Paku estimation hit a bull's eye. The ssenger he sent did arrive at the imperial city in less than two days despite the vast distance between the two places.
Having verified his identity, the ssenger went straight into the imperial palace.
Of course, the journey from that point onwards wouldn't be smooth. Whether he likes it or not, he will have to endure a lot of bureaucracy.
He first had to check in with the Hall of External Affairs, register his identity with the Imperial Records Office, and have his letter of origin validated by the Office of Seal.
Each of these steps involved waiting, questioning, and signing. Sotis more than once.
And even then, he couldn't simply walk into the emperor's court.
An audience had to be requested, scheduled, and approved.
This was a natural developnt for an empire that had existed for hundreds of years. If seeing the emperor was so easy, where would the prestige be?
The ssenger was visibly frustrated. He wished he could just drop the scroll and get done with it.
But doing a half-hearted job is detrintal to him. This is his opportunity to stand out and be noticed by highly influential people like Mr. Paku.
He had to go beyond the necessity.
And to do so, he had to be patient.
"Yes, can I help you?" the clerk asked disinterestedly, barely looking up from the stack of papers on her desk.
Paku's ssenger passed the scroll given to him.
"Can you mark this as high priority?"
The clerk took the scroll, but she didn't consider it seriously. The fine material of the scroll's casing and the ornate seal might have impressed soone else, but not her.
Although the scroll used was indeed for an urgent issue, their office received so many urgent scrolls.
Many abused it to get things done faster.
She sighed and casually took the scroll."You had to wait in line like everyone else."
The ssenger's brows furrowed.
Seeing the clerk's laid-back attitude, the ssenger couldn't help but emphasize, "This scroll contains a negotiation between two countries. It must reach the emperor's hand as soon as possible."
The clerk sneered, "Yeah, sure, buddy. Co up with a better excuse next ti. Next!"
She obviously did not believe such a half-baked excuse. She lost count of the number of tis people threatened her.
"Are you kidding ?" The ssenger was pissed. He did not budge. Whatever happened happened. He'll sleep here if he has to.
The clerk didn't back down. "Sir, you are obstructing our operation right now. If you don't move, we'll have to force you to leave."
The commotion caused by two of them naturally attracts everyone's attention. Dozens of heads turned toward them.
And then—
"What's going on here?" A manager shows up.
Such a huge commotion, he would be in big trouble if he ignored it.
The clerk explained the situation.
The manager turned to the ssenger, "Envoy of the Ryntum delegation? Under the authority of Paku?"
"Yes, sir."
The hall manager held out his hand. "Let see the scroll."
The ssenger handed over the scroll. He does not worry about the content being leaked. Countless eyes are witnessing the manager's action right now.
Moreover, this is a matter of credibility.
The manager examined the seal first, then broke it open.
His eyes darted quickly across the content.
After a minute, the manager took a long breath and looked up. "I apologise for the delay. His Majesty will personally see this today."
"Thank you. I'll wait for the update."
The manager disappears into the deeper corridors with the scroll.
The ssenger remained standing for a few monts more before leaving the place.
His task was now half complete.
While waiting, he'll return ho and rest. He had depleted his energy in order to rush to the capital.
....
On the other side,
After the hall manager accepted the scroll from the persistent ssenger, he slipped into a narrow corridor tucked away behind a wall.
He descended a flight of stone steps into the underbelly of the palace. There's a hidden network of tunnels and passageways carved deep into the foundation centuries ago.
Although the buildings inside the palace compound are separated from one another, a path network beneath the ground connects them.
This secret path was a system of underground routes built to serve the emperor's movents in secrecy and safety.
It allows the emperor to avoid crowds, prying eyes, and threats.
Few knew of its existence, and fewer were permitted to use it.
Therefore, it is unbelievable for a re hall manager to have access to this secret network.
Unless his background is not so simple...
After several minutes of winding paths and sharp turns, the hall manager arrived at his destination.
Erging from the underground path, the hall manager calmly walked toward the emperor.
Since he's familiar with the emperor's daily routine, it is not hard for him to find the emperor.
Knock-
Knock-
"Your Majesty, it's ."
"Co in."
The manager pushed open the door. Imdiately, the faint scent of ink hit his nose.
He saw that the emperor was imrsed in stroking the brush on the paper.
This is the hobby of his emperor.
Without looking up, the emperor of Sidgean asked, "Why are you here?"
"I picked up a scroll with interesting content." The manager stepped forward and carefully placed it on a lacquered stand next to the emperor.
"Pick up? What are you, scavengers now?" the emperor sneered.
Despite the sarcasm, his curiosity got the better of him. He set the brush aside gently and wiped his fingers on a silk cloth before reaching for the scroll.
The emperor unrolled the scroll halfway, scanning the first few lines. His brows knit slightly. Then he unrolled it further.
"…Interesting," The emperor smiled. "No wonder that ssenger made such a huge fuss earlier."
"Hmm? You know?"
"How could I not know? Everything that happens in the palace compound is within my knowledge."
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