The country of Phoenix was widely acknowledged as one of the most prosperous in the world. With the world’s reserve currency being issued by them, and their capital also being the most popular spot to host international ‘peace talks’ and other matters of worldwide interest, many rightly referred to Phoenix as the ‘Heart of the World’.
This included the Golden Crown, which although more oriented towards the leading business people of the world, also welcomed many top-tier politicians and influential figures for the purpose of ‘facilitating trade’.
If not for the fact that they were landlocked from all sides and lacked the required military prowess, perhaps the title of being the world’s greatest country would undisputedly belong to them.
As the prime minister of Phoenix, Bellatrix was naturally both the wielder of enormous influence, and the one who shouldered tremendous responsibility.
Unlike most other politicians who took pride in their roles, however, she was someone who hated being where she was.
She hated the fact that she had to weigh each and every word that came out of her mouth like gold.
She hated that she couldn’t just go wherever she pleased or do what she wanted without considering the ‘implications’ of her actions.
And most importantly, she hated that she couldn’t trust anyone else to take her position and do as good a job.
There was a brief knock on her door before a short-haired woman opened it swiftly, entering the room with a smile. “Good news, Bella! That girl you invited hasn’t canceled on you last minute as you kept worrying, and her private flight is confirmed to have departed from Blue Dawn!”
Bellatrix couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Who kept worrying? Don’t make things up. I already knew she was stubborn and fearless, how could such a pathetic assassination attempt possibly deter her from coming over?”
Her friend clicked her tongue derisively. “Oh my, miss prime minister, do you think I’m stupid? Of course, I may not be as smart as you, but I can still tell your words don’t quite match your actions here! Why else would you show your ‘support’ to her despite everyone’s advice otherwise?”
The prime minister frowned, but refused to respond to her ‘baseless’ argument.
Perhaps her friend also knew how stubborn she could be, so she just shrugged before giving her a mischievous smile. “By the way, since she’ll be here quite soon, should I go make arrangements for you to receive her at the airport?”
Bella coughed. “N-No need. As there will be hundreds of VIPs coming in over the next few days, I cannot be expected to welcome them all personally, can I? Just do things according to the standard procedure.”
Her ‘friend’ sighed helplessly. “As you say, miss prime minister.”
Mumbling how it was no wonder she was almost about to hit forty but still single, the woman swiftly rushed out before the high heel could hit her on the head.
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Emilia naturally had no idea about the altercation in the office of Phoenix country’s prime minister, and was already quite pleased with the welcome she got at the airport upon arrival.
Not only were the people sent by the government polite and courteous, but more importantly, there were quite a few groups of fans scattered all over the place who squealed joyful greetings her way whenever she passed them by.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t interact with them much considering the government officials of Phoenix insisted she take their car to the guest house they had arranged ‘for her own safety’.
Emilia couldn’t help but sigh. ‘Well, at least they look sincere?’
Not wanting to cause a scene on the first day here, she could only comply and follow them to the limousines that were already ready and waiting for her arrival.
Fortunately, their group of seven was still small enough to comfortably fit into a single vehicle with some space to spare, so Emilia didn’t have to worry that any of them would be uncomfortable or unsafe.
Of course, what made her even happier was that she could finally reunite with Sam, though it was a pity that Justine and her friends still had to stay back to not stand out too much, and could only meet up with them later.
It might be impossible to hide their existence from the likes of the government of Phoenix, but with how strictly information was handled here, it was unlikely that the ones she really needed to be wary of would be able to get hold of such information easily.
Naturally, having been separated from her for a while once more, Emilia was quite clingy to her big sister, and clung onto her arm like a little koala from the moment they ‘reunited’.
With Dixie, Crystal, and Michelle taking the opposite seat, Noelle reluctantly took the place to Emilia’s right with a sigh. “You’re already quite popular even here, huh?”
The door was closed after the meek ash-blonde ‘Cindy’ took the place next to Noelle, keeping her head low to avoid attracting much attention her way.
Sam couldn’t help but pat her little sister’s head with a smile. “My little baby is so cute, of course everyone likes her!”
Emilia grinned, looking proud. “Ehehe… although their adoration feels good to see, what makes me happier is when someone I love praises me.”
Crystal giggled. “Do you really need to listen to others praising you when you’re so confident already?”
The crimson-haired girl pouted in dissatisfaction. “It’s obviously not the appearance, but how you feel about me that makes me happy. You know it and still tease me!”
The blonde girl couldn’t help but blush and look away. “W-Well, I-I can’t help it.”
Of course, Dixie wasn’t nearly as embarrassed. “No need to be shy, since our princess is so beautiful, it’s only right to both praise and tease her if she likes it.”
Though she didn’t forget to add that if her Emily didn’t like being teased for any reason, the retribution must also be delivered swiftly and decisively.
Finding the dark-haired girl’s thoughts both hypocritical and logical, Crystal couldn’t help but scratch her head in confusion. ‘I guess I still have a long way to go to be a good judge?’
Emilia hummed thoughtfully. “By the way, Dixie, aren’t you excited to meet your friends after all this time?”
Dixie rubbed her nose, looking both embarrassed and awkward. “W-Who misses them? Those three idiots are probably goofing off and fighting among themselves as always.”
The crimson-haired girl giggled. “No wonder your mother calls you little miss ‘tsun-tsun’~”
Only Cindy remained meekly silent at the corner of her seat, not daring to interject, but her red ears still eagerly capturing their every word. ‘W-Wow… I knew that the Empress was so charming and playful, b-but this is really something else.’
Even if they were very close sisters, wasn’t it too much for miss Samantha to take a sip from the delicate skin on Emilia’s nape? Of course, even if she had such a thought, Cindy wouldn’t dare to say it.
Not only was it ‘none of her business’, since none of the others seemed to mind it, who was she to call them out?
Plus, looking at them being so friendly and having a good time, Cindy couldn’t help but feel like she had been overthinking things.
Since Empress Emilia had always been affectionate and a little childish, to the point where even someone like her would sometimes have audacious dreams, wasn’t this kind of interaction between her friends just natural?
She couldn’t help but wonder if maybe she was good enough and worked diligently for miss Crystal, one day she too would be able to join them just like this.
Of course, this fanciful thought only lasted for a moment before she shook it off. Cindy knew she should already be grateful for everything she had been given so far. How could she dare ask, or even dream, for more?
Once they entered the guest house and confirmed the absence of tapping devices and cameras, however, Cindy realized that the previously playful atmosphere had turned a little more serious.
Emilia sighed. “See. The attitude of the prime minister is clearly not as friendly as big sister kept thinking.”
Sam just looked at Noelle for help, who shrugged with a ‘don’t look at me’ look.
Crystal couldn’t help but cough awkwardly. “We can’t say for sure. Maybe she was just busy? I have a feeling that she’s definitely one of your fans!”
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