"So, has the candidate been chosen yet?"
"Yes, you and Mel have to go, and I definitely have to go too. What about Councilor Silco? He should be going too, right?" Jayce said from the side, putting his arm around Mel's shoulder and continuing with a smile, "I don't think we can all go. Otherwise, Noxus will just give up and we'll be walking into a trap. Some of us need to keep an eye on things at home."
Mel reached out and shoved Jayce's face, rolled his eyes, and said, "If it were before, I definitely wouldn't have accepted this invitation, even though I'm a Noxians too. But now that Swain is in power, I don't think anyone would dare cause trouble at this time."
"No one dares to cause trouble at this time. But Mel, what if this is Swain's idea?" Silco squinted at Mel and said.
Silco asked himself honestly, and if it were him, he would indeed have done the same. After all, the high-ranking officials of a city-state had come to his territory; what would he be thinking if he didn't wipe them all out?
As for the potential damage this will cause to the future, that's a matter for later, isn't it?
"Swain is a complex man. Militarily, he is cunning and a master strategist, willing to sacrifice anything to achieve victory. But politically, he is benevolent, distributing power among his subordinates and never allowing any deception." Mel hesitated. She knew what Silco was worried about, and she couldn't be sure if her own thoughts were correct.
After all, as she just said, Swain is an extremely complex person.
Even Mel's mother, Ambessa, couldn't figure out Swain was thinking or what kind of person he was, so how could she possibly understand him?
While Mel did become one of the wealthiest senators in Piltover and one of the city-state's leaders, this did not mean that Mel believed his political abilities surpassed his mother's.
Being in Noxus and being in Piltover are two completely different things.
But Mel hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Swain established the Trifarian immediately after seizing power, separating the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, and reforming the military system, recalling troops stationed abroad. This shows that Noxus will not have any disputes with the outside world in the next few years."
At this time, what Swain needs most is a change in Noxus's external image. After all, during these years of recuperation, Noxus needs a lot of resources, which can only be obtained through trade with other countries. Therefore, putting aside my understanding of him, just based on this matter alone, I believe that Swain will not allow the nobles to take action against us."
"And the people who invited us..." Mel frowned. She really had no idea what kind of people this organization hiding in the shadows of Noxus was.
Even before they sent the invitation, Mel only vaguely knew from Ambessa's words that there was a dangerous group of people in Noxus.
For her safety, Ambessa had never told her the name of this organization, but now, they had stepped forward and appeared before Mel.
It seemed as if they had been forced to come out because of Swain's sudden usurpation.
Li Ke picked up the conversation, put down his chopsticks, and said, "I know something about the Black Rose organization. Well, how should I put it, Swain won't let her do as she pleases. Go ahead, I was just thinking of going to Noxus to take a look. You don't need to worry about safety; we have absolutely nothing to fear from Noxus right now."
Swain is indeed very strong. As far as Li Ke knows, there are at least three Demigod Noxus in secret.
Swain, LeBlanc, Vladimir.
They may not be as powerful as Demigod, but in the Runeterra, they are undoubtedly formidable beings.
Furthermore, from the lore of Runeterra, we know that Noxus also harbors other forces, possessing at least two individuals with power comparable to Demigod.
As a powerful empire that has conquered the entire world, how could it lack top-tier combat power? The designers of Riot Games aren't idiots.
In the magical world of Runeterra, individual bravery can completely determine the course of a battle. If Noxus's visible fighting strength relies solely on players like Darius, Draven, and Katarina...
They really can't compare to Demacia; after all, the Angel sisters would be absolute powerhouses even among Demigod.
Therefore, Noxus not only has a powerful army, but also a large number of strong individuals within its borders.
Even so, there's no need to worry, because Swain, LeBlanc, and Vladimir aren't on the same team. With Janna and Ahri backing Li Ke up, especially Ahri, as long as she steps in, Mordekaiser won't have to. Ahri can completely dominate Noxus.
Of course, the kind-hearted Ahri wouldn't do that, but dealing with LeBlanc, Vladimir, and the like would definitely be no problem at all.
"You've learned something new?" Silco, looking at Li Ke.
"Janna told you that again, didn't she?" Vi said with amusement, teasing Li Ke.
After all, if Li Ke suddenly realizes something, and you ask him, he'll tell you that Janna told him.
But what's the real situation?
How could Janna know so much? She's not some little bluebird who loves to gossip all over the world. At first, everyone believed Li Ke, but as Li Ke kept saying that Janna told him, and then Janna looked depressed and angry, everyone gradually realized that Li Ke was just shifting the blame.
Upon hearing this, Li Ke coughed.
Janna just did a great job in Bilgewater, we can't let her take the blame again, so Li Ke said, "Couldn't it have been something Jinx and I found out while we were out there?"
Wei was about to say something more, but Li Ke interrupted her impatiently, saying, "In short, what I mean is, we can go."
