Chapter 84: Meeting the Princess Again
**Chapter 84: Meeting the Princess Again**
With only five minutes left on the countdown, Su Yu reached the gates of the Gorse Palace right on time.
Kelderon, the queen's guard, stood waiting in polished silver armor, his demeanor poised yet alert. Upon spotting Su Yu, he placed his left hand over his chest and bowed respectfully. "Master Nemesis, Her Royal Highness ordered me to welcome you here. I'll guide you inside."
"Alright, lead the way." Su Yu nodded and followed as they made their way deeper into the palace.
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**Ding! Your main storyline has been updated! [Glory of the Gorse Empire (8/100)]**
**Task Requirements:** Participate in the 'Maple Leaf City Negotiation Preparation Meeting.'
**Mission Reward:** 300 EXP.
Seeing the modest reward, Su Yu quickly realized this quest wouldn't involve much difficulty. Likely just a routine briefing.
As he walked through the grand corridors of the palace, exchanging casual conversation with Kelderon, Su Yu activated his [First-Person Holographic View], intending to record the meeting. He had initially considered capturing any scenes involving Princess Tina since her storyline was key to the game's plot. However, recalling a few of their personal moments, he decided against it. Besides, this meeting was likely a cutscene mission, light on action and revealing little. It'd be perfect for sharing with fans on the forums to generate some extra buzz—and perhaps gain insights from theorists there as well.
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The palace hall was exactly as Su Yu remembered: resplendent with gilded columns and packed with ministers, nobles, and military officers. At the far end, Princess Alizee sat upon her throne, her expression firm. Nestled in her arms was a delicate blue-and-white kitten, its fur shimmering faintly as it napped, seemingly undisturbed by the gathering.
Beside her sat the shadow priest, Xivan, his face obscured by the shroud of dark energy radiating from him. Although Su Yu was a respected scholar, his status here was minor, so he took his place toward the back of the assembly.
"Now that everyone is present, let's begin," announced the princess, her voice echoing with authority.
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The meeting commenced with discussions on domestic policies and military plans within the empire. In the opening minutes, Princess Alizee and her advisors deliberated over several issues:
- The logistics of reinforcements and supplies bound for Oran City.
- A proposal to present to His Majesty about transitioning from a volunteer-based army to conscription, adapting to the empire's current war needs.
These matters were important but didn't concern Su Yu, so he listened passively.
Then, five minutes into the meeting, Princess Alizee moved to the main agenda: her impending journey to Maple Leaf City.
"This time, I will journey to Maple Leaf City with Advisor Xivan to negotiate with Duke Anzu Cypher. Isaac, Ian."
Two officials, a minister and a high-ranking general, rose to attention.
"Isaac, you will oversee the capital's internal affairs in my absence," Alizee instructed. "Ian, the city defense army is now under your command. Make sure not to provoke the northern rebels."
The general knelt on one knee, responding with reverence, "Understood, Your Highness."
Isaac, however, looked concerned. "Your Highness, I must caution you—traveling into the enemy's territory is perilous. If something goes wrong along the way—"
"Do you have a safer alternative?" Alizee cut him off sharply.
"No, Your Highness."
"Then follow my orders." She closed her eyes briefly. "This negotiation along the Glowing River is meant to secure a truce with the rebels. If successful, the term 'Gorse Empire' need not be relegated to history."
The Glowing River split the Gorse Empire along its central axis, north and south. Gorse City itself stood upon its southern bank. If a compromise could be reached, the empire would be split, with the north becoming the "Kallet Empire" and the south retaining the Gorse legacy.
But could peace really be achieved?
Su Yu glanced at the task list, showing over ninety entries, and shook his head slightly. Neither the southern royal family nor the northern rebels would settle for peace. Both sides were destined for conflict. This negotiation was little more than a delaying tactic to buy the royal family time.
The remaining discussions centered around the details of the journey. Preparations would take several days, so the departure was set for seven days hence. Princess Alizee would travel with Xivan and her personal guard to Maple Leaf City.
Su Yu didn't get the chance to speak until the meeting concluded.
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Once it ended, the ministers filed out, and a notification sounded:
**Ding! Your main storyline has been updated! [Glory of the Gorse Empire (9/100)]**
**Task Requirements:** Arrive at the Gorse Palace gate in 14 hours to accompany the princess to Maple Leaf City. Countdown: 13:59:58.
**Mission Reward:** 800 EXP.
"Another waiting quest," Su Yu muttered. The storyline with Tina was intense and full of combat, while the princess's path seemed to be a series of delays. It was getting tedious.
Noting the time—it was now midnight—Su Yu decided to log off and get some sleep.
Just as he was about to leave, Kelderon approached him again, his silver armor glinting in the dim hallway.
"Master Nemesis, the princess wishes to see you."
---
Moments later, Su Yu entered a quiet courtyard at the palace's rear, shutting off the holographic view out of respect. This was the princess's private quarters, with maids bustling about under soft lantern light.
"Nemesis, what do you think of the negotiations?" Alizee's calm voice reached him. She was seated inside, gently petting the blue-and-white kitten in her lap.
Su Yu accepted a cup of tea from a maid before replying, "The negotiations can only serve to buy time. Success isn't likely." He took a sip. "Where I come from, there's a saying: 'What you can't win on the battlefield, you won't gain at the negotiation table.'"
**Ding! You drank [Pandaren Tea Drink]. EXP +50 (first-time bonus only).**
"Wise words," Alizee nodded.
The princess's gaze turned serious as she looked at Su Yu. "As a scholar skilled in prophecy, I want to hear yours. Will I face danger on my journey to Maple Leaf City?"
Her gaze was intense, a mixture of apprehension and trust. Since Su Yu had accurately anticipated her thoughts during their last encounter, she had come to value his insights. Now, on the eve of a risky mission, she looked to him for guidance.
Su Yu closed his eyes, putting on a contemplative expression. "Based on my calculations, you will encounter two instances of danger on your journey."
"Two times?" she repeated, visibly surprised.
"Yes. Once on the way there, and once on the way back," Su Yu replied, his voice steady, his eyes holding a hint of mystery as he met hers. "If you wish to overcome these obstacles, I have a suggestion."
"What advice do you offer?"
"Enlist the strength of adventurers," he said, pausing briefly. "Or, rather, the power of another world's travelers."
(End of Chapter)