"Are there any other benefits?" Rui asked.

"The Ministry of Martial Art and the Martial Union have nearly everything that a Martial Artist could possibly need and want," The Minister replied. "You will be rewarded for your contributions, of course, and we will be flexible with you."

"…" Rui stroked his smooth-shaven chin. It was true that he had something he could use. "Would it be possible to get all the research material that the Ministry of Research and Development has on Primordial Seed?" Rui asked inquisitively.

The Minister adopted a perplexed expression. "That is rather an unexpected request. It requires a different ministry than the one that I head will complicate it a bit, but yes, we could theoretically procure the substances for you. Is that your demand?"

"…We'll see," Rui heaved a sigh.

Although it was true that he wanted to harness the power of the Primordial Seed, unfortunately, there were much greater priorities at the moment. The path to the Master Realm was harder for him than it was for perhaps anybody else. He didn't have the luxury to focus on anything else except that. On top of that, his foundations were already lacking significantly, he did want to compensate for them and bring them up to speed so that he wasn't so abysmally outclassed in raw physical parameters.

"I haven't made my decision yet," Rui heaved a sigh. "I'll get back to you on this."

"Of course, feel free to contact me," The man smiled, handing over a card to Rui. "Take your time thinking it over. For now, we must return to the reception, for Her Highness has arrived.

Rui glanced back as his senses picked up on the arrival of a figure that parted the entire crowd with her presence.

With long flowing golden hair and eyes, she seemed to possess an ethereal yet inhuman beauty. She wore a single elegant white gown dress that complimented her aesthetics. Yet looking at her only made him feel unsafe. Her eyes were widened and her smile felt fixed. It gave him the impression of an element of inhuman volatility that he didn't want to be anywhere near. Compared to Prince Raijun, he didn't have a good first impression of her.

She slowly waded through the crowd, meeting and greeting her various guests as they flocked to her. They all bowed in deference to the kin of the Royal Family and the Minister of Finance before she engaged them in a short conversation with a soft voice that tickled the ears.

It wasn't long before she ran into Rui and Julian, who had reunited after he bade the Minister farewell.

"My…if it isn't the two prodigious geniuses from the Quarrier Orphanage," She smiled at them with a voice that had the soft tingle of a small ringing bell. "Your Highness," Both Rui and Julian bowed deeply. "It is an honor to meet you."

"Raise your heads," She spoke with a gentle yet unmistakably commanding tone, gazing deeply into their eyes. "I am pleased by your presence."

"We are honored by the invitation, Your Highness," Rui smiled perfunctorily.

She turned towards him gazing deeply into his eyes with firm interest. "Senior Quarrier. I was intrigued by the word of the return of the infamous Voider as the youngest Martial Senior in history. Your contributions to the trade influx in the Kandrian Empire during the debacle of the Shionel Dungeon have risen above even many Martial Masters. I have personally witnessed the impact that you have had on the powerful economy of the Kandrian Empire as Minister of Finance. You are a model Martial Artist, one that all others should aspire to be."

"You honor and flatter me, Your Highness," Rui replied, maintaining a perfunctory smile. "I have merely done my best and aided this great Empire to the best of my abilities."

"Indeed, that is so," She remarked, never once breaking eye contact or blinking. "I believe my executive has conveyed my interest in your ability and competence, as well as your extraordinary intellect and remarkable knowledge, not to mention your highly optimistic potential. I truly do believe that earning your support is worth any price within reason. Tell me, what is it you desire? Wealth? Authority? Prestige and glory? Territory? Resources? Women? Ah…"

Her smile deepened. "…I believe that you are devoted to your family, is that correct?"

Rui felt chills crawling up his spine at the mere mention of his family. He wished she would never evoke them ever, it sounded like a threat through and through no matter what she said.

"I can provide them with luxury unlike anything that they have ever known or seen in their life," She smiled. "I can open up a whole new world for them and you if you stand by my side." This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

The crucial moment had arrived.

Rui bowed again once more. "Your Highness, you deeply honor me with your offer. That is why it regrets me to refuse your offer. While I deeply appreciate the esteem that you have credited me with, I cannot join your faction."

He remained bowing, waiting for her response.

"I see…" Her voice rang softly in his ears. "So that is your response to my invitation."

Rui felt a faint pressure mounting up on him.

For a moment, he felt the urge to kill her right then and there. Of course, he was aware of the absurdity of that urge, the Martial Master bodyguards behind were not for show.

"If that is the decision you've made…" She smiled. "Then I respect it. Your decisiveness is impressive. It is unfortunate that I was not able to earn the allegiance of the most prodigious Martial Senior in history, but alas."

She glanced down at Rui. "You may raise your head, of course, it appears that my brother has gained a fine teacher."

Rui rose, smiling. "I am undeserving of your graciousness, Your Highness."

She turned to Julian. "And what about you, doctor? Have you come to a decision regarding my offer?"

"I have decided to accept it, if you'll have me, Your Highness," Julian smiled.

"Ah, I am pleased to hear that indeed. Marin will induct you into my Foundation and brief you on everything else," Princess Raemina smiled.