Chapter 497: Another encounter
In the emperor's study in the Otherworld's Qinggelie Empire, Minister of Ceremonial Affairs Sendeke arrived in haste from the Court of Ceremonial Affairs a little over an hour after His Majesty summoned him.
He was a thin, elderly man. Without his hat, his baldness would likely have made the ridge of his skull quite conspicuous.
The Qinggelie Empire's Court of Ceremonial Affairs was no sinecure. Besides handling official ceremonies, it also oversaw education and culture throughout the country, making it an exceptionally busy department.
"Your Majesty, why have you summoned me?"
The minister was a capable and reliable servant of the throne. Most of the burden of dealing with the aftermath of the purge of the Church's bloated power had fallen on him. He had brought his latest work report, assuming His Majesty wanted to ask about it.
"Sendeke, come here."
The old emperor looked up at the minister and beckoned him closer.
Seeing Wogevde writing with his head lowered, Sendeke grew curious. Apparently, this was not about the Church, or His Majesty would have said so outright, given his temperament.
He slowly took a few steps forward, but an invitation to approach did not mean he would actually walk right up to the emperor. He had to remain at least five paces away.
Sendeke was craning his neck to peer at the desk when he met the old emperor's gaze.
"Why are you standing so far away? Come here."
Wogevde tapped the cloth document in his hand, smiling.
"Sendeke, delegate everything you're currently working on to your subordinates. From now on, I want you to take full charge of this!"
The minister leaned closer and carefully examined the contents of the cloth document. Bewilderment filled his eyes, and they grew wider and wider.
"Your Majesty,