Alien world

Chapter 1703, Section 336: Departure, the Empire

“He will understand,” the chief mage said.

The legion commander spoke up: "It doesn't matter if you don't understand. When has it ever been anyone else's place to interfere with the Empire's decisions?"

"What if he guessed the plan?"

"Impossible. Only a few of us know about the new plan. Even the cunning Chaos couldn't have come up with it. How could he have guessed it?"

"But all he needs to do is believe that Blackwatch will never betray the country," Albek said.

The legion commander and the chief mage fell silent.

They couldn't refute it; this trust was something even the Empire lacked—amidst the cursing and heartbreak, very few firmly believed in Blackwatch's innocence.

“However, I believe Annan won’t go around saying things like that.” Albek changed the subject, worried that the Inquisition might unnecessarily issue a warning, which would only make it easier for the Chaos Cult to see through his ruse.

Da da da--

Footsteps sounded, and the three stopped talking, watching the Imperial cultists, dressed in Inquisition robes, stop outside the cell.

"The Protocol Department has a message for you."

The chief mage stood up, took the document, glanced at the formulaic text, paused for a few seconds, and said, "Annan Reeves is coming to Montreal Hills."

Annan certainly wouldn't go around spreading rumors, because he had already come directly here.

The three were taken aback, but also relieved, and had a slight headache.

"Looks like he knows something. Albek, you take care of it."

"I go?"

Albek lifted his mage robe, revealing genuine shackles.

The legion commander chuckled softly, "Dratorei is right, that child does indeed possess the conviction of a Grail Knight..."

……

May 17th, less than two weeks before Blackwatch was sentenced to death for treason.

The Imperial Ministry of Ceremonies' reply reached Francois, containing several hundred words that essentially said: Come, but it's best if you don't.

"What do you mean?" Annan didn't understand the Ministry of Protocol's attitude.

"It means I wanted to stop you from coming but couldn't."

Even Martin could guess why Annan wanted to come to the Empire. The Ministry of Ceremonies couldn't very well claim the treason charge was fabricated and was just a hoax to fool the ratmen. He'd inevitably cause a scene at the courthouse, attracting the attention of many important figures, and the Ministry of Ceremonies would have to clean up their mess.

But they couldn't refuse, and they couldn't even use the excuse of "the empire is in turmoil and it is not advisable to enter"—because the court would still find fault with them: "You dare to say that the empire is in turmoil, what are your intentions?"

The Skeleton King will return at noon, at which point Annan can set off.

“While I’m away, Free City is in your hands.” Annan said to Gemar as he arrived at the Royal Guard’s camp, which had been temporarily used by the Winter Legion.

"Leave it to me? I've only just arrived in Liberty City..."

Gemma felt no joy at being entrusted with such a heavy responsibility, only endless fear, though she also felt a sense of being trusted.

"Don't underestimate yourself. You are the King of the North, a great figure who will be revered by countless people in the future. I believe in your potential."

……

"While I'm away, Liberty City is in your hands."

Brino Janna, looking down at Annan, pointed to herself: "Me?"

"Don't underestimate yourself. You are the King of the North, a great figure who will be revered by countless people in the future. I believe in your potential."

"If you think I have potential, then have a child with me!"

"That was not what I meant……"

After taking out the Gana family's documents, Annan went to find the old patriarch.

"While I'm away, Liberty City is in your care."

"Understood. Stand tall in the Empire and don't embarrass the King of the North!" "Uh..." Annan was speechless.

He's not one to manipulate people, but if a few words can greatly increase someone's sense of agreement... why not do it?

However, the old patriarch was not a hothead like Gemar or Brino Gana who only had fighting on her mind; he was not easily fooled.

"That's hard to say. Who knows if I'll be branded a Blackwatch sympathizer by the Empire and hanged along with them..." Annan said deliberately.

The old patriarch sneered; he had figured it out—Annan had come to ask for benefits.

"Vivian, go to the storage room and find a letter with the Lionheart seal on it."

The old maid turned and left, returning shortly with a letter.

"what is this?"

"Taking it out might help you solve your problem."

The Annamite found the signature on the envelope to be in an ancient script that they could not understand.

"I have ancestors."

"Our ancestors are alive, but this is dead."

"What do you mean?"

"It means take your things and disappear from my sight!"

Annan had no choice but to leave hastily, harboring suspicions that the old patriarch might have some kind of manic disorder.

……

At Olmedo's desk, Annan said, "While I'm away, Liberty City is in your care."

"How many people have you said this to?"

"What? What have you said to so many people? I don't understand what you're talking about..." Annan guiltily looked away.

"During your time here, wasn't Liberty City handed over to me?"

"It's just a farewell greeting, you're taking it too seriously, Olmedo."

To prevent the astute Olmedo from pressing further, Annan produced the letter, saying, "The old patriarch gave me this."

He repeated the old patriarch's words, and Olmedo took over, saying, "This is ancient script; it must belong to the first King of the North."

Common Language was a language that was vigorously promoted by mankind in the early years of the Saint Laurent calendar, so the origin of the letters can be traced back to at least the early years of the Saint Laurent calendar.

"It's probably because the Lawrence family had some past dealings with the Montreal Golden Family, which is why the old patriarch asked you to take it. Take it; you might need it."

“I think so too, but I don’t understand what it means to say ‘our ancestors are alive, and it’s dead’…”

"It's easy to understand. The ancestor is still alive, and her enemies and those who oppose her are likely still around. They don't mind causing you trouble. Faith is dead, and all the love, hate, and grudges have been over for a thousand years. The nobles don't mind putting on a show of respect for their ancestors."

"Oh~"

Annan understood.

Francois came over and told Annan that the teleportation plaza anchor point had been changed and they could depart.

After a final check, the summoning crystal was ready, the magic ring was stuffed full of magic scrolls, and there were two fel stones, though they were sealed in a special way and could not be put back once taken out. Money, food, and tools were piled up like mountains, enough for Annan to build another new city-state outside.

Or rather, Annam carried with him resources exceeding those of many city-states.

After saying goodbye to his older sister and Olmedo, Annan went to the teleportation plaza.

He didn't bring anyone with him; his bodyguard Maria and his staff member Peterson stayed behind, and Francois didn't come along either.

Since it was a formal visit as a guest, the protocol department was in charge. Annan had to go to Seltovis first, and then arrive at Montreal Hill via a portal.

After arriving in Sltowies, Annan also made a detour to visit Dean Blehim.

(End of this chapter)