Chapter 287: Attending the Banquet (Second Update)

“Our mining area was occupied by the rebels, and the Abyek Kingdom isn’t doing anything about it; they’re telling us to fight for it ourselves.”

Mia briefly explained the situation to Su Ming.

“Isn’t this clearly the Abyek Kingdom causing trouble?”

“Exactly. The problem is they’ve got us cornered. We have two choices: either give them asylum or fight for it ourselves. But look at our current state; can we even fight?”

“No, it’s better to give up those supplies than to choose to give them asylum. Asylum is a very serious matter. Teacher, you should be very clear about the Federal Government’s current situation. And most importantly, if we really give asylum to the Abyek Kingdom, there’s no guarantee they won’t use the Federal Government’s protection to clash with the Imperial Army, directly dragging the Federal Government into trouble.”

“I’m curious, how do you know so much, kid?”

“Haha, not bad. I usually enjoy reading strategy books. But Teacher, how exactly do you plan to handle this?”

“Don’t ask me about brain-draining matters like this, and this isn’t even the most critical thing!”

Mia couldn’t be bothered to think more.

“Then what’s the most critical thing?”

Su Ming looked at Mia with great curiosity.

“Haven’t you noticed that the portions in the cafeteria have been significantly reduced lately?”

Mia asked with a chuckle.

“It seems like quite a bit has been reduced? What’s the problem?”

“Didn’t we rescue a lot of survivors that day? They consumed a lot of our food reserves in just two meals. Now our supplies are almost running into problems!”

“Can’t we resupply?”

“What do you think?”

“…”

Su Ming was speechless after hearing Mia’s words. It was truly raining when the roof was leaking!

Just then, a series of footsteps approached. Mia and Su Ming turned their heads.

They saw Vice Principal Fuleike walking over, hands behind his back, with a sour expression.

Seeing Vice Principal Fuleike, Mia quickly hid the alcohol in her hand behind her back and asked with a chuckle.

“Why are you here? I’m not teaching today, you don’t have to watch me, do you?”

Fuleike replied grumpily.

“I’m not in the mood to watch you. I came to see you about something.”

“What is it?”

Mia looked at Fuleike in confusion. This old man coming to her never boded well.

“Regarding the mining area, do you have any good ideas?”

Fuleike’s head was aching from thinking, but he still had no solution. So he came to ask Mia, as she had handled many such matters before.

“What good ideas could I have? Either fight or withdraw.”

Mia replied without thinking.

“Can’t you just think of a good solution for me?”

Fuleike replied angrily.

At this moment, Su Ming, standing beside them, spoke neither subserviently nor arrogantly.

“Principal, this matter, in the end, still originates with the Abyek Kingdom. If you want to resolve this, you need to talk to the King of the Abyek Kingdom.”

“Oh, how do we talk? They’ve clearly got us cornered.”

“It’s not entirely impossible to talk.”

“You have a solution?”

Fuleike looked at Su Ming in surprise.

“Apply pressure.”

“How to apply pressure? I’ve considered that, but it’s not cost-effective!”

“You must first meet the King of Abyek.”

“That’s simple. The King of Abyek, King Baisitan, has sent an invitation to banquet me tonight.”

“That’s excellent. This is a rare opportunity.”

“The problem is how do I apply pressure without incurring losses?”

“It’s simple. When you dine with the King Baisitan, he will definitely bring up the mining area to test you. You need to act indifferent and, at the same time, subtly reveal to him that you have already requested assistance from the Royal Court Academy. And that the Royal Court Academy has already dispatched a fleet of Level 5 battleships to suppress these rebels! I believe he will most likely lose his composure, after all, what they want are supplies, not to actually be defeated.”

Su Ming analyzed with great clarity.

“That might work, but I’m afraid that old fox won’t fall for it!”

Fuleike thought for a moment and replied.

“Then it depends on your acting skills, Principal. To put it plainly, this is a psychological game and a battle of false leverage. As long as you don’t let him see through your facade, it should be fine.”

Su Ming said with a smile.

Mia looked at Su Ming with some surprise. She hadn’t expected this brat to not only possess excellent combat talent and comprehension but also seemingly have impressive strategic talent.

“Haha, good, it’s settled then! Mia, you come with me to the banquet.”

Fuleike finally made up his mind because he really couldn’t think of a better solution.

“Me? No, I hate your troublesome affairs the most.”

Mia replied with a dark expression.

“No, you must come with me. Besides, there’s free alcohol; aren’t you going to drink?”

“If you put it that way, going might not be so bad.”

“Su Ming, you come along too.”

Fuleike decisively called Su Ming along. He felt that Su Ming’s mind was very sharp, and bringing him would be safer.

“Is this appropriate?”

“Why not? Seeing more of the world will only benefit your future growth, not harm it.”

“Alright.”

Su Ming did not refuse either.

“Follow me!”

Fuleike then led Su Ming and Mia away.

—

Abyek Base City · Main Road.

Hovering patrol cars, with their alarm lights flashing, flew ahead to clear the way.

A low-key black hovercar followed behind the escort vehicles.

At this moment, the entire main road was sealed off, and many citizens gathered on both sides, constantly looking at the black hovercar and discussing in low voices.

“Who’s in that car?”

“Who else could it be? Didn’t you see the flag on it? It’s from the Federal Government.”

“Aren’t those cowards from the Federal Government busy running away?”

“Who knows!”

“If you ask me, King Baisitan is too benevolent. Why bother talking nonsense with the Federal Government? Just confiscate all their assets.”

Inside the black hovercar, Su Ming looked out the window at the scenery.

The main base city of the Abyek Kingdom was quite prosperous, with a very dense population. However, from the infrastructure, it couldn’t compare to Starlight City.

Although there were many tall buildings here, the construction materials used were the most ordinary, and along the way, in dark corners, many homeless people could be seen.

“Are you nervous?”

Mia asked teasingly, seeing Su Ming lost in thought while looking out the window.

“Not really.”

Su Ming replied very calmly.

“Tch, how boring! You’re not old, kid, but you’re as dull as an old man.”

Mia replied listlessly.

Su Ming’s mouth twitched slightly upon hearing Mia’s description, but he didn’t say anything.

Half an hour later.

The hovercar arrived at the city center, and a magnificent castle came into view. The entire castle was constructed from bluestone, and it was covered with moss, giving it a sense of historical age.

Creak!

The towering gates of the castle slowly opened.

The honor guard at the entrance saluted, and the black hovercar drove straight in.

Entering the castle, lush green lawns came into view, and concealed spray devices continuously emitted atomized water vapor, moistening the greenery.