The Brant royalty and the Prime Minister having lunch together wasn't a fixed tradition of the Empire, but it was one of the informal meeting formats within Brant's constitutional democracy.

The private lunch provided an informal environment for the Emperor and the Prime Minister to discuss important imperial matters and policy issues in a more relaxed atmosphere.

In Brant's constitutional system, the current Emperor, Empress Kexiya, plays an important ceremonial role, while the actual administrative power is mainly concentrated in the hands of the Prime Minister and his parliament.

Nevertheless, Empress Kexiya maintains a deep interest and influence in national affairs.

The Prime Minister regularly reporting government affairs to the Emperor is part of the Brant Empire's political tradition.

Brant Imperial Capital, Salem Palace.

Originally built as a large city-state residence for a duke, it was later acquired by the royal family and gradually expanded into the palace it is today.

Ranchi's footsteps echoed in this palace.

He walked forward unhurriedly, led by the steward.

Today, this building is not only the residence of the Brant Empire's monarch, but also a symbol of Brant's national identity and royal traditions.

After Ranchi left the Capitol Building, he was sent to Salem Palace by his secretary to meet the Empress.

It was lunchtime.

Soon, he arrived in a magnificent dining room, filled with the faint fragrance of classical furniture, and tall windows brought in soft, natural light, reflecting on the royal tablecloths and silverware.

"Lord Wilford, please sit."

Empress Kexiya noticed Ranchi and gestured to him.

Her posture appeared dignified, noble, and aloof.

"Thank you, Your Majesty Kexiya."

Ranchi sat on the other side of the long table and looked up.

The young Empress opposite him exuded a sense of humility in her demeanor, with her satin-like brown hair woven into intricate knots, inlaid with sparkling gems and pearls, her bright eyes, a distinct blue, appeared witty and insightful.

But she seemed slightly nervous and cautious.

There was a long silence between the two of them.

As if waiting for the servants to bring up today's lunch, or as if they were both thinking.

Apart from the Prime Minister's appointment ceremony, the two of them had had almost no interaction before.

Today was their first lunch together.

In theory, such lunches or similar private meetings provide a platform for the Empress and the Prime Minister to exchange views. The Prime Minister can use this occasion to introduce the parliament's policy directions, the development of major domestic and foreign events, and the challenges and decision-making considerations that may be faced to the Emperor. For the Emperor, it is also an important channel to understand the operation of government affairs and the state of the country, so the Prime Minister should usually speak first.

In addition, this meeting also helps to maintain the personal relationship between the Emperor and the Prime Minister and maintain smooth communication between the parliament and the royal family. Although Empress Kexiya does not directly participate in political decision-making, as a symbol of the country and a symbol of unity, a good relationship with the ruling Prime Minister is of great significance to the stability of the country and the trust of the people.

The problem is that Empress Kexiya still maintains a difficult-to-agree attitude towards the election of Wilford as Prime Minister.

In her eyes, Wilford is a man with a not-so-clean resume, an indecisive stance, and is elusive. Many people around her call him a madman.

But apart from him, no one dared to take on such an important task at this point in time.

"Speaking of which, is Your Majesty Kexiya hungry now?"

Ranchi suddenly asked.

This question stunned Empress Kexiya.

The cat boss in Ranchi's shadow was also stunned.

Do you treat all girls like Tata?

Hey, this is the Empress, at least change the opening topic when chatting with her!

"Is Lord Wilford not feeling hungry yet?"

Empress Kexiya thought about the other party's motives for a while and asked back.

"No, I'm looking forward to having lunch with Her Majesty the Empress as soon as possible. The work in the morning has made me dizzy."

Ranchi shook his head, revealing a slightly tired smile,

"I just think that Your Majesty probably doesn't like to chat while eating. If we don't open our mouths to chat with you for a while now, our entire lunch process may be very silent later."

Sometimes asking a question that is not related to current important matters can ease the atmosphere a lot and divert the other person's attention.

Especially useful for certain women.

"Indeed."

Empress Kexiya nodded.

She really wasn't the type to talk while eating, and Wilford seemed to be used to it as well. By stating this in advance, there wouldn't be any awkwardness if both parties ate quietly on their own later.

"Actually, I think Your Majesty should be quite aware of the situation in the Brant Empire. I won't go into too much boring and uninteresting information that you already know. If you have any curious things, please feel free to ask me at any time. I will definitely answer everything I know."

Ranchi continued slowly, seeing that the Empress's posture was slightly more comfortable.

"..."

Empress Kexiya nodded silently, looking at the other party,

"Lord Wilford, if not as allies, but as friends, you are more approachable than I imagined."

The lunch, which was originally expected to be a difficult test, became much easier. They could either not talk or only talk about topics she wanted to talk about.

Finally, she had a moment to carefully observe the black-haired, green-eyed man sitting opposite her.

However, to her surprise, this man she feared seemed to hold the same awe for her.

Although he was wearing a neat suit, maintaining respect and etiquette on the outside, his eyes still revealed humility and sincerity. Obviously, he attached great importance to this private meeting.

"If possible, I hope I never have to use my talents. The best Brant Empire is one that doesn't need me."

Ranchi said frankly.

"Do you know? The conservatives now regret electing you as the new Prime Minister because of your speech this morning."

Kexiya could see that, unlike the vast majority of imperial nobles, he had a sense of responsibility but no ambition, which may be why he was envied and ostracized by some people.

Of course, many people had also anticipated this. Once Wilford helped them through the Empire's difficulties, he wouldn't be obsessed with the power in his hands and could be asked to step down soon.

"But expressing my true thoughts is imperative."

Ranchi replied firmly.

"You shouldn't mislead the masses."

Empress Kexiya originally didn't intend to bring up this topic, which might make them part on bad terms, in this meeting, but now she felt that Wilford wasn't a man without magnanimity, and some things should indeed be discussed with him openly.

She was referring to the fact that Ranchi didn't reveal to the public that the Honing Empire had officially attacked the northern border of the neighboring Kingdom of Bliss last night. Instead, he stated that once the Honing Empire began to threaten them, the Brant Empire would launch a full-scale counterattack and would never allow the Honing Empire's claws to stretch into the land guarded by their Brant Empire's ancestors for generations.

"But this can boost morale and arouse everyone's will to resist. We cannot surrender without a fight."

Ranchi's tone softened a bit as he said to Empress Kexiya.

"..."

Empress Kexiya, who had originally planned to continue questioning him, felt her words stuck in her throat.

She saw that Lord Wilford was clearly saying the toughest words, but with the attitude of a child admitting his mistake, which made Empress Kexiya feel distressed. This kind of unspeakable, lonely, and humble burden of supporting the entire structure.

It was clear that blaming him now would only make it more difficult for him to move forward.

After thinking about it carefully, what he said did make sense, but it was basically determined to be prepared for a vigorous resistance.

"I'm sorry, Lord Wilford, I didn't consider your situation."

She looked at Ranchi's tired eyes, and guilt arose spontaneously.

Cat Boss: "???"

In just a few minutes, it could no longer see Kexiya's initial wariness towards Ranchi.

The other party even started wanting to get closer to him instead.

With Hyperion not around, he started to improvise freely. This guy has probably recovered half of his peak skills in the Northern Continent!

Three updates today, two more chapters later.

(End of this chapter)