Agatha looked at the man beside her and found that when she thought she could see him clearly, he was standing at an unreachable distance again.

Fight for the right to define this new era of civilization!

Agatha smiled helplessly: "I just want the empire to survive the many crises it faces. The war you described seems so far-fetched to me. Perhaps when it happens, you and I will no longer be here."

Luke withdrew his gaze from the empty night, turned to look at Agatha and said, "It is coming faster than you think, even faster than I expected. You cannot evade the responsibilities given to you by the Empire. You cannot evade the responsibilities given to you by the times either."

Agatha looked back at Luke, their eyes met, and she asked seriously, "What responsibility has the times given you?"

Luke couldn't help but laugh. "It's a hard question for me to answer. Anyway, what I just did was to give the Empire, this train, another big step on the accelerator, and our Emperor removed the brakes.

I can jump out of the car anytime, as for you..."

Agatha asked nervously, "What did you talk to Father about? Why did his attitude towards you change so dramatically?"

"I've already told you that I gave him the hope of gaining greater power. Want to know what it is? You can go ask him and see if he'll tell you." Luke walked toward the corridor: "It's late, go back to bed. Tomorrow, after the palace falls, we'll have to prepare for our mission to the West."

Agatha was so curious that she couldn't bear it anymore. She was also annoyed by Luke's attitude at that time. She chased him and said dissatisfiedly: "Hey, I saved you with good intentions, is this how you repay me?"

"Did I ask you to save me? Last night, I said I would be fine. Today, you rashly barged into the dinner party. Not only did you not help me, but you also forced me to accompany you on the mission to the Western Territory.

That damn place, the first thing you open your mouth is a mouthful of sand. It's not as comfortable as when I go back to Nutao City, enjoying the sea breeze and drinking wine!"

"Are you blaming me?"

"If you don't blame yourself, then why do you want to blame me?"

"you……"

The next day, the three-day tour of the palace for Princess Daier's coming-of-age ceremony ended. The floating palace slowly landed under the gaze of the citizens of the city, and after the space wall closed, it turned into a static palace complex.

On behalf of the Emperor of the Empire, Queen Christina blessed every young person who came to the celebration and gave them many rewards.

The one who gained the most was of course the Meteorite Governor.

The word "acting" was removed, and Luke officially became the first governor of the new Nutao City. All royal military units in Nutao City were transferred to the direct jurisdiction of the governor.

The emperor of the empire approved the merging of six cities into the Nutao City, and the area of ​​the new Nutao City was doubled.

Conferred the title of Imperial Viscount on Meteor.

Appoint Meteorite as the deputy envoy of the Empire's Western Tour, accompanying Princess Agatha on a visit to the western border of the empire.

…

Many people were surprised that there was no marriage in the series of titles and appointments. The active interaction between Dale and Yunxing in the palace was seen by many people, and Emperor Augustine had always wanted to grant a marriage. Therefore, everyone thought that it was natural to announce the engagement of the two after Princess Dale held the annual ceremony.

However, there was no mention of Princess Dai'er in the entire list of titles bestowed, which inevitably led to speculation among many people.

What if meteorites are no longer favored?

How to explain the lavishness of the title?

There was only one word difference between the acting governor and the governor, and it was just another attempt to rectify the name of the meteorite, and it was still unclear what the emperor of the empire was thinking. But the title of viscount was enough to make many people jealous.

You have to know that Gabriel, as the Prime Minister of the Empire, is only a lord. Since the Empire has vigorously promoted new nobles and cracked down on old nobles, it has not conferred a hereditary noble for more than ten years.

Ever since Meteorite had a secret meeting with Emperor Augustine the Great, the Emperor of the Empire skipped the title of Baron and gave him the title of Viscount. This favor was very important.

What did they talk about?

Everyone is curious, but there is no accurate information in any information channel.

With the order from Prime Minister Gabriel, Yomington came to the Sixth Branch of the Secret Intelligence Bureau to inquire about the news.

"Governor, Prime Minister Gabriel asked me to congratulate you on being conferred the title of Viscount. He said that the cabinet will fully cooperate with the expansion of Raging Wave City and live up to His Majesty's trust."

At this time, Luke was explaining to Kalina that he was going to the West. When he saw Yomington visiting, he asked him to sit opposite him.

