That evening, Felix had a long and meaningful conversation with Ines. In the quiet intimacy afterward, Ines bluntly listed the women within Tomorrow's Development who still harbored feelings for him.
This "interest" was not casual admiration but the desire to pursue a deeper relationship. As Felix listened, he realized that nearly all of them were women he had once favored. The Sarkaz who had followed him from the very beginning, like Mudrock, were obvious. Even the Northwind Witch, Qalaiša, seemed to show a noticeable fondness for him.
Compared to the past, Felix no longer dwelled so heavily on the idea of a harem. Since taking on the mantle of leadership, he had come to understand just how many responsibilities rested on his shoulders. There were endless matters to handle, policies to weigh, and principles to master in order to become a qualified ruler. At times, he wished he could remain in his office twenty-four hours a day, dividing his time equally between administrative duties and drafting blueprints. If he could split himself in two, he would. With so much to accomplish, how could he deliberately devote time to courting women?
Yet what he had now was not something hollow. The relationships within his harem were built on mutual affection. When he was with them, their warmth eased his exhaustion and steadied him for the road ahead.
In that regard, Felix considered himself fortunate. He had once heard Wei Yenwu complain about the common intrigues within the Emperor of Yan's harem. Outwardly, the consorts were harmonious and respectful, but much of it stemmed from arranged political marriages. Women from different noble families were bound to the palace, deprived of freedom in choosing their spouses and confined for life. Peaceful coexistence with the Emperor was sufficient; love was never a consideration.
Perhaps that was also why Wei Yenwu had accepted his decision to bring Ch'en into the harem.
Kazdel, too, possessed its own "family" in the form of the Royal Court. Felix reflected on this. Although he had secured their loyalty, did he truly need to follow Yan's example and demand a political marriage from among them?
He felt it unnecessary. He already held control over Kazdel's territory. Such thoughts had crossed his mind when he first assumed authority, but circumstances had changed. Support was no longer lacking, and several members of the Royal Court genuinely admired him and wished to stand at his side.
After spending two days of leisure in Kjerag, Felix made up for the time with Ines, who had remained by his side throughout. They wandered through the streets and quiet alleys together, talking about trivialities and distant ambitions alike. At times, they spoke not a word, simply standing together to watch the falling snow.
Ines was a mature woman. She understood Felix's burdens and the trials he faced. She also grasped the weight of the authority Felix carried. Because of this, she understood him.
Their time together was relaxed and natural, reminiscent of Felix's closeness with Loughshinny, though not identical. Felix had once been Loughshinny's teacher, which created an unspoken dynamic of guidance and leadership.
With Ines, however, the dynamic shifted. She voiced her own opinions freely, offering suggestions and insights. Felix could let go of constant calculation and simply follow her lead at times.
The nights were filled with intense passion. Eventually, W could no longer endure her silent resentment. Ever perceptive and always nearby, she had immediately understood the situation when she saw Felix and Ines holding hands. Though she cursed Ines inwardly, her pride would not allow her to retreat. That night, she knocked on Felix's door, and, as expected, found herself welcomed without delay.
Two days before departure, Felix and Enciodes met once more at the negotiation table. This time, it was to formally sign the agreement and initiate future cooperation. They discussed details for an entire day and night, so absorbed in their exchange that even after dinner the conversation continued. Only Felix's final yawn brought it to a reluctant halt.
The year 1097 drew to a close. Standing by the window and gazing at the lights of Turicum, Felix let out a quiet breath. The coming year would be one of blood and fire.
On the morning of the new year, Felix rose early with Ines and W, who were temporarily sharing his bedroom. After washing, they made their way to the shrine dedicated to Kjeragandr to pay their respects. She had chosen an early hour deliberately to avoid long lines and to avoid encountering other operators from Tomorrow's Development.
It was here that he had once met the Kjera, eventually bringing her into Tomorrow's Development. The memory felt both baffling and strangely beautiful, a reminder of how unexpected terran connections could be.
Before the statue of Kjeragandr, which seemed to have grown thinner once again, Felix bowed slightly, offering silent blessings for Kjerag. Afterwards, he followed the clergy to the rest hall behind the temple for morning tea.
As the cold wind swept outside, Felix felt a rare sense of tranquility. Kjerag held a special place in his heart. On this land of Terra, so often clouded by corruption and strife, to stand beneath snow-capped mountains and feel the crisp mountain breeze was something that stirred both gratitude and quiet awe.
The journey through Kjerag came to an end, and the crew of Tomorrow's Development returned to the Venus. Enciodes personally saw them off time and again. After watching Felix depart, his eyes grew moist, and he let out several long sighs.
Someone nearby asked, "Leader, why are you sighing?"
Enciodes replied quietly, "After this farewell, I don't know when we will meet again."
He shook his head, then glanced at the people standing on either side of him. "Cut down these trees. They're blocking my view of my brother."
"Leader, this is bad!"
A man hurried over in alarm. Enciodes frowned slightly. "What happened?"
"Saintess Karlan has disappeared!"
"Disappeared?" Enciodes's voice rose sharply.
A flicker of anger flashed in his eyes. "Enya is gone? Doesn't she always have attendants with her?"
"Yes… yes!" the man panted. "People from the Vine-Bear Court saw Saintess Karlan had quietly boarded the train and left with the agents of Tomorrow's Development.
For a moment, Enciodes's vision darkened. He took two deep breaths. "Where is her maid?"
"Um… she seems to have followed her."
His fists tightened again and again. Whenever the matter involved his sister, his temper became impossible to suppress.
