Since its inception, the Babylonian Academy of Magic and Martial Arts had provided the Lancelot Empire with countless talents. It was truly the breeding ground for young prospects. On this day, the thirteenth Chancellor of the Academy was to be inaugurated. Since dawn, an endless stream of horses and carriages had lined up outside the Academy as influential officials and moguls of the Empire swarmed the place.
The influence of the Babylonian Academy of Magic and Strength on the Empire was immense. It was no surprise that each term's inauguration of its chancellor would attract the attendance of the privileged classes. But this term's inauguration was even more so. Because of Fanny's relationship with Han Shuo, practically every person of real power was present. Even the king of the Lancelot Empire was there.
While the nobles arrived in droves, Han Shuo, who was there in advance, temporarily separated from Lisa to meet Candide.
Of course, as Fanny's father, Firenze had taken time off from the southern border to attend his daughter's inauguration. With the most important figures of the Lancelot Empire gathered at the Babylon Academy of Magic and Strength, security was of the utmost importance.
Han Shuo found the sombre Candide looking rather worried. He let out a soft sigh of relief when he saw Han Shuo and said in a deep voice, "I have received information that someone may attempt to assassinate His Majesty the King."
"Oh?" Han Shuo raised his eyebrows and quickly asked, "Who are they?"
"That is currently unknown. But I'm pretty sure it has something to do with those few hostile nations. There are a lot of high-ranking people from our empire at the Babylon Academy of Magic and Strength today. If these people are attacked, our empire will suffer a catastrophic loss. Candide was quite worried. It was difficult to protect against sneak attacks. If something really happened to such a dignified gathering, it would surely have an immeasurable effect on the reputation of the Empire and the Dark Mantle.
"I see. Very well, summon my butler from my residence. Also, tell Pegasus and Graeae to come over if they're not busy at the moment. I don't think there's any nation that could crash our party," Han Shuo's face turned cold as he said to Candide.
Today was a momentous day for Fanny, and Han Shuo would certainly not allow anyone to sabotage her inauguration ceremony. If there really was an enemy who was either daring or foolish enough to cause trouble, Han Shuo would not hesitate to kill that person without the slightest mercy.
Candide nodded and said to Han Shuo, "You be more alert too. I'll bring another squadron here as backup."
Candide was used to talking to Han Shuo as an equal and would never show the slightest hint of superiority when dealing with Han Shuo. Moreover, after Han Shuo's return to the Lancelot Empire, Candide, unlike most others, could tell that Han Shuo's strength was far beyond mortal. Therefore, he was much less inclined to show off in front of Han Shuo and had even started to get used to following Han Shuo's orders.
"Got it. Be at ease. No matter who they are, anyone who dares to look for trouble in this place will only find their own doom," Han Shuo said confidently.
Candide smiled sinisterly and said nothing more. He seemed to melt into the shadows as he walked towards a clock tower to get into position.
Han Shuo unfolded his consciousness and inspected every single figure within the Babylon Academy of Magic and Strength . It was as if the entire academy had shrunk into his brain. Not even a fly could escape his reconnaissance.
The news of Fanny's inauguration had spread like wildfire throughout the Lancelot Empire for days. Those who wanted to wreak havoc would surely have heard the news. Although Han Shuo was confident in his own strength, he did not feel the same about others. A sneak attack could happen in a matter of milliseconds. Even though he was immensely powerful, he had no choice but to be cautious and careful.
Han Shuo silently observed all the activities in every corner of the academy. After informing Candide, he went to Chancellor Emma's spacious secret chamber. There he saw Fanny listening attentively to Emma's instructions.
Fanny had spent the last few days with Emma, receiving lectures on the various machines of the Academy and the things to which she should pay particular attention. Fanny, who had been apprehensive all along, made the most of the time to learn about the running of the institution from the experienced Emma, trying to understand the critical aspects as quickly as possible.
Prior to this, Fanny had only immersed herself in teaching necromancy and her own cultivation. She had rarely dealt with administrative matters. But now that she was about to assume the position of Chancellor of the Babylon Academy of Magic and Strength, she naturally had to learn all these things well. Otherwise, even with Han Shuo behind her, she would not be able to convince the masses without any real skills.
"How's it going?" Han Shuo asked after entering the room with a grin.
"Fanny is doing quite well. Haha, don't worry, I don't think there will be any problems. I'm sure she will manage the Babylon Academy of Magic and Strength well," the grizzled Emma replied as she looked at Han Shuo with her benevolent eyes.
