In the Name of Empress-Chapter 564 - 341: That’s Mine, All Mine! (Part 2)

Chapter 564: Chapter 341: That’s Mine, All Mine! (Part 2)

She certainly did not want to mention that this was where she had once been trapped in an empty boudoir, and where her ex-husband had been strangled, so in theory, this was still the Emperor’s palace, and the Summer Palace was just a secondary residence.

Since it was nominally still the Emperor’s residence, it had to be well-maintained.

But because Sofia didn’t like it, the external officials didn’t dare approach this palace, so it became a place to harbor filth and corruption.

Understanding this, Sahalin felt a bit overwhelmed and hurriedly waved over a maid, gave some instructions, and then continued the tour with Roland.

"This place..."

Sahalin’s expression grew increasingly ugly, and he said coldly, "This is where Leonardo of Talia’s ’Holy Son Painting’ was once displayed."

"Perhaps because no one appreciated it, the Chief Steward stored it away."

Roland smiled and offered Sahalin a way out.

Anyway, this was an internal affair of the Vladimir Empire; what did it have to do with him?

Although his status as Cardinal Minister was far above that of the Prime Minister, theoretically on par with the Vice Emperor, he knew his place well.

He was here to fulfill a contract.

Working for Sofia for five years, contributing both labor and effort, but he knew who to prioritize.

Even working for three countries, there were still distinctions to be made.

The Queen of Sussex was his most beloved wife, so this was his homeland.

The Empress of the Jin Yuan Republic was his future wife, so it was his second homeland.

Vladimir Empire? Completely unfamiliar, even an enemy before.

If it weren’t for Sofia’s terrifyingly spectacular sword, Roland would never have signed this sell-out contract.

Now that he was here, he certainly had to do his job well. Although his moral standards were somewhat flexible, he understood the principle of not provoking an undefeatable enemy.

Vladimir Empire, just a job.

Roland’s understanding slightly improved Sahalin’s mood, but he still silently noted those who secretly undermined the Imperial Family.

Just you wait, this matter must be reported to Her Majesty the Empress.

Damn mice, none of you will escape!

Sahalin cast a grateful glance at Roland and continued walking towards the banquet hall with him.

Along the way, there were many very precious artworks and statues.

Sahalin no longer dared to continue with introductions and used the universal excuse of "not letting Her Majesty wait for us" to skip the tour and head straight to the banquet hall.

Because they hurriedly skipped the scheduled tour, they arrived a bit early, and the banquet hall was still being prepared for the welcome dinner, so the two had no choice but to have tea in a nearby lounge.

"Last time in Val City..."

"A few days ago at White Mountain..."

Perhaps finding the atmosphere a bit awkward, both were about to engage in some small talk, only to coincidentally start speaking at the same time.

After a few seconds of daze, they burst into laughter together, relieving much of the awkward atmosphere.

Though Sahalin felt somewhat discontent with Roland, he dared not question Sofia’s decision and, considering Roland as a future superior, had to lower his stance.

He smiled and said, "Lord Roland, I just recalled the time we first met outside the square and arm-wrestled. So many years have passed, yet I can no longer comprehend your strength."

Sahalin and Roland had only interacted twice, once in the contest at Val City and the other during the Battle of White Mountain.

The Battle of White Mountain was Roland’s shining moment, which Sahalin did not wish to mention, so he brought up their initial contest.

Though he suffered a loss that time, at least back then, his raw strength overwhelmed Roland, only being fooled by Roland’s cunning.

Roland naturally understood this little thought.

Roland certainly didn’t hold it against him and completely understood Sahalin’s feelings. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

From another perspective, for the world’s largest country not to find even a single versatile talent internally and to have Her Majesty the Empress hire from abroad was somewhat embarrassing.

As a high-ranking imperial official, it would be odd for Sahalin not to feel some irritation.

Roland even considered this a good sign. Attitude was key; if the Winter Palace’s stay-behind team was so lifeless and idle, who could he count on?

Sahalin cared about face, and Roland was more than willing to give it.

"General Sahalin, I always remember that matter. Your grip was really strong; after returning, I realized the tiger’s mouth split, and it took a long time to recover."

"Actually, I lost that time; I just used a trick."

Roland indeed was not the match in terms of brute strength, but it wasn’t that severe.

He was merely giving Sahalin face.

With that, Sahalin felt a bit embarrassed and quickly shifted the topic to discuss the Battle of White Mountain.

During the Battle of White Mountain, even though they were at the Flower Sea Battlefield and the outer battlefield, facing differently ranked opponents, at least they were all victors.

Their path of transcendence was not the type of secluded cultivation in deep mountains. Sahalin needed to continue achieving glory in the army, while Roland had to spread teachings in more places.

The Battle of White Mountain spanned three Return Days, and the next one would be a long wait, giving them plenty of time.

Time is the most magical force.

After all, now is the first year of the Seventh Era, so there’s no need to rush.

The two were chatting happily, unknowingly moving from the Battle of White Mountain to post-war aftermath talks.

Sahalin spoke to Roland about the demands of two allies, sincerely seeking Roland’s advice.

Roland pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Your two allies of the Vladimir Empire..."

Before he could finish, a cold voice came from outside the door.

"Lord Roland, it is our Vladimir Empire, not yours."

Sofia had just arrived and happened to hear Roland’s habitual phrase, promptly correcting it.