The operation against the Hollows begins

Inside a small conference room at City Hall.

There were no media, no reporters, no sea of spectators in the room, only Meflor and Griseo. Even Servilian and Ithaqua had withdrawn to stand by the door.

Meflor held a deep-blue velvet tray bearing a medal modeled after Fire Moth's insignia. The moth's dark-gold wings gleamed warmly under the lights.

"Your Highness."

Meflor bowed slightly and said, "You will assume the special City Hall position of [Flame-Chaser]. Your title will be [The Stars' Illustrated Scroll].

This position stands independent of every City Hall institution and is subject to no individual or department's orders.

You will also hold City Hall's highest level of independent law enforcement authority, with the right to mobilize its resources without undergoing any approval procedures.

You may exercise this authority to pass judgment on any act that endangers New Eridu."

Meflor presented the medal along with an officially stamped document. "Please accept this medal, Your Highness."

"All right!"

Since Meflor had shown his sincerity, Griseo was willing to return that respect. She reached out, picked up the medal, and pinned it inside her collar, close to her heart.

Although the medal was a replica, the familiar moth still brought back some very distant memories. After all, before she departed on the Ark Project, Hua had personally handed her that Fire Moth insignia.

Once the brief investiture ceremony ended, Meflor took a step back and bowed slightly again. "Your Highness, from this moment on, you and I will paint New Eridu's future together."

"Mr. Mayor, I hope you won't disappoint me. My brush only paints colors worth preserving." With that, Griseo turned and walked toward the door.

"I understand," Meflor replied with a smile, following slowly behind her.

By the entrance, Ithaqua and Servilian noticed that the ceremony had