After hearing Mary's account, Todd was incredulous: "You can remember everything that happened?"

The woman sat back down in her chair: “As far back as I can remember, everything that has happened, when I think back on it, isn’t a series of blurry fragments, but a complete picture that only lasted a few seconds. My mother once told me that no matter what happens, no matter who I’m facing, I must hide this ability. I’ve lived like an ordinary person for twenty years.”

Mary looked down at the ground, her fingers clasped tightly together: "Happiness, satisfaction, sadness, despair... the stronger the emotion, the deeper the impression, the more these things will appear in my mind. In order to avoid reliving those painful experiences again and again, I have to create more beautiful memories to replace the former. Banquets, parties, outings, jewelry, famous paintings... I use these memories to force myself little by little not to think about those terrible things..."

Hearing this, Todd finally understood why Queen Mary loved luxury items and frequented lavish parties and balls. He suddenly thought of something and asked, "Was the forgery of the royal seal also due to your special ability?"

Mary nodded.

Todd then asked, "You've been hiding your abilities all this time, so why are you telling me everything now?"

The woman looked up at him and said softly, "In Muxi Town, there's no point in hiding it."

Todd instantly understood her meaning. After thinking for a long time, he nodded and said, "Mary, from now on, you will be in charge of the management of the Sacred Treasury and Mutual Aid Society in Twilight Town. You can recruit your own assistants or keep the existing staff."

After seeing the woman off, Todd summoned the Knights' liaison and asked him to inform Rachel and Huggins to come to the Grand Master's office and, while they were at it, to get him some food and drink.

Half an hour later, Todd, who was drinking seafood and vegetable soup and munching on a fine wheat cheese biscuit, held a meeting with Rachel and Hudgens.

The commander-in-chief first inquired about Cosette's situation.

The headmistress of the convent looked exhausted: "It took a lot of effort, but we finally managed to calm her down. The inn's cooks prepared some good food for her, and Karin, Pamela, and several other girls are taking care of her. They're all around the same age, so it's easier for them to chat together than for us..."

Rachel's words completely ignored Todd's age, but none of the three people present seemed to have any objections.

After finishing the last sip of soup and swallowing the last piece of biscuit, Todd pounded his chest, let out a sigh of relief, and asked Huggins, "How's the army doing against Viscount Barrett?"

Wearing full armor, Huggins removed his helmet. The limbs of the 'Dragon Bone' parasite enveloped his head like budding flower petals. He nodded and said, "The valuables, prisoners, and civilians have all safely arrived in Muxi Town, but there's a troublesome problem. The Viscount's family consists of 39 people. What do you plan to do with them?"

Todd thought for a moment: "Let's leave it to the arbitration tribunal and have Dion investigate whether they committed any crimes. Oh, and regarding this battle, remember to distribute the agreed-upon rewards to every soldier."

Seeing Huggins nod in agreement, Todd sat up straight and said seriously, "I called you two here because I want to talk to you about something important—I want to set up a biochemical factory."

Since there was no word for "biochemical" in Common Language or Latin, Todd had to give Rachel and Hudgens a rough explanation of the word's meaning.

After explaining, Todd pulled out a stack of design drawings and production methods from the drawer and said, "The biochemical factory is currently mainly responsible for producing three things: the first is the 'Flame Breath Bacteria Fuel Tank,' the second is the potion containing Sutherland and alien abilities, and the last is nitroglycerin explosive. I have written down the production methods and precautions for all items here. There is also this document, which contains some suggestions for factory management methods, including 'assembly line division of labor,' 'graded quality products,' 'piece-rate payment,' 'production safety rules,' and so on."

After spreading out the papers in his hand and explaining them in detail, Todd said to Rachel, "There are a few things to note regarding the preparation of the biochemical plant: first, secrecy; second, security; third, in terms of production ratio, wartime needs should be the top priority, followed by the expansion of 'Inheritors', and finally, the industrial needs of Twilight Town."

Rachel asked, "Regarding the explosives used in the last battle, I heard that there's a material called saltpeter that's particularly expensive, and there's not much stock in town. Should we buy some from nearby towns?"

“We can buy them from nearby, but not in large quantities. Until I come up with a solution, just enough explosives to last for each expedition will suffice.” Todd rubbed his nose and said to Huggins, “Ratchet is in charge of preparing the biochemical plant, while you will be responsible for the continued expansion of the Knights.”

Picking up a simple map from his desk, Todd pointed to the territory of the Silver Ring Kingdom: "The entire kingdom has approximately nine hundred noble fiefdoms of varying sizes, with over forty within a hundred kilometers of Twilight Town alone. Among them are barons who control only two or three small villages, and dukes and crown princes who occupy most of the Falling Star Mountains and the North Stone Mine. Harkins, I want you to start your attack from the outskirts of Twilight Town, prioritizing those small lords with forces of no more than two hundred men. In terms of troop composition, use a mix of mutants, sergeants, and militia. In open field battles, utilize 'Inheritor' squads extensively; in siege warfare, use explosive charges. Eliminate the fortresses and strongholds around Twilight Town to ensure the Twilight Knights' mobility across the plains. Of course, your own safety must be the top priority; you can discuss specific strategies and tactics with Cumberland."

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