely listening to their words; she was actively observing and analyzing every single piece of equipment throughout the room.
All of that data was being relayed directly to Laojun in real time.
"And over there is the team in charge of developing our new model golem."
His nerves settling slightly, Raig Armor led Elena over toward the development team.
"Here, we construct skeletons using an alloy steel known as vanadium steel....Coo, could you give the explanation?"
Raig Armor turned to Coo Fene, the unit leader of the development team.
Coo Fene was the only woman in the laboratory, and she was Raig Armor's publicly recognized partner.
Glaring coldly at Elena, who was standing close beside Raig Armor, Coo Fene began her explanation.
"A skeleton requires toughness, strength, and hardness, and this vanadium steel fulfills all of those criteria at an exceptionally high level. Its drawbacks are its weight and vulnerability to rust, but we have measures in place to mitigate those..."
Listening attentively, Elena maintained her clueless facade.
Coo Fene finished speaking, a faint, condescending smirk tugging at her lips.
"...And that is the gist of it. Do you follow?"
"Yes, thank you very much. I cannot say I understand all the details, but I can certainly tell that you are doing very advanced work."
"Now then, moving on to the next team, they are conducting research into control systems..."
...And so, for roughly thirty minutes, Raig Armor showed Elena around the research lab, explaining each section.
When the allotted time came to an end, Raig Armor escorted Elena to the office of the laboratory director, Rokou B. Sihalo.
After dismissing Raig Armor, Rokou B. Sihalo gestured toward a chair.
"Well? Did the tour meet your satisfaction?"
Elena nodded.
"Yes. They were kind enough to explain even the most difficult concepts to me."
"I am delighted to hear you found it worthwhile."
"Still, is it truly wise to reveal so much to an outsider like myself?"
At Elena's question, a sly grin crept across Rokou B. Sihalo's face.
"Oh, it is quite all right....After all, you will not be leaving this place."
With that, he pressed the call bell sitting on his desk.
Instantly, five armed soldiers and two combat golems poured into the room from the adjoining chamber and the entrance.
Elena kicked back her chair and stood up.
"...What is the meaning of this?!"
Her face went pale—an artificial reaction crafted to perfectly mimic human behavior.
"Nothing personal. We simply intend to have this organization of yours, Nostalgia, serve our interests from here on out."
"...What do you plan to do with me?"
Elena already had the tip of a soldier's sword pressed to her throat, while a golem held each of her arms in an iron grip.
"Take her to the designated location."
On Rokou B. Sihalo's command, Elena was escorted away to the Tower.
"Everything you need for daily life has been provided inside this Tower," Rokou B. Sihalo said.
Having been shoved inside, Elena simply shook her head.
"No. There is one thing missing."
"Hmm? And what would that be? If there is something lacking, I can have it arranged."
Elena offered a wry smile.
"That will be impossible....You see, the thing that is missing is called 'freedom.'"
"..."
Rokou B. Sihalo's expression soured as though he had just swallowed a bitter bug.
"H-Hmph....R-Regardless, Lady Elena, you will be residing here for the time being....Do not even dream of trying to escape, understand? The sole entrance is guarded around the clock by soldiers and combat golems."
His tone carried a distinct threat.
"...I understand."
Elena lowered her head, acting dejected.
In truth, escaping would have posed no challenge even if the guard count were doubled, but she saw no reason to point that out.
"So, what am I expected to do here?"
To her inquiry, Rokou B. Sihalo merely gave a dismissive reply.
"Nothing. As long as you live here quietly, that is more than enough. Assuming you cause no trouble, of course."
That alone told Elena everything she needed to know.
"...I see. In other words, I am a hostage."
"Astute. Precisely so....Fortunately, this 'Nostalgia' of yours is not a recognized state. Even as an organization, its scale is relatively modest. Thus, by holding you hostage, Lady Elena, we will compel their cooperation."
"...Do you truly believe taking me alone will force them to obey?"
Elena prodded him, but Rokou B. Sihalo merely snorted with amusement.
"We are well aware that Lady Elena holds the most vital position within Nostalgia, and we know full well how deeply you are revered. So long as you remain our hostage, they will bend to our every demand."
"...And what exactly do you intend to demand?"
"Nothing unreasonable, mind you....Ultimately, the final decision rests with His Majesty, but having them hand over combat golems, magi-crystals, and magi-stones... that should be the extent of it."
"...So that you can use them to invade neighboring nations?"
"Well, that is the general idea."
"..."
Elena cast her eyes downward, pretending she had lost all hope.
"Well, that is where things stand. You will not be permitted outside, but do try to enjoy your stay as best you can."
Leaving behind those parting words, Rokou B. Sihalo turned and walked out of the Tower.