"Please express my gratitude to Prime Minister Gabriel on my behalf. I will soon be accompanying Her Royal Highness the Princess on a diplomatic mission to the Western Territory. The expansion of Raging Waves City relies heavily on the cooperation of the Cabinet and the Raging Waves City Council." Luke waved his hand to let Kylena go, and then continued to say to Yomington: "How much do you know about the situation in the Western Territory of the Empire?"

Yomington thought Luke was not familiar with the situation in the West and asked if he was preparing for a mission to the West.

So he answered: "When I was a staff officer of the Prime Minister, I studied the history, geography and humanities of the Western Territory.

The area that the Empire can now control in the West is called Crescent Oasis. The main force of the Empire's Western Frontier Army, led by the Second Prince, is stationed in Crescent City. Further west is the Great Western Frontier, which is not accessible by rail, and the Empire only has nominal rule.

Racial relations in the Western Territory are complex and can be roughly divided into aristocratic territories and barbarian tribes.

The noble territories act as a barrier between the empire and the barbarians, and have a very high degree of autonomy. Fighting, division, and annexation between the noble territories are very serious, and even the original families of the titles have been replaced by other surnames many times. "

Luke asked at this time: "Tell me about the Urd family."

"The current patriarch of the Urd family is Count Clement Urd, also known as Count Sand Fox. The Urd family's territory is located on the side of the Halmutu Basin close to the empire. It is an oasis with abundant water and grass, which naturally attracted a lot of robbery.

About thirty-five years ago, Urd, who had just inherited the earldom, encountered a rebellion in his territory and was exiled to the barbarian area to fend for himself. However, he persuaded some barbarian tribes in the Halmutu Basin to send troops to help him regain his territory.

The Harvest Festival was originally a celebration held by Count Urd to thank the barbarians for helping him. During the celebration, both sides would take out their items for trade.

Over time, all the nobles and barbarians in the entire Halmutu Basin participated. In recent years, the Harvest Festival has become a grand event recognized by the entire Western Territory. Many tribes and nobles from far away would organize caravans to Earl Urd's territory early.

That was also the period when sand bandits and gangsters were most rampant.”

Luke said: "It also allowed Earl Urd to accumulate a great deal of wealth and influence."

Yomington replied: "Yes! Earl Urd is very good at dealing with barbarians, which is also the origin of his name Earl Sand Fox.

This time, the Governor-General will accompany Her Royal Highness the Princess on a diplomatic mission to the Western Territory and will definitely go to the territory of the Urd family. Earl Urd's attitude towards the Empire is very crucial."

Luke suddenly asked at this time: "I want you to accompany me and the princess to the West. Are you willing?"

Yomington was surprised by this sudden invitation: "Governor, why did you choose me?"

"You have done a good job as the commissioner of the Nutao City Office in Saint Lun City, but considering your ability, you are overqualified.

Working during this time should help you figure out some things. We are all working for the empire, and the conflict between me and Prime Minister Gabriel has been resolved. Whether you work for me or not depends on your willingness.

The Prime Minister has no shortage of people like you, but there isn't much room for you to advance, and I'm just getting started.

As the Governor of Raging Waves City, I need a chief of staff to form my staff. This mission to the western border of the empire is a test for you. I have given you the opportunity. If you miss it, it will be someone else's."

Luke recruited Yominton again.

The amount of work a person can handle every day is limited, and he now really needs a staff team to share most of the work.

Yomington used to be a staff officer of the Prime Minister of the Empire, so he can be poached and used directly.

This time, Yomington did not refuse directly, but fell into deep thought.

In the workplace of the imperial court, job-hopping is a very taboo thing, not to mention that by joining Meteorite, one would offend the Prime Minister of the Empire.

This is also the reason why Yomington never agreed to Luke's repeated invitations.

The situation is clearly different now.

During his tenure as commissioner of the Nutao City office in Saint Lun City, Yomington deeply realized the terrifying economic influence that Nutao City was exerting.

As long as Nutao City is stable, it is a certain fact that the economic center of gravity of the empire will continue to shift significantly towards Nutao City in the future.

The stability of Nutao City depends even more on the attitude of the emperor of the empire.

Today... the Emperor of the Empire's attitude towards Raging Waves City and Meteorite is very clear.

Official positions and titles were given to the fullest extent possible to help all those who were still hesitating about whether to enter the Nutao City to make up their minds.

