As she stepped into the city square, walking alongside Roland, Sif finally couldn't help but ask, "Did you really receive the Goddess of Light's protection?"

"Whether it's true or false doesn't matter; what matters is that others believe it."

Roland explained with a smile, "That statement will become a blade hanging over the Rurik People. As long as I survive the next few conflicts, they'll automatically feel weaker when facing me."

Sif wanted to say something but stopped.

Roland was right; the weight of that statement would only grow as Roland continued to survive in harsh struggles.

But it would also double the danger Roland faced.

Sif said nothing, just extended her right hand to shake Roland's.

Her palm was damp with nervous sweat.

Earlier, watching Roland confront Sahalin head-on, her heart had been in her throat.

She worried every second that Roland might scream in agony, but her fear dissipated as the golden light rose.

Roland had won.

He not only won the battle of strength but also threw out that deadly statement.

This was a group weakening spell aimed at the Vladimir Empire, more effective than any magic.

No need for words; she chose to walk alongside Roland.

Holding Sif's delicate, slender hand made Roland's heart feel particularly delightful.

Shaking hands with a bear wasn't exactly a pleasant memory.

Sahalin's strength was somewhat surprising to him.

However, shaking hands wasn't exactly an attacking posture; Sahalin couldn't shake the Divine Protection, but he did take down about a tenth of the shield.

Roland could feel that Sahalin wasn't going all out.

The big bear seemed worried about some nonexistent enemy.

Distracted, improvising against the wind, and still managing to destroy a tenth of the shield, this showed how strong Sahalin's raw power was.

If it were a fair one-on-one confrontation, Sahalin would be fully capable of tearing the shield apart.

The moment the shield broke would be the moment Roland reported to the Netherworld.

Seeing Roland silent, Sif knew he was still replaying the earlier conflict in his mind and smiled as she said:

"Roland, twenty years ago, Sahalin was already a superstar across the continent. You've just become a Transcendent, your potential far exceeds his. Given time, he'll never be your match."

Time?

Roland and Sif fell silent.

What they lacked most was time.

In silence, they walked across the square toward the city hall.

The guards politely made a gesture prohibiting passage and softly said, "Sir, our government is about to cease operations. If you have any matters, please come back in the afternoon for the new government."

His tone carried a faint sadness as he continued to loyally fulfill his duties.

Although he didn't know where he'd be working tomorrow, he was still a guard at Val City Hall for now.

Roland looked at the guard's calm face and said with a smile, "I am Lord Roland, Governor of Northern Rodinia in the Sussex Empire. I have an appointment with Mr. Tony. We have half an hour; it's plenty of time."

The guard lowered his arm, switching to an inviting gesture.

He didn't continue to interrogate.

With the fall of Val City imminent, even symbolic resistance served to justify his wages.

Not even the Executive Officer could stop the Sussex people; how could he manage?

The guard sighed and silently looked at the city-state flag fluttering on the square.

There was only half an hour left—oh, twenty-nine minutes—before the glorious flag would be lowered.

He'd no longer be a Val City-State citizen but rather a subject of God knows what country.

Just a subject, not a citizen.

Citizenship wasn't so easily obtained, especially for outsiders.

The fall of a nation was a big deal, but what did it have to do with someone earning two marks and fifty fenney a month?

At the top floor of the city hall, in the Executive Officer's office.

The door was wide open, and Executive Officer Tony, in uniform, stood by the window, silently watching the outside.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway, but Tony did not turn; he merely said indifferently:

"Val City-State is about to stop functioning. Please come back in the afternoon for the new government if you have matters to discuss."

"That won't do; this must be handled by you."

A familiar voice came from behind.

Tony's shoulders shook slightly, almost imperceptibly.

His memory was impeccable, instantly recognizing the uninvited guest's voice.

It was Roland, the Governor from the Sussex Empire.

He sighed deeply, his voice particularly melancholic, "Lord Governor, according to your country's notice, the official in charge of the handover isn't you."

"Indeed, I'm not here for the handover. I'm here to see you."

Tony slowly turned, looking at Roland and Sif, unsure of what to say.

After a few seconds of silence, he glanced at the clock on the wall and said with a smile, "Alright, we still have twenty-nine minutes."

"Governor Roland, and this is..."

"Sylph Sussex York," Sif said calmly.

The name Sylph hadn't been used for a long time, and saying it out loud brought a peculiar sense of unfamiliarity.

Both Sussex and York were common surnames, but combined they'd represent the Imperial Family.

With Mr. Tony's experience, the moment he heard the name, he knew Sif's identity.

He certainly knew Sif's identity, but she often transformed into Count Tyrone and roamed around. If she didn't admit it herself, she was just a Count.

Tony secretly sighed; what was meant to come finally arrived.

Just a while ago, Sahalin had come by; although he spoke politely, the underlying meaning was strong.

Join the Vladimir Empire or become an enemy of the Empire.

If you don't join, even going overseas you'd still be considered an enemy.

He didn't answer directly, merely telling Sahalin he'd discuss it with his family and reply later.

He'd been standing at the window earlier.

The view from here was excellent; he could clearly watch the entire confrontation between Roland and Sahalin.

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