The Kingdom of Flowers' Envoys! A Pleasant Conversation

This was the first time Li Huode had formally received representatives of a subordinate kingdom in the great hall.

Kings who stood above everyone in their own countries still had to kneel before the Celestial Dragons as subjects.

It was how they secured their rule.

It went completely against the World Government's founding ideals, yet it was common throughout the world.

"The Heavenly Tribute has arrived."

Li Huode looked at the Flower King, who knelt respectfully below the dais, and spoke in an even tone.

"Please, rise. Bring them seats."

The Flower King was an old man, his weathered face showing the toll that affairs of state had taken on him.

"We of the Flower Family are deeply grateful for Saint Huo De's kindness in offering us seats."

The king and his ministers from the Kingdom of Flowers sat down uneasily.

After the fire at Mary Geoise,

many countries had been ordered to provide additional Heavenly Tribute and even large numbers of laborers

to meet the needs of the Celestial Dragons' reconstruction.

The Kingdom of Flowers had received no such order, so it had paid only the usual amount.

The Flower King had worried ever since that he would be blamed, and had constantly sought news of the Li Family.

Everything he heard was frightening.

Celestial Dragons and government officials alike called Saint Huo De a bloodthirsty tyrant.

They said he was unpredictable, rude even to other Celestial Dragons, and a menace everyone in Mary Geoise feared.

At the same time, as the Gorosei's successor, Li Huode held immense power and could sway their decisions.

The rumor that frightened the Flower King most was that Li Huode had nearly killed the king of the Drum Kingdom on the spot and replaced him.

Celestial Dragons were overbearing, but they still cared