In the Name of Empress

Chapter 692 389: The Weak Can Only Go All-In_2

"Can your country accept this result?" Though Roland was certain the other party would accept, he still asked out of politeness.

Rivers stood there dumbfounded, not reacting for a long while. After confirming repeatedly, he was overwhelmed with tears of excitement.

"Chairman, my gratitude is beyond words, I..."

He hesitated for a moment, then, as if making up his mind, he said solemnly, "This incident has exhausted me mentally. After returning home, I will immediately resign and seek a job that will allow me to be with my family. Mr. Chairman, my family lives in Val City where the Alliance headquarters are located. I wonder if the Alliance would accept a retired official?"

Roland burst into hearty laughter, further raising his opinion of Rivers.

After the events in Skyrim Province, Rivers could indeed no longer mix in the political scene of Prudon Kingdom.

If he'd lost Skyrim Province, he would have made a grave mistake, possibly even costing him his head.

Now, under the pressure of the Dark Influence, he managed to preserve the entire Skyrim Province, making a significant contribution that would inevitably disrupt the original political landscape.

If it were Rivers from three days ago, he would surely ambitiously head to Pine Forest City to face the challenge, but after several days of torment, he was suddenly relieved.

What continent upheaval, races competing for dominance, human-god battles, all seemed like stories from another world.

He desired nothing but to spend his remaining years peacefully with his family.

Life must go through great ups and downs to mature, and Rivers was no exception.

Ambition must match ability, Rivers was not a Transcendent; he did not belong to the final central stage. Given this, opting for the wisest choice early by finding a strong ally was also sensible.

He understood Roland's thoughts. Communication among the intelligent was straightforward — respond with heartfelt recognition to assist kindly, ensuring everyone maintained dignity.

Having resolved the issue in Skyrim Province, Roland needed to find a ship.

As Milones said, the current strength of the Sussex Navy was more than enough to swagger within human circles, yet setting sail long distances to ambush drifting, moving enemies was nearly as difficult as ascending to heaven.

He needed outside assistance.

Roland headed north once more, traveling to Adri Port, intending to proceed from there to Haidi Undersea City.

Before going to the Undersea City, Lisa couldn't help but ask, "Roland, why are you sure your wife's stepmother will help?"

"Aren't you afraid she'll detain you to blackmail Sif?"

Lisa usually wouldn't speak so directly or with a hint of aggression, indicating her genuine worry.

Roland shook his head with a smile, "If it were Sif coming, she might do something foolish, but this time it's me."

Detaining him to blackmail Sif was a good idea, but what if Sif didn't accept? Would Adina really dare to tear up the ticket?

Seeing Roland's confident smile, Lisa inexplicably felt a bit irritated, recognizing an unspoken rapport, not needing words or glances, that belonged to Roland and Sif.

Only they could fully understand each other.

Precisely because Sif had a cold-blooded, ruthless potential, she could better protect Roland.

If it were her instead of Sif, Adina would detain Roland without hesitation.

She wouldn't dare to gamble.

Watching Lisa's disappointed expression, Roland restrained his smile and gently explained, "Actually, I'm not absolutely sure either. You can't assume all enemy actions based on common sense."

"If the enemy doesn't act as expected, is there anywhere to complain? So, Sister, it's unnecessary for you to come with me underwater."

Lisa's heart skipped suddenly, her emotions slightly getting out of control, "Why? Can't I help at all? Am I so much worse than Sif?"

Her questioning still echoed within the carriage, yet Roland couldn't reply.

Such questions Sif wouldn't ask, and Lisa couldn't understand.

This wasn't an issue of Sif, nor of Lisa. Roland could feel their passionate love for him was genuine without impurity.

Ultimately, it's just a matter of different education.

Lisa, having witnessed numerous intrigues over the years through ear and eye, was no longer that young girl who understood nothing, but she wouldn't risk losing everything due to a mistake.

But Sif would.

In the journey with Roland at sea until the counteroffensive, a wrong decision could lead to complete defeat.

