A Future Without the Deity

"We meet again, Ambassador Xia," Saidaro, commander of the Inquisition, said as he stepped forward to greet him.

"Don't panic. His name is Saidaro Bava, one of the red-robed Priests. He has exchanged no more than five sentences with Lord Xia. Wait until he offers his hand before shaking it." Olina gave her reminder without changing expression.

Wu Yue nodded slightly. Saying he was not nervous would have been an outright lie—every one of these people would have been the equivalent of a third-rank minister in Qi State, while before becoming an apprentice captain, he had only been a sixth-rank officer under the princess. Besides, the Third Princess had never liked all that bureaucratic socializing. This was his first time facing such an occasion.

He had to admit, impersonating Lord Xia put him under even greater pressure than commanding the Baisha Ship straight at the Twin Demon.

But he also knew that this was both a test from Lord Xia and a display of his trust. Every word and action he made now represented Jinxia City. No matter how difficult it became, he could not retreat even half a step.

Just as Olina had said, the other man extended his hand first.

Wu Yue quietly let out a breath and raised his hand to shake it. "Good morning, Commander."

He wore a pair of white gloves on both hands, enough to conceal the difference in sensation caused by physical contact.

Sure enough, Saidaro merely raised his brows and did not focus on his hand. "Your voice... seems somewhat hoarse. Have you not been resting well lately?"

"Ah? Is it?" Wu Yue replied in a slightly low voice. "Perhaps I have been sleeping rather late these past few days, though I have still had plenty of time to rest."

"That is