"This is Emperor Star broadcasting, bringing you the latest news from Emperor Star.
"Today's headline: the much-anticipated special task force led by the Empire's hero, the White Ghost, returned safely last night. The heroic return of the White Ghost is expected to reach the surface of Emperor Star at noon.
"Over the past year, following the great Emperor's orders, the White Ghost has traveled back and forth between key areas within the Empire, overseeing the reform of the nobility. He has eliminated thousands of corrupt parasites clinging to the Empire's marrow and has redressed more than three hundred wrongful cases..."
With a soft sound, Yang Ming turned off the hover car's broadcast, smiling as he gazed out the window at the scenery.
Emperor Star hadn't changed at all; it was as busy and oppressive as ever.
Han Yin and Han Xiang, sitting in the driver's and passenger's seats, inexplicably began to grow nervous at this moment.
As Yang Ming was returning to the Imperial Palace to report to the Emperor, they, too, were required to report back to the Antenna Organization.
They both knew that their superiors would surely ask them about their relationship with the White Ghost, specifically if they had developed a sexual relationship. And this was something they couldn't lie about. A simple scan would reveal that they were still pure, likely to be seen as half-hearted in their efforts and inefficient in their work.
But what could they do?
Yang Ming, eager to complete the operation early, hardly gave the special task force any rest time. Moreover, Yang Ming had a habit of going off on his own, leaving them with a mountain of work to handle.
Not to mention, they had encountered a series of crises, even small-scale space battles, frequent assassination attempts, and poisonings, leaving them constantly fearful. They had to stand guard in shifts even when sleeping, without any chance to overthrow the White Ghost.
And most important of all... Captain Catherine spent most of her time by the White Ghost's side.
This couple was as close as paint to the wall, respectful to each other, inseparable wherever they went. It wasn't like they could just go over and cheer them on when the two were resting.
At first, they thought the White Ghost was humble, not greedy for fame or achievement, and wanted to lift them up.
But gradually they became certain...
The White Ghost simply wanted to be a hands-off manager!
"Tsk, this is going to be a big trouble."
Han Yin on the passenger seat thought more and more about it, and couldn't help but raise her hand to her forehead, letting out a soft groan from her nose.
Yang Ming chuckled and wondered, "You two sisters have made so much progress this past year, why the long faces?"
Han Yin hummed, "The most important task hasn't been completed, we'll definitely be held accountable when we return."
Han Xiang, who was driving, laughed, "Actually, it won't be a big deal, worst case, we just give up the reward."
"How can you just give up the reward? You two did all the work, and in the end, you get no reward? That doesn't seem right to me, I certainly can't abide by that."
Yang Ming raised his eyebrows, probably understanding what the task these two maids had on them.
He laughed, "Don't worry, when we get out of the car, we'll act a little more intimate, that should probably help you bluff your way through."
Han Xiang almost flew the car off the fast lane.
"Forget, forget it," Han Xiang said in a soft voice, her pretty face inexplicably blushing.
Although she had become quite familiar with Yang Ming, she was not yet able to match even one percent of Boss Yang's thick-skinned finesse.
Han Yin sighed deeply, "Yeah, forget it, what does the reward matter to us? What reward could they possibly offer us? We are Imperial Palace maids, our very existence is to be loyal to the Emperor. The Emperor has bestowed us upon the Empire's hero, yet the Empire's hero treats us like laborers. Well, that's just the way it is." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novèlfire.net
"You little comrade always had a problematic outlook."
Yang Ming leaned forward, resting his hands on the seats to either side, and said earnestly:
"Being loyal to the Emperor is our duty. The Emperor didn't 'bestow' you to anyone; you are independent human beings, with your own personalities.
"The Emperor simply transferred you to work by my side, and I gave you the opportunity to make a name for yourselves.
"You need to learn to be grateful, do you understand gratitude?"
"Pfft! All you know is how to sweet-talk people!"
Han Yin, irritated, turned to grab Yang Ming, but he calmly dodged backward and tapped her hand, causing her enough pain to almost cry.
Yang Ming shook his head at this.
Among his beautiful subordinates, Han Yin was the most unique, with the least strength and the biggest temper, nothing like Agent 026.
When he had time later, he would arrange for 026 to give them some intense training.
However, East Wind was a place one could enter but not leave; they weren't ready to be exposed to his core secrets yet.
In front of the palace gate, the court guards stood quietly. As Yang Ming's vehicle approached, a group of soldiers raised their oddly shaped metal longswords, and the bands on both sides played a loud symphony.
Han Yin and Han Xiang both got out and opened the door for Yang Ming.
Yang Ming did as promised, slightly shifting his arms so that the sisters could take his arms on both sides.
Helping others is purely about helping others.
Han Yin and Han Xiang had just entered the Imperial Palace when they were called away by a middle-aged maid.
The Emperor had prepared a grand banquet for Yang Ming, and a host of newly powerful nobles of Emperor Star had already gathered half an hour early to await Yang Ming's arrival.
Beneath Yang Ming's feet, steps that continuously changed colors led to the end of the staircase, where the grand and solemn Emperor's office hall stood.
After a few announcements and responses,
At the end of the staircase, Yang Ming looked up to see the bustling crowd inside the hall and the quietly seated Emperor on the high seat.
Standing at the door, Yang Ming gave a military salute of the Empire, stepped in, and bowed as an Honorary Earl, offering his respect to the Emperor.