CHAPTER 1901: CHAPTER 1894: A SMALL WARNING

Although Luo’er is a Wood Elf half-blood, it is said that once one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs rise to heaven. Luo’er’s exalted status diluted the sense of inferiority associated with his Elf heritage. When the ladies in the hall looked at Luo’er, their eyes sparkled with longing.

"I am the newly appointed head of Lipei, and I am still unclear about many things, so mistakes are inevitable. I hope everyone can be understanding..."

Luo’er said, striding confidently toward the winding staircase. The people before him stepped aside, making way for him.

Luo’er ascended a few steps, overlooking the crowd from a commanding height, and smiled as he continued: "You are all pillars of Lipei and have made significant contributions to its development. For this, I am very grateful for your efforts. I hope we can get along well and build a new future for Lipei together."

Seeing the people exchange glances, their eyes filled with anxiety, he continued: "I believe you are already somewhat aware that Lipei is facing the greatest crisis since its establishment. The Odelanqi Kingdom to the east has assembled an army of millions, seeking expansion. If war breaks out, it will be tumultuous. Lipei is just a tiny territory, like a stone in a raging river..."

"At this critical moment, I hope everyone can unite, stand against the barbaric expansion of the Odelanqi Kingdom as Lipei’s people, in Lipei’s name..."

"I am fully aware that among us, there are still those with loyalty towards the king and those who long for the return to the old system, yearning for a revival of slavery, the inheritance of noble status, the free trade of people, trampling on the heads of other races... hoping I will make some changes to satisfy your small requests..."

"Here, I will clearly answer everyone, that is impossible. However the Headquarters’ system was before, I will fully embrace it and do even better..."

"I am here today for three things: fairness, fairness, and still fairness! Not only because I am of Elf Race half-blood but also for an advanced social system..."

"Let me make it clear from the start: under my administration, Lipei will only develop for the better, not for the worse. If anyone believes that they can achieve their corrupt desires by bribing me, then I must say, it is out of the question..."

"I have already established an intelligence and supervision network to monitor all movements in Lipei. Excuse my bluntness. You may not know what I am thinking, but I need to know what all of you are doing..."

"If I find out that some people, for their own benefit, collude with external enemies and conspire as inside agents, then don’t blame me for being ruthless..."

"Before I governed Lipei, you may not have known my identity. Allow me to briefly introduce myself: I, Luo’er, once served as the Captain of the First Vanguard Team. Since 2051, I have been executing missions, and to this day, it has been ten years..."

"I have hundreds of lives on my hands, and I don’t mind a few more. So, I don’t shy away from killing. If someone commits a capital crime, don’t think you can escape the law. In special times, with special means, I won’t hesitate to personally execute them. I only hope everyone understands what I am saying."

After Luo’er finished speaking, the hall was deathly silent. People exchanged uneasy looks, not knowing what to do. The lively banquet just moments ago instantly became awkward.

"Did I say something too harsh for everyone to accept right away?"

Luo’er smiled faintly, raised his glass, and continued: "There’s no need for concern. As long as everyone abides by the rules, respects the land, and loves the country, I will do my best to accommodate what you wish to achieve. If you have any requests, you can also come to me. I apologize for cooling the atmosphere. Please join me in raising a toast to you all."

"Uh, ahaha, let’s all toast to the Commander, then," Fulanta laughed awkwardly, reaching for a goblet and raising it in a call.

With his lead, the atmosphere in the room warmed up again, and the people, albeit a bit forced, raised their glasses towards Luo’er with smiles.

In the end, Luo’er didn’t drink. Instead, he placed the goblet on a passing waiter’s tray as he made his way toward the door through the crowd.

"Commander, are you leaving already?" Fulanta quickly asked as he stepped forward.

"There’s an urgent matter at the Commander’s Office, so I must go back first. Please continue," Luo’er naturally excused himself, giving Murong a look.

Murong paused for a moment before understanding his intention, nodding in silent acknowledgment.

Once Luo’er stepped out the door, he looked at Fulanta, smiled helplessly, and then turned to follow him out.

Luo’er stood waiting at the door. When he saw Murong come out, Luo’er smiled slightly and said in Chinese: "I’m truly sorry for ruining your banquet."

"Actually, before you came, I had already more or less expected what you would do..." Murong smiled wryly, shaking his head.

"I’m the highest official of Lipei, you’re the governor of Lipei," Luo’er said, looking inside. "If I didn’t come, it would be a slight to you, making it hard for you to control these people..."

"But if I did come, these people would definitely try to ingratiate themselves with me. The highest power in Lipei cannot be meddled with. I can’t guarantee that every decision I make will align with Lipei’s interests, but at least I can guarantee that I won’t let these people influence my decisions."

"I understand." Murong nodded in response.

"Consider it as us playing good cop, bad cop. Let’s head back and get along with them. The little shock I’ve given them is quite enough," Luo’er said.

"You need to be careful yourself," Murong remarked with some emotion, "Back then, you acted the same way, which upset those people..."

"Don’t worry. Otherwise, do you think Hu Daoke would have sent so many people here?"

As Luo’er spoke, he looked outside the manor, where soldiers with guns surrounded the manor tightly, patrolling back and forth.

Luo’er raised both hands, gently clapping. As if noticing his gesture, the manor door opened, and a team of soldiers filed in, forming in ranks on either side of the path, guns at the ready.

"Farewell."

Luo’er turned back, saluting him.

"Farewell..."

Murong returned the salute.

He watched as Luo’er casually departed, slowly walking into the aisle formed by the guard soldiers, showing a look of envy and letting out a deep sigh.

Three days later, Luo’er, now appointed as Lipei’s highest official, would face his first inaugural address. This was not a tradition, but rather due to the current situation, requiring Luo’er to personally explain, informing the people of the situation Lipei was facing while also reminding them that the head of Lipei had changed.

A day before the speech, Luo’er had already completed all the preparations, including the speech draft, which he entrusted to Nightingale to prepare.

Nightingale knew that Luo’er preferred to speak without notes, so she didn’t write it in too much detail, only listing topics and points to consider for Luo’er to use for improvisation.

What pleased Luo’er even more was that his proposal submitted to senior officials had been approved. The headquarters believed it was essential for Luoya to promote morale among Lipei’s military and civilians by being an idol.

Therefore, they not only swiftly approved the budget, but also brought in top talents from the domestic entertainment industry to oversee the project, determined to turn Luoya into a national-level idol.

"Brother, look!"

In the office, Luoya twirled in a beige, elegant dress with light makeup, showing off to Luo’er.

"Not bad!"

Luo’er leaned back, hands behind his neck, admiring the clothing on Luoya.

The V-neck didn’t reveal anything, the puff sleeves covered the upper arms, and the heavy skirt reached to the knee. Even a large twirl wouldn’t lead to any exposure, and the multiple layers of petticoats underneath made Luo’er nod with satisfaction.

"I feel like you’re just checking whether it exposes anything," Luoya stopped and eyed him suspiciously.

"What else should I be looking at?" Luo’er replied matter-of-factly.

"Silly, you don’t know how to appreciate the beauty of a girl," Luoya rolled her eyes at him and stopped her display.

After a pause, she seemed to think of something and looked at Luo’er, asking: "Is it really okay to be so high-profile?"

"Are you still worried?" Luo’er asked.

"I just feel that ever since they found out I’m Luo’er’s sister, their attitudes towards me have visibly changed," Luoya said, scratching her head.

"Just be comfortable with it," Luo’er said, leaning back, "As the highest leader of Lipei, my power is limitless."