Chapter 1121 - 172: The Dark, Corrupt Assessment Standards and the Empire’s True Strategy in the Border Prince’s Territory_2

Chapter 1121: Chapter 172: The Dark, Corrupt Assessment Standards and the Empire’s True Strategy in the Border Prince’s Territory_2

The official reined in his horse and dismounted with a hint of stiffness. He brushed off non-existent snowflakes from his cloak, his gaze briefly pausing on the knightly emblem on Bradley’s chest and the crest on Marshal Oerstein’s war robe, before settling on Su Li. He unfastened the cloak’s clasp to reveal the deep blue uniform with golden trim, representing his status as an official of the Electorate Council, with a small, winged gold lion badge pinned at his chest.

"In the name of the Emperor and the authority of the Imperial Elector Council," his voice was not loud, hoarse from a long journey with a hint of pompous stiffness, "I am Helmut von Klaus, appointed to assess the Hesse Territory and its Lord, Sir Su Li, to see if they meet the Empire’s noble standards, and the title and responsibilities they should possess." He took out a roll of parchment tied with a black silk ribbon and sealed with scarlet wax bearing the Empire’s double-headed eagle insignia. "This is the document of authorization from the council, for your inspection."

Su Li nodded slightly, signaling for Hilude to step forward. Hilude received the heavy document with both hands, did not open it, but carefully examined the completeness of the wax seal and the clarity of the imprint, then nodded to Su Li for confirmation.

"Welcome to the Hesse Territory, Commissioner Helmut." Su Li’s voice was steady, without discernible emotion. "After the arduous journey and harsh cold, the castle is prepared with warm food and drinks. Please, Commissioner and your entourage, take some time to rest first."

Commissioner Helmut’s gaze swept over Bradley and the well-equipped knights, finally returning to Su Li’s face. The corner of his mouth seemed to twitch, forming a very subtle, very fleeting curve, more of a habitual expression than a smile.

"Thank you for your hospitality." He didn’t bother with pleasantries, clearly the journey had been taxing on his pampered body.

The massive oak doors of Heisen Castle slowly closed in the wind and snow, keeping the biting cold out. The fireplace burned warmly, and the room was filled with the scent of pinewood and roasted meat. A white linen cloth covered the long table, with silver candlesticks and heavy ceramic plates holding steaming roasted wild boar ribs, fresh fish stew, and a variety of Hesse Territory delicacies.

Commissioner Helmut von Klaus sat on a chair specially arranged next to the head of the long table, his posture as upright as if a ruler were inserted behind him. His movements while dining were precise and mechanical, the silver knife and fork hardly made any sound on the plate.

Su Li raised a silver cup filled with deep red wine and gestured to the Commissioner: "Commissioner von Klaus, this cup is for your arrival, and to welcome all fellow Imperial colleagues."

Commissioner Helmut lifted his eyelids and raised his cup as well, only symbolically touching the rim to his lips: "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Su Li. With duties present, I cannot drink much."

Su Li set down his wine cup, maintaining a polite smile, deciding to shift to the main topic: "Commissioner, after such a demanding journey, you must have formed some initial impressions of the territory. I wonder what specific aspects the Imperial Council values in evaluating a Pioneer Territory? So that we can fully cooperate and showcase the territory’s true condition."

Helmut paused his chewing for half a second, his narrow eyes turned to Su Li, his gaze unwavering: "The evaluation criteria are confidential for the council to ensure fairness without partiality, forgive my inability to disclose them ahead of time. Lord Su Li only needs to ensure all matters of the territory run smoothly, with complete personnel files, tax records, armament rosters, and other documents. We will verify them according to regulations." His fingers unconsciously fiddled with a small gold double-headed eagle cufflink on his uniform sleeve.

"Confidential? Fair?" Su Li’s smile faded slightly, shaking the wine glass in his hand, he asked mockingly: "Do these traits really exist in Empire politics? It’s the first time I’ve heard of them."

The flames in the fireplace flickered, casting changing light and shadow on Commissioner Helmut von Klaus’s rigid face. Su Li’s unmasked mockery somewhat chilled the atmosphere.

The Commissioner’s chewing completely stopped. He slowly set down his knife and fork, the silverware clinking sharply against the plate, then he picked up the white linen napkin, wiping the corners of his mouth with extreme slowness and care.

When he finally raised his eyes to look at Su Li, a hint of greed flashed in those narrow eyes. He glanced at Hilude standing behind Su Li, then at Marshal Oerstein in the corner, silent like a statue. Lastly, his gaze lingered on the lavish decorations and jewels in the hall for a full two seconds, the habitual cold curve of his mouth seemed to deepen a little.

In the hall, only the crackling of burning wood and the faint wailing of the wind and snow outside remained. All accompanying officials and soldiers stopped eating, setting down their knives and forks.

Commissioner Helmut did not immediately respond to Su Li’s mockery. He leaned forward slightly, his arms rested on the white linen-covered table, fingers interlocked.

This posture was much like negotiation, far removed from the formal conduct of Imperial officials, his voice lowered, hoarse and steady, ensuring only Su Li could hear clearly.

"Lord Su Li," he began, as if carefully weighing every word, "The Empire’s vast expanse knows no bounds. The shine of order requires countless cornerstones for support. Pioneer Territory is part of these cornerstones. Every cornerstone has an appropriate place and weight."

He paused, his gaze fixed intently on Su Li’s eyes. "The council sent us to assess this ’weight’. The weight determines how much strength the territory can contribute to the Empire’s order, and it also decides... how much space it occupies on the Empire’s map."