Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 822 - 151: Opinion Poll (2)

But for them, it's nothing short of daydreaming.

The power gap between the two sides was too wide. The Royal Family and nobility controlled at least eighty percent of the Empire's Transcendents, and they had a large number of muskets and armies. Now, with Cedric Thorn, the strongest Imperial Army Commander in history, this comparison could only bring despair.

Not to mention, the Empire also controlled ancient weapons like the Golden Fleet, capable of annihilating tens of thousands of troops in an instant on the battlefield. The flesh and blood of commoners were simply not enough to bridge the gap in power between the two sides.

Even though the Rebel Army had appeared on the outskirts of the Empire, most of these people were just struggling to survive.

However, Zophie had made up his mind on the road.

The time spent with Ethan had made him understand his own heart.

If Ethan decided to challenge the millennia-old Royal Family and nobility, he was willing to become the blade in Ethan's hand.

Even if it was a path of near-certain death!

"I intend to let you enjoy the celebration."

But Ethan gave Zophie another surprising answer, "But you'd better choose a project you're good at next time, don't waste the remaining four chances."

"...Have you been spying on me?"

Zophie was stunned, "How did you know I signed up for five projects?"

"Because I have some connections with the Winter General. Don't worry, I'll help you mediate the assassination list issue."

Zophie took a deep breath, almost breaking his years-long image of a cold and aloof man. He wanted to say something more, but footsteps approaching from afar interrupted him. He cautiously faded into the shadows, disappearing without a trace, as if he had never been there.

This was the innermost room on the second floor of the inn, so these footsteps were undoubtedly directed at Ethan.

Zophie knew the sensitivity of his identity. His disguise could trick commoners, but those Transcendents kept by the grand nobles might see through it. Ethan's meeting with him, a renegade, would surely bring trouble to him.

Before long, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

Ethan responded.

The one who entered was a man with half-closed eyes, with a seemingly friendly smile, leaving a good first impression. Upon entering, he initiated the conversation, "A while ago, some official duties delayed me, so I'm a bit late."

"No matter."

As Zophie was about to leave, he was shocked when he saw the man who entered.

Balmon Margaret, the current Chancellor of the Empire, a man with power enough to sway the entire court. He couldn't figure out how Ethan became friends with such a person, as not everyone could meet with the Chancellor in private.

"The first day's feedback was good. I've heard some news. The Imperial Capital People have very positive remarks about the Third Princess. This seems to be a promising signal."

Ethan said.

"I've heard as much."

Balmon sat opposite Ethan. The moment he sat down, his expression changed slightly, as if realizing someone had been here before he entered. However, he did not inquire further but continued the previous topic, "The Queen is very satisfied with this celebration, and His Majesty Henry... The celebration's momentum overshadowed the previous unpleasant rumors from Gear City, which solved a lot of troubles for His Majesty. Logically, I should toast you."

"You're too courteous."

"Regarding the last matter we discussed, I have already coordinated and communicated it. Considering Lord Ethan is a friend of the Third Princess, the 'Blood Banquet' doors are willing to open for you. Please follow me."

Balmon offered to lead the way for Ethan.

A few days ago, in a conversation, they talked about the most popular entertainment among the Empire's nobility. He immediately decided to invite Ethan to observe it firsthand.

Underground Gladiatorial Combat.

This has been a long-standing tradition in the history of the Silver Radiance Empire. Henry I was a fervent lover of gladiatorial fights, and he built the Gladiatorial Arena in the Imperial Capital. Nobles, eager to cater to the King's interests, threw themselves into it, inventing various programs for more stimulating battles.

Fights between people, and then between people and monsters.

The standards for gladiators were continually relaxed.

From initial prisoners to those seeking fame and fortune, now people indebted for various reasons were forcibly sent here for the entertainment of the nobles.

The main reason: failure in gladiatorial combat usually meant death, and what most nobles, according to Balmon, favored was the execution after the defeat, prompting star gladiators to develop signature execution methods.

On the foundation of gladiatorial combat, the Blood Banquet introduced facilities like casinos for betting, intensifying the tension and excitement.

Ethan followed Balmon, listening as he provided a history lesson on the Empire's gladiators.

He saw many familiar faces in the Gladiatorial Arena, many nobles wearing bizarre outfits who were eliminated by the Third Princess in the morning, all entered the arena with bloodthirsty grins, ready to vent their frustrations here.

This was one of the few places not affected by the celebration atmosphere in the Empire.

"It's worth mentioning, after his interrogation, Lance should be sent here. The managers of the Blood Banquet have high hopes for Lance. I've heard he made an agreement with the Simpler Clan a long time ago."

"Manager?"

"Have I not mentioned it to you? The Eldest Prince has been in charge here since five years ago."

In the Royal Family's eyes, this was a fair distribution.

The Third Princess took a liking to Zophie, absorbing him into the "Pet Club" she founded with Fabius, while the Eldest Prince planned to use the title of "Strongest Man in the Empire" to attract more funds and attention to the gladiatorial arena.

"Seems like you're quite a regular here."

Ethan said, "I didn't expect you, Lord Balmon, to be a fan of gladiatorial fights."

"Not a fan, just some official matters can only be communicated here."

Balmon took Ethan to his private lounge, which was located on the second floor of the Gladiatorial Arena, a separate room.

The Eldest Prince was the most promising candidate for the throne, and this had long been no secret among the nobility.

"Lord Ethan, a rare opportunity, today I'd like to discuss something about the Eldest Prince with you."

........................

Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace hall.

"Mother, this earring suits you very well."

The Third Princess stood behind the Queen, personally adorning her with a pair of sapphire earrings. She came with carefully prepared jewelry, and the smile on the Queen's face made it clear she appreciated it greatly.

This was also thanks to the solid foundation laid by the Third Princess over time.

A spoiled and willful girl, closely associated with the notorious Simpler Clan, and running a private "Pet Club", suddenly transformed into a beloved princess by the Imperial Capital People, and an affectionate, filial daughter, such a change was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for anyone.

"This child...has really grown up."

The Queen smiled, having forgotten how long it had been since she interacted with her daughter like this, "It seems you've made good friends."

"But I think Mother, you are looking younger and younger."

This remark made the Queen even happier.

Recently, all the assessments of the Third Princess, whether inside or outside the Royal Palace, had been significantly positive, and even the servants felt the Third Princess had changed considerably.

However, not everyone was pleased with the Third Princess's transformation.

As she walked out, she met an intense gaze, and for the hostility shown by the young man, she didn't care, instead sweetly calling, "Brother!"

Following the young man was a man in a black cloak, who stared directly at Lindong, after which, he whispered something in the young man's ear.

Receiving the man's response, the young man nodded slightly, ignoring the Third Princess's call, and with a cold face, walked straight out of the hall without a backward glance.