Bahoya City · Plane Portal Plaza
After nearly three months of agonizing waiting, the Empire finally reopened the temporary Plane Portal in Bahoya City. As the portal rumbled to life, a stable energy passage gradually formed at the center of the radiant gateway, signaling that the expansion of Imperial power could continue once more. That day, all of Bahoya City buzzed with activity. Every supporting force had been summoned to the plaza to welcome Duke Panston of the Northern Council and his two hundred thousand Elite Troops.
Not long after the portal opened, a squad of heavily armored knights riding tall warhorses emerged first, followed by Duke Panston in a cloak bearing blue-and-white heraldry. The moment he appeared, orderly cheers and the thunder of ceremonial cannons erupted across the plaza.
Standing among the supporting forces, Ang could not help but marvel at the grand sight. "As expected of a core figure in the Empire's Northern Council. This is truly an eye-opener."
Shortly afterward, Marquis Yaglu of Sugdi City also arrived. Dressed in splendid formal attire and wearing a respectful smile, he stepped forward to greet Duke Panston.
"Yaglu, you have done well. This reconstruction work can be called exemplary. You have not disgraced your family," Duke Panston said from on high, his tone carrying a trace of approval.
Marquis Yaglu immediately lowered his head and replied modestly, "Your Grace, this is the duty I should fulfill as a noble lord. For the Empire, I am willing to charge forward without hesitation!"
Standing in the ranks and watching the two speak from afar, Ang was somewhat surprised. *Marquis Yaglu... is this really the kind of person he is? He looks like he is doing everything he can to curry favor with his superior. He is completely different from the decisive, cold-hearted