Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 302 - 14 Participant_1

Chapter 302: Chapter 14 Participant_1

The Security Center is located in the southeastern corner of the Second Ring Administrative District and consists of a significant courtyard. The actual elbow room covered by the Security Center’s buildings isn’t substantial, but there are two training arenas within the courtyard, utilized by the security teams for daily drills, giving the area a spacious look.

After they had confirmed their identities and authenticated the emblems, the three of them entered the main gate of the Security Center. The core of the Security Center is a three-storied rectangular building, approximately eighty meters wide, forty meters long, with a height of about ten meters. The entire building is painted sky blue, standing out against the surrounding white or gray buildings and appearing particularly striking.

As the name indicates, the Neville Federation follows a federal system. The majority of the territory within Neville is controlled by thirteen dukes. The rest of the scattered land is dominated by six independent marquises, one of whom is Marquis Snape, an elder relative of Catherine. These dukes and marquises exert absolute control over their respective lands, unquestionable power of appointing and dismissing officials, and the complete right to legislate and enforce laws. They only owe allegiance to the highest governing body—the Neville Federation Rotating Assembly. This rotation assembly consists of representatives of the nineteen dukes and marquises and stands for the united interests of all territories. Of the nineteen, the six marquises do not have executive power but have the right to conduct a vote of impeachment and policy decisions. The thirteen dukes take turns serving as chair for a term of three years, representing the entire nation in decision making. If any chairing duke infringes upon the nation’s interests, the rotating assembly can initiate impeachment through a special meeting. The impeachment proposal requires signatures from at least five assembly members, including the proposer’s. Once submitted, it must be approved by more than thirteen individuals to become effective. Once impeached, a person cannot serve as chair again for their entire life, not until their successor takes over after they are dead.

Due to the unique political system of the Neville Federation, each Duke possesses its own army. Dirsalen, under the Duchy of Winston, is not an exception. However, due to Dirsalen being the capital of the Duchy of Winston and located inland, there is a minimal military presence. The public security of the town and surrounding villages and all of its large and small affairs comes under the responsibility of the Security Center. Incidents of ordinary nature are dealt with by the Security Center of Dirsalen, with the execution being taken over by security centers at various levels in the affiliated towns and villages. Only significant criminal cases are dealt with directly by the Security Center of Dirsalen. Of course, the serial killings across different areas certainly classify as a major criminal event, hence the choice of this venue for the meeting.

"That’s all the background information I know of." Marcia put her hand on the meeting room door and added, "Hopefully, the meeting hasn’t started yet."

As the meeting room door swung open, silence engulfed the room. It was not empty. Everyone was just silent. The meeting room wasn’t particularly large, spanning only around two hundred square meters. The interior was beautifully decorated, giving off the impression of being a small-scale meeting room for higher-ups. The room was filled with thirty-odd people, consisting mainly of individuals in Security Patrol uniforms. Most of them were Bronze Rank professionals, with just three of Silver Rank, apparently representatives of the official Neville. The rest of the people were dressed in various styles, with higher ranks, including a few of Silver Rank and mainly of Gold Rank. These were likely representatives sent by various temples.

Lina and Marcia walked side by side into the meeting room, while Pannis followed half a step behind Lina, her arms crossed, proclaiming the possession of authority through actions. Seeing Lina in the robes of an Earth Goddess priestess, a young man and woman quickly got up and met Lina halfway. In accordance with the teachings of the Goddess, they each made a square with their fingers on their chests and spoke in a low voice, "May the Earth’s mercy be with you, Sage."

"And may the earth forever carry everything." Lina gently returned the gesture. "You two must be the congregants sent by the Archbishop’s Holy See for support. I appreciate your backing. Does the Holy See have any instructions?"

"Sage, the Holy See instructs us to follow all your orders." The two Silver Rank congregants respectfully replied: "Additionally, the Holy See instructs—to act according to your wish. Feel free to withdraw anytime if you deem it necessary."

"I understand, thank you both." Lina nodded with a faint smile, turning her attention to others. By then, Marcia had already taken her seat as a representative from the Hall of War God. There were only six vacant spaces left around the conference roundtable. Anbow from the Temple of Balance sat next to Marcia, still looking charming and attractive as ever. It would be tough for anyone to tell he was a man unless he spoke up. Nestled next to Anbow were four followers of the Wind God: two of Gold Rank and two of Silver Rank. The congregation comprised two men and two women: a Gold Rank female priestess, a Gold Rank male fist fighter, and two Silver Rank warriors. The outfits of followers of the Wind God are primarily light blue, reminding people of the vast blue skies.

"It’s not Cynthia leading the team, and they’ve only sent one Gold and three Silvers." The male fistfighter from the Wind God’s Church scoffed coldly. "They aren’t taking this major event seriously."

"Ben, shut up," the female priestess of the Wind God Church gave a stern response with open eyes. Her blue eyes, akin to a serene lake, echoed a pure heart. After reprimanding her impolite companion without reservations, she gave a polite nod and a smile to Lina, "Because our churches have some minor disagreements during preaching in Neville, some may seem disrespectful. I will apologize on their behalf. Regardless of our differences, I hope we can cooperate whole-heartedly to resolve this problem. I’m Priestess Teresa, Head Priest of the Wind God Church’s temple in Dirsalen."

