NOVEL WEB Chapter 430: The Election
The Larilia Queen was confused. She had come to discuss a business partnership with the leader of the Celestial Heavenly Store, only to be questioned about the Burning Hinterland.
If Zimo were one of her subordinates, she would have broken his leg for wasting her precious time.
Looking at the cold, indifferent Queen, Zimo could read her like an open book and chuckled inwardly.
"You're quite strong for a realm like this," Zimo said with a light smile.
"Compared to you, I'm nothing," she responded calmly.
"That's understandable," he nodded, affirming her claim.
The way Zimo so easily accepted that she was insignificant left the Queen speechless. Can't you at least try to be humble?!
Even though she was amazed by Zimo's arrogance, she didn't let it show on her face. She sat elegantly, waiting for him to continue.
"Why do you want to cooperate with humans?" Zimo asked, taking another sip of his Spirit Tea.
"Because times are changing. With the magical ring, it's only a matter of time before the humans use it to control the world," she responded matter-of-factly.
Her journey to the human kingdom wasn't a thoughtless act. Since learning about the Spirit Comms, she understood that the world was changing, and only those with access to the magical ring could remain relevant.
"You're indeed a wise Queen," Zimo said, smiling. "I like talking to intelligent people."
Without asking, he took out a teacup from thin air and served the Queen. "Have a taste of my tea. You'll be the first."
Looking at the exquisite teacup, the Queen was inwardly shocked but kept her expression controlled.
"Thank you; I'm honored," she said, lifting the teacup to her lips elegantly and taking a sip.
The moment the tea entered her mouth, her expression changed. A surge of strong spiritual energy rushed into her stomach, washing away impurities in her meridians.
Beyond that, she noticed her state of mind becoming clearer. Her jumbled thoughts settled, and it felt as if a shackle had broken from her soul.
"What a magical tea!" she exclaimed, looking at Zimo in amazement.
Compared to the tea she usually had in her palace, this was heavenly.
"Cherish it while it lasts. You won't find anything like this in this world," Zimo said with a bright smile.
The Queen didn't doubt it. She took another sip, and a flash of satisfaction appeared on her face. Subtly, she realized she was growing stronger.
Although the growth was minute, she could still feel it.
She stared at Zimo with wide eyes, unsure of how to handle the situation.
Just as she was reeling in shock, Zimo asked an unexpected question.
"Why doesn't the Mixed-Race Kingdom surrender to the store? With that, you'll have nothing to worry about."
The Queen's expression froze for a moment, and a rush of anger flashed through her eyes. Before she could respond, Zimo continued.
"I don't need your response immediately. Hear me out and think about it for a couple of days."
Briefly, Zimo reveal some shocking news that left the Queen in a daze. For a moment, she couldn't believe her ears. She stared at him, thinking he was lying, but deep down, she knew he wasn't.
Why would he lie?
He could take over their kingdom if he wanted to. There was no reason for deception.
Looking at her stupefied expression, Zimo wasn't surprised. Anyone who learned that their world was merely a secret realm would react the same way.
Likewise, he had been astonished when their Emperor told him the shocking truth. Who would have expected the Magma Plain to be a secret realm connected to the Barren Land?
He sighed silently and chose not to dwell on the matter further.
"Stay and watch the election. My men will provide you with a comfortable place to stay," he said calmly.
"Thank you," she replied.
Although she was shocked by what she had just learned, as a Queen, she recovered quickly. She stood and gave Zimo a deep bow.
Just as she reached the door, she heard his voice.
"Take this."
Turning her head, she saw an object flying toward her and caught it easily. In her palm was an ordinary-looking ring.
She was shocked but didn't speak, leaving with her thoughts in disarray. At present, she needed time to digest everything she had learned and to understand why the store was helping her.
....
While the Queen was having her discussion with Zimo, the inhabitants of the city learned about the sudden arrival of a strange woman at the Celestial Heavenly Store.
Many young men and women came to see her, but under the authority of the store, they left reluctantly.
Nevertheless, the massive Red Lightning Eagle and the one hundred ordinary eagles were enough to fuel gossip.
After a day, the people lost interest in the strange woman and refocused on the current trending news: the election.
The election was set to take place in two days, and those running for positions were tense. Campaigning was in full swing on the streets.
Young masters and young misses used various means to persuade people to vote for them.
Those with bad reputations couldn't help but regret their past actions. As for threatening people, no one dared, knowing it could result in their clan's disappearance.
....
Two Days Later
Finally, the day of the election arrived, and every city, town, and village was silent. Powerful clans contesting for seats held their breath, praying to whichever gods they believed in.
Even those not contesting were nervous.
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In the Imperial Capital, the streets were quiet, pedestrians were scarce, and shops were closed.
Everyone's attention was on their Spirit Comms. By now, over 90% of the population owned one.
The election was set to begin at exactly 9 a.m., but for those contesting, the wait felt like forever.
Finally, it was 9 a.m.
Instantly, a notification appeared on every Spirit Comm, and a voting app was launched.
Reading the notification, people rushed to the app to cast their votes.
In the Soaring Cloud Region, fifteen candidates vied for a seat, but only one would represent the region.
From this, everyone could see how fierce the election would be.