Chapter 76: Another Autograph?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 76: Another Autograph?
Seeing the faint redness at the corners of Atoris’s eyes, Xie Bai didn’t feel anything was amiss.
In her memory, Atoris had always looked like this, and she carried herself quite naturally. As for what Atoris had been like before, Xie Bai had no point of reference.
If Orion or Roland were to witness this scene, they would likely knock themselves unconscious and collapse on the spot out of sheer shock.
"Alright, I’ve come to see you this time for something else."
"Mm... Please, speak, my Master."
Once she saw Atoris relax, Xie Bai began to explain her plans for establishing a branch and conquering the Northern Territory.
After listening, Atoris’s expression shifted back toward that of a ruler as she began to analyze Xie Bai’s plan.
"I naturally have no objection to establishing a branch of the Wheel of Fate here in the Empire. If you do not wish to be too conspicuous, my Master, we can use the current Opera House as a hub and develop the surrounding area into a related industrial zone. I can return and speak with Orion; I'll have him establish a new Imperial department to serve as a front for our public identity."
Xie Bai nodded at Atoris’s response.
"Fine. I’ll leave it to you. I trust you can handle it."
"Mm... Thank you for your trust, my Master."
With the matter of the branch settled, Atoris shifted the topic to the Northern Continent.
"Ever since the Empire unified the Eastern Continent, I sent Leon to the Northern Territory to scout the situation. It turns out that while those Northern Lords are fierce when fighting amongst themselves, they are unexpectedly united when facing a foreign enemy. However, they are ultimately unskilled in coordinated warfare and were frequently crushed by the Expeditionary Force. But the cold in the North is extremely peculiar—it possesses a unique property of sluggishness that interferes with the normal operation of alchemy. Because of that, the Expeditionary Force has never been able to penetrate the heartland."
Halfway through her explanation, Atoris’s head began to droop.
"Furthermore, the Empire is currently in a period of recovery. Aside from intelligence, we cannot provide any useful assistance to you in other areas, my Master. I am truly sorry..."
As Atoris bowed her head in self-reproach, Xie Bai gently tilted her face back up.
"That’s enough. I don’t need your help with such a small matter. You just focus on managing the Empire’s affairs."
"Mm... Yes, my Master."
After Xie Bai pulled her hand away, Atoris offered another reminder.
"By the way, my Master, there is one thing I must warn you about."
Seeing Atoris’s serious expression, Xie Bai felt a flicker of curiosity.
"What is it? Is it serious?"
Atoris nodded slightly.
"Somewhat. It might be nothing to you, my Master, but I must mention it regardless. In the North, those Northern Lords cannot be ignored. They are essentially old monsters who have lived for thousands or even tens of thousands of years. They are beings approaching the level of a Demigod, only slightly inferior to myself. Previously, under the fire suppression of the Expeditionary Fleet, these lords couldn't cause much trouble. But recently, I have clearly felt the world's restrictions loosening. I estimate that in a few days, I will be able to break through to become a true Demigod. At the same time, those long-suppressed Northern Lords will likely break through one after another. When that happens, the danger level of the entire Northern Territory will skyrocket..."
Hearing Atoris’s genuine concern, Xie Bai couldn't help but chuckle.
"Thank you for the warning. But even if those Northern Lords become Demigods, they won't pose any threat to me."
Atoris nodded. "True... If it is you, my Master, then there is indeed no need to worry."
With that thought, Atoris looked at Xie Bai. "Since you have no issues, my Master, then I have nothing more to say. Rest assured, I will take care of everything here."
"Good. I’m looking forward to it."
As she spoke, Xie Bai prepared to depart by stepping into Atoris’s shadow.
"Oh, and a reminder for you as well: besides us, there’s a little mouse hiding here."
Watching Xie Bai leave, Atoris lightly gripped the corner of her skirt.
"A mouse... is there a mouse here?"
Though she hadn't quite understood Xie Bai’s meaning at first, Atoris knew she wouldn't say something without reason.
With that in mind, Atoris scanned her surroundings intently.
After her initial perception yielded nothing, Atoris drew her Crimson Greatsword and slammed it into the ground, releasing a shockwave that rippled outward.
A second later, a purple-black figure was shaken out of the shadows.
"Ouch... ow, ow... Strange, how on earth was I found..."
Before the intruder could react, Atoris was pointing her sword at her.
"Wait, wait, Lady Sword Princess! It was just a momentary lapse in judgment! This lowly one accidentally wandered into this place by mistake! I swear I have no ill intentions! I beg your Ladyship to spare my life!"
Atoris paused, slightly stunned by the way the woman addressed her.
Sword Princess—that was the title her fans used for her.
Noticing the Fate Bracelet made by Roland on the woman’s wrist, Atoris lowered her sword.
"Are you someone Roland recruited into the Wheel of Fate?"
Hearing Atoris mention Roland and the Wheel of Fate, the woman immediately scrambled up from the ground. She stole a few glances at Atoris before speaking with renewed confidence.
"Oh, so you know about that? Well, that makes things easier. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cecilia, a veteran member of the Wheel of Fate, recruited by Grand Marshal Roland himself a few days ago."
Atoris’s eyes narrowed as she watched the woman stand with her hands on her hips, acting all confident.
The thought that an outsider had been present while she was talking to Xie Bai—and that she hadn't noticed until Xie Bai pointed it out—made her feel a surge of irritation.
"Even if Roland recruited you, you are not permitted to trespass here. If you cannot give me a logical explanation, I can kill you right now and bring your corpse to Roland to deal with."
Cecilia’s body instantly stiffened at the threat.
She hadn't expected that despite looking so cute, this little girl would be so vicious when making threats.
Crap, I got distracted by her looks. No matter how she looks, she’s still the Sword of the Empire, the Empire’s top powerhouse.
Realizing she was in deep trouble, Cecilia immediately dropped into a kowtow.
"Please spare me, my Lady! I... I simply admire you too much! I only came here because I wanted an autograph! I swear I have no other wicked intentions!"
Atoris blinked, caught off guard by the explanation.
"Another one asking for an autograph? First Brandon, and now this..."
Thinking of this, Atoris couldn't help but recall the man named Brandon.
"Come to think of it, it's strange. I haven't seen that boy Brandon since my Master took him away. Could he be working for my Master now as well?"
*
"Achoo!"
Brandon wiped his nose and muttered to himself.
"Strange. Why did I sneeze? Is someone talking about me?"
He shook his head.
"Forget it. That 'someone is talking about you' stuff is just an old wives' tale for kids. I’m probably just overstressed."
With that, Brandon pulled the control lever.
He steered the entire spaceship back into the heart of the Void Insect Hive.