"Helena, Sage." Lina responded with her own holy smile. "I am not aware of any disagreements, and since we must collaborate, I will give it my all."

"So it’s the Sage." Teresa nodded in realization. "Your church has indeed put thought into selecting its representatives. It appears that we are lacking in comparison. I apologize."

Lina didn’t respond. She simply offered a gracious smile and scanned the room. "Friends from the Art and Music Sect aren’t here yet?"

"I’m here, Miss Sage." The voice came from behind. Lina turned around and realized that she had kept the entryway blocked, and there was a male elf standing behind her at some unknown point. Like most Elves, he was tall and slender, with pointed ears. What set him apart was his appearance. To describe him as handsome would be an understatement, an insult even. The elf outside the door had an ideal appearance and demeanor from a human perspective, with hardly any woman capable of finding any flaws in his face if they were to scrutinize it.

"The believers of Yeda send their greetings to you, Miss Sage." The handsome male elf moved with a rhythmic harmony, appearing like a seasoned professional. Lina found it hard to gauge his true strength. Imitating the human-like behavior of a gentleman, the male elf made a respectful bow, his hand on his chest, "My name is Muir, a chantress from the Yeda Temple. I am pleased to meet you."

"Sorry to have blocked your way." Lina and her group hastily retreated a few steps, speaking with a touch of awkwardness, "I also am pleased to meet you. I look forward to working together in the future."

"Never mind." Muir didn’t pay more attention to Lina; instead, he turned his gaze towards Pannis. Suddenly, his right hand rested on his left shoulder, and he said solemnly, "Mr. Pannis, it has been a long time. I bring you greetings from her Majesty, the Queen."

"Huh." Pannis sighed weakly and used the same greeting in response, "May the forest forever remain green, and arrows ever sharp."

"May your tree of life be everlasting, Mr. Pannis." Muir said with a hint of reverence.

For a moment, every eye in the room focused on Pannis. Muir had been in the meeting room before Lina and her companions arrived. Being the only Legendary Rank professional at the conference, everyone showed him the respect befitting for someone of his status. Even though Muir was as genial and friendly as every other elf, no one dared forget his Legendary Rank status or dare to offend this rather reticent elf. But to everyone’s surprise, such a formidable character showed an incredible amount of respect towards a silver rank professional Pannis, whom no one had heard of before. Additionally, he had just mentioned greetings from her Majesty, the Queen. It seemed that the one currently addressed as her Majesty by the elves was none other than the demigod hero, Flare, known for her flower-like beauty, who was reported to permanently reside in the Elven Royal Court. She was also known to have participated in saving the world.

"Muir, I don’t have an accompanying tree of life. That’s your elves’ characteristic." Pannis scratched his head anxiously, "We’ve seen each other a few times, we are somewhat familiar. There’s no need to be so polite to me."

"No, you are a person revered by her Majesty. I must remain respectful towards you." Muir seriously contradicted him, "Though her Majesty has never met you, your name has often reached the King’s Court in recent years and has been heard by her. This has earned you her profound admiration."

"Are we deaf?" This was a question that everyone in the room, including Lina, couldn’t help but ask themselves. "Why have we never heard of this name before? And according to this legendary rank professional, it’s only been a matter of a recent few years? Who on earth is this person?"

"Then, all I can do is thank the queen for her deep affection." Pannis answered with a bitter smile, his speech suddenly switching to Elvish, and even more specifically, Ancient Elvish. He spoke swiftly and quietly, "Hey, what is this nonsense you are spouting? If I recall correctly, aren’t you clerics forbidden from lying? What’s this about ’recent years’ and ’never meeting each other’? What on Earth are you talking about?"

"Isn’t this just hiding your identity? Let them speculate. And don’t you forget about my faith? The goddess of art and music Lady Yeda. My god has always taught us that appropriate artistic touch and artistic exaggeration are both permissible and necessary." Muir suddenly grinned slyly, patting Pannis on the back. "So, you understand, right? Hehehe."

"Yeda is crying in the Divine Realm right now. Quickly apologize to her! You, the hypocrite believer who distorts the oracle." Pannis rolled his eyes and replied, "Since you first saw me, why are you suddenly launching this combination attack on me?"

"It’s ’cause you stole her Majesty’s heart." Muir grumbled through gritted teeth, "And you haven’t visited her Majesty in a century. Do you know how sad she is? She felt slightly better a few days back when she felt your response. This is punishment for not taking responsibility, understand?"

"But that was a few months ago!" protested Pannis.

"It’s the same, there’s no difference to elves." Muir waved his hand dismissively, "Don’t be a nuisance anymore. Let’s get into the meeting. This matter is serious, and it already has the Royal Court’s attention. We need to take it seriously, for her Majesty’s sake."

"Who’s causing the nuisance, you make that clear to me." The story continues. If you like this piece, feel free to leave a recommendation or a monthly ticket at qidian.com. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.