The empress's bedchamber.
Sophia stared, slightly dazed, at the row of open boxes before Murphy.
Ivan, Ras, Sophie, Felipe, Azir...
All that remained of them now were their bloodied heads.
"You really did it." The empress still seemed unable to believe it. "When I learned that Azir had betrayed us, I almost thought I would lose you."
Murphy smiled as well. "I was fairly lucky."
The empress stood before the heads for a long while before having them taken away. "As agreed, you may continue pursuing your plans with the Muggle government. Arkaim will not interfere with any of your actions."
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty," Murphy said. "However, I have one more request."
The empress studied him for a moment, a faint blush rising on her snow-white cheeks. "Please, go ahead."
Now, the other suitors had either been persuaded to withdraw by Ivan or been killed. Only Murphy remained. If he really proposes to me, should I accept?
"Before I came, the British Ministry of Magic also entrusted me with an official letter for you, expressing its wish to establish diplomatic relations with Arkaim. If possible, the Ministry hopes to engage in trade, exchanges, and cooperation with Arkaim in various areas," Murphy said.
Talking about feelings would only put distance between us. Let's stick to business.
"The British Ministry of Magic?" The empress paused, taken aback. "Is this your wish as well?"
Murphy nodded. "Your Majesty, you know what I intend to do."
"Going forward, the Soviet Union will undertake comprehensive research into magical technology under the direction of the Muggle government. This will have a profound impact on the global wizarding world. It is foreseeable that the Soviet Union will face enormous international pressure in the future. And most of the magical resources I can draw