Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

Chapter 572 - 539: Lanci Turns Out to Be the National Advisor Route

Lanci and the Empress sat on opposite sides of the delicately carved dining table, a silver candelabrum in the center exuding nobility and solemnity, though no candles were lit at its top, and the light from outside was so dim that despite it being midday, hardly any color was reflected on the surrounding tableware, the air carrying a hint of the haziness of a rainy day.

"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."

Lanci expressed his thanks to the Empress.

After a brief exchange before the meal, the dinner table fell quiet for a long stretch of time, the attendants serving dish after dish as both of them mused to themselves, maintaining proper etiquette as they ate.

Not until the clock had almost imperceptibly moved halfway around did the lunch break come to an end, and the attendants once again cleared the table, restoring it to its pre-meal state.

Empress Kexiya stared out at the garden that looked as though it might start raining at any moment, and fell silent for a while.

"To tell you the truth, I am very afraid of you, because no one can see through you,"

she said frankly, without looking at Lanci,

"I heard your speech yesterday, it was excellent, to be honest, it inspired me, but it also made me more afraid, afraid that appointing you might have been a mistake."

She wasn’t sure if she should speak these thoughts to Lanci Welfort, unable to find any other topic, so she could only say what was on her mind.

"In your opinion, am I more frightening, or is the Huo Ning Empire more frightening?"

Lanci asked.

"..."

Empress Kexiya did not provide an answer.

Objectively speaking, she actually felt that the man before her was far less terrifying than the Huo Ning Empire, without a doubt.

But he was right in front of her, and if this man were an enemy, it would genuinely unsettle her.

"Let me put it another way, I am your staunch supporter and will do my utmost to serve you in resisting the Huo Ning Empire, do you still find me frightening?"

Lanci asked again.

"No."

Empress Kexiya shook her head with her eyes closed.

Receiving such an assurance from Lanci gave her an instant of immense relief.

"I am worried about your position in parliament,"

she added.

Even if she wanted to support the new Prime Minister, she was merely a symbolic representation of power in the hearts of the citizens, with little real influence over parliament, with only a chance to persuade those who might be able to assist the Prime Minister through certain personal connections.

Empress Kexiya was well aware of what had transpired in the Upper House meeting before Lanci’s arrival today; had it not been for the high level of restraint shown by both Welfort and Duke Moriarty, the disputes and conflicts in parliament could have escalated further, potentially leading to an uncontainable uprising.

Upon hearing Empress Kexiya’s words, Lanci was reminded of the preposterous standoff from the morning.

"They want to drive away the street performer, then replace him with his own monkey,"

he said with mild dissatisfaction.

"Watch your speech, Lord Wilford, Duke Moriarty is a good friend of mine,"

Empress Kexiya reprimanded.

She was surprised that Lanci would speak so recklessly at this moment, openly expressing his thoughts, which seemed to indicate that he held significant animosity towards Duke Moriarty.

"..."

Upon hearing this, Lanci bowed his head, remaining silent for a long time.

"Although I do not know the specifics of your interaction with Duke Moriarty this morning, I believe that both of you are acting with Palante’s best interest in mind, and it is not my place to interfere in your dispute or arbitrate right from wrong. I merely cannot echo the negative comments about a friend when I hear them, and I need to set the record straight,"

Empress Kexiya began to worry she had misspoken and tried to explain or clarify her statement.

"It’s only me who is not needed,"

Lanci said dejectedly.

This immediately increased Empress Kexiya’s concern.

"Perhaps it is you who is frightening, as nobody knows what your next decision will be, or even what you will say next,"

Seeing the slightly disheartened Lanci, Empress Kexiya softened her tone considerably.

Cat Boss: "???"

It felt like it had learned a new tea ceremony skill.

Sometimes, expressing dissatisfaction directly, a method that seemed too basic even for novice green tea etiquette, could actively provoke a rebuke from the other party, allowing one to take on the role of a victim, making the other party question who truly was at fault.

