Jian's figure silently appeared beside Hathaway.

"Your Majesty."

Seeing the respectful expression on the Master of the Holy Sword, Hathaway gave a slight nod.

"How do you feel?"

Jian's expression was solemn. "I underestimated him."

If she had gone all-out from the very beginning, perhaps the result would have been different.

Of course, that was merely her own speculation.

Hearing her answer, Hathaway shook her head.

"I wanted you to understand that the Starsea is boundless. The one thing it never lacks… is geniuses.

When you believe you've reached the peak of the mountain, you forget that above the clouds lies an even higher sky."

Jian fell silent.

She had understood this truth long ago.

What is a genius?

There was a time she believed the word was crafted for her alone.

Until she met Hathaway…

Before that absolute power and talent, the so-called title of "genius" appeared pale and fragile.

Could there truly be someone stronger than Her Majesty the Empress?

Jian didn't know.

Seeing the complexity in Jian's eyes, Hathaway sighed inwardly and said no more.

If Jian could break through the obsession in her heart, her sword path would surely reach a higher dimension.

Ironically, the purest will she had ever seen belonged to the one who appeared the least reliable—Fiona.

That ancient dragon might act carefree on the surface, but her inner obsession with strength and conviction was as unshakable as a starborn being.

At that moment, a blurry shadow emerged beside Hathaway as though rising out of light itself.

"Your Majesty, an abnormal energy fluctuation has appeared in the Unknown Land."

Hathaway's expression shifted.

"Where is Ilson?"

"Your Majesty, Lord Ilson has already ended his meditation and has personally gone to guard the area."

Hathaway exhaled lightly upon hearing this.

Ilson—the God of War of the Sacred Empire's First Sequence.

Within the entire empire, he was the one whose strength came closest to hers, and also the person she trusted the most.

He had never once failed her.

After a moment of contemplation, Hathaway handed the shadow a sealed envelope engraved with the Sacred Empire's emblem.

"When Albert wakes up, give this letter to him."

"I will be entering a period of deep meditation. You may withdraw."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

A faint, nearly indistinguishable sense of urgency flashed in Hathaway's eyes.

...

Meanwhile.

Dalton's expansion was unstoppable.

The structure of the known star domains had gradually become clear—split mainly between the two colossal powers: the Zisen Sacred Empire and Dalton.

All other star regions had either been annexed or voluntarily submitted.

Countless forces and observers began to speculate:

Was a world-shaking collision between these two giants about to begin?

If so, the entire known starfield would plunge into an era of prolonged turmoil.

It would undoubtedly become a drawn-out war—

A tragic epic of endless suffering, sacrifice, and heroism!

...

Dalton, Presidential Chamber Hall

Inside the vast circular council hall, nearly all high-ranking members of Dalton Town had gathered.

Even Elizabeth, who spent nearly all her time leading campaigns on the frontlines, had rushed back temporarily.

Leo had entrusted Dalton to them.

They could not afford to fail that trust.

"What reaction has the Sacred Empire had to our recent movements?"

Elarielle looked toward Walter as she asked.

Ever since resuming his position, Walter had immediately sent a large number of agents from the Hat Organization to deeply investigate the Sacred Empire.

So much time had passed. Surely he had uncovered something significant.

At this moment, everyone's gaze focused on him.

Currently, Dalton Town's core leadership consisted of Elarielle and Magnar—one overseeing external affairs, the other internal.

Next were Reize and Walter.

Though their personal strength wasn't the absolute top, their contributions to Dalton's development had earned everyone's respect.

Walter's expression held an unusual complexity.

"Everyone… do you still remember our president's wife?"

He spoke slowly.

The crowd looked puzzled.

Hathaway's existence was no secret—they all knew the president had a wife.

"Walter… did you discover something?"

Elarielle asked softly.

Under the expectant gazes from around the room, Walter revealed the truth.

"According to the information I've acquired…

the Empress of the Zisen Sacred Empire is the president's wife."

The hall erupted with shock.

So that was it!

In an instant, everyone finally understood why President Leo had given his final instruction—

To support the Sacred Empire with everything they had.

All along… they were family!

"Then what should we do now? Do we need to pay respects to the First Lady?"

Magnar asked.

Reize and the others looked hesitant.

At that moment, a familiar voice came from outside the hall.

"Teacher! Everyone! I'm back!"

The next second—

Lilith appeared in the doorway.

Upon seeing her, everyone quickly rose and bowed.

"Good day, Miss Lilith!"

Elarielle walked to her side, her eyes filled with concern.

"Lilith, why did you suddenly return?"

Everyone was clearly surprised by her appearance.

"It's nothing. I've been away for a long time, so I wanted to come back and see everyone."

Looking at the familiar faces before her, Lilith's smile blossomed like sunlight.

Hearing this, the crowd finally relaxed.

They had worried she might have encountered trouble.

Of course not—she was the treasured daughter of the president and the Empress.

How could anyone possibly let her be put in danger?

"By the way, Miss Lilith, regarding your mother…"

someone asked cautiously.

Lilith blinked. "My mom…?"

When she first learned her mother was the Empress of the Sacred Empire, she too had been stunned.

She didn't fully understand her mother's endless campaigns and massive imperial expansion, but she never pried.

She trusted that every action taken by her mother had profound meaning behind it.

Seeing that Lilith knew no more than they did, the others didn't press further.

"Lilith, when do you plan to return to the Sacred Empire?"

Elarielle asked.

Lilith thought for a moment.

"Hmm… I just came back to look around. I'll stay a few days, then head back."

"In that case," Elarielle said slowly,

"A few days from now, I will accompany you to the Sacred Empire. I will represent Dalton Town in negotiating future matters with the First Lady."

The Sacred Empire had been acting frequently—clearly pursuing some grand objective.

Since the president had already issued his final order, it was only right they fully support the Empress.

Before that, communicating with her was essential.

Hearing Elarielle's proposal, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Lady Elarielle, we entrust this to you."

"This is simply my duty."

Soon after, everyone dispersed.

Notably, Elizabeth—now a Supreme Sanctuary rank warrior—had undergone some kind of fundamental transformation; countless battles had caused her once-sharp killing aura to evolve into something even deeper.

"Lady Elizabeth."

Just as Elizabeth was leaving, Lilith stepped forward to stop her.

"Oh? Miss Lilith, is there something you need from me?"

Elizabeth turned around with a gentle smile.

But even so, her aura—tempered by countless flames of war—still made Lilith feel a slight tremor in her heart.

"Lady Elizabeth, Fiona is looking for you. She said there's something she wants to tell you."

"Fiona?"

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