"Okay." Silco nodded.
Jinx raised her hand and shouted, "I want to go too!"
"Well, I won't go. I have a lot of things to do."
"I wanted to go, but we'd just gotten to the point with the hovercraft, Jayce went, so I'll stay in Liangcheng."
Not everyone wants to travel around, so the final selection of those who will attend the banquet in Noxus is: Li Ke, Jinx, Silco, Mel, Jayce, Camille, Sevika, and some accompanying law enforcement officers.
Vi and Vander will remain in Zaun, Piltover Caitlyn will be transferred back to Piltover to serve as the new Piltover Sheriff, protecting Piltover during Jayce and Mel's absence.
Congressman Kiramman is in good health; it seems Caitlyn is destined to be the heir apparent for half her life.
However, Caitlyn is happy with this, because her personality and character are more suited to being a police officer on the front lines, protecting the interests of residents and solving cases, than to being a senator.
The meal lasted until night. During the meal, Jayce and Mel, along with other Piltover council members, left first, while the Zaun members continued eating. Although it was called a meal, they mostly chatted afterwards.
Silco, Vander, and Vi were all asking Jinx how she'd been doing lately, and Jinx chattered on and on about everything that had happened to her while she was out.
Li Ke was talking to Akali and Sarah.
At 8 PM, Li Ke led Sarah and her group to a house next to the Zaun Council building. Pointing to the house, Li Ke said, "Sarah, you and your people will live here from now on. There are many things inside that you might not know how to use. You can ask the building manager downstairs; she will tell you how to use the equipment in the house."
"Okay, thank you, Li Ke." Sarah nodded, looking at the house with a complicated expression.
Sarah had also understood the underlying meaning in Li Ke's words at the previous dinner table.
Although she had prepared beforehand, Sarah still couldn't help but feel conflicted when Li Ke suggested she apply for a residence permit in Zaun.
Sarah then went with the housekeeper, who was in charge of her and Rafen's group's living quarters. She and Akali shared a room with three bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
To be honest, you absolutely won't find this kind of treatment anywhere else in Bilgewater.
Moreover, there are many things inside that Sarah doesn't understand.
Do you know how to use this?
Just now, Sarah opened the closet, looked at the clothes inside, and tried them on. The size was just right. It seemed that Li Ke had arranged for someone to prepare them for them while they were eating.
Then Sarah heard Akali's voice outside.
Stepping out of her tiny room, Sarah saw Akali pointing at a white square box on the long table in the living room.
"Things from Zaun usually come with instructions, why don't you look for them?" Sarah didn't know what the thing was for either, but after thinking for a moment, she said.
Akali shook her head. "I don't understand the language here in Valoran."
Akali can understand Sarah and Jinx's speech, but that doesn't mean she understands the local language.
Valoran is arguably the world's lingua franca, largely due to the Noxians. These people travel the world, invading other nations and bringing Noxus culture and the Valoran language with them.
Upon hearing this, Sarah stepped forward and searched around the white square box. Then, she found a small booklet tucked under the box.
Sarah picked up the booklet and glanced at it before saying, "The Hextech Air Purifier can purify the air in a small area and lower the indoor temperature."
Sarah looked at the booklet and then pressed a button on the white box. The box clicked and then made a whooshing sound from inside.
Akali bent down, looked down at the white box, listened to the sounds inside, and took a deep breath.
"Hmm, the air does seem fresher, with a hint of earthy scent," Akali said to Sarah in surprise, looking up.
Sarah waved her hand in front of the white box and discovered that it was emitting cold air.
"What about that?" Just as Sarah was wondering how the white box was made, Akali pointed to something on the balcony and asked.
Sarah stepped onto the balcony and looked at the square, black metal box that was waist-high to her, with a small booklet on top.
It seems the building manager prepared it for them in advance.
Sarah picked it up and looked at it, then said in surprise, "A washing machine. You plug it in, throw in the dirty clothes, add detergent, press a button, and select a washing mode. Hmm, it's a machine that automatically washes clothes."
"How can there be such a good thing?!" Akali exclaimed in surprise, her mouth agape.
Good heavens, God knows just how much she hates doing laundry!
In the Kinkou Order, washing clothes usually involved taking tools to the river and washing them in icy water, taking ten minutes or more for each garment. But what about Zaun?
Even Zaun has automatic laundry systems now!
Next, Akali and Sarah searched the house for everything. They found a water heater and a bathtub in the bathroom, a stove in the kitchen that could shoot flames when a button was turned, and an air Purification Device in their room, though it was smaller than the white box in the living room.
Sarah was also excited by Zaun's technological products, and for a moment she forgot the anxiety she felt when she first arrived in Zaun and the sadness of leaving Bilgewater.
On the way to the Lian Hua Gang's stronghold, Li Ke saw Jinx ahead, carrying a bag in each hand. They had just bought Li Ke Jinx at the store; don't ask why, Jinx was just craving something sweet.
