Do not confiscate my citizenship

Chapter 831 Lanqi's obsession with work remains unchanged

The Moon Goddess Festival is one of the most grand public festivals in the empire. Both common people and noble families eagerly look forward to this annual feast.

In addition to the temporary shops in St. Clement's Monastery that attracted tourists who came to pray, activities also began near the main hall at 4 pm.

The monastery students and faculty members dressed in formal attire gathered in a specially built outdoor banquet hall and its connected activity branch, clinking glasses, wishing each other well and chatting to the sound of melodious music.

The only difference between the outdoor banquet hall and the indoor one is that the guests gathered here are actually more than those in the indoor banquet hall.

There were many stars and celebrities gathered, and everywhere you could see eye-catching aristocrats talking and toasting.

Strangely, in such a lively occasion, a professor in a gray coat showed no interest in participating in it.

He seemed to be very popular, and many people wanted to curry favor with him, or simply come over to chat with him.

But he seemed very tired today and just responded politely. He only gave a sincere smile to the students, chatted for a few words and then moved on.

"Where is Elsa..."

Lanqi looked at the huge banquet hall.

Inside the main hall of the monastery are four magnificent churches. The domes of the churches are made of pure gold and are divided into two layers. They are very popular. An endless stream of monastery students come to the statue to pray devoutly. The deep and rich music of the organ echoes under the dome, mixed with the prayers of the believers.

Now he had just walked back to the indoor activity hall from the outdoor banquet hall. Landry's biological sister Elsa could be anywhere, and it would probably take some time for him to find Elsa.

Communication magic doesn't work here, and detection magic can't be used casually. Of course, Lanqi doesn't know how to use link and detection magic, so he needs Cat Boss or Tata to help him. Now both cats are not with him.

Besides, Elsa is only at the second level and cannot use conventional communication magic.

"Look for it slowly."

Lan Qi shook his head.

Just treat it as a walk. When you see your students, give them your blessings and ask if they have seen Elsa.

If you see Elsa's good friend Ursula, the daughter of the Marquis of the Griffin family, you may be able to find Elsa immediately.

Ever since Elsa was attacked last time, Ursula has always been inseparable from Elsa, even sleeping in the same dormitory at night.

"I'll bless the students and finish dinner. It's almost time to meet Principal Violet. How come time flies so fast?"

He is still not sure what the reason was that forced him to put down his busy work and appear here.

Maybe on the one hand it was to fulfill Landry's duties and to be polite and attend the banquet he should attend. On the other hand, this was the only time for rest today, so he just put down his work temporarily and relax, so Lanqi came anyway.

In the indoor venue, the sound of casual conversation can be heard both upstairs and downstairs.

"Have you heard? There is a professor in our school who married both the aunt and niece of the same family."

"Oh my god, how should he and his mother-in-law, no, his sister-in-law, address each other?"

"I suspect he doesn't even want to let go of his sister-in-law. She looks like an innocent woman. I heard she's already married and has a daughter."

"The version I heard was even more outrageous. Some people speculated that the professor's ultimate goal was to marry the sister-in-law's husband as well, and not let anyone in the family go."

"Oh my god, is this still a human being?"

A mixture of voices sometimes drifted across the banquet hall, and Lanqi couldn't hear the specific content. As soon as a voice sounded, it would be immediately covered by another voice.

All I can say is that these are topics that everyone has enjoyed using to pass the time since ancient times.

Lanqi just focused on moving forward.

He wants to do his job well.

He came from a residential area several kilometers away and was so busy that he didn't even have time to drink water or rest. Now he felt a little thirsty in this banquet hall.

The entire St. Clement's Monastery covers a large area. When he first came here, it took Miss Naila, the principal's secretary, a while to drive him back to his residence from the main hall.

As Lanqi was thinking, as soon as he appeared in the spacious atrium of the first-floor banquet hall, he felt countless gazes coming towards him from all directions.

Judging from the undisguised looks in his eyes, it seems that more and more people are interested in him now.

Most of them are parents of students of St. Clement's Abbey, and a considerable proportion are celebrities of the Clement Empire. Naturally, they would pay attention to the current research on new energy sources in the empire, which could bring great production capacity boost for both military and civilian use, and the core figure of the research, Professor Landry, was naturally someone worth knowing.

If Professor Landry's status becomes higher in the future, it may become even more difficult to make friends with him.

All Lanqi could do was to walk faster and politely, and find a student to talk to as soon as possible before these people surrounded him, or simply find the exit of this overly large venue and go to the next branch.

"Professor Landry."

A light female voice sounded, attracting Lanqi's attention.

Lanqi turned his head and found that a slender figure just as tall as his shoulders was following him.

