Reborn with Infinity Money System, I was Worshipped by All Universes!-Chapter 176 - 173-Fortress Can’t Go a Day Without a Leader—You’d Better Head Back!

"They said unless I stepped down as head of Ducal Manor, I wasn't going anywhere!"

"And even if I wanted to step down, I'd still need approval from the five senators. Total tyranny!"

Duke Michelstein looked utterly aggrieved—being the big boss wasn't easy at all.

"Father, say no more. I feel your pain. Being the leader is no picnic,"

Anastasia gave a helpless smile. After all, she too had been thoroughly wrangled by that professional squanderer, Velen.

Wait a second!

Suddenly struck by an idea, Anastasia turned to Duke Michelstein with a gleam in her eyes.

"Father, you've been to the fortress before—so you can use a Spatial Portal to return there directly!"

"Velen's asking us to help him squander these anyway. When you're almost out, just use the final Spatial Portal to stay at the fortress."

"If the senators question you later, it's not your fault. After all, you just happened to run out of Spatial Portals. What could you do?"

Huh?!

Duke Michelstein's eyes lit up.

That way, he could both help Velen squander and hang around the fortress for a few days? Genius!

Rear Mountains, Fortress

"You four can't blame me for this. Since you've never been to the fortress, you can't jump between two fortresses using Spatial Portals."

"Now that Velen wants us to help him squander, of course I must do my part."

William chuckled as the other four senators stared daggers at him.

"Big bro, wait here a sec—I'll be right back!"

Jake suddenly dashed off, just as William was basking in the idea of a cozy and prosperous 'begging tour.'

Moments later—

"What's the meaning of this?"

William looked confused as he stared at the Spatial Portal Jake handed him.

"Big bro, this is one of our own Spatial Portals. Keep it safe."

"I was worried you might burn through your last one and get stranded at the fortress. This way, you'll have a backup to get home."

…What?!

William was dumbstruck.

You're a blacksmith! Why aren't you forging?!

Why are you spending your time analyzing my petty schemes?!

Now how am I supposed to enjoy squandering freely?

In an instant, his whole vibe was killed.

"Little bro… you really are thoughtful."

"Almost let me slip by again!"

With a bitter smile, William stepped into the Spatial Portal. The remaining three senators began praising Jake enthusiastically—they honestly hadn't thought of that themselves!

Fortress

Just as William emerged from a spatial rift, not far away Duke Michelstein entered another with a face full of anticipation.

The bunny's courtyard was bustling.

Spatial rifts popped open constantly. People activated their Spatial Portals and vanished one after another.

Time passed.

When the last of the Spatial Portals had finally been used, those who had left began returning with their final backup.

"What now?"

"I really don't want to leave…"

"But I've only got one Spatial Portal left. Looks like this is it for now."

William sighed as he prepared to activate his final portal, a bit disappointed.

But then—two spatial rifts appeared.

From one came the unmistakable hearty laughter of Duke Michelstein.

"Hahahaha!"

"Just happened to use my last Spatial Portal! I swear, I didn't mean to stay behind—can't help it if I'm out of portals!"

He strolled out grinning from ear to ear.

Anastasia emerged from the other rift.

…What?

As Duke Michelstein locked eyes with William, both froze.

Turns out, they'd both been squandering portals for days—yet had never run into each other once.

They'd completely missed one another every single time.

And now… they were both out of portals.

Suddenly—panic.

Duke Michelstein's heart began to pound.

On the other hand, William was ecstatic.

If only one person could stay at the fortress with just a single backup portal left, who better than the head of Ducal Manor?

"Duke, seems like we'll both have to stick around the fortress for a while,"

Michelstein said awkwardly.

"No way!"

"The other senators were worried something like this would happen. That's why they gave me a backup portal!"

"And since the Duchy can't go a single day without its head, I insist—you take it."

"With that said, I'll return to the fortress via flying vessel."

With the expression of a noble sacrificing himself for the greater good, William gleefully shoved the portal into Duke Michelstein's hands.

William was beaming.

Michelstein was devastated.

Holding the Spatial Portal, Duke Michelstein looked like he was ready to cry.

Not only did he fail to stay behind, he'd also just inherited the blame from the senior senator.

He couldn't even imagine what the other four would do to him once he got back!

Sigh…

Watching him leave, Anastasia sighed as well.

Not even her father could escape the iron grip of the five senators.

There was truly nothing she could do.

"Hey…"

"Anastasia, where's Velen?"

William looked around but didn't spot Velen anywhere.

"Hmm?"

"You don't know, big senator?"

"Velen left again. Took Clinton and Ironback Centipede with him this time. Probably won't be back for a few days."

Anastasia replied with a puzzled expression.

Gone?

Again?

And gone for days?!

"Damn!"

"Why am I even here, then?!"

"No way the other four will let me hang around just waiting for him to come back!"

William was dazed.

If he'd known this was the situation, he would've kept the portal and made Duke Michelstein fly home instead!

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"Anastasia, if there's nothing urgent, I'll be heading out.

I am, after all, the spiritual pillar of the fortress. Can't let the place go without me for too long."

With that, William pulled out his personal aircraft and zoomed off.

"Father, you really do have it rough.

Even with Velen gone, the five senators still won't let you stay…"

Anastasia could only shake her head with a bitter smile.

On top of the castle.

Ding!

Congratulations, host. You've completed today's special item challenge. You've received 1,000 Luxury Points and 1,000 Spatial Portals!

"Huh?"

"Another 1,000 Spatial Portals?!"

"That means… I can go straight to the royal capital, right?"

Hearing the system notification, Velen immediately turned and looked at Eureka standing beside him.