In the Name of Empress-Chapter 369 - 255: Dancing as a Pair

Lisa looked forward to the dinner, but Roland and Lisa felt indifferent.

As everyone knows, the dishes at a state dinner must balance the level of cuisine, culinary culture, and ceremony.

They might not be delicious, but they will certainly be visually appealing.

Except for a few meager state dinners resembling roadside stalls from small countries, most respectable nations prioritize their state dinners meticulously.

Even in the culinary desert of Sussex, they invite chefs from traditional gourmet countries like Jin Yuan, Talia, and Nubia to cook dishes at their state dinners.

The state dinners of the Jin Yuan Kingdom are renowned across the continent.

Even the descendants of the Magic Empire, who typically disdain the Barbarian Race, cannot help but praise the Jin Yuan Kingdom’s state dinners after attending them.

This state dinner is of an exceptionally high standard.

The Supreme Leader and all the high-ranking officials in Xidai participated, along with invited diplomats from various countries and elites from various sectors of society.

Before the state dinner began, Alina signed a pardon decree, releasing political prisoners and criminal offenders with lighter sentences. She also signed a series of laws to lift the curfew, end the state of emergency, halt mobilization orders, and allow conscripted non-professional soldiers to return home.

Though the time was short, the residents of West City were highly sensitive to political winds; they already sensed a return to order.

By that afternoon, over half of the shops on the streets resumed business.

It’s not that the Jinyuan people are so heedless, but rather the allure of Livre was astonishing.

Shops that opened for business today received financial aid—not much, but enough to match several days of revenue for small shops.

This was the government’s compensation for them.

Of course, the premise is that they open for business today, showing trust in the new government.

It was Roland’s idea.

Alina initially didn’t quite understand, but Roland’s explanation lit up her eyes.

"Alina, as long as the people’s hearts remain intact, any difficulty can be overcome. Jin Yuan Kingdom was ravaged by Marco for nearly two years, with industries declining and the people’s spirits scattered."

"Tonight, although the curfew is lifted, normal people will choose to observe. There won’t be many businesses open. Seeing the streets cold and deserted while the West Palace is brightly lit, citizens can easily feel alienation and detachment."

"Once a bad impression is planted, nothing will go smoothly afterward."

Alina nodded repeatedly, showing a look of sudden realization.

She accepted Roland’s suggestion, instructing the government office and West City Hall to carry out the plan.

Where there is great reward, there must be those driven by greed.

Even if more than one-third of the shops opened, it would be considered a victory.

When Marco was in power, there was a nighttime curfew, and gatherings of more than three people would lead to interrogation, or even execution.

When Alina assumed power, people could enjoy culinary delights and seek joy in the streets that very night.

No comparison means no harm.

With this comparison, the better choice becomes obvious.

Nightfall arrived.

Lights returned to West City.

Although it couldn’t compare with the bustling scene when half the city was lit up during West City’s most prosperous times, the revival was underway.

People’s confidence was gradually returning, unknowingly.

Tonight, the most successful businesses were the taverns and the red light district.

Of course, these two did not conflict. Many first went to the taverns to indulge before heading to the red light district to seek passionate release.

Wine and pleasure always go hand in hand.

As the citizens of West City enjoyed their long-lost joy, the new government of Jin Yuan’s hosting dinner was also beginning.

The host of the dinner was naturally the new Great Liberator and Supreme Leader, Alina.

What if Alina wasn’t qualified to be president?

Simple, abolish the presidential position and have Alina serve as the leader as Great Liberator and Supreme Leader.

Laws often have a lag.

But under the threat of death, the law can sometimes display astonishing foresight.

When Alina walked into the banquet hall, her identity as the Supreme Leader was fully aligned with the laws freshly enacted that afternoon.

As long as one has enough power, the law will change for you.

Alina suddenly remembered Marco’s words, feeling inexplicably uneasy.

She didn’t want to agree with this tyrant’s words.

Yet she had unconsciously become what she despised the most.

Nevertheless, she could only act this way.

This dinner must be held as quickly as possible.

She must finalize this matter before foreign diplomats can react.

If she followed procedures and delayed, troublemakers instigated by foreign forces might arrive.

In any case, speed was essential.

As Alina entered the banquet hall, the people who were speaking softly instantly fell silent.

The lively banquet hall turned quieter than a library.

You could hear a pin drop.

Alina stepped onto the podium, waving and smiling at everyone.

She was wearing an elegant and grand purple evening gown today.

Purple evening gowns are the most noble in color and difficult to wear with charm.

Her status and power matched the purple evening gown, but her demeanor and experience fell short.

