"Could it be that someone is scared?"
Flandre Scarlet said with an innocent yet sarcastic air.
Hearing Flandre's words, the man's face immediately flushed.
"Who says I'm scared? I just feel that there's no need for the people of Yan to lose their lives innocently because of someone else's conspiracy. Besides, you've come to Yan so abruptly, and as a Blood Demon with the most notorious reputation at that. Are we not allowed to have reasonable suspicions?"
"Oh, reasonable suspicions. Are you saying you don't trust the endorsement of Governor Wei and so many citizens of Lungmen?"
Beside them, Beatrice found a loophole in the other party's words. This matter could be seen as either big or small. It's only normal for the Imperial Court to think there are coincidences and send someone to inquire, but if it gets tied to the Court's lack of trust in a high-ranking provincial official, then it becomes troublesome.
After all, it's not like no one has gossiped about Wei Yenwu over the years, but what was the result? Wei Yenwu still sits firmly in Lungmen, while some of those who gossiped about him have long since disappeared. Although it's unknown what kind of agreement the True Lung and Wei Yenwu reached to let him sit so securely in Lungmen.
They came to trouble Flandre Scarlet to circuitously find evidence that Wei Yenwu was untrustworthy. If the circuitous approach turned into a direct confrontation, the True Lung would most likely still side with Wei Yenwu, which would mean the failure of their entire plan. Therefore, they absolutely could not admit to this.
"Of course not. It's just that, as you know, Baizao is quite a distance from Lungmen, making communication between the two places difficult. The officials of the Imperial Court know very little about the affairs of Lungmen. That is exactly why they sent us here. It's not that we don't trust you all; it's just that the Imperial Court needs to consider all of Yan, so it's better to be cautious. Furthermore, in our view, Miss Flandre Scarlet has no issues at all. On the contrary, her actions have dealt a powerful blow to the Ursus warmongers, significantly reducing the actual pressure on our borders."
The man in the middle, Taihe, explained on behalf of the person beside him.
"Taihe, you're just too sentimental. Who here doesn't know the reason this guy came? Anyway, their scheme has already fallen through. Wouldn't it be more interesting to let him feel a bit more stifled verbally?"
After a round of cold mockery, the woman beside him looked at Flandre Scarlet.
"I volunteered to come this time because I'm very interested in you. Could we find some time to chat after this is over? My master wrote to me earlier expressing great appreciation for you. He mentioned that many newcomers at the Celestial Masters Mansion have weak foundations and hopes you could visit the Celestial Masters Mansion when you have time to give a lecture to everyone."
Hearing the woman's words, the face of the man who had been finding fault with Flandre Scarlet turned pale. What do you mean? The three of us came to investigate Flandre Scarlet's issues. Not only are you not picking holes in her, but you're also using a tone that suggests the Celestial Masters of the Mansion value her highly and asking if she wants to hang out there? What's the deal? Aren't you just making a clown of yourself?
"Does anyone else have any questions?"
Seeing the scene fall into silence, Wei Yenwu spoke up.
"I have none." The first to speak was the woman who had only said a few words at the end.
Then, the man she called Taihe shook his head, indicating he had finished his questions. Finally, everyone looked at the gloomy man. Even though he had many faults to pick, it was clear that Wei Yenwu had no intention of giving him the chance.
He could only say through gritted teeth, "I have no more questions either."
"In that case, let's consider this matter concluded for now. As for Miss Lin's request to speak with Flandre Scarlet privately, what do you think, Flandre?"
Wei Yenwu looked at Flandre Scarlet.
"Mm, okay!" Flandre Scarlet nodded, not refusing. Of course, if it had been that man, she certainly wouldn't have agreed.
"Alright then, it's getting late. I'll see the two of you out first. You two can chat here about whatever you like!"
Wei Yenwu pointed to the door and then left with the other two. After the two had left, the young woman cupped her fists toward Flandre Scarlet.
"Hello, Miss Flandre Scarlet. I am Lin Qingyan. I just came down from the Celestial Masters Mansion this year to take up a post at the Dali Temple. I've watched your lectures repeatedly, and I have a few questions I'd like to ask you..."
Hearing her words, Flandre Scarlet remembered this person. In a few years, she would also become a Rhodes Island Operator, with the codename "Leizi," if she recalled correctly. It was clear that the current Lin Qingyan had not yet been tempered by the Imperial Court and was still an enterprising Celestial Master.
The questions she asked were all related to spells and Originium Arts. And Flandre Scarlet's answers surprised her greatly. Because some were even more profound and enlightening than those in the previous lectures. She couldn't help but ask for the reason.
Flandre Scarlet told her that the reason for such great progress in her Magic was a very in-depth exchange she had with a professor in Leithanien who specialized in Originium Arts research. She had learned a lot of knowledge from him.
