Chapter 428

Chapter 428: Accepting the Invitation

To many, given that Clancia had overthrown the rule of the nobility, the descendants of the West Wind should have harbored immense hatred towards them. However, this was not the case.

Indeed, the living conditions of most nobles were not as comfortable as before, but to say they hated it to their bones would be an overestimation. They merely lamented the loss of their former comfort, only to turn around and praise the benefits of the new nation and era.

Compared to ordinary people, the descendants of the West Wind did not have particularly strong nationalistic sentiments. To them, the nation was merely a place where relatives vied for interests; it was neither sacred nor worthy of gratitude.

The relationship between monarch and subject was more akin to a contractual one. I nominally submit to you, listen to the kingdom’s call for troops, pay taxes, and then you should not interfere with other matters.

In its early days, the West Wind may have been sustained and constrained by spiritual beliefs such as honor and reputation, but as these faded away, everyone became more interested in personal gain and grew colder. Even when Clancia rose to power, most nobles focused on self-preservation, staying within their castles, waiting for the storm to pass, and only considering forming alliances to resist when faced with an immediate threat.

As for the rebels in other counties and provinces? What did that have to do with me?

This loose structure allowed the West Wind to maintain control through Extraordinary Beings during peaceful times, but it proved inadequate when dealing with large-scale uprisings.

After Clancia’s rise, many initially held onto illusions, but as more and more people awakened and joined, facing the vast sea of humanity and spears, most nobles slowly realized that times had truly changed.

Once ideas awaken and spread, they are hard to reverse. When 99% of the populace no longer recognized the nobility, the latter lost their foundation for rule. Most perished after the war, either through trials or having their assets seized and redistributed.

Thus, the descendants of the nobility began seeking new paths. For them, there was no psychological burden in aligning with the new government.

Even under the influence of the entire nation’s mood and spirit, working for the state became a position of honor and respect. More descendants of the West Wind abandoned their past nostalgia and fully dedicated themselves to building the new nation.

Previously, they could only gain recognition and honor through poetry, music, and duels, always feeling empty. Now, participating in work, seeing the nation and regions change for the better under their influence, brought a higher sense of pride and satisfaction.

This way, many descendants of the West Wind became loyal supporters of Clancia, even more fervent than outsiders.

These two maids came from such a West Wind family. The more they encountered the roots and directives of the state’s changes, the more they admired Clancia’s current prosperity. Even serving as maids in the palace felt like a great honor.

Listening to these two maids describe the lives of the descendants of the West Wind, Lolan Hill gradually understood why they were used as auxiliary personnel and guards in the palace.

In the absence of well-educated personnel, these former noble descendants indeed helped alleviate the shortage of manpower, and as development progressed, regardless of their previous status, they all became part of Clancia. Since becoming part of the nation, contributing to the country naturally became common.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

While Lolan Hill was still talking with the two maids, Pullman arrived, wind-beaten and dusty, followed by the maid he had just spoken to.

Entering the elegant pavilion, the maid holding the documents gestured, and the two sword-wielding maids bowed and stepped out. The guards outside also moved back, creating a quiet and isolated environment.

After Pullman and Lolan Hill were seated, the maid extended her left hand, drawing several invisible traces in the air, and a transparent membrane rose, enveloping the pavilion. This membrane was nearly imperceptible unless closely examined, but it effectively blocked sound.

It was evident that this maid was quite proficient.

“She is Palisha, my advisor, helping with record-keeping and scheduling,” Pullman introduced briefly.

The young woman, who seemed to be the head maid, bowed to Lolan Hill and then stood outside the light membrane.

“Not bad.”

Palisha possessed Sequence 5 strength and was very efficient.

Seeing no one else in the pavilion, they continued their conversation.

Today, Lolan Hill wore a white dress, but she paid extra attention since she was entering the palace, adding a black robe over it.

This black robe had silver patterns at the hem, collar, and cuffs, giving it a slightly refined look. Lolan Hill’s eyes and part of her face were hidden under the hood, adding an element of mystery, with two strands of hair falling from it, giving her a youthful aura.

“Now, the Frost Rose Alliance has dispatched three legions, totaling about seventy thousand troops, gathered along the long border. Although they haven’t launched an immediate attack, the situation is dire.”

Pullman spoke about the current challenges.

“Moreover, there are still many issues to address in domestic agriculture, education, construction, etc.”

“How is the intelligence from the south? Are we capable of defending?”

Lolan Hill recalled the news she heard yesterday about the Frost Rose Alliance mobilizing golem armies. In this era, these golems were like tanks in the past—solidly armored and fiercely powerful, not easily resisted by human bodies.

“We are currently gathering cannons from across the country to send to the south, which is somewhat strained. Additionally, there is immense pressure on high-ranking Extraordinary Beings, given how short-lived Clancia is and how little time it has had to build its own strength.”

“What about the descendants of the West Wind?” The young lady asked curiously. Just like the two maids earlier, the West Wind should have left behind considerable legacies.

“My teacher might not know, but in the past, the West Wind lived in a comfortable and decadent environment, with few focusing on Extraordinary Sequences. Moreover, many of their loyalists died in the war, so while there are many descendants of the West Wind who can be utilized, the top tier is still lacking.”

“This is indeed a problem.” Lolan Hill pondered, looking at her teacup.

“Therefore, can you stay? If you guide us, I believe we could quickly cultivate a batch of talented individuals.”

“Pullman.”

The young lady looked up at the mature student.

“You’ve grown much bolder. Such flattering words come so easily. High-ranking Extraordinary Beings aren’t summoned like that. Not even myself…” Realizing she was Sequence 5 while her student was already Sequence 7, the young lady suddenly stopped speaking. Her master also had some dignity to uphold.

“But I believe you can do it, right? In just three months, you made someone with average talent reach Sequence 2. Furthermore, the proportion of Extraordinary Beings among the Rabbit-Eared Tribe in Tixilan Mountains is shockingly high. The Steel Sun Knight Order is now composed entirely of Extraordinary Beings above Sequence 3.”

“It’s not just about educating Extraordinary Beings, but also about important plans and directions.”

“To avoid taking unnecessary detours and to let more people live prosperous and happy lives, Clancia needs your guidance, Sage Lolan Hill.”

Finally, Pullman uttered the name of the sage that had been circulating since the founding of the nation, though no one had ever seen him. This was his heartfelt re-invitation.

Looking at this man whose gaze burned with unyielding determination, the silver-haired girl didn’t immediately respond. She had anticipated Pullman would ask her to stay again, but not so soon, with another invitation just the next day. Was the situation getting more urgent?

After a long silence, she nodded slowly.

“I accept your invitation.”

It seemed she was destined to be drawn into the whirlwind of world conflicts. While a bit nervous, she felt a weight lifted off her heart.

Not only was she responding to Pullman’s request, but also repaying the trust and support of the many people of Clancia in her teachings, and wanting to see humanity take another step towards the stars.

(End of Chapter)