Chapter 913: Envoy's Evaluation, A Mere Formality

Greta and the others had already left, and Xia Duo and Niya did not linger long at the foot of the Tower of Time; the two walked together through the Mythallar Ruins and arrived at the edge of a seedling field.

At this point in time, the autumn sowing had long been completed, and even the wheat sprouts had slightly poked their heads out—though, of course, they were merely poking their heads out, looking like green pixels scattered across the gray-black earth, struggling desperately with the brilliance of life.

Seeing this scene, Niya seemed particularly delighted; she looked here and peeked there, excitedly telling Xia Duo, "When I observed this place from the study the day before yesterday, these greens weren't here yet!"

"Is that so! Then that is quite a coincidence!"

In truth, Xia Duo hadn't paid much attention to the situation in the fields over the past two days either; with Yatewude there, he had indeed saved himself a lot of worry. After walking around the fields for a while, Xia Duo suggested:

"Let's go to the villa; we can drink tea while we wait for the Archmage and the others!"

"Mm."

……

Because he had to entertain guests, Xia Duo did not bring out the "Bonu Original Leaf," which was already in short supply, but merely the "Bonu No. 4" tea infusion that could be bought normally in Netheril.

The two waited for a while. Greta did not finish her inspection, but the other six people who had come to the Nan Jing with Greta finished quickly. Led by staff from the Logistics Department, these people arrived at the reception room of the Lord's Villa.

"Lord Xia Duo, Lord Saville, we have finished our inspection!"

"Then please sit and have a cup of tea; Archmage Greta may still need some time!"

As Xia Duo said this, the attending Logistics Department personnel served the group Elf Hot Drinks that were still steaming, and Xia Duo took the opportunity to ask:

"What is your opinion of my Daxia Territory? Can it pass this inspection?"

"Lord Xia Duo!"

It was the older Mage who had spoken before who answered. After rising to thank Xia Duo for his hospitality, he returned to the main topic:

"Based on my experience over the past few decades, Daxia Territory is the most vibrant territory I have ever seen. As for whether it can pass the assessment, I don't think it's much of a problem. Daxia Territory has already developed so much land; it should already meet the requirements for self-sufficiency!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Duo couldn't help but frown slightly. This person seemed to have no understanding of grain output, and didn't even bother to count the number of residents before daring to make such a judgment.

But then, Xia Duo's brow relaxed; these people were not experts on territorial issues, which might actually be more advantageous for him.

So he asked again: "Does the passing of the inspection not depend on your decision?"

"Lord Xia Duo is joking; how could such a thing possibly be decided by us!"

The old Mage gave a bitter smile upon hearing this. "We are merely here to make a record. Once we return to Seventon, the lords of the Council will naturally make the decision! However, Lady Greta has a special status, so perhaps she can influence the final result!"

After saying this, the old Mage said no more. In fact, he only dared to say this last part because he saw that Lord Xia Duo and Archmage Greta had a good relationship; in any other setting, he would never have dared to discuss an Archmage in private like this.

After hearing the answer from this Seven Towers Mage, Xia Duo and Niya looked at each other; both thought simultaneously that this so-called inspection might just be a mere formality.

This once again reminded Xia Duo of the uncontested elections in his hometown: first picking a few so-called potential Pioneers, then inspecting whether they were qualified to be confirmed—or more accurately, their potential.

Isn't this just a textbook uncontested election!

As long as you don't run the territory too poorly, you basically won't fail.

Regarding this result, a hint of relief appeared in Niya's eyes, while Xia Duo, though he breathed a sigh of relief, felt a bit of confusion about the future.

This meant he was now completely tied to the Seven Towers' ship. Although he had been in the Seven Towers Council camp before, he had ultimately remained relatively independent; now it was different, as the connection had become much closer.

Although from a rational perspective, this state did not have many disadvantages for Xia Duo—in fact, it had more benefits, and even the blueprint for a future alliance had been planned in advance.

Yet this state also made him feel a sense of involuntary oppression. Perhaps this is what they call "being pretentious"!

……

In the reception room, Xia Duo did not sit idle for long before Greta arrived, led by the Logistics Department staff.

From Greta's calm expression alone, Xia Duo could not discern much information. Although he was not worried about failing the inspection and becoming officially recognized, he still cared very much about the higher-ups' opinion of his territory.

Taking advantage of the moment when the two stood up to welcome her and Greta took her seat, Xia Duo quickly gave Niya a look. The two had known each other for a long time; if not exactly of one mind, they were at least in tacit agreement.

Niya understood immediately, took a teacup from the Logistics Department staff, personally delivered it to Greta's side, and then asked the question Xia Duo had previously asked the other inspectors:

"Does the Lady think well of Xia Duo's territory?"

"I have never seen any territory like Daxia Territory! How should I put it?" Greta glanced at the teacup on the table and gave a very unique evaluation—

"So busy! But this busyness reveals a distinct sense of order; almost everyone has their own specific work, without the slightest chaos!"

About a year or so ago, Greta had accompanied the Princess to Daxia Territory, but at that time, Daxia Territory had only a few hundred people and the territory was very crude; her only impression at the time might have been that patch of neat wooden houses.

As for the Handbook of Daxia Territory Development, that was a later matter.

Now, the residents of Daxia Territory numbered in the thousands, and she was alone, not needing to accompany the Princess, so she could observe at will; thus, she immediately discovered the most obvious difference between this place and other places.

"The residents of Daxia Territory are the most vibrant residents I have ever seen!"

Speaking of this, Greta cast an inquisitive gaze at Xia Duo. "I am very curious, how exactly did you do it? Even in other Pioneer Territories, I have never seen residents as full of vitality as those here!"

Hearing Greta's words, Xia Duo was thoughtful and said calmly, "That is probably because I truly treat them as my own people!"

"Heh—"

Greta suddenly shook her head and gave a self-deprecating smile. "So that's it. I should have guessed; we truly do not pay enough attention to the common people!"

She then looked at Xia Duo and said seriously: "Lord Xia Duo, if the Princess heard what you just said, she would be very happy!"

To this, Xia Duo said nothing, merely picking up his teacup to take a light sip. His face revealed nothing, but his heart was quite shocked.

This was almost the first time he had heard a relatively clear stance from the higher-ups regarding ordinary people—or at the very least, the Princess's stance.