The Divine Tree Palace's baptism had not been the end, but more like a confirmation of something. When Neji walked out of that solemn, oppressive area holding the "Stellar Core Mark," he truly sensed a trace of something called "autonomy." Though that autonomy still lay beneath the enormous shadow of the Mother Star, he finally had a small place where he could temporarily catch his breath and manage things according to his own will.
He did not head to Azuremist Star immediately, instead returning to Amaterasu Palace first.
After more than three years apart, the palace remained cold and solemn, as though time had stopped there. Like the most precise clock, Senjumaru was already waiting with a bow in the plaza before the main hall the moment Neji stepped through the palace gates. The old steward seemed to have aged somewhat, yet the shrewdness and steadiness in his cloudy golden eyes had not diminished in the slightest.
"Welcome back in triumph, my lord." Senjumaru's voice carried its usual calm respect.
Neji nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the palace. Everything appeared unchanged from when he had left, yet beneath the Divine Eye, he could detect subtle shifts in the flow of energy, as well as the servants' more disciplined and concealed improvements in aura. Clearly, Senjumaru had not wasted the past three years.
"How are things in the estate?"
"Everything is well. The Starlight Pendant my lord left behind has been remarkably effective. Rock Armor and Shadow Wind have stabilized at the peak of Early Viscount. Mo Yu and Aoba of the Spiritheart Clan have shown considerable improvement in spiritual power and have become increasingly capable in handling affairs. Several servants have also performed outstandingly and have been granted simplified versions of the Starlight Pendant as appropriate."
Senjumaru's report was