Her left leg and right arm are mechanical prostheses made of metal, and her left eye is covered by a pitch-black half-eyepatch. The strap extends to the back of her head and blends into her hair.

Her silver-grey hair and light blue eyes made her look as pretty as a doll.

"Secretary Naira."

Lan Qi breathed a sigh of relief.

Naira maintained the elegant posture of a secretary, with her hands lightly placed on her abdomen, but her attitude of speaking was like that of an acquaintance.

At this time, the appearance of the principal's secretary Naira would undoubtedly help him disperse the many imperial dignitaries who wanted to pester him, because he had someone to chat with, and it seemed more like official business related to the principal, the Sixth Military Goddess Shui Cangyu Violet.

"You are looking for Elsa, right? I saw her before. You can probably see her if you walk towards the stadium in front."

Secretary Naira probably saw his distress, so she came to him on her own initiative.

"Thank you so much for your care. It's been a great help."

Ranchi thanks Naira.

Ever since he was received by Secretary Naira at the first station in Brildah and came to the Monastery of St. Cremorne, he has been helped by Secretary Naira, which has enabled him to carry out teaching and research work quickly and smoothly on campus.

"When I saw you, Professor Landry, wandering around here alone, I knew you would definitely be surrounded. But how can a busy person like you waste your precious time on those noble lords?"

Secretary Naira joked in a not-joking tone, helping Ranchi lead the way.

"It's not good for others to hear this kind of thing."

Lanci's voice became quieter.

He found that Secretary Naira was still as disrespectful to the nobles as usual. He became very straightforward when talking about the nobles. He did not notice that the noble who tried to approach just now had a slightly changed expression, and seemed to be intentionally helping Lanqi drive them away.

The last time Naira met the Red Kestrel Nikola at the station, her attitude towards Nikola was particularly strong, and in the end she managed to snatch Professor Landry from Nikola.

"It doesn't matter. No one dares to embarrass me anyway. I have Principal Violet, the Sixth Military God, behind me."

Secretary Naira replied nonchalantly,
"Besides, I have a very good relationship with the princess. I am not hostile to all nobles, but I really don't want to please those nobles who think highly of themselves."

She raised her eyes and glanced at Professor Landry.

It was like telling Professor Landry that Landry and his sister Elsa were also nobles, but she did not become alienated from them at all because of this.

"Princess, is it the Third Princess Alexia?"

Lanqi looked at Naira beside him and asked.

As far as he knew, the only one who graduated from Saint Cremona's Monastery in recent years was probably the third princess Alexia.

"Yes, after all, taking good care of Her Highness the Princess is a very important job. Principal Violet can't always focus on the Princess as a single student, so the job fell on my head. Fortunately, the Princess is actually a very easy-going person, and the past few years with her are also good memories for me."

Naira replied as she walked.

"I understand, I understand. The principal is really busy at work. Even if the princes and princesses come, there is no time to take care of them."

Lanqi shook his head and sighed.

"From your tone, you sound just like the principal."

Naira continued to observe him;
"From the moment I met you just now, I felt that you and Principal Violet have some similarities. How should I put it? It's hard to describe."

She said thoughtfully.

"If I were the principal, I would definitely feel relieved to have a secretary like Miss Naira to help me. After all, a good secretary is too important for a principal. I say this because I always think about what it would be like if I were the principal."

Lanci explained with a smile.

If Secretary Naira had not come forward in time, I'm afraid that group of covetous people would have rushed up and surrounded him.

Besides expressing my gratitude, I felt very relaxed chatting with Secretary Naira about anything.

Like Lysandra, the secretary at Purgatory Corridor Academy, although her work ability was also outstanding, Lysandra was more reserved towards him, unlike Nara who could be so casual with him.

"It's really a bit troublesome for you to be the principal."

Naira thought about it for a moment and made a judgment based on her professional experience.

"Why do you say that?"

Ranchi asks Naira in confusion.

“It may be easier for the people you work with, but of course they may have more things to worry about.”

Secretary Naira said as she looked at the young professor's unfathomable eyes.

This professor always made her unable to figure out his true thoughts.

Compared to a scholar who devoted himself to academics, Landry seemed to her more like an old aristocrat who had been in politics for decades.

She thought she didn't have the ability to see through people's minds, let alone understand Landry's thoughts.

After hearing Naira's answer, which was the same as the divination result, Lanqi analyzed it for a long time.

"Look at the way I look, you really think I'm still an aristocrat, right?"

Lanqi lowered his head somewhat disappointedly.

"No, a noble would not do such a thing as being able to put down his pride."

Naira covered her mouth and chuckled.