Weaklings have no margin for error; every failure could result in being cleared entirely from the field, leaving only to go all-in.

Every battle is a decisive battle, which is the situation for the disadvantaged.

Knowing an adventurous opportunity, Milones decisively chose to go all-in, Sofia wagered everything to counter the Three Goddesses, Sif struggled with all her might for survival rights, Alina seized the scarce chance for a strong counterattack.

They were all gambling.

"Sister, the more consolidated your power in the Magic Empire, the safer I am. Even if Adina wants to kidnap me, she must consider not only Sif but also you."

Lisa sighed in relief, smiling as she assisted Roland in finishing, "Also Alina and Sofia."

Although putting Sofia and Alina together was a bit strange, Roland did not object.

Indeed, Sofia was also his support.

Sister Lisa's reference was understood; these women stood behind him. He'd dare to go not only to the Undersea City but also to Lisenburg where the Divine Punishment Legion was stationed!

Roland and Lisa parted ways at Adri Port, Lisa driven most swiftly to return to the Magic Empire.

The carriage moved quickly, soon disappearing beyond the horizon.

Lisa looked back reluctantly, her longing and attachment for Roland vanished completely the moment she turned.

A trace of sharpness flashed in her eyes.

Though Roland had no malice, the previous comparison to Sif still hurt her.

She was the Empress of the Magic Empire, awakened by the Phoenix bloodline, controlling the Super Divine Artifact, Eden, yet in Roland's heart, she was still inferior to Sif.

Lisa nearly ground her teeth down, imagining that annoying perfect face, her anger slowly dissipated and replaced with relief.

Roland was not wrong. Even though her destructive power on the frontline was higher than Sif's, the sense of oppression against enemies was still far less.

The inherent impression of being kind and weak isn't easy to alter.

Then let it start now, from the rebirth of the Magic Empire.

She would use the enemy's blood to change all this.

...

A day later, Roland visited Haidi Undersea City as an ally and a guest.

Adina greeted him with courtesy at the highest level, but halfway through the banquet, she excused herself due to discomfort.

A strong figure of such caliber feeling unwell?

The absurdity of such an excuse almost equated to a elephant getting cut by a blade of grass and bleeding profusely.

Though the excuse was exaggerated, Roland didn't mind.

Adina not detaining him was already a good start.

With the Sea Witch's departure, besides accompanying officials from Ocean City, only Roland and Edward remained in the banquet hall.

"Uh, is Sylph okay?" Edward noticed the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so he resorted to an even more awkward topic.

Edward's relationship with Sylph was indeed awkward.

They were Imperial father and daughter, the former Emperor and the current Emperor, coexisting with potential of continuing to contest for the throne.

More awkward was Edward enjoying love with Adina undersea, bearing plentiful fruit.

Only pregnancy could slightly halt the energetic old man and the unfulfilled young girl.

But this was the topic most able to draw him and Roland closer.

"She's well, and she often misses you, just busy with affairs and can't come to see you."

"I miss her too, but I need to look after the children." Edward sighed, his old face blushing slightly.

Roland nearly couldn't help laughing.

Looking after the children? The old fellow was truly humorous; he's a Prince of Undersea City, would he really have to mind the children?

It's all just excuses.

Of course, Roland wouldn't tear apart the guise; maintaining poise was better than blushing.

Edward's old face flushed red, awkwardly murmuring, "Earlier, Nana didn't intentionally ignore you; she's already four months."

"Again?" Roland was surprised, but then he understood.

No wonder Adina was impatient and refused to drink.

"Congratulations!" Roland was genuinely happy for the old man; losing power and being forced to hide underwater as a retired emperor, having offspring with a great beauty like Adina was indeed something enjoyable.

As the father and son-in-law chatted while drinking, urgent footsteps were heard outside the banquet hall.

No glass breaking, but the Blade Axe Hand arrived.

Adina stood at the door, calmly stating, "By command of the Sea Empress, Sir Roland is requested to visit the Sea Emperor Hall immediately!"