"Chief Eunuch Yang, here," The Emperor passed a scroll with his seal to a stout fellow who seemed like he was uncomfortable while receiving it.
Still, in the end, he couldn't go against the Emperor's orders and set out to Hanga District along with a couple of Imperial guards. These two are the same guards who were thrashed by Alina back when the Chief Eunuch visited Genesis store to announce Emperor's decree.
The only difference from then is that back then, they volunteered but today, they were forced to tag along.
Upon reaching the store, the Chief Eunuch surveyed the surroundings. A frown appeared on his face, "it's almost been a week but there's little work progress. I need to report to his majesty."
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside the store, followed by the other two only to be stupefied on the spots. There was the reception desk where Mark was seen busy, taking a nap. On the other hand, Alina was standing on his right and Allen on his left.
That is well and good but what's with the interior of the store? The Chief Eunuch never expect that shabby store from the outside suddenly change to this way.
Meanwhile, Allen greeted them. "Welcome to Genesis weapon store. What would you want to buy?"
"Ah, yes. I'm sorry." The Chief Eunuch came to his senses and took out the scroll, "I'm here with the Emperor's decree. Can you…" he gestured to Allen to wake up his master.
"Big Brother, someone from the palace is here." Alina woke up him.
Mark instantly opened his eyes as soon as he heard someone is there, for there hasn't been any customers since the last four days.
But, the moment his eyes fell on the three, and then, at the scroll in the stout fellow's hands, Mark lost his interest. "Oh, it's you. What is it?"
Now that Mark's stature is very high, the Chief Eunuch was careful with his words and said, "His Majesty summoned you to the Palace."
Mark took the scroll and read it. His eyes lit up after reading the part that says, "Reward of land."
Mark nodded with a smile, "sure, I will come, right away."
"And there's something else." The Chief Eunuch slowly said with hesitation filling his face.
A moment later, the Chief Eunuch made a deep bow and the two Imperial guards kowtowed for the forgiveness of offending him back then.
Mark didn't care much about it and waved his hands, "it's fine. Let's go."
Soon, a battle tank was seen following an ordinary horse carriage. Mark spent 1000 gold coins for its repair, increasing its durability back to 100% and removing all the scratches. It looked brand new.
The battle tank, with its huge size and unconventional design, was naturally the center of attraction.
Wherever the battle tank passed, the people couldn't help but halt their works and just stare at it for a moment.
Sometime later;
The palace gates were opened and the soldiers moved aside in hurry, giving the way to the battle tank.
As the battle tank passed them, one of the soldiers heave a sigh of relief, "that thing is really scarier than a higher realm fierce beast. I thought we are going to be attacked for a moment."
"Yeah, me too." Another soldier responded to him, agreeing to his statement.
Upon nearing the palace, Mark dismissed the tank and started to walk alongside Allen and Alina.
While Mark followed the Chief Eunuch in silence, he started to look around. Obviously, it was several times bigger and grander than his little mansion on the first floor. There's a look of pity on his face, followed by anger. "Poor Lu Zhen, he should have been growing up in a place like this. That damn woman took away everything."
Alina glanced in Mark's direction upon feeling the fluctuations in Mark's feelings but as they subsidized very quickly, she didn't pay attention to it, any longer.
The group of four reached the courtroom and Mark waited outside while the Eunuch went inside and informed the Emperor.
It was then Mark, Allen and Alina stepped inside the court. It was filled with everyone. There were familiar faces like Song Yun and the third prince. The crown prince was still on house arrest. The second prince and Bai Xun were nowhere to be seen.
Amid the mixed gazes from every side, Mark walked forward at a normal pace.
"Your Majesty," He calmly bowed to the Emperor much to his displeasure.
A smile appeared on the Emperor, "I believe you already know why you are summoned. So, let me come straight to the point. Intentional or unintentional, you have done a great service to the Empire by slaughtering the Beast King Cerberus. And I'm deeply ashamed that you were instead dragged to trial, instead of rewarding you.
In the light of the events, the Imperial palace decided to hand over a piece of land nearby the Imperial city just like you have requested. But, then, we heard that you are collaborating with General Shang Wen to create a firearms division. That led me to rethink the reward.
Thanks to our Grand Secretariat Li, we found a solution.
"I have a proposal on one hand and a reward on another hand.
1 acre of land, located just 13 kilometers away from the Imperial city. From today onwards, it will be yours.
Along with it, there's an 80-acre land in the wilderness, about 113 kilometers away to the north-west of our Imperial City, if you can give a word that within five years, you will deliver atleast 3 of those flying machines, the one you used in the duel against Minister Song, the Imperial palace is willing to hand over that land to you.
Not only that, but we will also build an estate and take responsibility for all the expenses in setting up the largest smithy. I will also exempt you from paying all kinds of taxes.
And if General Wen managed to prove that the firearms division is an asset, then, I can give you my word, the firearms division will be established in all the regiments and the Firearms will also be recognized as one of the Spirit Paths in the Phoenix Empire.
The choice is entirely up to you and there's no pressure. If you needed time to consider, then, you can take it."
"No need to think, Your Majesty, I accept your proposal." Mark readily stated his opinion. The moment the Emperor said the size of the manor he will be given, Mark was tempted.
And when the location was revealed, Mark decided to agree to the proposal without even hearing the rest but then, after the Emperor stated the conditions attached to it, he realized that his helicopters were the real reasons behind this summon.
But, he wouldn't want to hand over such powerful equipment to his enemy, just like that. So, after accepting the deal, Mark added, "However, I just need a small clarification."
"What is it?" The Emperor was all smiles as upon seeing that his plan was successful.
Mark then proceeded to ask, "The two attack helicopters-EC 665 I'm supposed to deliver, are they belong to the Emperor or the Army?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" The Emperor appeared to be confused.
The third prince understood the meaning and spoke, "Your Majesty, I believe Lu Zhen was wary that the weapons he delivers will be used against him."
Although Mark agreed with the third prince, he knew that this fake prince might have misunderstood his intentions. He decided to use it for his advantage and said, "I made enemies against the nobles and probably even the Crown Prince. I couldn't help but think, what if for some reason, the Crown Prince becomes the Emperor and decided to take revenge."
The Emperor furrowed his brows upon hearing Mark. He understood the meaning behind his words. Nevertheless, he put away the thought and replied truthfully, "All of the weapons will be considered my personal property, and they will be distributed among my children according to my will if that unfortunate day really arrives."
The third prince was the most satisfied with the Emperor's reply for he was sure that he will be given one of them, considering their close relationship.
"Alright, I will deliver 3 of those helicopters within five years of time but I need to remind his majesty that they won't be given for free. The palace must pay for them too because it might cost millions of gold coins." Mark reminded him just in case.
"Of course, I know that." The Emperor nodded. He doesn't care about the money. The safety of the Empire is more important.
