Chapter 697: Recruitment
Chen Rui’s surprise was only fleeting as he nodded, “It turns out to be the most s.h.i.+ning pearl of the Blue Glory Empire, the n.o.ble Princess Royal Highness. Pardon my impoliteness.”
He said that he was impolite, but his tone was as plain as water as if the most beautiful Princess Royal Highness in the Holy Empire was no different from the average pa.s.serby.
In fact, the strength of this princess had reached A+. Putting aside her appearance and status, she was still a rare genius at her current age.
Landbis was slightly stunned, then she smiled wryly, “People cannot choose their birth. Although the royal family looks n.o.ble, they are actually like many people. They are just involuntary puppets, but the costumes on these puppets are more gorgeous.”
That kind of pitiful expression was particularly moving. Chen Rui actually had a feeling of a throbbing heart. Fortunately, he had experienced [Refined Mind] training, and there was a succubus little maid who had a charming talent, so he had considerable immunity. He quickly recovered his calm and frowned, “Maybe. May I know why the Princess Royal Highness is coming to me?”
Landbis noticed this detail, and the expression on her face gradually returned to calm, “I don’t like going around in circles, so let’s just say it. I came here today with the highest sincerity, on behalf of my father, the Blue Glory Empire’s Klongter the Great, to invite Sir to join the Holy Sanctuary of the Blue Glory Empire.”
“Holy Sanctuary?”
“Holy Sanctuary is an inst.i.tution created by the 13th Blue Glory King. Every member is a powerful Saint powerhouse. The Blue Glory Empire is 1 of the 2 Holy Empires that has a strong power and an a.s.sociation with the elf tribe. The members of the Holy Sanctuary can use a large number of precious resources unmatched by the outside world for training. You can read countless cla.s.sics treasured by the royal families and compete with powerhouses of the same level to improve… If you join the Holy Sanctuary, it is equivalent to the royal high-level guest who will receive the king’s courtesy with the power and status far superior to ordinary members of the royal family. Except for the Blue Glory Empire’s king, you are not controlled by the House of Representatives. The Holy Sanctuary powerhouse can usually focus on training and will only make a move when the empire is threatened or there is an emergency. There is an extra reward every time.”
Chen Rui then realized. It turns out that the Blue Glory Empire also has such an organization. As we all know, the Blue Glory Empire is different from the Dragon Bright Empire. The sovereignty of the Dragon Bright Empire is unique and its rule is quite thorough. Meanwhile, the Blue Glory Empire has an organization like the House of Representatives, which has veto power over many of the king’s decisions, which is tantamount to evading part of the king’s power. There have even been precedents for the removal of kings in history which is naturally unwanted by any king. The Holy Sanctuary should be a trump card in the hands of the Blue Glory Empire’s king. Even if he just holds it, it can have a powerful deterrent effect on the House of Representatives.
For ordinary trainers, even Saint Powerhouse, this temptation was quite big. Putting aside the position of power, it was difficult to refuse the conditions such as the training resources of an empire, compet.i.tion among powerhouses of the same level, and reading of precious cla.s.sics.
Unfortunately, these were all useless for Chen Rui. Even if the Blue Glory Empire ceded the throne to him, he would not be interested. He immediately shook his head and said, “These conditions are quite attractive, but unfortunately, I’m used to being loose and free; I’m not used to being controlled by others.”
Seeing his swift rejection, Landbis showed a slightly surprised expression, but she quickly reacted and smiled, “To be honest sir, I have been in contact with many powerhouses. This is the first time I have seen a person like Sir Richard who views fame, wealth and power as nothing. In fact, I envy you very much. My so-called princess is a little bird trapped in a golden birdcage. I can’t control my own fate. If I can, I really want to be like the cute bird on sir’s shoulder, able to find a strong support and live a free and peaceful life…”
There seemed to be some other meaning in Landbis’ words. Chen Rui’s mind s.h.i.+fted and didn’t reply to her.
“The recruitment of powerhouse is actually a task given to me by the emperor as a condition of exchange for a short freedom.” Landbis did not continue on the topic of the ‘little bird’. She sighed, “I don’t know why, but now that sir rejected me, I ironically have a relaxed feeling. I wonder if Sir Richard would like to make friends with an ordinary a.s.sistant teacher, Landbis?”
Landbis’ openness gave Chen Rui a touch of goodwill. Naturally, he would not be so resolute to her. He nodded and said, “Of course, it is my honor.”
“Thank you, Richard, please allow me to call it that way. I’m about to leave the Jade Forest Sea. What are you planning to do next? I wonder if we still have a chance to meet again?”
Probably no chance… Chen Rui said in his mind. He naturally wouldn’t tell the truth, “I don’t have a clear destination. I have always traveled around training to pursue a stronger realm of power.”