"That professor also gave me a new set of books. It can be said that precisely because of this exchange and study, I have indeed taken another step forward in the research of Originium Arts."
Flandre Scarlet didn't hide anything, instead recounting the meeting with that professor in Zwillingstürme.
"Indeed, the intelligence we received shows that after meeting that professor, you were also taken by the Queen to see the White Queen."
Lin Qingyan looked at Flandre Scarlet.
"That's right. After all, Leithanien's research into Originium Arts far surpasses other places, and Her Majesty the Queen was also worried that our conversation might leak something. But that professor obviously knew the intricacies involved, so every topic was kept within a certain limit and did not cross any lines. So, after the Queen asked a few things, she let us go."
After hearing Flandre Scarlet's explanation, Lin Qingyan didn't find anything wrong with it. After all, if a foreigner were suddenly received by the Grand Celestial Master and discussed the Dao together for a whole day, they would probably also be summoned by the True Lung for questioning. Every country has its own "closely guarded secrets."
"Thank you for the explanation!"
Having received the answers from Flandre Scarlet, Lin Qingyan left the office satisfied. Beatrice took her to the back garden. By then, Lady Fumizuki had already arranged for someone to set out food. Once Flandre Scarlet and Beatrice sat down, they began to wolf down the food.
"You two, eat slowly. Don't choke."
Fumizuki sat to the side, smiling as she added soup to their bowls. After eating and drinking their fill, Flandre Scarlet slumped in her chair, humming happily.
"By the way, Flandre, do you two have any plans for the afternoon?"
Fumizuki asked after taking a sip of tea.
"Nope!" Flandre Scarlet patted her belly and let out a burp.
"There's a race in the Lungmen Outer Ring this afternoon. Would you like to go see it, Flandre?"
Lady Fumizuki asked, staring at Flandre Scarlet.
"A race?" Flandre Scarlet tilted her head.
"Yes, a very interesting race!"
Lady Fumizuki reached out and flicked Flandre Scarlet's nose.
"Wait, Lady, the race you're talking about wouldn't happen to be the Around Lungmen Motorcycle Rally, would it?"
Beatrice's eyes widened as she looked at Lady Fumizuki.
"Schwarz knows about this race too!"
Although Lady Fumizuki asked, she didn't seem surprised.
"Uh... I do know, but the reason why..."
Beatrice's expression was somewhat conflicted. Seeing Flandre Scarlet's curious gaze, she spoke as if giving up.
"There are four Around Lungmen Rallies, one for each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—but only the summer and autumn rallies have received official approval. Spring is too rainy, and the roads freeze in winter, making them unsuitable for holding a rally. However, even without approval, motorcyclists still compete privately. It's just that this winter race is not recognized. Especially the annual winter race; it sends many participants to the hospital. So... as far as the Lungmen Guard Department is concerned, we don't want to see the winter rally take place."
Saying this, she looked at the smiling Lady Fumizuki nearby. However, if the Lady was the one behind the scenes, it would explain why the race has continued all these years despite not being recognized.
"So, do you want to go see it?"
"I want to go!" Flandre Scarlet expressed that it sounded very interesting.
"It's about time, let's go together!"
Lady Fumizuki checked the time and patted Flandre Scarlet's shoulder; the latter immediately stood up. Beatrice also hurried to follow. Since it was a private outing, Fumizuki naturally wouldn't drive a car from the Governor's Mansion.
She took the two to her private garage and pointed at a motorized tricycle.
"Schwarz, you'll be responsible for driving this and carrying Flandre. Is that okay?"
Beatrice nodded.
"Then, Lady, you..."
Before she could finish, she saw Fumizuki pull up on a motorcycle that looked incredibly cool and extremely exaggerated. Lady Fumizuki took off her coat, revealing a very standard set of riding gear underneath. Then she put on her helmet. No one would imagine that the person sitting on this tough-looking motorcycle was the actual second-in-command of Lungmen.
"Hiss~ Lady, surely you're not going to compete? Isn't it too dangerous!"
Beatrice expressed that she felt a bit of regret. Had she known, she would have feigned a stomachache and slipped away.
"Don't worry! I've participated in several of these and have never had an accident."
Lady Fumizuki proudly patted her ride.
"Participated in several of them!"
Beatrice felt her vision go dark. But by then, Lady Fumizuki had already stepped on the gas and sped off. She could only put a helmet on Flandre Scarlet and then start the tricycle to follow closely.
Standing by the window smoking, Old Wei felt a surge of joy as he saw the two motorcycles leave the Governor's Mansion one after the other. With Fumizuki gone to the event, he could happily lie on the sofa and enjoy a few puffs. He just needed to air out the room before she returned and have someone clean up the area to ensure there was no smell.