The Return (3,600 extra words)

Kingdom of Seer.

Inside the royal palace, the current ruler of the kingdom—the king of all the Blue Blood Nobles, ruler of Fengying Plain, Storm Cape, the Highlands, Emerald Port, and University City—the great heir of the Conquest King, His Majesty Lambo, blessed by the gods, was discussing the future of the entire kingdom with his advisors and ministers.

"Galenbu's title has already been granted. It's hard to imagine that beyond our continent, there are such vast and incredible lands..."

Lambo spoke slowly, dressed in finery and wearing a golden crown atop his head.

Having learned from Wu Ming long ago just how vast the world was, Lambo had treated the partial sea charts Galenbu presented as a priceless treasure.

He had not only generously granted him the title of Viscount and a sizable fief, but also urged him to press on and explore a proper sea route connecting east and west.

As a result, poor Viscount Galenbu had barely had time to enjoy the glory of nobility before he was forced to set off on another expedition.

"Exchanges with the civilizations to the east and west are of course inevitable, but what we ought to focus on most right now is the affairs of our own country!"

Beside him, the white-haired old Prime Minister spoke plainly.

Lambo looked at him, feeling a trace of displeasure. But remembering that he had not held the throne for long and should not treat an old man that way, he swallowed it.

He made a mental note of it, then asked, "What else needs to be dealt with in our own country?"

"Mainly matters concerning University City and Emerald Port!"

The old Prime Minister replied with meticulous precision, his voice a little more confident than it had been when Wu Ming was there.