Yang Ming wondered, "Some of the embezzled funds here went to the Elder Court?"
"Yes, boss," 026 said, "Let's just say, the Great Elder didn't die unjustly, it was all done by his subordinates' subordinates' subordinates' subordinates."
Yang Ming cursed a few times with expletives.
026 laughed, "Let me tell you some good news to cheer you up."
"Miss Mimili is about to arrive on Saka Star, carrying a few ships' worth of legitimately purchased supplies," 026 laughed, "She heard about the need for people to assassinate officials here and volunteered to come help."
Yang Ming laughed, "It's also good for her to come and see the state of the world."
026 continued, "Additionally, His Majesty Edwan is asking when you will have time, as the Luofeng Empire's alliance ceremony is scheduled to proceed. The timing is now ripe, the four countries have reached a consensus among their people, and all the capitalists are waiting for this feast."
Yang Ming raised an eyebrow and laughed:
"Although there's a lot of stuff going on here, there's not much that requires my appearance. I'll just have a bionic robot come and take my place later.
"However, Princess Daphne will arrive here at dawn, so I need to deal with her first; let's wait until she leaves." The source of thɪs content is NoveI★Fire.net
"Then shall I reply that the time is uncertain and you will return soon?"
"Reply that way," Yang Ming laughed, "This is a major event for Edwan in his lifetime, I definitely must go over to witness it."
026 blinked, "Isn't His Majesty Edwan working for you too?"
"That's different," Yang Ming said, "Edwan and I are partners, comrades–not vassals."
"Hmm, His Majesty Edwan said the same thing, I heard it while eavesdropping on them."
After reporting the work, 026 quietly left;
A few minutes earlier, Yang Ming had already fallen asleep, sprawling out like a 'T' on the bed, his nose emitting a slight snoring sound.
Early the next morning, Yang Ming was woken up by Han Yin and Han Xiang's frantic knocks on the door.
Princess Daphne's flagship had already landed on the surface of Saka Star, and a small convoy of airships was heading their way. Not only did Yang Ming, as an Earl, not go to greet them, but he was even sound asleep here.
Han Yin and Han Xiang hurriedly dressed Yang Ming in his formal attire and washed his face.
Suffering from yawns, Yang Ming went to the hotel entrance hungry, and although he was quite displeased inside, he still maintained the basic etiquette of a noble.
This was the White Ghost's first formal meeting with Princess Daphne.
Saka Star seemed to oblige, rarely showing a blue sky with white clouds, while a stroke of golden sunlit light slanted across the city, adding a touch of grandeur to the gray buildings.
——Actually, it was because Daphne's escort fleet broke open the clouds above the city when they entered the atmosphere, and it would soon become overcast again with a likely chance of acid rain.
Yang Ming managed to squeeze in another nap while standing there.
"Boss! Princess is here!"
"Hmm?" Yang Ming opened his eyes, seeing that the small airship had already descended boldly into the large parking lot in front of the hotel.
The anti-gravity engine of the airship was surprisingly quiet, which amazed Yang Ming.
The cabin door opened, and two maids emerged first to inspect the safety of the ladder, then stood quietly to the side.
Daphne bent down to exit the cabin, clad in a plain white fluffy long dress with a light red cape over her shoulders. Her snow-white skin glistened under the sunlight, and her beautiful face captivated the hotel doormen.
Daphne paused on the gangway for a few seconds.
Normally, in such a situation, a noble gentleman would trot over, gracefully place his right hand behind his back, and extend his left hand to assist her down the mere five steps of the metal ladder.
But Yang Ming stood there smiling innocently.
Daphne smiled and said, "Lord Earl, aren't you supposed to come over and help me down?"
Yang Ming replied, "I wouldn't want to take away your maids' job."
The two maids quickly stepped forward to assist.
Daphne gracefully descended the gangway, every move so elegant and yet exuding a natural 'frailty.'
She seemed to embody a spirit.
However, the elegance lasted only a few seconds before she was told by her maids that she must wear a mask with an air purification system, and her lovely face turned slightly red.
Yang Ming guessed correctly... she was having an allergic reaction.
"Please come inside, Princess. I've prepared a splendid hotel breakfast for you," Yang Ming laughed, "The situation on Saka Star is rather dire, so I hope you'll forgive any lack of hospitality."
"You're kidding, Lord Earl. This is a gift from me to you."
Behind Daphne, two maids carried trays to Yang Ming.
The trays only contained two pieces of paper.
Yang Ming wondered, "Love letters?"
Daphne was momentarily stunned, averting her gaze, then frowned, "You're quite impolite."
"Sorry, what are they?"
Daphne smiled, "One is a list; there will soon be a transport fleet arriving here to deliver some military supplies. These military supplies are nearing expiration and will be sold to the public at low prices."
"Thank you. And the other?"
"It's a governor's appointment, with the Imperial Government Affairs Department's seal, but the name is blank."
"The situation on Saka Star is quite special. Life is difficult, and the post-disaster reconstruction work has stalled, so there shouldn't be a divide between the lord and the administrative chief.
"Don't worry, it's all part of the normal process, with help from Uncle Eno."
"Thank you," Yang Ming took the appointment and, after thinking for a moment, beckoned for someone nearby, and wrote a name on it.
Daphne smiled, "As I guessed, Viscount Godoy Saka."
Yang Ming chuckled, "No one is more suitable to be this planet's administrative chief than him."
At this moment, he even felt that although Daphne the Princess had cunning in every step, she was actually quite decent.
No matter her intentions, she helped the people here.
"Please come in; let's have a good breakfast."
Daphne frowned, "Were you really intending to fill me up with hotel breakfast?"
"Indeed," Yang Ming shrugged, "I just woke up, with no time to prepare."
Just as he spoke, 026 suddenly shimmered into view, nodded at Yang Ming, and pointed to the sky.
Yang Ming turned his head skyward.
The clouds were just about to close, but a gap remained.
He saw clearly, a sea urchin-shaped object was entering the outer atmosphere, the outer protective shield and atmosphere friction creating a faint 'outline glow.'
"Boss, Captain Catherine has arrived."
Daphne's smile momentarily stiffened.