Now Empress Kexiya, rather than continuing to question Lanci, might be more preoccupied with the thought, "Could it be that Duke Moriarty went too far?"

This isn’t the means of a low-grade coquette, but rather a return to innocence by merging a tactical advance with a strategic retreat, which even makes him seem very sincere.

In their conversation, their relationship grew closer.

Lanci, isolated and without support in the Upper House during the war, nevertheless saw a clear stance from Princess Kexiya, who was willing to trust the Prime Minister.

Their dialogue touched on many topics about the war and the future of the nation, with Empress Kexiya sharing her views in a thoughtful manner. Lanci displayed his leadership and loyalty to the empire, posing several questions about his decisions but was also satisfied with Lanci’s responses.

Although their statuses were different, the subtle mutual understanding and respect between them began to solidify.

Until the appointed lunch time was nearing its end.

Lanci glanced at his watch and politely signaled to Her Majesty the Empress that he needed to attend to his work.

"Sorry, Lord Wilford, for taking up much of the time you should have been resting."

Empress Kexiya suddenly realized how quickly time had passed.

However, Lanci was not in a hurry to leave, as if he would prioritize answering any doubts the Empress might have until she was satisfied.

"I actually see no hope of victory, maybe in just over a month’s time, the Huo Ning Empire will have broken into Hershalraym."

Empress Kexiya sighed deeply, pinpointing the most critical issue,

"What do you think of our chances of victory now?"

Although no one could really answer, she believed it was not only her concern but also that of the people of Palante Empire.

She just wanted to hear what was in Wilford’s heart, perhaps he could give her a bit more confidence.

Even if he were to deceive her, as a member of the War Party, he should have exaggerated the chances of victory as much as possible.

"0."

Lanci answered.

"..."

Empress Kexiya seemed shocked by Lanci’s frankness.

Shouldn’t he at least say one percent?

Yet Empress Kexiya could not detect the slightest intention to lie in Lanci’s eyes.

She wanted to ask.

If you’re the one who most believes there’s no chance of winning, why then do you insist on going against the wind?

"Are you serious?"

Those were the few words that finally came from Empress Kexiya.

At that moment, she couldn’t empathize with the Prime Minister’s psyche, only staring into his green eyes.

She couldn’t tell if those were the clear lakes or the abyssal depths, only that she carelessly locked gazes with him for too long, forgetting to look away.

"Please believe me. There’s a saying, ’When you are ready to sacrifice yourself, you’re also more likely to sacrifice others.’ Confronting the Huo Ning Empire may result in significant sacrifices, but before that, I am already prepared to sacrifice myself. I will do everything in my power to carve out victory for you, Your Majesty."

In that moment, Lanci was like a knight pledging his oath to the Empress.

But he was different from the typical steadfast and valiant knights.

His was a vast loneliness and a certain fragile quality.

"..."

For some reason, Empress Kexiya always felt that in front of this man, she wasn’t just a monarch of a constitutional empire with a mere title, but a wise sovereign with absolute power.

It was a tremendous expectation, and also a trust that entrusted his back to her.

It made her want to protect this man, to support him in accomplishing his courageous and grand endeavors.

"I understand."

Empress Kexiya murmured and finally nodded with a resolute expression.

Afterwards, Lanci and Empress Kexiya said their brief goodbyes, and he indicated he would come to see her again. After receiving the Empress’s promise, he left Shalem Palace and proceeded to his next agenda.

Cat Boss was at a loss for words.

Another human hadn’t escaped Lanci’s hypnotism. A few more sessions, and they might just do whatever Lanci wanted.

The people outside the Shadow World, and even the Huo Ning Empire and the Blood Clan on the other side, probably hadn’t realized the severity of the situation.

Even Cat Boss understood, this damn thing is a Shadow World of strategic contention, not one of character conquest!

You’re quite the calamitous Evil God!