Weapon seller in the world of magic

Meanwhile, inside the grand courtroom, Shen Ling sat upon the magnificent throne crafted for her, a massive structure of black gold and silver jade, decorated with phoenix motifs.

On her right, Sylvandria sat as the Grand Preceptor, radiating quiet authority. The seat meant for the Supreme Commander remained empty.

Shen Ling’s voice filled the chamber as she reviewed intelligence reports.

”The clans of Red Serpent Valley, the rebels from Longshui Iron Guild, and the remnants of Golden Drake Hall have refused to submit. As if it wasn’t enough, more and more rebel gangs are being absorbed by those. They were receiving more and more financial support and public support in their cities. We cannot allow open rebellion in the Dragon Continent to inspire others. Suggestions?”

As Ministers stepped forward one after another, giving their suggestions, and further bickering among themselves, their discussion was broken by a soldier.

Bursting the door open a bit recklessly, as a soldier rushed in and everyone turned to him, Shen Ling frowned, staring at him, ”What happened? Did any beast go loose or something?”

The soldier answered with hurried breaths, ”Your Majesty! The Supreme Commander has sent word, His Majesty has returned, and she is accompanying him to the palace!”

The room went silent for a moment.

At first, Shen Ling frowned as if she had misheard, but then her breath hitched as realization dawned upon her. She stood up abruptly, ”Lu... Lu Zhen is back...?”

Gasps spread through the hall.

”His Majesty has returned from his trip?”

”What happens now?”

”Her Majesty has heightened our Empire’s reputation to the top. From a single city inside a forest, she made it to the center of the world. If he takes the power away from her, rebellion might occur.”

”But if she doesn’t, the Supreme Commander will rebel. You forgot that true power of our Empire lies in the battle puppets and those four beasts, all of which will side with His Majesty, even including the White Knight.”

”The Supreme Commander might have the military power, but Her Majesty had the support of all the citizens, atleast those who were living here in the Imperial Capital. She elevated everyone’s lifestyle, after all.”

”With Her Majesty’s ambitious personality, I highly doubt she will give up all this. The imperial family is bound to get into conflict now.”

Shen Ling, however, didn’t spare a glance at their reactions.

She descended the steps of the throne with long, steady strides that cracked the composure she tried to hold.

Sylvandria also rose at once, her brows lifted in rare shock. Even Fu Sheng, the White Knight, who usually stood emotionless beneath that armor, blinked in disbelief before following behind.

The entire court trailed her like a long, desperate procession.

They turned corridors and broad hallways, Shen Ling’s pace increasing with every step until the moment she saw both of them.

Alina and Mark looked like they were making their way toward the Harem Quarters, too.

Shen Ling’s composure wavered. Her eyes showed something fragile, something raw. She inhaled deeply, forcing herself to be dignified as she addressed him like a royal queen.

”You have returned, Your Majesty.”

Mark stepped forward, warmth softening his usually calm and sharp gaze. ”And you look well, Ling’er.”

Her lips almost trembled, but she maintained control.

Then his gaze shifted to Sylvandria, who had halted a step behind Shen Ling.

Mark’s expression then turned slightly displeased, but he maintained calmness as he addressed her. ”I heard you had kids, Syl. I didn’t know you had a secret relationship even before I left. It kinda caught me off guard. Frankly, it was kind of disheartening that you kept it from your own best friend...”

Sylvandria instantly stiffened and averted her gaze a bit uncomfortably as she replied. ”The pregnancy was unexpected.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Even the ministers behind her blinked in disbelief, seeing the demigod elf, normally composed and untouchable, flustered in front of him. They were also surprised by how casually he was calling her. In fact, not even the Empress would call Sylvandria by name without using her title as a prefix. Yet, His Majesty, the Founder was addressing with a short name...

As Mark didn’t respond to her answer, the White Knight then stepped forward, dropped to one knee, and bowed deeply. ”Your Majesty...”

Mark smiled warmly at the familiar figure. ”Brother Fu...”

Fu Sheng lowered his head further, voice steady yet respectful. ”I do not deserve such an address, Your Majesty. And... congratulations on attaining immortality.”

The words struck the hall like thunder. Ministers, generals, and courtiers gasped, stunned by the revelation. ”Wha...” ”Did he say immortality?” ”Did His majesty become an immortal?” ”Is that why he has been away for the past year?”

Mutters of disbelief rippled across the entourage, followed by hurried bows and voices offering their congratulations. Even Sylvandria glanced at Mark with widened eyes, unable to hide her genuine astonishment.

Mark raised a hand gently. ”There will be time for all of that later. For now... I need to be alone with my family. Please, excuse us.”

Everyone instinctively looked at Shen Ling.

She held the reigning authority over them, after all. She regained her composure instantly, swept her gaze across the ministers, and commanded, ”Everyone is dismissed.”

The officials bowed and quickly dispersed.

Shen Ling then stepped closer, her voice softer than earlier, and grabbed his arm. ”Come. Let’s go to the Imperial Harem Quarters together.”

Alina bowed lightly. ”I will meet you later after your family visit, big bro... Ahem... Master.”

Mark shot her a look and flicked her forehead. ”Alina, you are my sister. You are part of my family, too. Come with us.”

Alina froze mid-step, eyes softening with subtle emotion as she cutely rubbed her forehead. ”Yes... Big brother.”

Mark then turned to Sylvandria. ”You too, Syl. I would like to meet your children, too.”

Sylvandria swallowed lightly, still flustered from earlier, but gave a small nod. ”Very well. I will arrange that. For now, it’s your family time...”

Mark nodded.

With Shen Ling leading, the group began walking toward the harem quarters, an enormous estate built behind the main palace.

It was sprawling and serene, designed like an ancient imperial garden. Winding stone paths were seen curved between emerald-green bamboo groves, and moon-arched bridges crossed koi-filled ponds. Several elegant courtyard houses stood in clusters, each with its own walls, pavilions, and private gardens.

They walked along the main garden path toward the eastern wing.

There, in one of the courtyards, a group of small children was running in circles, laughing loudly as they played blindfold chase.