"That's great. Chancellor Emma, you're not that old yet, why are you in such a hurry to retire?" Han Shuo was rather puzzled. Emma could easily hold the position for a few more years,
"I'm old. Haha. At my age, I'm only a Grand Magus, and I haven't made any breakthroughs. But Fanny was already a Sacred Magus Necromancer at such a young age. Besides, I think she's going to advance even further very soon. Emily and Phoebe, these two young ones, are even more prodigious. Now that the young ones are all grown up, it's time for us older generations to step aside and pass the baton," Emma smiled and explained in a soft voice.
"Thank you, Madam Chancellor. You have been very considerate of me all these years. Without you, it would be impossible for Bryan and I to be together so smoothly," Fanny thanked Emma sincerely.
"Thank you!" Han Shuo also bowed respectfully to Emma and thanked her.
Back when Han Shuo had not yet ascended to such a high realm, and Fanny's identity had not yet become widely known in the Empire, Han Shuo and Fanny had almost impulsively courted in public. If it hadn't been for Emma's dissuasion, the two would have made their relationship public prematurely, and they would surely have been punished by some damned regulations. After all, they were teacher and student in a relationship, which was against the Empire's statutes.
It was thanks to Emma's farsighted advice that Han Shuo and Fanny had hidden the fact. Later, when Han Shuo had gained great prestige in the empire by helping Lawrence to the throne, with great status and mighty power, no one dared to object to their relationship, and they could finally be together without any problems.
"Oh, no need to thank me. I've known for a long time that you two would end up together. I've lived a few years longer than you, so I have a bit more foresight than you. Fortunately, you two good children have listened to me," Emma said friendly to Han Shuo and Fanny.
"Hmm, Lawrence should be arriving any minute. Fanny, you are the host today and you should go out and greet the people outside and get ready for the ceremony," Han Shuo advised.
"But there's still a lot I don't know. There's still a lot I have to learn from Chancellor Emma!" Fanny seemed quite nervous.
"Haha, even though I won't be a Chancellor, I will always be around at the Academy. You can always look for me if you have any problems in the future. Girls, march on, there's nothing to be afraid of," Emma encouraged. The lines on her face were crinkled. She really did look far beyond her years.
A thought crossed Han Shuo's mind. "Chancellor Emma, take this medicinal pellet. Perhaps you won't look so old after consuming this pellet." He took out a rejuvenation pellet that he had recently refined and handed it to Emma.
These days, Han Shuo was in possession of all sorts of bizarre and unusual substances. In order to help Lisa and his other allies, he had spent some time refining a number of medicinal pellets with different functions. The Rejuvenation Pellet was a medicinal pellet that could remove impurities from the body and restore vitality to an aged body and its cells. Han Shuo was touched when he remembered that Emma had taken care of Fanny and him back in those years. So when he saw the wrinkles on Emma's face, he decided to give her a medicinal pellet.
Emma received the rejuvenation pellet with excitement. She curiously pinched the pellet, examined it, and giddily asked, "Just one medicinal pellet could have such a miraculous effect?
Han Shuo nodded with a smile and said, "Try it and you will find out. The medicinal pellets that I have personally refined should be quite effective."
"Haha, I believe you. Candide had told me about your wondrous abilities. Anything you prescribe for me will surely be anything out of ordinary." Emma was overjoyed. Every woman would like to look a little younger. Emma, of course, was no exception.
"After taking this pellet, you may sweat for several days in a row. The sweat may be black in colour. But don't worry about it. This is the body eliminating its impurities. It's completely normal," Han Shuo explained so as not to cause any unnecessary distress.
"Haha, I get it. I remember one time when Fanny had diarrhoea for three whole days," Emma said teasingly as she looked at Fanny and giggled.
Emma, in her role as Chancellor, kept a close eye on events, big and small, at her Academy. Since Fanny had always stayed at the Academy, Emma had noticed what had happened during those few days. In fact, she had been quite concerned at the time and had even visited Fanny. Later, she discovered that after three days of bowel movements, Fanny looked radiant and beautiful, as if she had been reborn. Of course, with her great insight, she knew what must have happened to Fanny.
Fanny blushed at Emma's words. She glared at Han Shuo and scolded, "What are your medicine pellets made of? Why do they always have to have such embarrassing side effects?"
"Oh? I was going to give you a medicinal pellet that I have recently refined that can help you maintain a youthful appearance. Since you're afraid of those side effects, I'll forget about it," Han Shuo said as he shrugged.
As soon as she heard that the medicine pellet could help maintain a youthful appearance, a brilliant glow immediately flashed from her eyes. She rushed towards Han Shuo and said with joy and excitement, "Give it to me! I will take it no matter what the side effects are!"
Han Shuo knew exactly what she was going to say. He laughed heartily, grabbed Fanny and swept her outside after giving Emma a triumphant wink.