Zaun has a thriving snack industry with all sorts of delicious foods. Don't worry about whether they're healthy or not, as long as they taste good, that's all that matters.
Li Ke watched with amusement as Jinx skipped and hopped ahead of him. Jinx would run a few steps, then look back at Li Ke, before charging forward again.
"Hurry up, Li Ke!"
Seeing Li Ke taking his time, she turned around and called out to Li Ke, somewhat displeased.
Li Ke, who was also carrying a bag, chuckled and said, "What's the rush? Isha isn't going to run away."
Shaking his head, Li Ke decided to follow Jinx.
But just as Li Ke was about to move, he suddenly froze, his leg raised but stopping in mid-air.
"?"
"Li Ke?"
"What are you doing! Performance art?" Jinx saw Li Ke suddenly freeze, so she ran towards Li Ke with her bag in hand, looking up at Li Ke's surprised face with curiosity.
And what about Li Ke?
He didn't hear Jinx's voice at all because he was looking at the system panel.
[Ding: Special Character Ahri's affection level has exceeded 600, reaching the friend stage (confidant). You have obtained the corresponding Special Character item (Ahri's Memory x1) (Ahri's Token), and her contact information has been unlocked.]
"."
Ahri's favorability rating has surpassed 600?
What's going on?
Li Ke clicked his tongue in amazement, opened his inventory, and reached out to touch two bags piled in the corner. They were two beautiful gift bags, one white and one pinkish-white.
The white one is inscribed with Ahri's Memory, and the other is Ahri's Token.
Each of the images features an adorable Fox head, with the Little Fox opening its mouth as if "howling," its beautiful Big Eyes shining brightly.
At the same time, Soul Blossom.
On the surface of Stillwater Lake, Ahri floated on the water, holding a book and laughing heartily.
Not far from her was the Kindred, also reading a book. One of her long little hooves was treading on the water, while the other little hoof was crossed over her legs as she sat on the soft, cloud-like Wolf Spirit. The Kindred was quietly reading.
"Haha, it's always fun to watch!"
"Hmm, that guy Li Ke, is he done with his business yet? When is he coming to see me? I want to read a new book."
The Fox is noisy, the Kindred is quiet, and the Wolf Spirit is sleepy.
Even among the Deity on Stillwater Lake, there are distinctions.
Seeing the Fox making a fuss, Kindred couldn't help but put down the book. She calmly looked at Ahri. Since there were no outsiders around, Kindred took off her mask, revealing an extremely cute face.
"Fox, are you starting to think about him again?" the Kindred asked.
Ahri, who was lying on the lake, was startled. She sat up, the Little Fox with her legs crossed, her long, pointed snout slightly raised, and said loudly, "Of course, the flow of time in the Soul Blossom is different from that in the outside world. Hmm, for him, it may only be a few days or a month? But for me, it's been another year."
"We shouldn't do this. We're from completely different worlds. It's not good to get too involved," Kindred said after thinking for a moment.
Her face is rather round, and when she speaks, her cheeks puff out slightly, making her look like a little steamed bun.
But in reality, Kindred's expression was cold and indifferent.
Upon hearing Kindred's words, Ahri pitifully picked up the book, drooping her head and pressing her big ears tightly against it. The joy Ahri had felt while reading the book earlier had vanished, and she spoke in a dejected voice.
"I know that, but Kindred, I'm not the same as you. At least you have Wolf Spirit by your side, but I... I have nothing."
"If I hadn't met him, I could have tolerated it, but now things are different," the Fox said earnestly.
Kindred pursed her lips, then shook her head and said nothing more.
From the perspective of the Kindred, the Fox is the most lively of all the Deity in Soul Blossom, because every Deity in Soul Blossom has an unforgettable past, even the Deity of the Kanmei faction, they also have regrets in their hearts, but they have let go of them.
Thresh cold and aloof, Cassiopeia is arrogant, Riven is obsessed with the past, Vayne is trapped in hatred, Yasuo seems to have let go but has locked himself in his memories, Lillia is shy and dares not come out, hiding in the forest, Syndra has lived alone for thousands of years without contact with the outside world, and she and the wolf are also pursuing their memories.
In Soul Blossom, only Teemo can play with Ahri, but Teemo also has his own things to do.
Therefore, Fox are indeed an anomaly in the Lotus World.
Just then, Ahri suddenly cried out.
"Huh?" Ahri suddenly stood up on her own two feet.
"Hmm?" Kindred asked, and then saw the Fox's tail wag.
"Li Ke?" the Fox murmured to itself, a hint of probing in its expression.
Upon hearing the sound, Kindred released her divine sense to perceive her surroundings, but she could not detect Li Ke's aura.
She became curious about the Fox's behavior.
Then she saw the Fox suddenly cheer.
How dare you talk to me like that!
Ahri shouted loudly.