I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

As countless players from Bright City passed through the Transmission Array and cheerfully entered Danerluo Port, this entirely new region unfolded before their eyes. The port city, named Danerluo, was the brightest pearl upon the Pearl Sea, a unique tapestry woven from the rich history and vastness of the ocean. The city's silhouette gradually became clear under the light of the rising sun, with its ancient walls snaking around it like a giant dragon safeguarding this prosperous land. Constructed from huge green stones, the walls, weathered by wind and rain, still appeared solid and majestic. Towering turrets stood high above the walls, where banners emblazoned with eagles fluttered in the wind, proclaiming the authority and glory of the city's new Lord. The narrow and winding streets within the city were paved with bluestone slabs that had become smooth as jade over the years. On either side of the streets, a variety of buildings stood shoulder to shoulder, from simple wooden shacks to elegant trading posts, all exuding a strong coastal and commercial atmosphere. Exquisite patterns carved on the windows glistened golden in the sunlight. The harbor was the soul of the city, with docks hosting ships from other regions of Fanor Continent, and even some large merchant vessels of unique design from continents far away. Masts rose in abundance, sails billowed, the sea surface rippled with light, and seagulls soared, emitting joyful cries. The sea breeze, carrying the salty moist air, invigorated the spirit. Many players were completely enchanted by the captivating charm of this seaside port, wandering through the streets, immersed in the novelty of the new map. Meanwhile, Lis, guided by Ivor and Grace, arrived at the western side of Danerluo Port. An elegant yet splendid mansion appeared before them, standing quietly amid a lush garden, with numerous attendants busy cleaning within. Ivor said with a smile, "Not knowing your preferences, we took the liberty of finding this place for your temporary rest." "This was originally built by a Duke of the Boditch Kingdom in Danerluo Port, but later we reclaimed it." "Lord Lis, if this isn't suitable, there are other options." Lis gave the mansion a cursory glance. Although it was not as exquisite as his residence in Bright City, it was spacious and well-lit. Especially noteworthy was the courtyard outside the mansion, which was easily more than ten times larger than the one on Feis Street. "Let's settle for this place, as I don't have anywhere to stay before the castle is finished anyhow." Lis nodded, expressing his satisfaction. Without further delay, Lis, along with Ivor and Grace, entered the reception room of the mansion. Rossi and others, excited, began to tidy up, efficiently directing the servants specially retained in the mansion to carry the luggage of varying sizes that they had brought. ... "So, what's the matter?" Lis leaned back on the sofa in the host's seat, looking at the two people in front of him. He gestured for Risa to come over and sit beside him. Risa hesitated, her cheeks flushing with a touch of red as she approached, before Lis pulled her over. This time, Lis had not called anyone else to join them apart from Risa. He had considered it, and among his own people, Risa, strong enough and trustworthy, was the most suitable. Lis would not be able to stay in Danerluo Port for long, as he had many tasks to attend to, and he would inevitably have to delegate the affairs of his territory to others. He planned to entrust Mora with the construction of the territory and business operations, given that the rapid growth of the White Dove Chamber of Commerce had fully proven his abilities. When it came to maintaining the security of the territory, Risa was needed. Though Risa had a bit of bookish character. It was a habit she had developed since childhood; if not for Lis, she could have happily ensconced herself in the library and laboratory indefinitely. Lis had recently been taking Risa out frequently, and the results were clear; at least she was no longer as shy and timid as before. But it wasn't enough yet. So, for a short period, Lis planned to take Risa with him, to expose her to various matters of the territory so she could get used to them quickly. Of course, Lis had already discussed this with Risa beforehand. If Risa was truly resistant, Lis wouldn't force her. Ivor and Grace sat on the side, as proper as they could possibly be. There was no helping it; the shock delivered by Joyce earlier had not yet faded, and their nerves remained tense. After a moment of silence, Ivor was the first to speak: "Duke, here's the situation." "Soon after you left Danerluo Port two months ago, the Boditch Kingdom quickly collapsed, and Danerluo Port experienced a prolonged period of chaos." "Following the fall of Luminous Stone City, as you predicted, many nobles of the Boditch Kingdom panicked, and numerous nobles chose to sail from Danerluo Port to other places, taking all their accumulated wealth from the port with them, leaving only empty shells behind." Lis nodded in understanding, as he had anticipated this. Although Ivor and Grace were nominally the Guardians of Danerluo Port and the supreme power holders of the city, their actual control over the city's interior was not strong. Although Danerluo Port was nominally under the direct jurisdiction of the Boditch Royal Family, for countless years under the erosion of greedy nobles, the majority of the guilds in the city belonged to those noble families, almost monopolizing the discourse power within Danerluo Port.