The following day, I headed to the institute.
Making the entirety of the Royal Capital's underground the institute had further increased the Director's power.
It could now be called the greatest and strongest defensive force.
Sneaking into it without her knowledge would be practically impossible.
Even if I seriously attempted a breakthrough, it would undoubtedly require considerable effort.
The executives would stand no chance at all.
Being able to travel far with peace of mind was solely thanks to the Director.
The moment I crossed the institute's entrance, the Director was already there to greet me.
She approached, bowing with her hands clasped.
"Well, well! Demon King, how are you today?"
"As always. How about you, Director?"
"I am in top form as always, of course! Being an undead, you know, I never tire or fall ill. I can work at any time!"
The Director answered with complete confidence.
When she was human, she had ignored her body's strain with an indomitable spirit.
Now that this was no longer an issue, she was even more vibrant.
She seemed to be making the most of her fatigue-free constitution.
That said, it wasn't a reason not to worry.
Even an undead couldn't work nonstop without rest.
I offered the Director a piece of well-intentioned advice.
"...I think you should take a vacation every once in a while."
"Thank you for your concern. However, I truly love my research. It isn't duty or obligation that drives me. Being able to research freely in this environment is the greatest solace for me."
"I gave rather tasteless advice. My apologies."
"What are you saying! You are not at fault in the slightest, Lord Demon King. I am grateful that you would trouble yourself to care for me this way."
The director bowed deeply.
One might mistake her for someone consumed by a mania for research, but she was fundamentally serious. She was always humble, showing a sincere attitude to everyone. She was also well-liked, and the staff were fond of her for various reasons.
Thinking that far, I looked around.
Inside the research facility, countless versions of the director were running amok.
There were hardly any regular staff to be seen. When I used detection magic, it appeared most of them were out.
"There are fewer employees than usual today."
"It seems several people had their paid leave overlap. Ah, of course, there are no issues with the facility's operations. I am handling everything thoroughly!"
"I thought as much. I wasn't worried about that point."
The director was meticulous about managing the facility.
If any deficiency arose, she addressed it immediately.
As the person in charge of the facility, she was exceptionally competent.
While she herself was overworked, she actively encouraged her subordinates to take time off.
She never missed even a slight sign of poor health and always worked to build an optimal work environment.
Judging by surface ability alone, she was an impeccable subordinate.
She possesses aptitudes that surpass mine and those of the other executives alike.
Together with the Director, I conducted an inspection of the research facility.
As we walked, I observed various developments and research projects underway.
Listening to the Director's ceaseless explanations and trivia, I confirmed the aspects that could not be grasped from documents alone.
After completing our tour, I moved on to the true purpose of this visit.
"That said, I would like to visit her room—"
"You wish to suspend the surveillance! Understood!"
"You have my thanks."
The Director had anticipated this beforehand.
It was a semi-routine occurrence, so no explanation was necessary.
I parted ways with the Director and teleported.
The destination was the living quarters of the beast confined in this facility—Gwen's room.