NOVPUBIn the history of the Palante Empire, Qieke Manor to the north had frequently served as a venue for northern continental political and diplomatic activities.
The Empire’s ministers often received foreign leaders there, held bilateral talks, discussed international affairs, and strengthened relations with neighboring countries.
The manor negotiations took place in a more private and relaxed atmosphere, helping to break through the limitations of formal meeting rooms.
In the misty early morning, Princess Hyperion and Fallen Lord Calila, under the guidance of an Imperial envoy, traversed the seemingly endless and lush gardens surrounding Qieke Manor.
As the ambassador’s convoy slowly traveled the winding road, the true face of the manor gradually revealed itself, with ancient stone walls and spire towers glistening with dew.
As a princess and ambassador from the Demon World, she stepped out of her carriage in noble demon attire, with her finely braided silver hair resting on her shoulders, her steady gait undeniably the focus of attention on this cloud-covered day amongst the borderland people of the Empire.
At her side, Fallen Lord Calila kept his eyes closed, ensuring the safety of the princess.
Although the surrounding guards knew that this foreign female was the legendary ninth-order demon, they couldn’t help but let their eyes linger on her a bit longer.
"Lord Calila, please endeavor to further constrain your magic power,"
the Knight Commander who was leading them to the mansion respectfully said in a deep voice.
As the strongest eighth-order Imperial General on the frontier, he personally knew how to immunize himself against Calila’s magic power.
But for low-order humans, even without falling prey to Calila’s illusion techniques, they could gradually lose their minds simply from being entranced by her.
The neighboring Briss Kingdom had already fallen, and now the hearts of Palante Empire’s people were in turmoil.
Even towards the Demon Race, with whom they had intentions to form an alliance, they dared not relax even a bit before the negotiations were concluded, opting to choose the remote manor as the location.
Qieke Manor, situated in the countryside suburbs, offered a secluded and quiet environment with the natural scenery of the Palante Empire all around, suitable for sensitive negotiations requiring intense concentration.
Its somewhat hidden location was advantageous for ensuring the safety and privacy of the discussions, especially when dealing with sensitive issues.
The only good news in a disastrous war situation was that the Beastmen City-States from the Land of Perpetual Night had opened up trade routes to the Demon World, who in turn sold a large batch of military supplies to the Palante Empire at very low prices.
A little while ago, royal craftsmen sent by Empress Kexiya managed to win over the friendship of a few great lords from the Beastmen City-States in the Land of Perpetual Night.
To protect the safety of that craftsman, their identity information is still hidden by Empress Kexiya, but now, amongst the public, trust in the Empress is gradually deepening, and her authority is becoming ever more significant.
In Empress Kexiya’s view, she supports actively seeking help from the Demon World, at the very least attempting to trust the Demon Race first, otherwise, there will be no chance for a turnabout.
"I understand,"
Calila responded with a nod, speaking indifferently.
Having spent a lot of time with Lord Unknown, she almost thought her passive spell had become ineffective, but clearly, the effect was still there.
As the Princess and the accompanying delegation passed through the main entrance of the manor, they were led into a spacious reception room, where antique furniture, tapestries, and oil paintings had retained the appearance of Qieke Manor at the time of its construction; the large fireplace radiated light and heat, dispelling the dampness lingering in the garden, welcoming the envoys from the Demon World who had come from afar.
In the tastefully decorated reception room, at one end of the conference table, Duke Moriarty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was already waiting.
"Honorable Lord Calila, and Princess, to meet you at such a critical moment is indeed an honor for me. Allow me to represent my country and people in expressing the most sincere welcome for your visit,"
the Duke said, walking from in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the back, morning light faintly gilding his outline as he bowed.
His posture was both firm and relaxed, with a slight smile as he invited the demon party to take their seats.
"The honor is mine as well,"
Calila replied, her voice flat.
The other party seemed quite certain that she was the real decision-maker, even placing her as the primary object of respect in his greeting, with the Princess merely an afterthought.
Calila could understand such a judgement; if it were a month ago, although not quite polite, it would have pleased the true rulers of the Demon World.
Princess Hyperion said little, simply maintaining the dignity Calila had asked her to uphold, sitting down beside her.
She was now finding it rather pleasant to have a powerful demon like Calila willing to take her around; she didn’t have to do anything herself, leaving everything to Calila to handle. After all, upon reflection, Calila had been very good to her, almost like a bodyguard, and after Talia and the Bingxue Witch, it seemed like she had a passive skill, always finding an adult demoness to look after her.
The delegations from both parties sat down at a dark wooden round table for some preliminary small talk, and the table was soon filled with essential documents and maps.
"Honored Lord Calila, we’re all aware of the current situation in the northern continent is fraught with uncertainty. The Palante Empire has always pursued peace and stability. If the Demon World is willing to help us achieve this goal, I’m sure it will be a mutually beneficial cooperation…"
