Furthermore, as a modified human, Shaina possessed a chip in her head that could suppress all human emotions upon activation, ensuring absolute rationality.
Lastly and most importantly, Shaina was absolutely loyal to Bai Qi.
This was not merely the initial emotion Shaina displayed towards Bai Qi; it was because during her subsequent modifications, Bai Qi had implemented various prohibitions in her programming and installed a micro-bomb in her brain. Su Dan Novel Network
As long as Bai Qi willed it, Shaina's head could be replaced at any time.
Of course, to prevent this micro-bomb from being controlled by technological means, Bai Qi personally set up a magical barrier around it. This ensured that only Bai Qi could control the bomb.
Upon seeing Shaina appear, holding the dragon-headed staff, these individuals instantly became subdued, not daring to utter a sound.
Shaina scanned the room and coldly stated, "His Majesty is aware of the events in the island nation and has provided a clear response."
"What did His Majesty say?"
An impatient official blurted out, but quickly realized his mistake and lowered his head, not daring to speak.
Shaina ignored him and continued, "His Majesty said that Kouzhi Island can be returned to the island nation, but not for free. If you wish to take it back, you must leave something behind. As for what specifically to leave, that is for you to discuss and decide."
"This..."
Upon hearing Shaina's words, the people below began to murmur.
They were not particularly interested in Kouzhi Island. After all, it was just an island, far from Kutor's mainland, and there were no precious resources on it. The only somewhat useful aspect was likely the few hot springs on the island that could be developed for tourism.
Among the neighboring countries, only the island nation was a potential destination. However, this island had been seized from the island nation, and they would practically wish for you to starve. Why would they come to help you develop tourism?
Overall, Kouzhi Island was a burden. No, it was less than a burden. Holding onto it would not only fail to generate money but likely incur significant losses. The primary reason for not wanting to return it was for Kutor's prestige. Otherwise, if their newly appointed prime minister said a few words, and you spat out the meat you had already taken into your mouth, would you still have any face left?
Shaina frowned, tapped the ground a few times with her staff, and once silence was restored, said, "His Majesty has made the final decision. You are only to execute it. Or do you intend to defy His Majesty's wishes?"
Hearing Shaina's words, everyone below was startled. Some of the more timid ones' legs went weak, and they collapsed to the ground, shaking their heads like rattles, repeatedly saying they dared not.
"Then what are you still doing gathered here? Hurry up and get out!"
Only then did these individuals react. They all bowed towards the dragon throne and then turned to rush out of the door. Those who were too weak to stand were dragged out by two or three others.
Watching their comical retreat, Shaina's expression remained unchanged. Once everyone had left, she turned and departed.
With the concerted efforts of Kutor's high command and the island nation's leadership, the return of Kouzhi Island was completed very swiftly.
On the day of the handover, unlike a cession of territory, this was a return. The island nation brought in a large number of reporters to publicize this matter extensively, wishing for the entire world to know. Kutor's representative was displeased but had been specifically instructed before their arrival and did not retaliate.
Incidentally, prior to this, the island nation and Kutor had already completed some private transactions. The island nation had paid a considerable price to reclaim Kouzhi Island today.
Of course, none of this was known to the island nation's representatives, Kutor's representatives, or these reporters.
The reporters were also understanding. At this moment, none of them dared to provoke the Kutor representatives with interviews. Their cameras and microphones were all pointed at the island nation's representatives, hoping to elicit some exclusive news from them.
These individuals had clearly received prior instructions and did not answer any of the reporters' rapid-fire questions.
The reporters, having hit a dead end, were not disheartened. After all, being a reporter meant being accustomed to facing closed doors.
Logically speaking, to avoid any unforeseen complications, the best course of action would have been to leave as soon as possible after the handover, to prevent any further issues, much like Kutor's representatives who left via the sonic passage immediately after.
However, they were instructed to remain on Kouzhi Island for one day after the handover, supposedly to cooperate with the local government in appeasing the populace.
The leader found this strange. Appeasing the populace was clearly the local government's job, and it wasn't their area of expertise. What use would they be by staying, other than to cause trouble?
But the orders from above were extremely firm; they had to stay on Kouzhi Island for one day, even if it served no purpose. Their superiors had already arranged accommodations for them, and they only needed to obey.
There was no other option; one could not fight against superior authority. The delegation had no choice but to obediently stay.
This, in turn, provided an opportunity for the reporters.
In a izakaya near the hotel.
"Sigh, honestly, what was the higher-ups thinking, insisting we stay in this godforsaken place for a day? Wouldn't it be better to go back early?"
"Murata, you've had too much to drink."
"No, I haven't. I'm just speaking the truth. Those guys upstairs are idiots."
"Enough!"
The leader rudely interrupted Murata and then looked at Iyama beside him, saying, "Iyama, Murata has drunk too much. Take him back. Don't embarrass us here."
The izakaya's decor was not particularly good. Even though they were in a private room, the soundproofing of the walls was such that people in the next room could likely hear everything.
If Murata were to be punished alone, it would be one thing. But if these words got out, he, as the leader, would absolutely be held responsible.
Iyama was still relatively sober among them and understood the leader's concerns. Without arguing, he grabbed the drunken Murata and began to lead him out.
Initially, Iyama expected to have a difficult time, as Murata seemed incapable of walking in his state. At best, he hoped Murata wouldn't cause a drunken scene.
To Iyama's surprise, the drunk Murata was exceptionally cooperative. Not only did he refrain from making a scene, but he even managed to walk a few steps on his own occasionally.
The reason for all this began at the entrance of the izakaya.
As Iyama carried Murata out, a cold wind blew. Without a word, Murata vomited loudly. Perhaps feeling it wasn't enough, he clutched the wall and vomited again.
The pungent smell of alcohol instinctively caused Iyama to step back a few paces. However, he didn't notice that while he wasn't paying attention, Murata quietly took out a pill, swallowed it, and ingested it.
Once the pill was swallowed, it quickly took effect. Despite being reeking of alcohol, Murata was already mostly sober.
When Iyama helped Murata back to the hotel, Murata still deliberately shouted and made a racket like a drunkard, as if afraid no one would know he had returned.