Chapter 343: Our Enemies

“I do apologize, Miss Wei. It’s such a rare pleasure to have you visit, but I’m afraid you’ve caught Giant Horn City in a time of crisis.”

Giant Horn City, the Queen’s Organization Hall.

In a dressing room decorated like a royal palace, the current Empress of Giant Horn City spoke to Wei Lan with a hint of apology. She wore a black suit and had short hair that framed a strikingly handsome face.

She had been successfully elected at the age of twenty-nine. Now, at thirty-one, she was in her final year as Empress. At her age, she had virtually no hope of competing at the league, let alone the Continent Level.

It was precisely this status and position that had molded her into a friendly person, and she maintained good relationships with the Empresses of various cities.

She was incredibly warm in welcoming the young Empress from Qinggang, showing none of the arrogance a senior member of the organization might have.

After all, Wei Lan had been elected Empress of Qinggang at only nineteen with an overwhelming majority. Her star was just beginning to rise, and she still had immense potential to reach even greater heights.

If both had been in the prime of their careers, it would have been very difficult for the two Empresses to become friends.

“You’re too kind, Miss Fatih.”

Wei Lan smiled. “The Tide is approaching. Giant Horn City is hardly the only one affected.”

“I imagine every city in the world is in a state of turmoil right now. But that is precisely why we must venture out, to see the world for ourselves.”

“Of all the places I could have chosen, I made this ancient city of Giant Horn City my first stop. I did so because I find you to be a person of integrity and grace, Miss Fatih, and I wish to build a friendly relationship with you. And since I’m here now, if there’s anything at all I can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask!”

“…”

Fatih, the short-haired Empress of Giant Horn City, offered an even gentler smile. She stepped forward, took Wei Lan’s hand, and said in a low voice, “If it were a matter for the Queen’s Organization, of course I wouldn’t hesitate. But the affairs of Giant Horn City are… complex.”

“Given our status as the Queen’s Organization here, I can’t interfere in just any matter.”

“…Like their business with that old noble, for instance!”

“…”

This was true. The Queen’s Organization existed in every major city, but its position was always somewhat marginal.

Although the Queen’s Organization held a vote in Giant Horn City’s council, they largely refrained from interfering in core decisions or getting involved with the administration. They were content to simply act as the city’s public face.

After clarifying her stance on the chaos in Giant Horn City, Fatih turned to Wei Lan with a serious expression. “However, until this mess is over, I suggest you stay indoors as much as possible, Miss Wei. I’ve arranged accommodations for you. Please get some rest.”

“The more intense the chaos, the faster it will blow over.”

“I expect the problem here will be resolved in a night, a day at most. That’s when we’ll be needed to appear and reassure the public.”

“Then I can show you around, we can make an appearance on a variety show, you can do a cameo… something like that.”

“…”

“I understand.”

Wei Lan replied with a smile, “Don’t worry. But of course, if you really do need help, don’t hesitate to ask!”

The two bid each other a warm farewell. Wei Lan then got into a luxury stretch limousine and headed to a villa owned by Fatih to rest.

Once there, Wei Lan changed into a set of more understated clothes.

Though she was preparing to meet her friends, Wei Lan didn’t remove her makeup. This was one of her principles as an Empress:

Never be seen without makeup.

This was true even when meeting those closest to her.

Before, disguising herself had been a challenge. She was so beautiful and her figure so perfect that she was recognizable no matter what she wore. But becoming an Empress was different. She had begun the process of Stealing the true power of an Empress, and her beauty ascended to an even higher level.

Now, people she met were subconsciously awed by her beauty and regal air. In fact, unlike before, they no longer dared to look at her directly or size her up.

And if they weren’t sizing her up, they were naturally less likely to recognize her.

After changing, Wei Lan slipped out the back door of the villa. She pulled the brim of her wide-brimmed hat down low and hailed a taxi. The driver looked apologetic. “Miss, City Hall just announced a biogas pipe has ruptured. All public transport systems are shutting down temporarily.”

Wei Lan tilted her head up slightly, revealing her delicate chin, and smiled. “That’s exactly why I need to hurry back to my hotel. I heard the announcement. Could you give me a ride?”

The driver found himself unable to refuse her request. His body moved on its own as he got out to open the car door for her.

This was Wei Lan exercising her “beauty privilege.” It didn’t fall into the category of Mysterious Power; rather, it was a passive skill of an Empress.

Because she was so beautiful, everyone she met would instinctively treat her with a certain degree of favor.

If she encountered a man, this favor would increase. With a married man, the effect was stronger still.

When she encountered an equally beautiful woman, however, this favor would suddenly transform into inexplicable hostility.

Most importantly, because it required no Penetration of Spiritual Power or involvement of any Mysterious Power, it was completely undetectable.

Many of the Queen’s Organization’s abilities were very easy to recognize.

At a tense time like this, one had to be extra careful. That was why Wei Lan had chosen to use a different ability, one that would allow her to move through the city with ease and without arousing any suspicion.

As her taxi drove through the streets of Giant Horn City, she could see the tension gripping the metropolis. In the western district, unknown creatures were attempting to breach the defense lines. She silently committed all of this to memory but didn’t rush to disturb Han Su.

…

…

“I need to get out of the airport, and I need a car!”