Published: July 4, 2025
Imperial Palace, Forbidden City, in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
There stood Prince Lyun and Princess Shio Fen, along with their attendants and maids, the Prince's Imperial Guard, and the supporting members of the Department of Rites, all lined up with a total of two hundred people.
A ceremony was being held to send off Prince Lyun and others who were attending the conference of the Eastern Nations, which was graced by the Emperor Tsuin, who had somehow recovered his health.
By the way, Ryo and Abel were also close to the Emperor.
Both were participating as observers.
This was due to an official invitation received from the organizing Duchy of Atinjo, independent of any relation to Darwei.
Of course, they would hitch a ride with Prince Lyun's group for the journey to the Autonomous City of Kubevasa.
"It’s reassuring to have Lord Rondo with us."
"Your Majesty, Prince Lyun has shown remarkable growth. I am sure he will return from the conference with impressive results," said Ryo, smiling at the Emperor Tsuin's words.
Just as Prince Lyun was not alone, Princess Shio Fen was also present, as the couple would attend the conference together.
This was the Emperor Tsuin's consideration as it would be better for diplomatic reasons to have Princess Shio Fen from her home country, Bosunta Kingdom, attend the meeting as well.
Prince Lyun also wished for this.
To be frank, he had not forgotten the incident where the Prince's residence was attacked two months ago.
At that time, the life of Princess Shio Fen, who had been left behind in the residence, was something he had half-given up on...
Of course, it was not out of resignation.
He had wanted to return immediately but...
Thus, going to the conference together was a very good thing as it alleviated his worries.
Perhaps the Emperor was considering this as well.
This time, ten public ships and twenty of the Darwei fleet would head to the conference.
Prince Lyun, Princess Shio Fen, their attendants, and maids would board the first public ship.
Naturally, the captain of the first ship was Captain Myun.
Prince Lyun's retainers were on ships one through seven, while the Department of Rites occupied ships eight through ten.
By the way, Ryo and Abel were on the tenth ship.
Of course, the captain of the tenth ship was Captain Ra Woo.
During boarding, the lieutenant, first-class navigator, and public ship combat commander were introduced to the two.
Lieutenant Sun Mar and first-class navigator Myanmar had previously spoken with Ryo during the princess's escort.
Both were about the same height as Ryo and had solid builds in their late twenties, likely brothers.
Their faces were very similar.
Lieutenant Sun had almost shaved his head, while first-class navigator Myanmar had slightly longer hair.
However, it was the public ship combat commander Lin Xin that Ryo was meeting for the first time.
She was likely a woman in her late twenties, with short black hair and a gentle-looking face.
Such a gentle-looking woman is a combat commander?
Honestly, Ryo did not fully understand the role of a public ship combat commander...
"What does a public ship combat commander do?"
Not understanding, Ryo decided to ask straightforwardly.
Asking is a moment of embarrassment, but not asking is a lifetime of shame.
"When a public ship is engaged in battle, I take command," answered Commander Lin Xin with a smile.
Even though that answer did not provide a clear image, Ryo remembered Lieutenant Rena, the female first officer of the Rondark from the Sujay Kingdom Navy.
Looking next to him, it seemed that the same person popped into Abel's mind.
After all, Lieutenant Rena was a woman who would be the first to jump onto the enemy ship during a boarding battle, and her usual demeanor exuded a dignified beauty.
However, Commander Lin Xin in front of them had a distinctly softer atmosphere.
But both Ryo and Abel knew.
One cannot judge a person by appearances.
"Lin Xin is excellent. Even if this ship gets caught in combat, you can board with peace of mind," said Captain Ra Woo with a smile.