Chapter 326: Chapter 286: Elves, Dwarves, and the Princess Arrive in Succession

He took a few steps forward and bowed respectfully.

"Pardon me, miss. Are you from the Giant God Workshop? Are you in the service of Mr. Jon?"

In an instant, all eyes fell on Esra.

The Dwarves and Elves keenly caught the name "Jon." The other onlookers, who had long heard of his fame, were even more intrigued. How could they not be curious, now that a member of the Giant God Workshop was here?

But this was hard on poor Esra. When had the girl ever faced a situation like this?

The dark-haired girl’s brain instantly overloaded.

She nodded vigorously on instinct, too flustered to push up the black-framed glasses that had slipped to the tip of her nose. Her voice, faint as a mosquito’s buzz, was suddenly amplified by the loudspeaker of the Guardian she was nervously controlling.

"Y...yes! I-I-I’ll go back and a-ask... ask Mr. Jon right now!!"

A sharp screech of feedback from the loudspeaker tore through the tense silence. A few of the Elven guards frowned in annoyance, while Brege, after a moment of stunned silence, burst into a coarse laugh that was less mockery than a release of tension.

"Ha! Hear that? The little human girl is as loud as her hunk of iron!"

The tension eased from the Dwarves’ shoulders, and their raucous laughter dispersed the hostile, hair-trigger atmosphere from before.

Even the corners of the mouths of the stern-faced Imperial Knights behind Stier twitched almost imperceptibly.

Only Belina remained calm, her hawk-like eyes scrutinizing the clearly modified Guardian accompanying Esra.

Just as Esra was so mortified she wished she could find a hole to crawl into, a calm and gentle voice, like a stream from the first spring thaw, rang out at the perfect moment.

"Pray forgive my tardiness, Your Excellencies. It is a great discourtesy to be late in welcoming you."

All eyes, Belina’s included, turned toward the far end of the gate’s passageway.

A middle-aged, red-haired man approached with a composed gait, dressed in a dark gray woolen overcoat over a deep green velvet vest.

His hair was impeccably styled, and his green eyes looked all the more profound set against his somewhat pale face. He carried an air of composure that spoke of a man who had weathered many storms, and his presence alone, solid as a bedrock, calmed the turbulent atmosphere.

He walked straight through the crowd, which parted for him, and turned first toward Belina. Placing his right hand over his chest, he executed a flawless aristocratic bow.

"I am Yed Xavier. At the behest of Lord Paris of Birch Town, I am here on behalf of our entire town to welcome Your Highness, Belina Benest, Third Princess of the Empire, on your inspection tour."

"Our failure to greet you sooner is a dereliction of our duty."

Belina’s gaze lingered on Yed for a moment.

She, of course, recognized the renowned president of the Heta County Noble United Commerce Association. The name "Golden Maple Leaf" was practically synonymous with wealth.

No one dislikes wealth, and by extension, no one dislikes those who can bring it.

Even she had long since incorporated the recruitment of Yed Xavier into her grand strategic plans.

Therefore, in response to Yed’s bow, Belina, known for being "iron-blooded," displayed a rare, approachable side.

She dismounted and helped the still somewhat frail man to his feet.

"Thank you for your efforts, Yed. Please lead the way. The Empire awaits Heta County’s return to its former order and prosperity."

"As for these ’Trade Teams’—"

She paused meaningfully, her gaze sweeping over the Elves and then the Dwarves.

"Now that you have set foot on Imperial soil, you are expected to abide by Imperial law. Sir Stier."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Stier immediately snapped to attention.

"Arrange for our men to assist the town guard. Ensure all parties remain orderly and that no further trouble arises."

"As you command!"

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