The diplomatic hall at Lis Empire’s border post typically received envoys from other kingdoms. Before entering the empire proper, they underwent screening here, then met officials matched to their nation’s tier.
Take neighboring Blackstream Kingdom—only one-fortieth Lis Empire’s size and strength. In essence, it clung entirely to the empire’s edge; calling it a vassal state was no exaggeration. Envoys from such realms usually met only Fourth or Fifth Ring representatives.
These “Rings” formed Lis Empire’s unique hierarchical zoning. Unspoken but clear: the closer to the center, the higher the status, the smaller the area. The Fifth Ring alone covered half the empire—mostly ordinary citizens and foreign tourists. Its vastness bred chaos; public safety fell far short of expectations.
The Fourth Ring spanned roughly a quarter of the empire, home to comfortably-off citizens. Tourists were welcome there too.
But the Third Ring, Second Ring, First Ring, and Imperial Capital? True domains of the elite.
“Did you two kill this?”
Kong Li crossed his arms, eyes sweeping the massive Elf corpse on the floor—and the oversized head perched somewhat comically on its neck. He glanced back at them.
Sasha and Roland exchanged looks.
Sasha shook her head; Roland nodded.
Another glance.
Sasha nodded; Roland shook his head.
“Tch.”
Sasha clicked her tongue. Classic case: mind kept up, body lagged. One consciousness steering two bodies—under pressure, confusion struck, and conflicting choices emerged.
“I’ll count that as both nodding,” Kong Li declared decisively, then offered a wry smile.
“Let me ask plainly, Roland: are you a Second-tier Executor? If yes, show proof.”
“No.” Roland scratched his head.
“Though… if claiming Third-tier meant skipping proof? I’d happily admit it.”
Kong Li’s gaze sharpened. Roland flinched.
“Sorry! I’m just a kid with basic sword skills. This is my sister Sasha—she’s trained her body since childhood. In raw strength? I can’t match her.”
*No hiding her prowess anyway. Better confess upfront. A smokescreen now shields her true identity.*
Kong Li glanced at their imperial citizenship certificates.
“You’re confirmed Fifth Ring citizens of Lis Empire. Protecting Blackstream Kingdom’s lightweight train as nationals? That merits a medal and commendation.”
“The medal’s unnecessary…” Roland grimaced. “We prefer staying out of the spotlight.”
“The reward is roughly one thousand gold coins.”
“Commander Kong Li!” Roland snapped to attention, face solemn. “Please state the award time and location—we’ll be there promptly.”
Hands clasped behind his back, Kong Li’s smile stayed warm.
“I don’t dislike straightforward youths—especially promising ones like you. Sasha shines too. Join my Spirit Eradication Corps. I’ll personally appoint you both as my deputies. Monthly salary: around one hundred twenty gold coins.”
“!!”
A long-term win! That sum meant luxury in Fourth or Fifth Ring cities—no more grinding tedious mercenary gigs.
“Your face screams ‘tempted’,” Kong Li pressed, unwilling to lose such talent. “Defeating the Elf King with just two people? Worth every coin. Serve me over two years? Salary doubles.”
“This…!” Roland’s lips trembled. *Why hesitate? Accept—and never worry again!*
“I… I…"
“Say it, lad. Your future gleams bright.”
“I—"
“We refuse.”
The voice belonged to neither Roland nor Sasha.
A girl with deep-black hair strode boldly into the hall, clad in casual blue-and-white attire, steps full of confident vigor. Beneath breathtaking beauty lay eyes radiating serene composure.
“M-Miss, this area is restricted—"
The guard tried to block her. Kong Li silenced him with a glance.
The Third-tier Executor of the Spirit Eradication Corps offered a polished diplomatic smile.
“Miss Agnes? Shouldn’t you be managing the young mistress’s new Fifth Ring manor? What brings you to our border?”
“Mr. Kong Li,” Agnes replied coolly, “while bribing commoners with coin works… Roland and little Sasha are already designated members of the young mistress’s manor. Kindly step aside.”
Her jab stung. Roland flushed.
“‘Commoners’?! Miss Agnes, retract that! I see genuine future in Commander Kong Li—a rare military genius! Following him is my choice, even unpaid—"
“The young mistress pledges three thousand gold coins for the Blackstream train incident,” Agnes cut in smoothly, “contingent on joining her Fifth Ring manor.”
Her words sealed Roland’s protests.
Sasha wobbled straight into Agnes’s arms—soul already claimed. Roland held his ground with stiff courtesy.
“My deepest apologies, Commander Kong Li! If fate allows in another life… I’d still serve as your deputy!”
“Hah! A pity, but paths cross again,” Kong Li laughed lightly, clapping Roland’s shoulder. “The young mistress’s wish? I won’t poach before her eyes. But she’s no easy master. Work under her—curb that money-grubbing habit.”
He nodded to Agnes, brushed past her, and exited.
Agnes swept Sasha into a joyful hug, then buried her nose in the girl’s hair like a creature savoring nectar. *Sniff sniff sniff.*
“Little Sasha… why so adorable? And that scent—mm! So sweet! So sweet!!”
She nuzzled Sasha’s ear. Roland watched, grinning foolishly, inwardly murmuring: *I think you’re adorable too.*
Agnes shot him a sharp glare.
“But why… is your brother so creepy?”
