They joined the flowing stream of guests that walked across the Royal Estate heading down the path to the Royal Hall. Rui's senses washed across the people walking in. Interestingly enough, only a small minority of guests were Martial Artists, the remaining were civilians.
Close to half of them were accompanied by bodyguards from the Kandrian Security Force, ranging from normal human bodyguards all the way to Martial Senior bodyguards. This was telling as the Kandrian Security Force was tasked with the duty of protecting important governmental officials.
Julian was not qualified to have one even as the deputy director of a division within the Ministry of Research and Development.
Those weren't the only security measures in place, he saw many armed figures patrolling the borders. They possessed strange artifacts in their hands that even exuded a little bit of a threat to Rui's instincts.
Whatever they were, they were powerful. Princess Raemina seemed much less reliant on the power of Martial Art compared to some of the other princes and princesses.
Still, as Rui sensed around the moving crowd, it became increasingly clear that Princess Raemina had managed to gain much interest from the executive government. He found that to be rather disappointing, but he had already prepared himself for popularity for her communist philosophy ever since he learned about her being one of the seven prime candidates for the throne.
"Welcome to the Royal Hall," A set of maids and butlers chanted and bowed in harmony, welcoming them in.
The Royal Hall was incredibly wide and spacious, accommodating many people in it. Inside were a number of Martial Masters that secured the safety of the Royal Hall. This was still a rather strange sight for Rui who had gotten used to Martial Masters being infrequent and few during his time away.
Here in the Kandrian Empire, Martial Masters were far more common and were much less significant. For an event as important as this with as many important guests as there were here, it was fitting that Martial Masters were deployed to ensure the safety of all the guests. Trying to get past them was going to be extraordinarily difficult.
"Ah, we're glad that you could make it, Doctor Quarrier, Senior Quarrier," A familiar measured voice called out to them.
The two of them recognized the voice of Marin Vilmentine, an important executive in the Raemina Administration and Foundation.
"We're pleased to be here, Miss Vilmentine," Rui smiled courteously. "Might I add that that dress suits you quite well?"
Rui had read a book on formal etiquette in the upper echelons of society. Apparently, complimenting the aesthetics of women in such events was customary etiquette. While etiquette was something that he didn't care about, he was grateful this time because he had no idea how he ought to act in such an event.
"Thank you," She smiled at his words. "Her Highness will be soon here once all the guests have arrived. Please do make yourselves comfortable until then. I'm sure there are many people who are eager to speak to you."
She was not kidding. Rui could feel the attention of many of the guests. Perhaps it was because of his eye-drawing facial features that allowed them to recognize him quite quickly.
"Look, is that…?"
"It's Rui Quarrier…"
"So that's the youngest…"
He could hear whispers and murmurs quite clearly, but he knew he was expected to ignore them.
Despite the many people that had taken notice, very few were willing to approach him.
"I have heard much about you, Senior Quarrier," A strong voice remarked. "You cannot imagine how much I've looked forward to meeting you since your return to the Kandrian Empire."
The murmurs in the hall died down as Rui turned around facing a man with a heavy presence that demanded attention.
Rui grew more intrigued as he experienced a bit of pressure from the otherwise normal human. It was different from the peril that Martial Masters possessed, it was a fainter pressure, yet it helped him understand that whoever this man was, he was not ordinary.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr…"
"Ah, how careless of me," His tone grew mildly regretful. "I haven't introduced myself. I am Varay Nerman, the Minister of Martial Art."
Rui's eyes widened as he understood the significance of the man standing before him. This was the head of the Ministry of Martial Art of the executive government, a man chosen by the Royal Emperor himself.
Of course, Rui should have already understood the significance of the man's identity based on the high-grade Martial Seniors that stood behind him. The man carried an air and bearing of confidence and elite competence.
"It's a pleasure to meet the Martial Minister, it is thanks to the competence of leaders within the Martial Art sector like yourself that the Kandrian Empire remains a powerhouse across the Panama Continent," Rui shook hands with the man, smiling modestly.
"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you," The minister graciously replied with a rich voice. "As for impact, I wager that you have contributed more to Martial Art than I have, Senior Quarrier, would you not agree?"
The man gave Rui a knowing glance.
Immediately, Rui knew that this man was aware of the Hungry Pain technique. He wasn't even surprised. He did recall what Headmaster Aronian told him about the Hungry Pain technique being leased to the Executive Government and the Royal Army. The Martial Union obtained great monetary remuneration and other benefits from the government and the army in return for servicing them with the Hungry Pain technique, without actually ever divulging the technique of course.
Thus, there was no doubt that the Ministry of Martial Art was well aware that the Martial Union had made a massive breakthrough in regard to the Squire evolution breakthrough. There was also no doubt that the Ministry had done its best to crack the secrets of the breakthrough technique but ultimately had failed.
The Martial Union had done its absolutely damndest to ensure that nobody learned anything about the Hungry Pain technique. When an organization as powerful as the union went all out in securing an objective, there were few things that stood in the way.
In other words, the man before Rui was negatively affected by Rui's contribution.
