Sparta, Thragg, Clayton, and the others chatted late into the night, while the windows of the reception hall reflected the Imperial Palace's eternal lights.
Clayton really did sneak away with one of the high-backed chairs. Watching him leave, Thragg merely snorted through his nose and could not be bothered to pursue the matter.
Nolan stood shoulder to shoulder with Sparta and asked curiously, turning his head:
"Captain, are you sleeping at the Recruit Company tonight? Or are you going to Marshal's Estate? Even after you left, someone still comes to clean regularly."
The corridor was not long, and the three of them soon walked out of the Imperial Palace gates and stood beneath the night sky.
"Marshal's Estate. It's time I went back to take a look."
They talked as they walked, and before long, they parted ways. Nolan and Clayton still lived at the Recruit Company, while Sparta headed alone to Marshal's Estate.
After entering the estate, Sparta yawned, washed up briefly, and soon fell into a deep sleep after lying down.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed.
News of Sparta's return had already spread throughout the Viltrumites. However, it did not cause much of a stir, because they knew the Marshal would eventually return to the Empire.
As for Sparta's return, it was simply what should have happened.
"Craig, shouldn't you find yourself a woman? You became the Marshal's deputy for the sake of the Viltrumite Empire, and having children is also a way to contribute to the Empire."
"When it comes to getting married and having children, you're the only one I have any confidence in. No one else can compare to you. They can't even see your exhaust fumes."
"Don't disappoint me."
Afternoon sunlight streamed into the office. Sitting behind his desk, Sparta