Aurek placed special emphasis on military preparations.

The resources seized from the Stellar Merchants' Guild and the Goldflow Royal Family, combined with years of accumulated reserves, were temporarily enough to sustain their expenditures. However, to conquer the entire Eastern Region, not only were specialized units needed, but corresponding regular legions also had to be deployed for garrisoning and governance.

Future campaigns would require these forces as well.

Winston stepped forward to report.

"In addition to conscripting troops from the empire's homeland, sixteen new military legions have been established across the former Goldflow Empire cities."

"The three million troops from the Western Campaign have been integrated into the Imperial Knights, with standardized equipment issued, forming the first main legion together with the knights."

"The remaining forces are being reorganized, and a merit-based promotion system has been implemented to motivate the entire army."

Aurek was at ease with the management of the empire's resources, leaving Winston and Heimerdinger in full charge. However, the current resources were barely enough to maintain operations. Strategic materials like Energy Stones, Mystic Silver Ore, and other rare resources were in huge demand.

The cost of equipping and maintaining tens of millions of troops was astronomical.

Philip and Lucio had mentioned that the Godfall Gorge was rich in resources, but they would have to wait until their strategic layout was completed to access them.

At that moment, a servant officer respectfully reported.

"Your Majesty, the envoy from the Pood Empire requests an audience!"

"Let them in."

Aurek had anticipated this request.

The ministers all looked toward the door, secretly speculating on the intentions of the envoys.

A moment later, three envoys from the Pood Empire entered the hall.

When they looked up at the figure on the throne, surrounded by holy light, the immense pressure of the emperor's presence made them tremble and hurriedly lower their gazes.

"Roxon humbly represents the Pood Empire's emperor, sending our respects to the great Veynar Emperor."

The lead envoy deeply bowed, his heart storming with emotions.

Such oppressive majesty was something King Will could never hope to achieve.

Aurek remained silent as he scrutinized the three envoys.

Roxon broke out in a cold sweat, hastily explaining.

"I come by the emperor's command, to discuss the Pood Empire's submission. There is no intention to offend Your Majesty."

The ministers all showed pleased expressions, but Chuck and a few of the senior ministers observed Roxon with cautious eyes. They understood that this was simply a tactical move on the part of the Pood Empire.

"Submission?" Aurek's voice echoed in the grand hall.

"Is this merely an empty promise?"

Roxon bowed deeply, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"His Majesty the Emperor solemnly promises that the Pood Empire is willing to accept any conditions set by the empire."

"To demonstrate our sincerity, His Majesty has already sent Princess Belinda to the border. She will soon arrive in Eryndor City, where she will form an eternal alliance with the Crossbridge Empire."

"Please, Your Majesty, accept the Pood Empire's submission!"

Aurek remained silent.

He was fully aware of the situation on the Pood Empire's side. The information sent by the Golden Armor's elemental assassins was already on his desk.

After a moment of contemplation, Aurek spoke.

"Since you're accepting any conditions, immediately open all borders and allow the Crossbridge Empire's legions to take control of the entire Pood Empire."

"Let King Will personally lead the royal family to Eryndor City and pledge allegiance."

"I will grant him the honor of submission!"

Roxon's pupils constricted.

He had long suspected that this young and powerful emperor would not be easily deceived.

A force capable of establishing such a vast empire could never be mediocre!

But since the emperor was willing to accept the submission, it was a good start.

He bowed solemnly.

"I will immediately report Your Majesty's requirements."

"Since King Will has promised to accept any conditions, they are clearly prepared to fully submit. I ask, Your Majesty, to grant the Pood Empire some time for preparations."

He secretly calculated.

Once Princess Belinda arrived at Eryndor City, a few days could be delayed. The return journey would delay things further, and the Crossbridge Empire's legions would take time to take control of the borders.

As long as they could buy enough time, the other so-called terms could be easily negotiated!

"Chuck!"

