CHAPTER 1544: CHAPTER 42: THE SONGSTRESS ABLAZE

"Hesitation won’t accomplish anything, Tilan," Prin said to the other during their last conversation.

"I understand you consider things more deeply than I do, but the world won’t wait for a perfect moment for you to act; everything has to be controlled by oneself. Since you won’t, let me take control of this nation."

To achieve this goal, Prin boldly united with major conglomerates and numerous giant enterprises, and after clashing with the Children of the Stars, she again made peace with them, absorbing their power into her faction. This was how she could, in just a few years, shatter the conservative factions of the Federal Upper Echelon that had entrenched themselves for centuries, exclude the descendants of the ’Golden Flame Flower’ Isenisha from the upper echelons, and gradually compress the functions of the Court of Judgment, concentrating more power around herself.

The two Color-level Songstresses had both left a lasting mark on the Federation, with the ancient Elf Families on the World Tree inhabited star, and the Court of Judgment overseeing the entire Federation, seen as their spiritual successors, supporting the Federation as steadfast pillars. However, everything has two sides, and in the eyes of many emerging factions, these two forces had become obstacles to their continued progress.

Now, the Elf Factions largely withdrew from upper-level power, clearing many positions and spaces, allowing the faction led by Prin Coco to dominate, while the Court of Judgment, which used to oversee various conglomerates and giant enterprises, was suppressed by the songstresses’ righteousness and reputation, unable to act easily. Amidst this situation, the ’Fire Lotus - Radiant Star’ faction expanded frantically, devouring all industries like a behemoth, becoming a giant entrenched in the upper echelons of the Federation. Any voice that tried to oppose it faced enormous threats and fear.

In any industry, there could be several companies at a stalemate, but as long as one joined the ’Fire Lotus - Radiant Star’ faction, it could gain abundant resources through political policies, while its competitors had to be constantly wary of various audits and reports. In such competition, they would quickly fall behind in the business race within a few years, yielding market share.

In such a scenario, companies considered it an honor to integrate into this organizational faction. In exchange, they would accept delegates from the ’Fire Lotus - Radiant Star’ faction, whose resources, intelligence, and manpower would be controlled by the faction.

This allowed the faction led by Prin Coco to expand its influence across various Star Domains at an alarming speed and gradually control the economic lifelines of each Star Domain.

Three years later, the remnants of the opposing alliance in the Eastern Star Region not only failed to regain their footing but became even more vulnerable and dispersed under the ever-spreading influence of ’Fire Lotus - Radiant Star.’

In the Northern Star Region, under the onslaught of various new-style products and trends from the Central Star Domain, the star domains also quickly fell. Even Ailu Kelu felt no urge to resist and simply accepted the result with compliance.

"I’m just a cat who sings; I can’t handle those fierce and dangerous confrontations, meow~" Her thoughts were similar to most of the Beastmen; whether it was the Elves ruling or humans ruling, it didn’t make much difference to them. It had been this way before, and it would be the same in the future.

In the Western Star Region, although the framework left by ’Decamanga Sun’ Blanchi supported the region, after her demise, her successor ’Yellow Jade Garlic’ Arosa was still too young, unable to infuse the whole Star Region with the strong belief and influence like Blanchi did. This made the Western Star Region experience considerable unrest under the impact of ’Fire Lotus - Radiant Star,’ and many believed that the Western Star Region was entirely unable to resist the powerful Central Star Domain.

"Their industrial output is more than six times ours; in terms of economy, technology, and overall strength, we are no match for the Western Star Region," a high-ranking Western Star Region official lamented, disheartened.

"You can say this here, but you must never transmit this disgraceful sentiment to the public, or I will have to execute you right here," warned an officer sternly.

Even with Blanchi’s passing, she still had significant influence within the Western Star Region’s military. Those veterans and officers who followed Blanchi to defeat the Fifth and Sixth Fleets were now the backbone of the Western Star Region’s military, proudly wearing the ’Decamanga Sun’ medal.