Landbis showed a thoughtful expression, “I see. You should have heard of the Star Tower of Starlight College, right? The Star Tower will open in 3 months. Even for Saint Powerhouse, it is also an excellent way to train. However, only excellent students within the college are eligible to partic.i.p.ate, but each teacher has an additional recommendation quota to someone outside the college. This is actually a way for college to recruit mentors. Although the background of Starlight Empire students is not as good as that of the Blue Glory Empire, it was also extraordinary. Of course, the choice is entirely yours. If you are interested in the Star Tower, you can join a small team I created called Shueisha to get a place through a fair compet.i.tion. You can rest a.s.sured that there are no restrictions or regulations in Shueisha, only some like-minded friends. How about that?”
Shueisha? This name is a bit familiar. It seems to be the publis.h.i.+ng group of a certain country in my previous life?
After experiencing the trials and hards.h.i.+ps of the Demon Realm, Chen Rui was no longer the casual otaku in the previous life nor the weak Arthur. He instinctively felt that this fiancée was by no means simple.
If the previous method was to lure with benefit, now it is to move with emotion. One thing to note is that in the former, she represents her father, the Blue Glory Empire’s king, to recruit, but now it seems it’s for herself…
Landbis reminded Chen Rui of an acquaintance of the Demon Realm, Celine. But in comparison, Landbis’ means were much smarter. She gave out a friendly vibe from the beginning to end; it was difficult to reject or disgust. Unfortunately, it was useless to Chen Rui, and he answered almost without thinking, “I’m not interested in the Star Tower. As for Shueisha, I’m sorry that I have to let down Your Highness’ kindness.”
Landbis showed an expression of surprise. It was the first time she saw such a person who was so hard to deal with. Her previous alluring charm of men seemed useless in front of this man. If it was just an ordinary genius, it was fine. However, this person not only possessed the great power of the peak stage of Saint, but he was also very likely a grand master who specialized in both magic circle and mechanics which was very rare in the entire world. It was far more valuable than a person who only possessed brute force.
“Sorry, I was abrupt.” Landbis stood up and suddenly asked, “I’m very curious. You don’t care about fame, wealth, power, and friends.h.i.+p. You really don’t have any desires?”
“No, Your Highness made a mistake. I’m actually a very greedy person.” Chen Rui shook his head and asked deliberately, “What if I say that my condition is you, Princess Royal Highness?”
“Me? This condition is a bit unexpected. Judging from the previous performance, I thought you couldn’t care less about me. If your condition is really this… it’s not impossible!”
Landbis’ eyes flashed, “My fiancé is the Second Prince Arthur. Roland of the Dragon Bright Empire. He has been missing for a few years, but Lex the Great insists that he is still alive. This is recognized by my father, whose empire’s interests are paramount, this ridiculous political marriage is equivalent to a heavy shackle, and it is still effective today. This matter is almost a common matter in the entire human world. As long as you have power that surpa.s.ses the 2 Holy Empires, ignores all rules, and helps me break this shackle, then I’m your woman… Do you have this power?”
Chen Rui smiled bitterly, “If I have this kind of power, I don’t need to wander around.”
Landbis revealed an alluring smile, “Then another way, if you can help me to achieve a great strength, and take the key of destiny step by step in my own hands, then I will be very happy to be a partner of this person and bear all ups and downs together. So, the key now lies in you. Do you have this kind of determination and courage?”
Chen Rui shook his head, ignoring Landbis’ expectant look, “I can answer you for sure, I don’t.”
“Can’t even love shake you? You’re the hardest-hearted man I have ever seen.” Landbis took a deep look at Chen Rui and sighed, “I’m sorry, I have disturbed you for so long. Goodbye, I will visit again when there is a chance.”
When Landbis turned and left, Chen Rui spoke, “The world is unpredictable. Perhaps 1 day, your fiance will suddenly appear and cancel the marriage contract.”
“So what? Even without this marriage, as a royal woman, my body, my marriage… everything in the future is also just a bargaining chip for political transactions. I can only be manipulated like a puppet.” Landbis’ voice was a little low, “I just want to be in charge of my own destiny.”
Chen Rui was silent for a moment before he spoke up, “I agree with your will and pursuit, but true love is not a bargaining chip, so is friends.h.i.+p. I don’t agree with this kind of transaction, so I can only bless you, Your Highness Landbis.”
Landbis said without turning her head, “Recently, the eastern region has been very chaotic. The Holy Church has blocked several teleportation empires. All the church elites have been dispatched to conduct raids. They also sent envoys to the Blue Glory Empire to request a.s.sistance. I did not return to the empire, but I got the related intel, especially the 2 names, Simon, Richard… As a person with the same name, you have to be careful during this time. If you change your mind, you can come to Starlight College or the Blue Glory Empire to find me any time. I will spare no effort to help a partner.”
Chen Rui was slightly shocked by this intel. It was unexpected. When he heard the last sentence, his eyes flashed and he suddenly smiled, “If there is nothing else, please don’t come and disturb me again, Your Highness.”
Landbis clenched her fists with a strong sense of frustration surging in her heart as she strode away without looking back.
TL: Try to tempt ma boy Chen Rui? Lesson 1: The more you force him, the more impossible for you to get him…