A rubber rod as thick as a finger was held over a candle and heated. Under the scorching flames, its tip softened and turned black. Finally, it was pressed against an approval document, the high temperature making the area around the brand turn slightly yellow. A pure-gold ring was pressed into the softened rubber, leaving behind a clear, three-dimensional seal.
Elder Bloomer put the ring back on his finger and took one last look at the approval document on the table. This was the document transferring the army that he had signed with Princess Pedeila.
The document had no official significance. Bloomer had no authority to transfer those 260,000 soldiers, but in practice, as long as this document and Bloomer's personal approval existed, the 260,000 soldiers would be transferred under Princess Pedeila's name—in other words, into Su Xiao's hands. Given the Empire's current state of chaos, Bloomer's approval was more effective than anything official. The official side was already an empty shell: it had nominal command authority, but no real power.
Pedeila sat upright before the desk. It was clear that she was somewhat nervous, her hands clasped tightly together.
Bloomer glanced at Princess Pedeila, then picked up the approval document from the table. Princess Pedeila had just reached out to take it when Bloomer raised his hand and looked toward Su Xiao. His meaning was obvious: he, Bloomer, could lose one round, but he would not lose to this little white rabbit.
Su Xiao reached out for the approval document. This time, Bloomer extended his arm forward.
"Two hundred and forty thousand of these soldiers are stationed at the Western Frontier Fortress. Andoha may be destroyed one day, but the Empire cannot fall. No matter what happens, never mobilize those 240,000 soldiers. Let them remain at the Western Frontier