Chapter 434: Ch
but since those "dogs" came from the Empress’s own household, she had indirectly insulted the Empress as well.
And while Vivian outwardly looked tired and somewhat helpless, anyone paying close attention could clearly tell that this was not actually the case. The radiance surrounding her and the confidence within her demeanor made that much obvious.
As for the words far more at ease and at home here than in Elfheim, that carried another meaning entirely, one the Empress instantly understood.
And because of that realization, Valoria’s face visibly paled.
The mockery behind those words was very clear to her, and those final remarks struck directly at her heart.
More than anyone else, Valoria knew that Elfheim was renowned as one of the safest havens in the galaxy, not only for common citizens but even for high-ranking individuals. Much of that reputation had been built upon the efforts of powerful enforcers who carried out their duties with unwavering dedication, making cases of abuse of power rare and far between.
And yet now, the daughter of one of the Empire’s most powerful figures, someone second only to a handful of individuals in both influence and strength, had openly admitted that Elphenim had not felt safe enough for her. Worse still, she now felt safer and more at home within a newly risen human power.
If that was not a direct statement that she, as a ruler, had failed to maintain the internal security of her own state, then what was...?
For a brief moment, those thoughts shook her deeply. No.
Just because of one mistake, I cannot say that I have failed, nor can I say that the enforcers neglected their duties. Not at all.
Just because of her case, one that developed due to her unique nature and circumstances, she cannot make such a judgment.
At that moment, the familiar red haze once again spread through her sea of consciousness. The thoughts that had begun affecting her state of mind slowly melted away beneath its influence, and her train of thought was subtly redirected toward a different conclusion.
’Still, I won’t complain about that,’ Valoria thought, thinking for a moment before looking at Vivian with a reproachful expression.
"In any society, there will always be both good and bad elements. The good will remain as they are, and the bad, no matter how much they are controlled, will always find ways to do bad things regardless."
"Oh?" Vivian’s eyes widened slightly upon hearing that, wondering where exactly Valoria was going with this. However, she quickly controlled her expression before opening her eyes a little wider and speaking with a hint of astonishment. "But that doesn’t mean we simply choose not to punish those bad elements, does it, Empress?"
She continued calmly, "Like you said, in society both good and bad exist. Since you already recognize that distinction, then surely the rewards and punishments should also be differentiated accordingly."
"If someone does good, they should naturally be rewarded. But those who do bad should be punished as well, don’t you agree?"
Hearing this, and not noticing how she was being subtly led by Vivian, Valoria nodded her head without thinking too deeply about it. "You speak correctly, Miss Vivian. That is indeed the tradition that I and my subordinates follow. As a former member of Elfheim you should already be aware of that, no?"
"The past cannot be compared with the present, now can it, Empress?"
Instead of answering the question directed at her, Vivian pushed another question back.
Valoria leaned forward slightly, a hint of puzzlement appearing on her face.
Vivian could not help but wonder if the Empress was truly this clueless or simply acting that way on purpose.
’Acting, I guess. Being a seasoned Empress, she should know how to act by now.’
’But anyway, since I’m already being this bold, speaking a few more truths shouldn’t be a problem. And with my Master’s and the Imperial Emperor’s current relationship, there shouldn’t be any major issues either. Then let’s get on with it.’
"In the past, we could have said that Elphenim did indeed follow the philosophy that good people were rewarded and looked after, while the bad were found and punished for the crimes they committed." Vivian paused before looking directly into Valoria’s eyes. "But is that really the case now?"
The Empress frowned even more and was about to rebuke her, but Vivian beat her to it "Looking at your face, it seems you disagree with my statement, Empress?"
Valoria nodded her head and replied firmly. "One case does not give the full picture of Elfheim safety standards, Lady Vivian."
"Hahahaha!" Hearing that, Vivian laughed as though she had just heard the greatest joke of the century. She looked at the Empress with an expression filled with both intrigue and astonishment. "One person? Hahaha... You really have the nerve to say that?"
"If it had only been me, then one could have said it was merely a conflict between two households. But was that really the case?" She leaned forward slightly on her command seat. "The disappearance of old noble houses of lower rank. Families suddenly being designated as collaborators with enemy factions when generations before them, and even the current generation, had laid down their lives for the Empire. A land they held dear enough to sacrifice themselves for..."
"Only to be rewarded with the deaths of their family members and accusations of being traitors?"
"What about common people who built their dreams with their own hands, only to be killed and robbed by unknown groups?"
"Then after an investigation, it is conveniently discovered that they were apparently bandits themselves, and some heroic savior just happened to put them down?"
"And what else hasn’t happened over the last few decades, Empress?"
Vivian’s voice gradually grew colder.
"And yet you have the gall to call it just one event?"
"Investigate these matters even once, and anyone can see how glaringly obvious the inconsistencies are. The investigations themselves are filled with flaws from beginning to end, yet you still say, ’Just because of one incident, one can question Elphenim’s safety standards?’"
She shook her head slowly before letting out a dry laugh. "Wow... You really are good with words, Empress i have to say that."
"You...!" The Empress felt both stumped and furious upon hearing Vivian’s words. Not even once did she truly consider them as truth. Her consciousness was already surrounded by the haze, and thus she immediately barked back. "I have had enough of you, Lady Vivian! Just because you hold a rank here does not mean you can say whatever you want in front of me!"
"I am a valued guest of your Empire, perhaps even a valuable future partner, and possess a status comparable to your own Emperor’s. You cannot speak to me in such a manner!" Valoria admonished sharply. "Just because you suffered once does not mean you can frame my Empire’s safety standards as subpar by saying things that are simply not true."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "Believe me, I can raise this matter with your Emperor. Do you think you would escape notice then?"
Hearing this, Vivian pressed her lips together. Internally, however, she was delighted. Good... I finally got you angry.
Outwardly, though, she merely tilted her head and replied calmly. "Oh? Then by all means, go ahead and raise it with my Emperor, Empress."
Then her eyes narrowed slightly. "And believe me, with me standing here, do you really think you can discuss a partnership with my Empire so easily?"
The two continued staring at one another for a few moments before finally stopping.
Valoria spoke one last time, her tone carrying unmistakable anger. "You have truly tested my patience, Lady Vivian. Had it not been for your status and position, you would not believe what would have happened to you."
Vivian simply laughed inwardly. ’With that little power, you think you could do anything to me?’
But what she actually said was far more professional. "Have your fleet remain here and proceed onward with only your flagship. Take it directly into the hangar of the mothership ahead."
"We have already made arrangements for your subordinates’ stay in this location, so you may leave without concern." And with that, Vivian terminated the communication channel without even waiting for the Empress’s reply.
"Damn that girl from the Elder Grove family! Who does she think she is, daring to speak to me like that?!"
Valoria stomped her foot in anger.
"How dare she say something like that? With her here, I can forget about a partnership? Who does she think she is? Just because she climbed a few ranks in some foreign power through who knows what means, she thinks she has the ability to do things like this? Damn her!"
Standing behind her, Arya pressed her lips together as she watched the unusually emotional behavior of her Empress. The confrontation between Valoria and Vivian had also left a significant impact on her own thoughts.
