"Good day, Your Excellency Roland."
On the campus of the Royal Magic Academy.
In the guest villa district.
Under the watchful eyes of the security specialists, staff wheeled in a dining cart, followed by a group of beautiful girls in maid uniforms.
With deft, brisk movements, they took out Roland's lunch and arranged it on the long table. A designated specialist then tested it for poison and inspected it.
Roland sat nearby, leisurely reading a dossier.
It contained student information he had just received. Master Augut had been trying to place them under his tutelage and had long since made meticulous preparations.
"When expatriates abroad hold vast wealth, meddle in policy above, and interfere in the people's affairs below, the state may fall."
This passage came from "Portents of Ruin" in the Han Feizi. Rendered in plain English, it meant that when people who had fled abroad transferred their wealth overseas yet still dictated national affairs, the country might be doomed.
The moment Roland finished reading the dossier, that passage sprang to mind.
"It seems Sinvira's problems are far more serious than we previously anticipated.
This Magic Empire reached the high-magic stage many years ago and has accumulated quite a few deep-rooted problems.
But I never expected all of them to erupt at this critical moment."
"Surely it isn't quite that serious."
A High Mage in the delegation smiled as he spoke to Roland.
He, too, had just heard that Master Augut wanted to place some people under Roland.
Roland had summoned him to explain Atrelin's policies on foreign students, as well as the customary treatment of the children of foreign dignitaries and prominent figures.
"They simply want a channel through which those students can burnish their credentials.
They chose you because they value your achievements and reputation in the