The Queen's face, which had worn a composed smile moments ago, visibly darkened.
Serpent Emblem Conglomerate!
That name carried little honor across the continent.
Though it called itself a Minor Association, much of its business involved shady dealings. Many nations and races had even explicitly forbidden it from establishing branches within their borders.
Back when Wu Heng was still a Necromancer, he had also used the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate to buy all sorts of things he needed that could not be obtained through legitimate channels.
And "Dragon" was hailed as the strongest hero of the age, an almost invincible presence among the Mortal Realm's Combat Power.
Why had he appeared here? And at such a delicate moment?
The Queen's heart tightened, and she instinctively clenched her sleeve.
But then her gaze shifted to Wu Heng, who stood silently at her side, and the tension in her heart quietly eased.
Wu Heng was here. What was there for her to worry about?
He had even killed the Church's deity. No matter how strong a "hero" was, what waves could he possibly stir up?
With that thought, she immediately regained her confidence, and her expression returned to its usual calm dignity.
She was just about to speak.
But Wu Heng spoke first in a low voice. "It's fine. I told him to come. I gave him a choice before—whether he was willing to join us. It seems he's made up his mind now."
The Queen raised her brows slightly, understanding flashing through her eyes. She nodded lightly, then raised her voice and instructed the people outside. "Invite Lord Dragon to wait in the reception hall. I will be there shortly."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The female official responded and withdrew, her footsteps gradually fading away.
The Queen turned to Wu Heng and asked