The train of Nutao City was speeding forward, but the emperor stepped on it to the bottom. If you are slow to get on the train, there will be no space.

For Yomington at this moment.

Now one of the best and most senior seats has been reserved by the Governor of Meteorite, and you can get it as long as you nod and agree.

If you miss it, you'll probably only be able to get a standing ticket.

As for the Prime Minister...

As the Governor said, it is difficult for an official to be reinstated.

Moreover, according to the age and ability of the Governor of Meteorite, he will definitely be the Prime Minister of the Empire within ten years. He himself is also at the best age and may have a seat in the cabinet.

After careful consideration, Yomington stood up and saluted Luke: "Thank you for your favor and trust, Governor General. Vogt Yomington is willing to serve you.

I will explain this to Lord Gabriel when I return. I believe that Lord Prime Minister will also be happy that I have been appreciated by you."

Luke felt relieved when Yomington came to work for him. The huge workload made him feel that it was more tiring than 996. With a staff team, he only needed to grasp the general direction.

I can finally enjoy life like the legendary domineering president.

"That's a smart person. Go back and recommend a specialist candidate from your office. I'll have the Nutao City Government Affairs Office send a letter of appointment.

You should prepare yourself and start working tomorrow."

"As you command, Governor." Yumington bowed again and asked, "I came to see you this time on behalf of the Prime Minister. I want to ask you what you talked about with His Majesty at the dinner yesterday?"

Luke thought for a moment and replied to Yomington: "This is your last job for the Prime Minister. I should have made you return with a full load, but...

You should reply to the Prime Minister like this.

What I discussed with His Majesty was my policy outline for a long period of time in the future. It was mainly to build an economic belt along the coast of the empire with Nutao City as the core, serving the national strategy of the empire after it has overcome this crisis.

There is no conflict with the Prime Minister's current administration, and it will have nothing to do with it after the Prime Minister leaves office."

Yomington understood what he meant.

Just don’t worry about the next cabinet as your current cabinet.

"Governor, I know how to reply to the Prime Minister. Goodbye, I will come to work tomorrow after I finish all my work."

"Go to Kylena's place next door and register first. The treatment I specially set for you is all there. Work hard for me, and your future will be bright."

"Thank you, Governor!"

Luke watched Yomington leave, very satisfied that he was still able to remain calm.

He is a man who does great things.

As Luke expected, Yomington handled the work he had taken over in an orderly manner the next day after going to work. He relied on his connections in the palace to collect a large amount of information related to the Western Territory, analyzed the personalities of important personnel, and formulated contact and response plans.

The Princess's delegation was also progressing very quickly, with three groups of advance personnel already taking the train to Crescent City. Another group of imperial spies were heading to the Harmutu Basin in disguise.

The Brotherhood of Blades has great influence in the West, and the chaotic environment provides the Brotherhood's Blades with a very good training and combat space. During this visit to the West, the Celtic Duke's envoy will definitely arrange for the Blades to carry out assassinations, which is a great test for the Imperial spies.

…

The Harmutu Basin in the western border of the Golden Shield Empire is surrounded by sparsely vegetated mountains, which shield the basin from wind and sand. The banks of several rivers running through the basin form the densest oasis belt in the entire western border.

Humans, orcs, elves, goblins, dwarves, halflings, and many other extraordinary creatures live here, fighting hard for survival resources.

It can be said that the Halmutu Basin is a microcosm of the entire western border of the empire, and it is also a place that is not covered by civilization. Lighting mainly relies on fire, and transportation mainly relies on horses, camels and pack animals.

Of course, some people with the means can still get things from industrial civilization.

The Jiaomu Camp is located on an important road from the desert into Harmutu, and all industries in the camp are to serve the travelers and merchants entering and leaving Harmutu.

Ham's Tavern is located on the side of the main road. It serves cheap and watered-down alcohol and tastes terrible, as well as some intelligence trading.

At noon, the tavern was full of travelers who were resting. They were drinking and talking about some unlucky guy who had been robbed by sand bandits and was left with nothing even his underwear.

At this time, the door was pushed open, and the strong wind rushed in with sand. Everyone skillfully protected the wine glasses and food with their hands, and then looked to see who was coming.

Although the two people who came in were wearing overalls and covering their faces with hoods, everyone noticed... they were two women!