Yan, Lungmen.
Just as An Xora had guessed, Wei Yenwu—Governor of Lungmen—was truly panicking at this very moment.
Emperor of the Holy Terra Empire.
Those words carried far too much weight on today's Terra—so much that Wei Yenwu felt as if he could barely breathe, as though the pressure might crush him at any moment.
In principle, if one has a clear conscience, one need not fear ghosts knocking at the door. As long as Wei Yenwu harbored no improper intentions toward Talulah, there shouldn't be much to worry about.
After all, Talulah had lived in Lungmen for a time during her childhood. Based on Wei Yenwu's understanding of her back then, this former friend's child—now an imperial ruler—though ruthless in her methods, hungry for power, and prone to wiping out entire noble families at the drop of a hat (specifically certain nobles), was not, at her core, a cruel tyrant.
Even if there were some oversight in the reception arrangements, Talulah herself probably wouldn't take offense.
But the problem was—he might have no such intentions, yet others very well could.
The emperor of the strongest nation on Terra traveling abroad, and reportedly without a massive military escort—such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If some brain-dead fool decided to try assassinating Talulah in his Lungmen…
Wei Yenwu didn't know what fate would befall the assassin or the mastermind behind it. But whether the attempt succeeded or failed, Lungmen would almost certainly be flattened by the enraged group armies and Wendigo legions.
At that thought, Wei Yenwu shuddered violently. His expression grew even more haggard as he paced back and forth in his office, puffing relentlessly on his pipe.
Time ticked by.
Before long, a Black Hat suddenly appeared before him.
"Lord Wei, the diplomatic entourage is about to arrive outside the city."
"Has everything at the site been properly arranged?"
"Yes. We have conducted repeated inspections. All suspicious individuals have been removed. The LGD has also deployed personnel and completed all security arrangements to ensure there will be no incidents."
"…Good. That's for the best."
Letting out a long sigh, Wei Yenwu clasped his hands behind his back and walked out of the office, ordering a car to be prepared for him.
He still had to personally welcome the Emperor of the Holy Terra Empire. After all, with the ruler of the strongest nation arriving, could he—a mere governor of Lungmen—really afford to sit in his office and wait for Her Majesty to come see him?
...
Lungmen—one of Yan's most important economic hubs.
At this moment, the checkpoint normally used for entering and exiting the city was lined with a perfectly arranged ceremonial honor guard.
In the distance, the LGD's most elite officers stood on full alert, scarcely daring to breathe, afraid that the slightest misstep might offend the great figure who was about to arrive.
Chen Hui-chieh, currently directing her subordinates into formation, exchanged a glance with Swire, who had also been dispatched here. Both wore complicated expressions.
The world had changed far too quickly.
In the blink of an eye, a former close companion had become the emperor of the strongest empire—and was now arriving to inspect the city where they worked. How could that not stir complex emotions?
Compared to Chen, who wasn't sure what attitude she should take toward Talulah, Swire was much more clear-headed.
Even Governor Wei Yenwu himself was scrambling to come out and greet her. Given Talulah's current status, if Chen and Swire—mere senior officers—weren't noticed in the crowd later, they might not even have the qualification to meet her again.
Worrying about such things now was nothing but self-inflicted trouble.
Before long, a massive entourage arrived from outside Lungmen. After coordinating with the welcoming party, it quickly boarded the mobile city and made its way to the checkpoint.
The soldiers responsible for guarding the area parted to both sides, clearing a path. Then, flanked by attendants, Talulah stepped forward at a steady pace.
Looking at that familiar yet unfamiliar figure, Wei Yenwu—standing at the front of the welcoming party—felt a storm of emotions churn within him. His lips moved slightly, as though he wanted to say something, but in the end, he lowered his head.
"Governor of Lungmen, Wei Yenwu, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
He spoke respectfully, bowing to Talulah.
Behind him, the rest of the entourage followed suit.
"Paying respects to Your Majesty!"
Including Chen Hui-chieh—at this moment, not a single person present dared harbor even the slightest hint of disrespect toward Talulah.
The title of strongest nation on Terra alone was enough.
Not to mention the colossal crater at the former site of Victoria—where hundreds of thousands of coalition troops led by dukes had been buried.
That alone was sufficient to teach even the most arrogant soul the meaning of humility.
If there was anyone present who dared be disrespectful to Talulah, it was probably only An Xora—standing behind her with Lappland in tow.
"No need for such formalities. Thank you for the trouble you've gone through for this reception. Next, I'd like you to show me around the city."
Talulah spoke calmly.
Scenes like this had become far too common ever since she ascended the throne. They no longer stirred any emotion within her.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Hearing her request, Wei Yenwu didn't dare delay. He immediately ordered a car to be prepared.
Soon, a special vehicle arrived, and Wei Yenwu personally opened the door for Talulah.
"You two, come along as well," Talulah said, turning to An Xora and Lappland before getting in.
Seeing this, Wei Yenwu immediately realized that the two were likely Talulah's confidants and made a welcoming gesture.
"Since it is Your Majesty's wish, please allow the two of you to join us."
After boarding the car, Wei Yenwu personally took on the role of driver. With Talulah in the passenger seat and An Xora and Lappland in the back, the vehicle entered Lungmen.
As they drove, Wei Yenwu continuously explained the various districts of the city, all the while keeping a close eye on both sides of the street, terrified that something might go wrong.
"What a prosperous city," Talulah remarked. "Even within the Holy Terra Empire, mobile cities of this scale are still quite rare."
To develop a massive city like Lungmen to such a degree—and even issue a proprietary currency like the Lungmen Dollar—Wei Yenwu clearly possessed real ability.
At the very least, Talulah felt that without An Xora's help, she would've been overwhelmed even managing the mere hundred-something members of Reunion back then—let alone a mobile city with millions of residents.
If every city in the Holy Terra Empire could develop to Lungmen's level, then the daily lives of the empire's people would surely become much happier.
"Your Majesty flatters me. These are merely trivial skills—nothing compared to Your Majesty's divine might."
Compared to someone who had unified three nations in mere months, Wei Yenwu truly felt his own accomplishments were insignificant.
"There is also something I wish to ask, if I may be so bold."
"Oh? Go ahead."
Receiving Talulah's permission, Wei Yenwu—still driving—took a deep breath, as though he were about to walk to an execution ground.
"May I ask, Your Majesty… is this visit to Lungmen truly just a simple inspection?"
In the time before Talulah's arrival, Wei Yenwu had thought long and hard about this. He simply could not believe that a head of state would travel such a great distance merely to conduct a routine inspection.
There had to be some deeper purpose.
And given Talulah's status, any objective important enough to warrant her personal arrival was something even Lungmen itself might not be worthy of.
If that was the case, then could it be that Talulah was…
Setting her sights on Yan?
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