Lin Yan's influence continued to grow, drawing more people to her domain. They were a mix of desperate commoners, runaway slaves, and various other races like goblins and dwarves.
These newcomers provided a significant labor force, prompting Lin Yan to prepare for another civil service examination, this time with a broader scope. The recruitment would extend beyond humans to include other races. Unlike humans, where literacy was often a privilege of nobility, more members of other races were educated. This led Lin Yan to focus on them when seeking new personnel.
Her secretary had initially advised against it, but Lin Yan managed to convince him, leading to the current examination. Dragons, though not participating in the exam, were offered specific positions. As for elves, their unique skills meant they could be directly employed if they chose.
Witnessing her territory expand and her people multiply filled Lin Yan with a sense of accomplishment. It was particularly rewarding to see the hope ignite in the eyes of those who arrived with numb expressions, making her feel that her endeavors were meaningful. This conviction solidified her resolve: nothing and no one would stand in her way, least of all the protagonists.
By the time the female protagonist arrived at the borders of Lin Yan's territory with her entourage, Lin Yan was already waiting. She sat regally on a high-backed sofa, with the black dragon Maurice standing behind her, dressed in a formal black suit, his right hand resting on the back of the sofa. Lin Yan, clad in a white gown, placed her teacup on a small coffee table beside her as the group approached.
"Welcome, esteemed travelers. You are most welcome!" Lin Yan greeted them calmly, her gaze fixed on the arriving party.
The Saintess, observing Lin Yan's composed demeanor and her face, now more radiant than ever, felt an overwhelming surge of jealousy. It gnawed at her heart like a swarm of ants. The more she looked at Angelina, the more unfair it seemed.
Why did she possess everything so effortlessly? Why was she a legitimate daughter, a noble, and the Saintess of Light, while the Saintess was an illegitimate child with an unknown father? They shared the same blood, were both their father's children, yet one lived a life of uninhibited freedom while the other endured constant frustration.
Later, both possessing the gift of light, one became the Saintess of Light, while the other was merely a backup. Even after being exiled and the Saintess eventually taking the mantle, she could never truly replace Angelina's position. Now, after years in this remote region, how could she still appear so vibrant? This place was supposed to be struggling with poverty, struggling to collect taxes, a place once rife with bandits. Yet, here she was. The fabric of her dress, the sheen of her hair, the glow of her skin – it all fueled the Saintess's envy. Shouldn't she be disheveled and worn?
"Your Grace, the Saintess, speaks with such grandeur now. I wonder how your biological father is faring?"