It soon became clear that Hao Ren had little left to do at the site. Hilda had already begun the follow-up diplomatic negotiations, while several leaders of the Erem Elf engineering teams handled the technical discussions. Hao Ren's basic task was simply to stand nearby and ward off evil...
Horleta had received Hao Ren's notice several days earlier. The residents near Sunset Volcano and the Giant Life Tree had already been fully evacuated, and the related public-opinion preparations were proceeding as scheduled. Hao Ren had no idea what sort of comforting explanation the Radiant Church had prepared for the common people this time. That was for the public-relations experts to worry about, but presumably the explanation would still have something to do with the Goddess.
Hilda was discussing matters that two civilizations ought to talk about when meeting for the first time with the pope, while Ofra took the opportunity to slip away. She gave Hao Ren a meaningful look, and the two of them went to a secluded spot. The female marshal wore a slightly troubled expression. "Why didn't you tell us in advance that a queen from another world would be visiting? In that case, His Majesty the King should have come personally to welcome her—that would be proper etiquette. We thought the people coming to help were all just your ordinary subordinates..."
Hao Ren gave two dry laughs. "Aha... I didn't know Hilda would come personally either. She must have her own considerations. But you don't need to be so rigid. The Erem Elves don't care much about that sort of etiquette. They're only here to work."
Ofra looked Hao Ren up and down, making him feel prickly all over. Only then did she say, "These elves call you the 'Sun King,' but you're clearly not of