One-Eyed Monster

The conspiracy ultimately fizzled out, as the opinions of the politicians were not unified. The withdrawal of Star Court and Luona left the atmosphere in an eerie state. However, this did not stop the conspiracy from continuing; Benjamin and the others were worried about the future of the Empire, though some of them were also concerned about their own futures.

But the powerful Alchemy Workshop wasn’t something they could block just by wanting to. The entire Empire’s strongest factions had traces of the Alchemy Workshop’s influence. The sudden change of heart from Star Court and Luona left the politicians baffled.

Nonetheless, the resistance against Kuyi Tulan did not stop, but these resistances were as futile as moths flying into flames, with no return.

Kuyi Tulan did not retaliate against these people; he knew this was an inevitable result, and the reverent gaze he received would inevitably be met with opposing glances.

The entire Empire’s public opinion was in favor of the Alchemy Workshop; the workshop’s rapid development and countless disciples made its contributions recognized by everyone.

Scribes like Benjamin can see the true pros and cons, but how many who oppose the Alchemy Workshop can actually see this? Many are driven by jealousy, while others are driven because their personal interests have been harmed...

Therefore, the resistance from this group is like moths flying into flames, scratching where it doesn’t itch.

Rostov boarded the steam railway departing from Xinbal. It was a railway that stretched directly from Luona to the Imperial Capital Xinbal. Building this railway exhausted half a year’s financial income from Luona, but now Luona’s financial situation has improved thanks to the arrival of a few who are good at managing golden things.

The steam railway has gradually been built across the Empire; the next step will be steam tanks and warships, but to achieve this scale, iron production must keep up.

The Alchemy Workshop has alleviated this issue in Luona, and Luona’s cooperation with the Alchemy Workshop is becoming increasingly close.

Woo woo... the steam railway has set out, and Governor Rostov is about to leave the Empire’s royal city and return to his own capital.

This railway had very few passengers because it was a temporary departure, with few outsiders apart from Rostov’s confidants; furthermore, not many could afford to ride the steam railway.

Rostov entered his private compartment; he needed to hurry and report what had transpired here, whether it be to Perkins or Tobin Sol. They all needed to know the entire process, for changes had already unfolded in the Empire.

Rostov knew that Benjamin’s concerns were real, but no one could resist the Alchemy Workshop and Kuyi Tulan at the moment. Enemies were everywhere, those visible and invisible were all watching the Empire with greedy eyes, and any misstep could lead to their home being completely invaded.

The Mail Bird was ready; it would be faster than the steam railway. After all, the creations from the Alchemy Workshop did not know fatigue, while the steam railway constantly needed to be fueled with coal...

”Have a pleasant journey, Lord Governor!” As Rostov stepped out of the compartment to the connection area of the steam railway to breathe fresh air, a voice came through.

Standing by the window of the steam railway, there was a person. His elbow rested on the window’s railing, his legs bent, and his gaze fixed on the distance.

”Charl...” Rostov saw clearly who this person was. He was unsettled, nearly dropping the pipe in his hand.

This person was none other than His Majesty, Prince Charles of the Imperial Royal Family.

”Don’t raise an alarm, Lord Governor; I boarded this train specifically because the people of the Dark Cabinet informed me you would be on it.”

”Your Highness, you...”

”Oh, I have always been fascinated by steam railways. But as you know, Burstan is a nice place, and I’ve never had time to leave it. So this time, I finally got the chance to experience this railway car.”

”But...”

”No one will mind a playful royal’s fascination with steam railways, Lord Governor. Moreover, the suspicious individuals on this train have been cleared by us, haven’t they?”

Rostov was indeed very shocked because the League Guard and Thunder Army he brought were all selected by the Sol Brothers, and their strength should be unquestionable. Yet even so, a royal family member managed to board the train unnoticed, leaving him baffled.

”Oh. Do not reprimand your men; they are good. They didn’t intend for me to board the train; I forced my way on. You know, a royal emblem works wonders, so don’t punish them, Lord Governor. I also believe they are trustworthy, don’t you agree?”

”Your Highness, rest assured, they will not utter a word!”

”Haha, look at you. I already said no one will mind a playful royal’s fascination with steam railways. Even if they speak out, it won’t matter.”

”Uh, Your Highness, your...”

”Don’t say those useless things; I know you are curious why I sought you out. I’m not hiding anything—I came to find you for my brother, the King. With that, Charles turned around to face Rostov.

”Your Highness, matters like this are best discussed in the compartment!”

”No, though this railway car was cleared by us, there are many eyes in this world. We are only taking a smoke break; you didn’t recognize me—that explanation will surely deceive those eyes. And when I leave, I’ll broadly proclaim how you failed to recognize me.”

Rostov found Charles’s plan meticulously crafted, yet he felt even calling it meticulous seemed somewhat insufficient. He silently lit his pipe, continuing to listen as His Majesty, Prince Charles, outlined what would come next.

”Benjamin’s concerns are valid, but their actions are too blatant.”

Rostov remained silent, knowing it was not the time to speak, contemplating Charles’s remarks.

”The existence of the Alchemy Workshop is not a mistake, but they are heading down the wrong path. Kuyi Tulan, evidently, has led the organization onto a path of no return.”

”At present, I am still unable to confirm if Kuyi Tulan is the enemy—perhaps he is merely a puppet controlled by others. Do not ask why I know these things; being part of Kayne obliges me to know them.”

”I haven’t come to persuade you. I understand you have cooperations with the Alchemy Workshop and know of your Thunder Army. I am thus very familiar with you. Regardless of what you are exploring, we must stand on the same front.”

”Only in this way can I save my brother. If you understand, then blow a smoke ring; I know you were exceptionally fond of that in your youth!”