With this staunch group of military members supporting them, even though there was some jittery sentiment among the populace, the Western Star Region remained broadly stable. However, they understood clearly that such a situation couldn’t last forever and that change was necessary.

————

"So, you wish to invite me to be Arosa’s mentor, is that correct?" Sitting below the high-back chair adorned with Black Blue Rose Leaves, Tilan encountered the envoy from the Western Star Region.

"Yes, Lord Tilan." The group below saluted respectfully and then replied.

This envoy team consisted of about 60 people, some of whom were formerly maids beside Blanchi, as well as some Western Star Region officials, diplomats, and a few Cult members.

As a friend of Blanchi during her life and a trustworthy and powerful Songstress, Blanchi had once advised Arosa to seek help from this gentle, black-haired girl in case the situation became unpredictable. The situation now was truly dire, so they quickly remembered this advice.

"Time flies." Tilan looked at the books brought by the envoy, among which were letters personally written by Blanchi; it seemed she had predicted today a long time ago and had even written a plea letter in advance.

"Unbeknownst to me, eight years have passed." Tilan’s fingers gently brushed over the familiar handwriting, recalling the times spent together in the Central Star Domain.

"Arosa is already 18 years old, isn’t she?" She raised her head.

"Yes, Lord Arosa is now 18 years and three months old," a maid accompanying them replied. They had watched Arosa grow up and sometimes treated her as they would their own beloved daughter.

"It’s about time to find her a good mentor." Tilan closed the book and handed it to the maid beside her, then slightly gripped the armrest with her fingers, contemplating suitable candidates in her mind.

Ordinary people could naturally teach a Songstress, as much of the knowledge and skills were common, but as a Songstress, there were also unique experiences and insights that needed to be passed down by the predecessors. During her time in the Central Star Domain, Tilan had been taught by three Songstresses: Evelyn, Idrylia, and Yarnasha. Each of these Songstresses had different styles, leaving a deep impression on her.

"I would love to personally mentor Arosa, but the current situation is complicated, and I might not be able to leave the Southern Star Region." Tilan’s eyes closed slightly before opening again.

"However, I am not the only Songstress in the Southern Star Region. I will recommend a suitable candidate to go to her in due course."

"How is Arosa’s Transcendent Sequence studying going?" Tilan asked out of concern and curiosity.

"She is currently at Sequence 5," the envoy replied.

"Sequence 5, that’s quite good." Back when she and Ores, Shui Yanqing, and others entered the university, they were also at Sequence 5.

During the following time, Tilan learned more about Arosa from them, including her academic progress, living habits, personality preferences, and so on. This information was confidential in the Western Star Region and could only be sparingly disclosed here.

"Let’s wrap it up for today." After a long conversation, Tilan instructed the maid beside her to arrange a banquet for the envoy, allowing them to rest well.

At the banquet, a variety of sumptuous dishes were served, including fish and vegetables produced by Jade Skirt, offering the envoys who traveled afar a fresh and unique experience.

In the banquet hall, melodious music played continuously. Then, a tall blonde woman moved through the crowd, entering a side corridor, leaving the banquet scene behind. She was led to a nearby small room by four maids dressed in rose maid skirts, who then watched her enter.

In this side hall’s lounge, a black-haired girl wore a simple and casual style dress, sitting on a soft dark sofa. If it weren’t for outside reminders, one might think she was just about 18 years old, resembling a high school student.

However, this girl had recently sat on the high steps of a throne, accepting everyone’s salutes and meetings, so she was certainly not a simple high school student.

"Tilan." The blonde woman gently called her name and then slowly walked over, sitting on the sofa opposite the girl.

"Long time no see, Seraphiel sister." The girl raised her head, revealing a smile, just like when the two met during the grand competition at the Academy back in the day.

"Yes, it’s been a long time."

Seraphiel’s eyes slightly closed, filled with emotions. Her slight sigh seemed to carry many sorrows, nostalgia, and deep sentiments entwined within.