Chapter 991 A Request for an Audience

"A letter from the Blue Moon Trading House?"

Seira's eyebrows arched as she accepted the letter.

"That's right, Your Majesty. Miss Shion sent it personally," Orion replied.

Seira examined the letter closely. It was beautiful.

Magical runes covered its surface, showing just how expensive and exclusive it was.

She opened it and pulled out a sheet of golden paper that shimmered beautifully.

As she read the letter, her eyes widened slightly.

"A request for an audience from the owner of the Blue Moon Trading House?" she murmured.

Orion was surprised to hear that.

The Blue Moon Trading House had established itself firmly within the empire and had grown into the largest trading house—one that was nearly impossible to displace.

However, the true identity of its owner remained unknown to this day.

Many assumed Shion was the owner, but those in high positions knew the truth was quite different.

Shion was merely the head of the massive corporation, not its owner or founder.

"Sorry for being rude, but what does the letter say?"

Seira handed it to him.

"Read it."

Orion carefully accepted the letter and read its contents.

His expression changed instantly.

"A visit to discuss a massive project?" he exclaimed in amazement. "What's going on? Why so suddenly?"

Seira sipped her tea, her expression thoughtful.

"So that's it…"

She suddenly remembered something and laughed.

"The Blue Moon Trading House has been proposing a national-scale project for a long time. If I'm not mistaken, it's called the railroad project."

"A railroad?" Orion was stunned. "What kind of transportation is that?"

"Hmmm…" Seira rubbed her chin, trying to recall the mysterious knowledge that often surfaced in her mind.

She smiled and explained, "In short, this mode of transportation can carry hundreds of people when fully loaded. It's shaped like a long snake and runs along its own dedicated tracks."

Orion was once again taken aback. He couldn't imagine such a mode of transportation.

"Just as expected of the founder of the wealthiest trading house in the empire. His vision and ambition are truly unprecedented," he praised sincerely.

He was deeply impressed by the founder of Blue Moon. Thanks to that individual, the Great Velmora Empire had become a driving force behind innovation across the entire continent.

Technologies that had never existed before could now be developed for the benefit of everyone—not just the people of the empire, but the entire continent.

One such invention was the recording stone. It could record criminal acts and be used as evidence in court.

Seira nodded in agreement.

"You're right. That person must be very intelligent and… intriguing."

Her voice carried an indescribable meaning.

"By the way, I'm going to attend a meeting with that person. We'll summon the ministers as well so they can meet him in person. Hopefully, they can learn from his methods too. That way, this empire will have even more visionaries," she said casually.

"I understand!" Orion replied respectfully.

…

"Any news from the imperial palace yet?" Nolan asked as he sipped his wine.

Shion arrived with a letter in hand and passed it to him.

"The reply is here."

She hadn't dared to open it, knowing that would be impolite.

Nolan took the letter and opened it. After reading its contents, he smiled.

"Seira has accepted. I'll go to the imperial palace tomorrow."

The tension on Shion's face finally eased.

"But that woman wants me to come alone, without anyone else."

Shion gasped in shock.

"What does that mean? Could it be that Her Majesty Seira wants to harm you?"

Nolan pulled Shion into his arms and gently patted her back.

"Relax. Don't be so dramatic. There's no way she'd hurt me. And even if she did, is the empire prepared to bear the consequences?"

Shion fell silent for a moment before nodding slightly.

"You're right."

She secretly buried her face in Nolan's broad chest and inhaled his intoxicating scent.

The Blue Moon Trading House had already taken deep root in the empire.

Every aspect of social and economic life, whether directly or indirectly, depended on Blue Moon. Its influence had spread throughout every industrial sector.

In the modern world, countries controlled by large corporations often lacked true independence.

Corporate leaders—positions usually held by a single powerful family—could manipulate the government from behind the scenes.

But Nolan had no intention of doing that. He had never wanted to.

After all, this empire was his home. Why would he want to become a shadowy figure who used money to control it?

Wouldn't it be better to become emperor outright by competing for the throne?

Nolan was also certain that Seira wouldn't be foolish enough to hurt him. Blood ties couldn't lie.

Even if she had forgotten him, her love for him would never fade.

There was one more thing—the possibility that Seira was the reincarnation of his fiancée was quite high.

If only… if she really was his fiancée, Nolan was one hundred percent certain that she would be interested in the partnership.

In any case, this empire was vast. Railroads were the best way to connect the entire continent with incredible efficiency.

"All right, I'll prepare the materials for tomorrow. Please lay out my best outfit for my meeting with Seira."

Nolan patted Shion on the right shoulder.

Although reluctant, Shion quickly stepped away from him.

"Oh, right! I've already prepared some nice clothes for you," she said enthusiastically.

Nolan blinked curiously.

"What are they like?"

Shion simply smiled, as if to say, "You'll see."

…

The Krosort Lowlands…

Krosort was a lowland region near the southern border of the continent. Five towns belonging to the Great Velmora Empire were located in the area.

They were named Rellan, Dunmere, Arven, Rellan, and Letham. All five were fairly prosperous towns, with most people making a living through farming and raising livestock.

However, these towns—once known for their excellent agricultural produce—had recently fallen into chaos as rebel forces rose up and disrupted the lives of the people.

The five mayors, each a baron-level noble, had been brutally murdered.

Although the rebellion had not yet spread, it was only a matter of time before it did.

"What's the report?"

Aldric bit into a piece of beef the size of his forearm while glancing at Drian beside him.

Drian shook his head.

"Still no news. The scouting party hasn't returned yet."

Aldric nodded without saying anything.

"Your Highness, do you think all of this… is too much of a coincidence?"

Drian's question caught Aldric by surprise.

"What do you mean?"

Drian composed himself before explaining, "The rebellions broke out in those five towns without warning, and they happened so suddenly. I'm sure someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes."

Aldric fell silent for a moment before guessing, "You mean… the Holy Empire of Valtanir?"

Drian gave a wry smile.

"I wouldn't dare say so, but it certainly seems that way."

Aldric chuckled softly.

"It's all too obvious. But I don't care."

He bit into the meat from the thigh, then tore it apart and chewed.

"The most important thing is that I can earn my stripes on this battlefield."

Drian said nothing more.

Suddenly…

"News has arrived!"