About an hour later, the Mana Sedan carrying Grand Duke Galbutte finally rolled slowly through the gates of Wimbledon's First Steelworks.
The crowd, who had waited eagerly for well over two hours, hurried forward to greet him. Smiles covered every face, and no one dared show the slightest impatience over the long wait.
The first to greet him was neither the factory manager nor any other member of the First Steelworks' leadership, but Marquis Askend, the current minister of the Candel Empire's Magic Industry Administration Department.
This commemorative event at Wimbledon's First Steelworks hardly required the personal attendance of such a powerful marquis, whose influence extended throughout the Candel Empire. But once he learned that even Grand Duke Galbutte would attend, he decided without hesitation to come as well.
With these two important figures attending, the commemorative event quickly became one of the most important recent occasions in Wimbledon City, and indeed throughout the Candel Empire, attracting countless people's attention.
Although Grand Duke Galbutte's unexpected lateness had delayed the proceedings somewhat, no one dared blame him. After a brief pause, the event immediately resumed according to schedule.
After stepping out of the car and greeting everyone, Grand Duke Galbutte intended to follow the arrangements and deliver his prepared speech. But when he stepped onto the speaker's platform, he spotted an unexpected guest.
"Oh, my dear Miss Freya, I never expected you to attend this event too. What a surprise." Grand Duke Galbutte wore a brilliant smile, far warmer than any he had shown the others, as he approached Freya, who had already risen.
Freya returned an equally flawless, sunny smile and greeted Grand Duke Galbutte with an elegant bow.
"Your Grace, I decided at the last minute to attend on behalf of our Xinfei Merchant Guild. It's hardly surprising that