"Isn't the reason why those self-righteous nobles are nobles that they are busy flattering and pretending to be noble all day long to show their noble status?"

Naira tells Ranchi with a meaningful smile.

"It's hard for me to comment. After all, things like this involving one's position are very delicate, so one should be careful in what one says and does."

Lanqi nodded in tentative agreement.

The two walked out of the branch library again, preparing to pass through the open-air garden and come to another branch library in the main hall.

Just beside the open-air banquet hall where the two of them were walking, two men holding champagne glasses were talking. One of them was obviously an official from the Brillda City Hall. Lanqi had an impression of him. He was eagerly pleading with another nobleman, and several people around him in gorgeous clothes pricked up their ears with interest, wanting to hear what was going on.

At first glance the conversation seemed to be going quite well.

"That's Deputy Dennis from the Planning Department at City Hall."

Secretary Naira spoke up.

"You know him?"

Lanqi was not surprised that Naira knew everything about Brildad. Lanqi even felt that Naira had a database and could answer any questions he asked.

"He just learned about the students and families. He's a pretty boring guy."

Naira said calmly.

She has a memory that surpasses that of an average person.

Due to my work, I come into contact with more people and things every day. I write them down without missing anything and I can’t forget them even if I want to.

"And the man he was talking to, I also know his name, it was Earl Brown. Do you know what they were discussing?"

Naira asks Ranchi a question to test him.

"It's nothing more than promoting a municipal project that can be used to make money through cooperation."

Lanqi replied nonchalantly.

Even though no sound could be heard, judging from Deputy Minister Dennis's body language and eager expression, there was no doubt that he was trying to curry favor with the Earl in order to gain the support of the Earl's family.

What the count could provide him was either land or reconstruction permission. Anyway, if they could discuss it privately, they could save a lot of overt trouble.

Furthermore, once deep cooperation and trust are achieved, it will be very convenient to transfer money from one hand to the other.

"Oh?"

Secretary Naira's lips parted slightly as she looked at him curiously.

"Now everyone is thinking about how to make money. Regardless of whether the empire wins or loses this war, most of the powerful people are desperately trying to use their power to gain benefits. Only a small number of people are truly working for the cause of the empire."

Lanqi was no stranger to such opportunists in the Protoss Empire of the northern continent, and he neither hated nor disliked them.

"You even know this?"

Secretary Naira raised her eyebrows in slight surprise.

She knew more than Landry did.

He was also certain that Landry had just seen those two dignitaries for the first time.

In fact, the truth is exactly what Landry guessed.

"I've seen it a lot, that's it."

Lanqi looked to the north, as if he saw a very far place, or a place deep in his memories.

Naira nodded in understanding.

This exchange of interests, after all, is just a matter of each taking what they need.

She always sees it.

After the "Bloody Day", the situation in the empire, which had been slightly better, began to deteriorate again almost twenty years later. Although the "Bloody Day" itself was a tragedy, it brought about some changes. Today, in the materialistic empire, these powerful people once again talk about ideology but only think about business.

As Landry said, only a small number of people still maintain their firm faith in the empire.

"But it's fun to watch this kind of ridiculous trick every now and then."

Naira chuckled. She was only that capable anyway. Assisting the Sixth Military God, Principal Violet, was her greatest contribution to the empire.
"On the contrary, you seem to be tired of these situations? You are just like a monarch who has seen through the world?" Secretary Naira expressed her thoughts.

"You said last time that I was destined to be a disaster emperor."

Lanqi thought about it and said blankly,
"I didn't think so at the time, but now I realize that if I don't work harder, the important women around me will be in crisis like me."

When they first arrived at St. Chrysalis's Monastery, Naira lamented that he was quite popular with women, saying that only girls with a good affinity and destiny could approach him.

"I'm telling you that my guess is correct. If you're not careful, you might regret it."

Secretary Naira took Lanqi through the main palace garden. The view suddenly became clear and the number of people chatting around them was decreasing.

"Alas, if the situation in the southern continent wasn't like this, I would also want to face the major events in my life seriously... Or maybe I was convinced that I should give them an explanation after I came out of the shadow world. Since I have a choice, I don't want to miss it again."

Lanqi looked at the hazy colors of the flowers and sighed.

The garden is part of the main temple area and is usually not accessible to anyone other than teaching staff. The clear water from the central fountain gushes out continuously, making a pleasant gurgling sound. Under the golden midday sun, the fountain blooms several huge crystal flowers every once in a while and falls into the dense bushes.

"It seems that you had a very impressive experience in the Shadow World."

Naira naturally knew that Professor Landry had gone to the Shadow World some time ago.

