The relevant procedures had been explained in detail to all the team members by the staff before the ceremony began, and they had rehearsed them many times.
Thus, despite standing beneath the gazes of so many high-ranking Imperial figures, the team members remained composed as they stepped forward one after another.
The one presenting their awards was none other than the Crown Prince seated in the central seat of honor, Xu Tianran.
Watching the team members stride onto the stage, Xu Tianran smiled broadly and called out in a ringing voice:
"Everyone, you have brought such a precious championship back to the Empire, making Sun Moon's glory shine all the brighter.
On behalf of the Empire, I salute you!"
Before his subordinates could respond in support, however, several voices rang out:
"Your Highness, is it not somewhat inappropriate for you to begin representing the will of the Empire already?"
"Indeed. His Majesty is still on the throne. For Your Highness to so openly seek to win over talented individuals under such circumstances—if word reaches the court, it may invite suspicions of factional strife."
"Your Highness, you must think this through carefully."
None of those voices were loud, and their tones seemed quite gentle. Moreover, the speakers were all elderly members of the royal family. To an observer, it would have seemed like elders offering guidance and advice to a younger generation.
Yet Ye Luochen could not help raising an eyebrow, his gaze drifting toward Xu Tianran.
He had already received information from Meng Hongchen, so he naturally understood that the power struggle she had mentioned had likely begun.
And it seemed that this group of team members was the fuse for that struggle.
This is troublesome...
Ye Luochen could not help sighing inwardly.
From the current situation, Xu Tianran's intention