After thirteen rounds of guessing, he still could not figure out who the mole was. But Hua Zhen did not care. Why dwell on it so much? Wasn't there a saying? "An insider is always more terrifying than an external enemy!" The more chaotic the Fellinton Civilization became, the more advantageous it would be for him.
And since that mole had already done this, he would surely find an opportunity to contact him. When the time came, they could coordinate from within and without. Wouldn't that be perfect?
Having figured this out, Hua Zhen's mood, which Old Stick had soured by screwing him over, immediately improved considerably. With a faint smile on his lips, he began asking the Acting Prefect about other matters concerning Felinton.
Ai Wen had been the acting director here for over three hundred years, so his understanding of Felinton surpassed that of any local. From the civilization's historical development to its technological progress and military strength, he covered every detail. Hua Zhen listened with satisfaction, and naturally did not stint on verbal promises, moving Ai Wen so deeply that he nearly wanted to offer himself to him.
Early the next morning, Ke Li and the other Federation leaders all came to the garrison to pay their respects to Hua Zhen. They both understood each other perfectly well, but the formalities on the surface were carried out impeccably.
Before they truly tore off all pretenses, both sides were putting on explosive performances: the "overlord" was benevolent and cared for the people, while the "vassals" were grateful beyond measure.
"Those two gentlemen must be His Highness the Third Prince's guards, Gus and Andre, correct?" After chatting for a while, Ke Li looked at Gus and Andre behind Hua Zhen and spoke respectfully.
Those who could become the personal guards of the Heavenly Palace princes were all elite warriors. It would not be an exaggeration to say that each one was equal to an entire well-equipped battleship fleet. He could not help but be wary of them. After all, this game of "overlord" and "vassal" would end sooner or later.
Gus said nothing, merely nodding faintly in response. Ke Li might be Felinton's ruler, but his status was far beneath that of a personal guard to a prince of an advanced civilization.
Andre was even more so. He did not even bother to acknowledge him. That rooster-comb helmet had once again been placed over his head, and through its face-covering grille, Ke Li saw a pair of utterly emotionless eyes. His presence was intimidating.
Seeing Ke Li's awkward expression, Hua Zhen smiled and said, "That's just how the two of them are. I hope Governor Ke Li won't take offense~"
"Your Highness, you flatter me..." Ke Li bowed slightly, the deferential look on his face unchanged. "Your Highness, I have already made all the necessary arrangements for the itinerary. Next, Leader Bang Ni will give you a brief introduction~"
Since Hua Zhen had come under the pretext of an inspection, Ke Li and the others had come to meet him in order to prepare to take him around the important locations of the various Federal Districts.
"Then I'll have to trouble Leader Bang Ni~" Hua Zhen said politely.
Bang Ni had changed her appearance again today. Her glossy black hair was gathered behind her head, light makeup adorned her face, and a gentle smile lingered at the corners of her eyes. Holding a tablet, she walked forward gracefully. After saluting, she activated its Light Energy Projection.
"Your Highness, today's itinerary is quite full. We have arranged each half-hour period for visits to the Federal District's administrative sites, the Research Base, military bases, Felinton Civilization's landmark historical sites, and the bustling Federal Commercial District..." Her voice was soft and pleasant, as refreshing as a spring breeze.
"During that time, we have arranged your lunch at the Jia Na Hotel in the Central Federal District. Its chefs are the finest in the entire Fellinton Civilization, and all the ingredients were freshly delivered from various regions this morning~~"
Hua Zhen nodded as he listened. The itinerary displayed through the Light Energy Projection was packed to the brim, showing just how much effort the Felinton side had put into it.
He had forgotten to mention earlier that the languages and writing systems used by the Angel Civilization and its territories all belonged to the God River Language System. Yet in Hua Zhen's view, this so-called God River Language System was essentially Chinese, whether in grammar or written structure. This had puzzled him for quite some time, and he had even specifically researched it, but after finding nothing at all, he eventually let the matter go.
Bang Ni continued, "Since Your Highness arrived late last night after a tiring journey, we have arranged the welcome banquet for tonight. Federation elites and distinguished ladies from all regions will attend. We hope Your Highness will have a few more drinks then~"
"Haha, naturally..." Hua Zhen paused. "I wonder if Leader Bang Ni could extend the time allotted for our visit to the Federal Commercial District?"
As soon as he said this, everyone from Felinton froze. They had no idea what he was planning. He had not mentioned the research or military bases, yet he specifically wanted to extend the visit to the commercial district. It was rather unusual.
"Why is that, Your Highness?" Bang Ni voiced her doubts.
"To be honest, although Heavenly Palace technology is far more advanced than Felinton's, it still retains the traditions inherited from civilization. For the past twenty years, I have seen almost nothing but retro-style castles. This is the first time I've seen architectural facilities like those in Felinton..." Hua Zhen smiled. "So I want to experience them properly~"
He was not lying, but that was only part of the reason. As for the other reason, before leaving, he had already promised that girl Lian Xi he would bring her back a gift. A promise made to a woman had to be kept, didn't it?
"So that's how it is~" Bang Ni smiled faintly. "Actually, Your Highness, there is no need to ask my opinion. You may decide all itinerary arrangements yourself!"
"Oh? That's great then~"
"Since Your Highness wishes to visit the commercial district, please accept this~" The Northern Federal District leader, who had remained silent all along, suddenly stepped forward and took a transparent card from his pocket, offering it to Hua Zhen.
"Leader Ya Erman sure moved quickly. You actually beat me to it!" The balding Dai Wei was holding a card as well, but upon seeing Ya Erman's action, he put it away again.
Ke Li glanced at the two of them discreetly but said nothing.
Looking at the stern middle-aged man before him, Hua Zhen did not take the card. Unsolicited favors were either treacherous or suspicious. Who knew what the hell this card was? With that thought, he waved it off. "My father once told me that when inspecting the grassroots, one should not take so much as a needle or thread from the people, so..."
The elderly Huo Er, leader of the Southern Federal District, chuckled. "Your Highness should accept it. That card may look unremarkable, but it was issued by Leader Dai Wei's conglomerate. His companies are spread throughout all of Felinton. Anyone holding the card can enjoy the most distinguished service at any of those companies. In other words, within the Federal Commercial District, you may take anything you fancy~"
"Just as Leader Huo Er said, please pardon my display, Your Highness..." Dai Wei bowed slightly, his expression clearly smug.
Damn, isn't this basically a black card? What a good thing~
"This... I really shouldn't accept it~" Hua Zhen said, but his movements were astonishingly fast. Ya Erman only saw a black blur flash before his eyes. When he looked again, the card in his hand had already vanished.
Seeing his prince act like this, Gus turned his head away in embarrassment.
"Then, Your Highness, when shall we depart?" Ke Li stepped forward to ask.
Hua Zhen rose from his seat and stretched. "No time to waste. Let's go now. I'll have to trouble everyone to lead the way!"
Setting everything else aside, he was already eager to experience the brand-new things high technology had to offer.
What should I buy for that girl~
Before you continue