Although I don’t know what kind of shadow world it is, it seems that Professor Landry’s state of mind has changed greatly.

Even Naira could sense that there was more emotion in him.

"Are you really not a fortune teller?"

Ranchi asks Naira with a smile.

"I am not very good at divination, so I cannot become a real fortune teller. I can read a lot of books, so I can judge some things based on experience. By the way, does Professor Landry know about the recent rumors about you?"

Naira thought of something more important and turned to ask Ranchi.

The number of people with the suitability for the [Divination] attribute is the smallest among the thirty-one attributes. People with the Divination attribute often like to talk about such metaphysical topics.

As the principal's secretary, she happened to be able to read countless ancient books stored in St. Clement's Monastery freely.

"Stop talking about it, stop talking about it. Those rumors that I'm a love saint are outrageous! Do you think I look like that kind of person?"

Lanqi turned his head and raised his hands, looking like he couldn't stand it.

"..."

Which old version are you listening to?

Naira muttered to herself imperceptibly, then shook her head slightly and stopped talking about this topic.

She led Lanqi through the garden, up the pier, and into a quiet brown stone corridor.

The garden could still be seen through the continuous colonnade until the view disappeared and they walked to the second floor of another activity room in the main hall.

Secretary Naira was too familiar with the main hall and took a shortcut and a quiet path.

"How can there be someone in this world who has no desires or requests... To be honest, I always have this illusion when I chat with you."

Naira changes the topic of her sermon.

"I don't think there would be such a person. Look at me, I have three fiancées. It's obvious that such a person is not selfless."

Lan Qi spread his hands and said.

"So what are you pursuing now? Besides these three."

Naira thought Landry seemed to be insulting himself, but actually he was very clear-headed, so he was able to admit it.

"What are you looking for? I'm looking for the answer too."

Lanqi's eyes gradually focused.

There was something he didn't want before, but wanted now, and that was probably the answer to his long journey.

"It seems that you are looking for this answer, and you have basically found it."

Secretary Naira smiled with relief.

People like Professor Landry will not be confused.

The two walked into the new branch and began searching again. According to Nara's guess, there was a high probability that Elsa was in this building.

Looking down at the hollowed-out levels from the second-floor corridor of the venue, it is easy to see familiar faces, and Naira has also taken this into consideration.

"By the way, you should be aware of how attractive you are to other nobles, right?"

Naira noticed that Landry had just come over and someone immediately gave him an eager look, so she asked him.

"Don't worry, Nicholas will help me deal with those guys now."

Lanci said confidently.

This is their Imperial Army bond.

"Tsk, Red Falcon Nikolai, I didn't expect you really wanted to get along with him."

Naira smacked her lips slightly.

"He's actually a very decent person."

Lanqi spoke for Nicholas.

He remembered that Naira disliked Nikola very much. When they first met outside the train station, Naira almost called Nikola a lackey.

"That's true. I admit that he is better than the average noble, but he really acts too much like a noble hound. I know that you can always get along well with everyone. I had this feeling when we first met, and you are also quite smooth and generous. But it's not because of this that I helped you drive away those flies. I don't care whether you get along with me or not, but your personality. I never try to please people I don't like."

Naira was impressed by his character, so she treated him as a friend and helped him to avoid the entanglement of other nobles.

For people like them, this tacit understanding does not need to be explained.

"That's exactly why I want to work with you, Miss Naira."

Lanci said frankly.

"Since you understand, that's great, so don't expect me to have a good relationship with Nicholas."

Secretary Naira nodded with satisfaction.

Just as the two of them were chatting.

A familiar figure came into their sight in the distance.

Lanqi and Naira slowed down their pace and looked towards the atrium on the first floor.

That was the most conspicuous Ursula, the daughter of the Roland family with ancient griffin bloodline.

He is also a good friend of Landry's sister Elsa.

Last time in Brillda Mafia was able to find Elsa and rescue her in time, thanks to Ursula's help.

She appeared in the corridor leading to the outside, wearing a dark dress. Her delicate and appropriate makeup could not hide her uneasiness, which was completely different from her usual carefree and confident expression.

And standing next to Ursula was Elsa, whom Lanqi was looking for.

"What happened to Ursula?"

Lanqi speculated secretly and looked over there from the second floor.

Following Lanqi's gaze, Naira also saw Ursula looking at the crowd in a corner of the banquet hall.

They soon recognized Marquis Ryan Roland among the nobles.

There were also several imperial dignitaries beside him who were chatting with him, with a lot of flattering intentions towards him.

Marquis Ryan Roland has a more famous title, that is Ryan, the Ninth God of War who was conferred the Amethyst Throne. This is enough to make him on par with Violet, the Sixth God of War and the principal of the Saint Cremorne Monastery.

