"Isn't it obvious? Princess Euphemia is the Governor of Area 11. Publicly and privately, we must act according to Princess Euphemia's will. It is our honor to serve Princess Euphemia."
"That's right. Every one of us will stand firmly by Princess Euphemia's side."
One after another, those present rushed to speak and declare their stance to Xiao Ran. Those who had once looked at him with dissatisfaction or fear now regarded him with warmth and respect, as though they had completely accepted him as one of their own. The atmosphere was no longer oppressive, instead becoming far more relaxed and friendly.
Xiao Ran smiled as he accepted each person's oath of loyalty to Euphemia. He clapped his hands, took a glass of wine from Jeremiah, and gently raised it. "To the Empire, to Area 11, to Princess Euphemia, and to ourselves. Cheers."
"Cheers!"
Titles and fiefs became Xiao Ran's greatest bargaining chips for winning over this group of powerful people. But if they wanted those things, they had to stand with Euphemia. For many of those present, it was not a question worth considering at all. Loyalty was loyalty. Serving Euphemia was no different from serving Clovis or Cornelia, but if serving Euphemia could bring them greater benefits, then of course they would choose her without hesitation.
Furthermore, Xiao Ran was not merely offering benefits on Euphemia's behalf. Euphemia herself was the highest-ranking official in Area 11 and held complete authority over them. Opposing Euphemia meant standing wholly against her in Area 11. By then, forget benefits—under all kinds of pressure, they might not even be able to keep their current positions. If Euphemia truly wished to replace them, it would take no more than a single word. No matter how vast the Empire was, it belonged to the Britannian