The Duke

"I am the border inspector. You may call me Mahas Dele."

The bearded man spoke in fluent Stuttgartian.

This language was similar to Doro, though more orthodox and closer to Ancient Shiru.

The delegation members were all elites from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proficient in many languages, so they naturally understood him.

The middle-aged, bearded man clasped his hands behind his back and approached the delegation. Addressing the violet-eyed young man at the front, he added, "Then... you must be Mr. Gilan Iros, hailed as the youngest and most outstanding foreign minister in Bremen's history?"

"You flatter me," Gilan replied modestly.

He took the initiative to extend his hand.

But Mahas merely lowered his eyes to glance at it, then smiled without making any move to respond.

Gilan maintained his smile and quietly withdrew his hand, showing neither anger nor embarrassment.

However, behind him, Lainis, Moody, and the other delegation members all frowned.

They had come all the way as Bremen's envoys, yet the other side did not even observe the most basic etiquette... Gilan had offered a gesture of goodwill, only to be completely ignored.

There was something strange about this.

"Distinguished foreign guests, orders have recently come down from above. Border inspections of incoming personnel are to be strengthened."

Mahas spoke expressionlessly.

"Even given your special status, no exceptions can be made. Therefore, please cooperate with our work and follow the staff to a secure room for inspection."

"Heh." Moody gave a cold laugh and said flatly, "I have never heard of diplomatic visitors being subjected to such high-pressure inspections... Are you deliberately making things difficult for us and humiliating us?"

"Oh, you misunderstand, sir."

Mahas raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

He looked surprised and utterly innocent.

"We have absolutely no such intention. In