In the Name of Empress-Chapter 476 - 318: Going Home
The luxurious carriage leisurely raced along the forest path.
Inside the carriage, Roland and Lisa were in no hurry to travel.
They had traversed this road more than once, but each time they rushed by, barely having the mood to appreciate the roadside scenery.
"I want to hear the nightingales sing in the Black Forest and watch the sunset over the Rodinia Riverbank."
Roland naturally wouldn’t refuse Lisa’s request.
He sent a letter to Sif to report safety, and accompanied Lisa back on the Last Empress of the Jin Yuan’s carriage on their journey home.
This carriage was top-notch in both artistic taste and material, and was a rare item, with no market even if someone offered thousands of Livre.
The old royal family’s carriage remaining in the Jin Yuan Kingdom would only be kept in the museum as a collection; entrusted to Roland, it could still be used for travel, preventing waste.
Alina gifted the carriage to Roland and Sif as a wedding present, and she also wrote a letter to Sif, subtly explaining the process of the letter being intercepted.
The union of the two countries is an inevitable trend, though Sif might not forgive, she definitely wouldn’t pursue the matter.
After careful consideration, Alina stripped Elaine of all her positions, forcing her into early retirement and house arrest in the estate where her father once lived, with no orders to leave.
Regardless of how many reasons Elaine had, she violated the core taboo of intelligence work.
Acting on one’s own authority.
Once someone in intelligence management has their own thoughts, they are no longer suitable for the job.
Understanding Sylph as Alina did, punishing Elaine was necessary, or Sif would surely hold a grudge.
To avoid future entanglements, it’s better she handle it in advance.
Perhaps this could save Elaine.
After seeing Roland and Lisa off, Alina focused wholeheartedly on her work, beginning preparations for the final showdown.
Although Roland had outlined the framework, many matters need her decisive decision-making, leaving no time for grief over chaotic nights; she must immediately get to work.
Roland left her a trump card, supposedly from the Star Spirit Emperor’s revised Civil Code.
When domestic conflicts were about to break out, issuing this code could temporarily ease tensions and redirect domestic issues abroad.
When to play this trump card must be her own decision. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
While Alina was tense and busy, Roland unexpectedly enjoyed the calm before the storm.
He seldom had the chance to travel alone with Lisa.
Before, there was time but no money; now there’s money but no time.
Taking advantage of the return journey, slowing down, relaxing, and watching the sunset over the hills, it had a unique charm.
With this brief journey, he managed to calm his emotions and leave behind the happenings in the Jin Yuan Kingdom.
...
On February 27, 1795, the snow around Hansa City was gradually melting in early spring, and the water levels of rivers across the northern plains began to rise.
Empress Sylph was not enjoying a luxurious idle life at the palace; she was in noble military attire, sitting at a desk, reviewing documents.
After finally processing the last document, she could finally relax a bit.
Looking up at the sky dyed red with clouds and the half-sunken sun, she realized it was almost dark.
Stepping to the window, with her hands supporting the windowsill, Sif’s gaze turned far west.
This was the main road to the Jin Yuan Kingdom, even at dusk, many carriages were hurriedly traveling.
Among the bustling carriages, there were a few large, bulky iron contraptions belching black smoke and making piercing noises.
These iron rattlers were equipped with three or four wheels, not fast-moving, but had a cargo capacity exceeding that of carriages and carts.
Their name was automobiles.
This was Roland’s naming, simply because the working principle of automobiles was heating water with coal to produce steam to drive the wheels, hence called automobiles.
An interesting name, which Sylph completely agreed with.
Even if Roland called them car steam, Sylph would certainly approve.
Come back soon, dear, without you, I’m really exhausted.
Sif silently muttered in her heart.
She had truly been very tired these days.
When Roland was around, he seemed lazy, yet only after he left did one realize his significance.
His presence was like fresh water, unnoticed until lost to recognize its importance.
In moments of deepest despair, Sif even nearly considered asking her father to return and help; fortunately, such a foolish notion quickly faded.
The father might be a competent politician, but not fit to return.
At least not right now.
Fortunately, there were still people willing to feel for her; Teacher Wald, unwilling to see her suffer, abandoned his leisurely retirement life and came overseas to help her.
The teacher found many reasons, like wanting to enjoy overseas sunshine, or wanting to visit her.
But she knew very well, the teacher wasn’t restless; he just didn’t want to stay out of the showdown, leaving her to support it alone.
Old Mr. Wald did not interfere in specific affairs but provided high-level advisory opinions.
His decades of experience and wisdom in the Empire’s political arena greatly compensated for Sif’s youthful inexperience.
Time seemed to turn back a few years, when Sif was still a diligent student, and Wald was still a stern yet gentle teacher.
But people had changed.
Sif was no longer the foolish girl who often angered Wald to the point of bedridden illness, and Wald was no longer the spirited veteran able to charge forward.
She had grown up.
He had aged.
Since Sif had already matured, Wald did not need to exert himself too much.
He did not play the role of overseas Prime Minister, instead serving as a senior adviser. The burden of the overseas prime minister was given to Ados.
This newly appointed member of the Imperial Cabinet not only had a deep understanding of the Four Overseas Provinces but was also a rare Jin Yuan expert, quickly becoming a trusted heavy minister of Sif.