Enya had most likely slipped away with her allies to enjoy herself. The incident did not truly harm him; in fact, he could have taken advantage of her absence to pressure the Vine-Bear Court and test their limits. Yet the thought that Enya could remain constantly at his ally's side left him deeply unsettled.
He could not travel alongside his allies. Was it because he did not wish to? No. It was because he could not.
With that realization, Enciodes sighed once more. He was burdened by endless responsibilities and unable to leave. Never had he expected to fall into his own sister's scheme. He would repay this humiliation tenfold next time.
Back aboard the Venus, Felix checked on Theresa's condition. She had awakened only once, eaten a little, and then fallen back into a deep sleep that had lasted more than ten days. Fortunately, the data displayed on the intelligent device indicated steady improvement. After sufficient rest, Theresa would eventually be able to leave her bed and move freely again.
Returning to Kazdel brought great comfort to many veteran operators aboard the Venus. A significant number of them were Sarkaz; for them, it felt like coming home. Others were long-time members of Tomorrow's Development who had followed Felix for years. As Kazdel developed under his rule, it gradually became their primary city as well. Some had even saved for a long time just to purchase newly built homes on the outskirts of Kazdel.
About ten days later, the Venus arrived outside the mobile city of Kazdel. Even before her arrival, the familiar yet distant tremor of the land had spread through the streets. Some Sarkaz initially feared a natural disaster, but others quickly explained that it was the return of the King of Kazdel and his Venus.
Official notices were posted throughout the streets, and guards reassured the public that this was no catastrophe, but the arrival of their ruler. The residents soon calmed down, though their composure did not last long. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the legendary king. Many had attended previous welcoming ceremonies and had seen Felix before, but others, newly joined to the mobile city, had only heard his name in stories. Now they finally had the chance to see him in person.
Hoederer promptly left the city to receive him. He led all the personnel currently on duty out to the disembarkation zone of the Venus and waited there with utmost respect. His deferential posture startled several executives of Tomorrow's Development who knew him well. Was this really Hoederer? When had he become so adept at flattery?
Of course, flattery aside, such conduct was basic etiquette for an acting city lord. It was also a political statement, signaling to all observers that he would return authority to His Highness without hesitation.
"Your Highness, you have finally returned."
Dressed in a formal uniform, Hoederer bowed deeply before Felix, his tone sincere and respectful. "Upon learning of Your Highness's return, the citizens of Kazdel have spontaneously gathered in the streets to welcome you."
"Hoederer, you've worked hard these past days."
Felix gently patted his shoulder. Hoederer's body trembled slightly, and a faint joy appeared on his face at being acknowledged.
"You may stand behind me in a moment."
Hearing this, Hoederer was overjoyed. After all, who usually stood behind Felix? Either elite military officers such as Degenbrecher or Margaret, who served as bodyguards, or administrative aides like Loughshinny or Anthony. Anthony, of course, was a special case, as he was equally capable in combat.
But for Hoederer, a Sarkaz with no wealth or influential background, being allowed to walk behind His Highness was already a tremendous honor.
Each time Felix returned to Kazdel, he was met with a grand welcome, and this occasion was no different. The streets overflowed with Sarkaz eager to catch a glimpse of the legend who lived in their hearts. Felix did not restrain his smile; he waved warmly and greeted the citizens one by one.
The young Sarkaz men were filled with excitement, convinced that their king carried the bearing of a true king. In that moment, questions of racial conflict faded from their minds. All they wanted was to follow this legend and build a brighter future for Kazdel. The Sarkaz women blushed, their hearts racing, each like a blossom awaiting the attention of their king, openly displaying their joy and admiration before him.
Before long, Felix ascended the steps of the White Capitol Building. He glanced back at the dense crowd, offered a final wave and smile, then stepped onto the red carpet and entered.
Such a welcome strengthened Felix's confidence in Kazdel's future. Though the nation's foundation remained fragile, it possessed many capable individuals and relatively few parasites. There was no force like the Vine-Bear Court to openly oppose him, nor did Kazdel resemble a vast empire like Yan, where a sprawling territory meant countless officials, and countless officials inevitably meant countless corrupt elements.
Felix first summoned Hoederer, the seasoned mercenary who had proven his talent in governance and demonstrated the ability to guard a region. After careful consideration, Felix decided to transfer him to the Venus for a period of observation, postponing a final decision until after the Victoria incident.
Hoederer was overjoyed to receive Felix's recognition. However, when he learned that several senior executives from Tomorrow's Development would be reassigned to Kazdel, doubts surfaced in his mind. He did not believe His Highness would act without purpose. What exactly was the intention behind this arrangement? After all, Kazdel itself had not formally requested such changes.
Upon returning home, he discussed the matter with his wife, a former Sarkaz mercenary who now served as a terran resources manager in Kazdel. After a brief moment of thought, she offered her conclusion.
"His Highness believes Kazdel is not sufficiently international."
"International? We have Victoria's tea, the Kazimierz arena, even chivalric culture. Isn't that international enough?" Hoederer asked, puzzled.
"I'm referring to foreign affairs," she clarified, raising a finger. "His Highness has recently established diplomatic relations with several countries, yet Kazdel lacks experience in diplomacy. By assigning those executives here, he is likely attempting to expand Kazdel's influence in every direction."
"I see. I thought it was something else." Hoederer exhaled in relief.
Unfortunately, neither of them had much experience in politics or official administration. What Felix truly intended was to apply decisive pressure to Kazdel's internal political structure and entrenched interests.
No one could avoid this blow. It would be a decisive strike.
With that strike, Kazdel would move from merely standing to truly running. To achieve this, Kazdel would need talented individuals from many nations placed in the right positions.