In the Name of Empress-Chapter 428 - 300: Pain! Pain! Pain!

The banquet was held in the small banquet hall of the Governor’s Mansion.

It was just a simple farewell banquet, accompanied by Roland and Lisa.

Considering the many eyes around, Roland did not want people to discover Angelina’s prisoner status, so he thoughtfully had a maid send over an appropriate dress.

This outfit wasn’t exactly a formal gown, but its design was elegant yet lively, perfectly suited for such a semi-formal banquet occasion.

When the carriage to pick Angelina up arrived at the manor on the outskirts of the city, Angelina happened to see the novel’s scene where Julius and Romulus were about to break through their family obstacles and elope.

She really wanted to read on, but she didn’t have the time.

Regretfully closing the book, Angelina couldn’t help but flip to the end of the story.

"After many ordeals, they were buried together, never to part."

A smile appeared on Angelina’s lips.

To walk hand in hand through life and be buried together after death. How romantic.

Although she skipped the climax to reach the important part at the end, she had already imagined the novel’s storyline.

Romulus and Julius overcame family obstacles to be together, finally leading a happy life and being buried in the same tomb.

How wonderful.

Life indeed has its moments of beauty worth looking forward to.

About to leave this world, taking with her such a beautiful story and enjoying a grand meal from the culinary kingdom of Talia, indeed...

Indeed, she was reluctant to part with this world.

Angelina turned slightly, trembling lips betraying her true thoughts. She was still so young, she truly didn’t want to die.

When captured by Roland, she always felt she could return to her country through diplomatic means.

While under house arrest at the manor, Roland held her captive according to the standard of a noble prisoner of war, which amidst her anxiety gave her a greater longing for life.

However, the situation suddenly took a drastic turn, and she didn’t understand why Roland’s attitude changed so quickly.

Could it be that the two countries were already at war?

Being placed under house arrest, her channels for obtaining information were completely cut off, and the two newspapers she was allowed to read were mainly based on popular trends, hardly involving current political affairs.

Recently, the only news she had been following was Roland proposing to Sif.

Getting married is one thing, but she had never heard of a custom involving killing for a marriage offering, right?

After thinking long and hard, the only explanation was that the two countries were at war.

Although the Rodinia Continent was vast, in the end it could not accommodate two overlords.

Between Sofia and Sylph, a victor had to be decided sooner or later.

She didn’t think Sylph had much of a chance, but Sussex’s overall strength was superior.

This war was destined to be extremely brutal.

And as the first high-ranking official to be sacrificed, would her name be recorded in the annals of history?

Angelina was silent for a moment, somewhat dejected.

Probably not.

The Shadow Sanctuary was a presence hidden in plain sight. Even though the rank was high, it was not for public recognition, and even if one died in duty, the records would only be internal.

Fortunately, her rank was not low, and the compensation was quite generous.

But she wouldn’t be able to spend the money herself, as she had no family, so it would eventually return to the national treasury.

Some matters are better left unthought, but upon careful consideration, the more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

Boarding the carriage with a stern face, Angelina looked at the beautiful dress, feeling even more discomfort.

Caressing the smooth silk fabric, Angelina was suddenly startled as she realized her thoughts had quietly changed.

If it had been a year ago, she might have laughed and faced death head-on.

Now she did not want to die anymore.

She was still herself; the only difference was that she had been forced to read during her time in captivity.

Thinking of the books she had read during this time, her heart was in turmoil.

Was this also part of Roland’s plan, to use books to shake her resolve? Angelina’s mind clearly felt insufficient.

Lost in a daze, the carriage drove into the Governor’s Mansion, guided by the maid into the banquet hall.

The host of the banquet, Roland, was already waiting for her.

Angelina quickened her steps forward, looking at the long, narrowed dress at her waist, hesitating multiple times before holding the hem of her skirt and giving Roland the most standard lady’s salute.

As a high-tier intelligence officer, she had received professional etiquette training, but she didn’t use it often.

Watching Angelina’s slightly awkward movements, Roland almost couldn’t keep from laughing.

Angelina in a formal dress always seemed like a bloodthirsty coyote pretending to be a clumsy little golden retriever.

Roland did not mock his guest; he made a gesture of invitation, inviting Angelina to take a seat.

Accompanying Roland was Lisa.

She spent most of her time practicing magic at the Magic Association and would come up to relax for a few days when she got restless.

Today happened to be one of her days to get some fresh air on the surface.

Her attitude towards Angelina wasn’t particularly friendly. Remembering that this person almost used the Ice Crystal Blue Ring to end Roland’s life, it was difficult for her to feel positively inclined.

With a cold greeting, she returned to her seat, her eyes even showed a hint of anger.

Seeing Lisa’s gaze, Angelina was convinced this was a last meal before execution.

Roland was a politician and could hide his emotions, but Lisa couldn’t. Her eyes said it all.

Since she was doomed, she might as well enjoy the meal.

Once the hosts and guests were seated, Roland began to compose some flattering words for Angelina.

Should he praise her beauty? Angelina indeed counted as a beauty, but compared to Sylph, there was a significant gap.

And with Lisa present, it would be somewhat impolite to praise another woman in front of her.

Should he praise her for her notable strength? Uh, although that was also a fact, praising a defeated prisoner of war for her strength felt like a face-slapping insult, even more impolite.

For a moment, Roland couldn’t figure out what to praise Angelina for, so he resorted to a few superficial pleasantries with a smile.

Roland’s perfunctory attitude only deepened Angelina’s misunderstanding.

In this era, gentlemen were always very attentive to etiquette, especially towards female guests.

The fact that Roland couldn’t even be bothered to offer a few polite words showed that he already regarded her as dead.