"Why, are you interested in the Roland family? Or is Ursula a student who needs special care?"

Noticing Ranchi's gaze, Naira asked.

"I owe her a favor."

Lanci nodded, his eyes never leaving Ursula.

"To be able to make you owe a favor is not worth a cent. You should know that many of the dignitaries present here only hope to gain a little favor from you."

Naira put her hand in front of her mouth in surprise.

"Ms. Naira, you are exaggerating. You seem to be showing off your identity as my friend. I can't afford it."

Ranchi just shook his head, causing Naira to let out a slight laugh.

His attention was still on Ursula and Elsa, and he walked in their direction.

At this moment, Ursula was looking at her brother from afar with a complicated expression.

Banquet Hall Branch Base Level.

Ursula was in a dilemma, seeming to be hesitating whether to avoid her brother.

She couldn't figure out whether she didn't want to see her brother today, or whether she was looking forward to seeing him from the bottom of her heart.

She didn't even expect that her brother Ryan would come to St. Clement's Monastery today.

After struggling with her conscience for a long time, she finally gritted her teeth, stopped, and waited for Marquis Ryan to walk towards her.

Perhaps she was holding on to a little hope that she could meet her brother today, so she changed into her most beautiful dress and made herself look charming. She no longer did whatever she wanted and brought shame to the Roland family as she usually did.

However, when Ursula actually saw Ryan walking up to her, her legs began to tremble involuntarily.

The fear and anxiety in her heart suddenly surged up and almost suffocated her.

Marquis Ryan was wearing his family's formal attire today. He had short, slightly curly dark purple hair and a handsome face with clear outlines that exuded a noble and stern temperament. His facial features and blue eyes were exactly the same as Ursula's, except that he looked more oppressive than the younger Ursula.

Marquis Ryan's eyes were even colder than Ursula had imagined.

That's not the look one gets when seeing one's sister.

"elder brother."

Ursula took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.

She had prepared herself mentally.

"..."

Elsa looked at Ursula beside her worriedly and held Ursula's cold hand.

It was always Ursula who liked to come closer, but today Elsa saw that Ursula needed the care of her friends.

Ursula had hoped countless times that her brother would return to the way he used to be with her, such as coming to see her today. However, when Ursula actually came to her brother, she felt endless pain and despair from his cold eyes.

The guests around them recognized Ursula and whispered among themselves, but Ryan didn't even seem to intend to look at her.

"Why are you here today..."

Ursula began to speak tremblingly, but before she could finish her words, the voice in front of her interrupted her.

"It's a disgrace."

Marquis Ryan said in an inorganic voice.

"..."

Ursula remained silent, she knew that Marquis Ryan was lecturing her.

The Ninth Military God, Amethyst Ryan, who was fighting outside, came back from the front line thousands of miles away. All he learned was that his sister had done something that brought shame to the family. It was natural for him to be angry.

"Come on, don't embarrass yourself here."

Ryan then glanced at Ursula for a moment, without a trace of affection, and then turned and walked out.

Ursula trembled all over, her brother's voice was like a sharp knife, piercing her all over.

She even expected her brother to give her the same blessings as other parents.

Now it seems good enough to be able to look at her normally.

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

There was no trace of blood on that pale face, and her hands, which were tightly grasping the hem of her skirt, were shaking uncontrollably.

She didn't want to say anything capricious to such a brother anymore, but if she lost her temper again, she would have to prove in front of other imperial nobles why her, a disgraced daughter, was so hated by her brother, and it would also bring shame to their Roland family.

"it is good."

Tears welled up in Ursula's eyes, but she held them back, fearing that she would lose her composure in front of everyone.

If Elsa hadn't been able to give her some support, she might have been even more embarrassed.

Just as Ursula lowered her head in despair and prepared to leave, a tall figure stood in front of her, separating her from Ryan.

Marquis Ryan, who was already walking out the door without looking back, stopped and turned back silently.

"you are?"

Ryan frowned in displeasure.

At this moment, the man in gray was like a barrier, hiding Ursula behind him, so that even Ryan couldn't see Ursula.

Lanqi didn't answer Ryan immediately. He turned around and met Ursula's surprised gaze.

"Landry..."

Ursula exclaimed, then covered her mouth.

It was only after she came back from the Brillda Mafia that she started calling Landry by his first name, which was actually not polite and she should have used a respectful title.

"I was just about to come and wish you all the best in the new school year. You have worked so hard and I am so proud of you."

Lanci said to Ursula and Elsa, completing his work goal for the day step by step.

(End of this chapter)