1557 Uninvited Guest

According to the intelligence reports of the Martial Union and the Beggar's Sect, Princess Raemina was not the most rational person. She possessed a violent temper that made those around her often quite fearful of her.

Rui was concerned about any potential backlash if Julian rejected her invitation after the many donations that she had made. That might have grown even worse if he rejected her as well.

Regardless, he didn't want to mess around with a crazy princess.

"…Alright," Julian agreed. "Your reasoning is sound. If it's for the sake of the orphanage, I don't mind joining her faction. It also benefits me since she has promised even greater funding and sponsorships if I did join her faction."

It was a win-win.

"Who do you intend to join, if not Her Highness?" Julian asked with a curious expression.

"Not too sure but…Prince Raul appeals to me the most," Rui replied.

"…I'm not surprised," Julian remarked. "I met him once, you know?"

"You did?" Rui asked, surprised. "Did he invite you to join his faction too?"

"No, this was many years ago," Julian shook his head. "He had come to the outer and poorer districts of the Town of Hajin to aid with the Noremin narcotic epidemic several years ago. He had personally visited the various settlements outside the town like ours to offer aid to those who may have grown addicted to the drug. Back then, Farion's condition was…quite bad, to say the least, though I should let him tell you that story himself."

He sipped his tea, returning to the story. "I had personally thanked him. He was remarkably grounded. I didn't sense even the slightest hint of an ego. His attire was not extravagant. He didn't command his people, rather it seemed that they were desperate to be commanded by him, to be of use to him. It's rare to see a man evoke such raw loyalty from the people around him."

"…I see," Rui murmured. "He does sound like a great leader, that I will say."

Julian nodded. "I have heard some interesting rumors. They say that the treasury of the Kandrian Ruffians is filled with endless copper and silver coins, but not a single gold coin."

"…Meaning he only gets donations from people who are not rich enough to have a gold coin?" Rui mused. "That's surely an exaggeration of the truth."

"It probably is, but it is quite remarkable nonetheless," Julian remarked. "He only helps those who need it. It's like something out of a fairy tale. It would be quite fascinating to see him become emperor. I imagine life for us here in the orphanage will grow easier."

Rui nodded. "Though the two of us will probably have it less easy."

Neither of them were of the lowest economic class. Julian was at least part of the upper middle class while Rui was easily in the wealthy upper echelons.

Neither of them minded being inconvenienced. Rui cared for wealth even less than he did in his previous life.

A few days passed as Rui gave the matter some more thought, optimizing his game plan. Naturally, given that his ability to impact the war was quite limited, he didn't take it too seriously, but he was a high-grade Martial Senior, which meant that he mattered even in the eyes of the princes and princesses.

He realized that this was more than he had expected when Headmaster Aronian's warning began panning out

Outside, a majestic carriage carrying the emblem of the royal family had arrived at the orphanage, drawing everybody's attention.

The doors opened as a woman stepped out, accompanied by two Martial Seniors. She had dark brown hair that was neatly tied in a bun. Slender spectacles sat before brown eyes that eyed the Quarrier Orphanage.

Her attire screamed businesswoman, she even carried a thin briefcase by her side.

Her demeanor gave off a hint of elitist pride with a raised chin and eyes that looked down on everything around her.

Rui recognized the crest on her outer coat, narrowing his eyes.

The Raemina administration.

"That's her…" Julian told Rui with a stiff tone. "The one I was telling you about. A head executive of the Raemina Administration."

Rui turned to the adults standing beside him, staring through the window. "Get the kids to the other side of the orphanage. Mayra, could you please prepare some tea for our guest?"

They all immediately nodded vigorously, scattering off with anxious hearts. They decided to trust Rui with this matter since it was clear that it was probably related to him.

"…Be careful," Xanarn told him softly as she ushered the kids to the other side of the orphanage.

Rui smiled, turning back as he headed to the door, opening it as she arrived, displaying a perfect perfunctory smile. "Miss Vilmentine, welcome to the Quarrier Orphanage. I must confess, I didn't expect to see you here today."

Her demeanor lightened a bit as she stood before Rui while the Martial Seniors behind her grew more alert. "Senior Quarrier, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. I do apologize for not informing you of my visit in advance. Today, I come here as a representative of Her Highness Minister Raemina, the eighth princess of the Kandrian Empire."

"Please come in," Rui gestured, smiling.

The two of them, along with Julian, sat in the living room of the orphanage, exchanging basic pleasantries. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

"Your return to the Kandrian Empire has been quite the hot topic in many circles," She smiled. "You had already gained quite a lot of fame as the man behind the Voider who dominated the spectacle of the Shionel Dungeon Raid close to a decade ago now. Her Highness was quite pleased to see the economic contributions you made through your Esosale Suppliers. Thanks to you, our GDP has increased and our economy has been enriched by many billions, increasing by a substantial fraction of a whole percent. The Minister of Finance appreciates your positive impact on our empire."

"I am honored and flattered that Her Highness appreciates my work, I have always strived to be an impact for good on our great nation," Rui smiled.

"That is quite pleasant to hear," Marin Vilmentine smiled back as she opened her briefcase. "I'm sure Her Highness would be happy to hear that from you at the reception she's holding in a few days."

She placed two envelopes on the table, pushing them to the two men.