The two of them chatted some more about miscellaneous matters before it was eventually time to set out for the ceremony. They sky-walked, as did many other Martial Artists, avoiding the bustling crowds below them as they headed towards the large observing gallery that had been specifically constructed for this event.
"That's large," Rui raised an eyebrow. "Just how many people has Her Highness invited?"
"I believe about one thousand and forty-eight," Master Ceeran remarked.
Rui's eyebrow rose at that number. "I doubt I'd be able to have a proper conversation with Her Highness then."
"Not during the inauguration ceremony, no," Master Ceeran said. "But Her Highness is keen on speaking to you. Word of some of the terms and conditions of your deal with Prince Raijun has reached Her Highness' ears. She is quite pleased with your consideration of her campaign. She will speak with you once the ceremony ends, and she will begin speaking privately with certain guests."
"Hm, I suppose I'll have to wait for that."
"Indeed," Master Ceeran remarked as they reached the viewing gallery.
A large number of guests had already arrived. Rui had long learned to distinguish their social status from their bearing, demeanor, and body language. Each of the members here was undoubtedly important, influential, and powerful. He even recognized a few of them just based on how famous they were.
"Welcome to the inauguration of the Karokann, Master Ceeran, Senior Quarrier," A highly distinguished and dignified man greeted them once they entered the large and tall gallery. He possessed a weight that came with his experience; his appearance was immaculately groomed, and his words measured.
"Rui, allow me to introduce you to the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Jakan Ghata," Master Ceeran smiled at him, lightly gesturing at the man. "He is a trusted advisor and patron of Her Highness."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Minister," Rui smiled courteously. "You grace me with honor by personally welcoming us."
"Not at all, Senior Quarrier," The minister smiled with equal grace. "This is a blessed and auspicious day for me. This occasion gathers many influential figures, like yourself. It would be an insult to not personally welcome them myself."
Rui smiled courteously, yet inwardly, he snorted.
The buttering process had already begun. By having his subordinates take care of all the logistics management, he could begin the campaigning process by personally making an effort to greet all the guests as the Minister of Maritime Affairs as a gesture of how much importance the Ranea Faction placed on their guests.
"I have heard much about you, Senior Quarrier," The minister directed a look of pointed interest at Rui. "You bring our nation great prestige as the youngest Martial Senior. I am also grateful for the more direct contributions that you have made to the Ranea Faction. You will not find us an ungrateful host. Please enjoy this novel and auspicious event."
"I most certainly intend to," Rui graciously replied before the two of them bade him a brief goodbye, slipping away inside.
"Minister of Maritime Affairs, hm?" Rui glanced back at the man. "He has presence and seems a competent man. It makes sense that Her Highness relies on him."
"The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is also one of Her Highness' staunch bases of power within the Kandrian government," Master Ceeran remarked. "Along the Kandrian Seafare Association. These are two most powerful entities in the Kandrian Empire's massive maritime sector and industries."
"I do recall learning about that," Rui replied.
The basic information that he had purchased did document the bases of power that each prince and princess possessed. Princess Ranea had basically won the support of national and international entities, individuals, and organizations relating to the sea industries.
Many corporations and companies related to goods and services surrounding the sea sector saw fit to throw their support behind Princess Ranea rather than Princess Rafia. The latter favored policies that would serve corporations, and this was less alluring than what Princess Ranea offered them.
Soon enough, they reached the actual viewing gallery. The floor and the walls facing the ocean were completely made of glass, allowing guests who were seated at a particularly high floor to be able to witness the unveiling of the Karokann submarine without issue.
The guests were unable to see the submarine submerged deep underwater, but Martial Seniors and Masters easily could. They would just have to pretend like they hadn't seen it when it was unveiled officially.
Rui studied the structure with some curiosity. It looked different from the submarines of Earth. He wasn't sure how well it performed since he wasn't an engineer. His somewhat shallow foundation in fluid dynamics was not enough to make an informed evaluation and judgment of the submarine's structure.
"Interesting," Rui nodded lightly. "Perhaps there is merit in expanding the Royal Navy to include a submarine division."
"That is indeed what Her Highness believes," a familiar elder voice behind him replied.
Rui didn't even need to turn around to recognize the man.
The atmosphere grew taut as faint pressure spread across the gallery.
"It's been a long time," Rui turned around, facing the elderly man. "Guildmaster Bradt."
He looked older since Rui last saw him in the banquet at the Virodhabhasa Theocracy, yet his eyes brimmed sharply with greater intensity. This man was old only in body. His ambitions were closer to that of a young man than someone who had lived a full life.
"Indeed it has," His voice was firm yet calm. "It appears that times have favored both of us alike. For both of us have ascended to greater heights in mutual cooperation." (C) content.
His words mulled in the air.
"It appears that you're not satisfied with the heights you have reached," Rui noted.
"I could say the same about you."
Rui smiled wryly. "I suppose you could. Still, I didn't think we'd meet in the Kandrian Empire back when we parted ways. Always looking to make the most of any opportunity that presents itself, aren't you?"
A single word escaped his mouth.
"Always."