"Your Majesty."

Chuck stepped forward, his long robe flowing.

"Since Princess Belinda has already reached the border, immediately dispatch the honor guard to escort her to the palace."

"Also, send these three envoys back to the Pood Royal Palace at once. I want to see King Will's sincerity first hand!"

"Understood by the holy decree."

Chuck bowed and turned to Roxon.

"Three envoys, please follow me."

Roxon quickly said, "Master Chuck, there is no need for such trouble. Please focus your attention on escorting Princess Belinda. It is my honor."

"Of course," Chuck smiled in response.

"Princess Belinda will be escorted to the palace shortly. I will first see you off to the Pood Royal Palace."

"This..." Roxon's face showed reluctance.

His original plan was to delay the return to buy more time, but now it seemed that this plan was doomed to fail.

"Very well."

Roxon could only nod in agreement.

"Then I shall trouble you."

A few Void Warlocks appeared and quickly opened a swirling portal!

Roxon and his companions exchanged stunned looks.

"This...?"

"Envoy Roxon, please."

Chuck gracefully gestured.

Roxon took a deep breath and stepped into the shimmering portal.

A few of his attendants exchanged confused glances before quickly following him through.

...

Pood Empire Border

When the spatial vortex dissipated on the border plain, Roxon and the two deputy envoys stood on familiar land, their faces filled with disbelief.

"By the Light of the Gods..."

One of the deputy envoys mumbled.

"Have we really returned to Pud?"

Roxon exchanged a desperate look with his companions.

The delay strategy they had carefully planned seemed laughable in the face of the Crossbridge Empire's methods.

Chuck elegantly adjusted his sleeve and smiled.

"Envoy Roxon, there is no need to be surprised. Since Pud is about to submit, future communications will be much more convenient."

Roxon gazed at the silent Void Warlocks, his mind in turmoil.

With such powerful spatial abilities, any attempt to delay time was nothing but a wishful thought.

When the Void Warlocks prepared to cast again, Roxon hurriedly stopped them.

"Master Chuck, we are already very close to the royal palace. There is no need to trouble you further. The royal palace's defense barriers may cause a miscalculation..."

"No worries."

Chuck calmly interrupted.

"Their teleportation can pinpoint accurately. We will directly teleport to the royal palace's exterior."

Roxon's lips twitched slightly. He could only helplessly nod.

In the face of absolute power, any resistance was futile.

Standing at the teleportation point outside the royal palace, Roxon took a deep breath, feeling that everything was completely out of his control.

He gazed at the distant Pud Royal Palace, his heart heavy with despair.

Your Majesty, I have done my best!

But this Crossbridge Empire... they play by their own rules!

...

At the same time, on the other side of the border

Princess Belinda sat in the royal carriage, twelve carefully selected attendants standing beside her.

These women were not only incredibly beautiful but also had noble bloodlines and extraordinary talents, all chosen by King Will in an effort to please Aurek.

"Your Highness," one of the attendants softly spoke.

"Once we enter the palace, if you encounter any difficulties, please trust that we will assist you with all our strength."

Belinda silently gazed out of the window at the fluttering imperial flag.

As King Will's most beloved daughter, she had never imagined she would become a political pawn for a marriage alliance.

But for the survival of the kingdom, she was ready to give up everything.

Suddenly, a spatial rift opened ahead, creating a glowing teleportation portal.

The guard legion immediately formed a defensive formation, and two Stellar Rank warriors flew into the air, their staffs glowing with magical energy in readiness.

The next moment.

The imperial carriage, drawn by the Waterwave Griffon and Flame Griffon, slowly moved forward, and Lighton, surrounded by the royal guards, appeared.

He held the scepter adorned with the imperial emblem, his voice solemn and authoritative.

"By the Emperor's decree, I am here to receive the Empress."

"Please convey to King Will that His Majesty has granted permission for Pud's submission!"

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