Rather than a Supreme Leader, her demeanor resembled more that of a wanderer leader.

Similar, yet always falling short.

Alina didn’t mind.

It’s unusual for someone to exhibit such a charming regal presence just after becoming a nation’s leader.

She can be a bit naive, making her more genuine and approachable.

She doesn’t want to turn into a despotic figure like Marco.

Thinking of the magical term Roland created, she felt something indescribable inside.

If only Roland were the Prime Minister of Jin Yuan Kingdom.

He always sees through to the essence beyond appearances.

Though his political skills might lag behind those veterans steeped in politics for decades, his keen insight far surpasses them.

Her eyes fell on Roland, standing between Empress Sif and Lisa, and she sighed slightly in her heart.

It seems unlikely.

Roland has already become Empress Sif’s exclusive, untouchable by others.

But she was still a bit surprised; she knew Roland and Sif had an ambiguous relationship, but why did he also look unclear with Miss Lisa?

This guy actually stands openly between two girls? Roland, are you serious?

The information in this standing triangle was too much for Alina to process at once.

Fortunately, the etiquette officer reminded her with a light cough.

It’s time for the speech, Supreme Leader.

Alina pinched her skirt hem, took two steps forward, and bowed slightly, first expressing her gratitude to the guests present.

Having attended many banquets since she was young, she was familiar with this, so there was no problem.

Until her gaze fell on Sif again.

Strictly speaking, she was still in a state of war with Sif, and dealing with Sif was troublesome.

Returning to reality, without Sif’s loyal support, she wouldn’t have been able to return to Xidai, much less climb to the pinnacle of power.

In this world, there’s no good without reason, nor hatred without discrimination.

Sif helped her for a reason.

She intervened because of Roland’s influence.

Roland wasn’t a philanthropist; he helped her with a clear purpose.

Roland says it’s to help a friend, but that’s just talk.

Who risks their life to help a so-called "friend"?

Roland’s attitude toward her went far beyond the realm of friendship; she couldn’t play dumb.

She was very clear about Roland’s intentions. Remembering how she once wanted to repay the favor but was flatly rejected by Roland, Alina understood.

Roland likes Sif; there’s no room in his heart for anyone else, so thoughts of marriage alliances should stop.

Since Roland’s person of interest is Sif, and Sif’s nemesis is Sofia, what Roland wants most is to help Sif solve her survival crisis.

Aligning with Roland in dealing with Sofia is his bottom line.

This, of course...

Is not easy at all.

In the eyes of Jin Yuan people, Sussex people are the real enemies; the Vladimir Empire is far away; attacking Saint Rurik Palace is very distant, and the opposite is equally true.

There is a natural possibility of an alliance between Jin Yuan and Vladimir Empire.

In fact, they were once traditional allies; it’s just that after the alliance expired, both sides had no immediate plans to continue.

But anyway, the upper echelons of Jin Yuan are quite fond of the Vladimir Empire.

If they had to choose, they would surely be willing to ally with the Vladimir Empire to jointly face potential enemies across the sea.

This kind of scenario where the second and third unite against the first has happened many times on the Rodinia Continent and is not surprising.

To change national policy, one must persuade the elite class.

Thinking of this gave Alina an inexplicable headache.

But she had no time to be troubled by the headache because she had to face Sif.

Meeting Sif’s gentle gaze, Alina did not avoid it; she raised a glass of deep purple wine and walked toward Sif.

"Em..."

"Count Tyrone Sif," Sif quickly interjected.

Thankfully, she was attending as a Count today, Alina thought to herself.

She raised her wine glass and extended an invitation to Sif, "May I toast to peace and friendship with you?"

Sif did not raise her glass, only saying lightly, "Is that all?"

Alina bit her lip, softly saying, "Though it’s difficult, I will firmly stand by your side in dealing with your enemies."

Sif remained calm, raised her glass, "Peace is hard-won and worth toasting. Discuss the specifics with Roland."

Alina said nothing, only raising her glass in response.

Just as Alina and Sif clinked glasses, melodious music began to play.

The dance has begun.

There will be a total of three dances tonight, and each gentleman can invite a lady to dance, typically, the other does not refuse.

As for how long they dance depends on their relationship.

As Alina hesitated whether to invite Roland for the first dance, Sif had already extended her right hand to her with a suave gesture.

"Honorable Liberator, may I have the honor of being your first dance partner tonight?"

Alina was a bit bewildered.

This was not what she had expected.

But she didn’t refuse and gracefully extended her right hand, placing it on Sif’s.

"It would be my honor."