I, Folyago, am the most devoted lover in Runeterra.

The empress spoke with a smile, but the content of her words took a sharp 180-degree turn.

Everyone's expressions went through three stages: from "That's how it should be" to "What are you talking about?" to "This is impossible".

The ones whose expressions changed the most were undoubtedly Jaggu and Renata.

Those who thought they were sure to win didn't win, while those who were prepared to lose didn't lose.

This unexpected ending was clearly difficult for Jagu to accept.

"why?"

Jagu asked incredulously, his eyes filled with resentment and anger.

“Mr. Jagu, my mind is made up.”

Why should I explain to you?

Sarah's eyes narrowed, and her imperial aura, combined with the power of a legendary expert, caused Jagu to take a step back.

Jagu realized that he had lost his composure.

However, given such an outcome, some loss of composure was indeed inevitable.

In contrast, Lena's eyes were filled with surprise and disbelief.

This result, though seemingly accidental, was in fact inevitable.

Sarah knew that with Bilgewater's current foundation, rushing into high-tech Hextech would not yield significant long-term benefits.

In addition, Jaguar's offer contained a significant premium.

This is a scheme to fleece her like a sucker.

This was something Sarah could not tolerate.

Rather than that, she would prefer the more down-to-earth and honest Lena.

Chapter 198, The Olive Branch from the Tycoon

The biggest advantage of choosing to cooperate with Zaun is that it allows the seed of alchemy technology to be planted in the land of Bilgewater.

Its various advantages and disadvantages are self-evident.

As the empress herself said, a dignified emperor's decisions naturally do not require much explanation to a "merchant" like herself.

Even though he was the head of the Middarda family and a business tycoon who controlled the lifeline of Piltover.

Just as Jagu looked embarrassed and disheartened.

A voice suddenly came from inside the palace.

“This is Mr. Jaggu Middarda.”

"Perhaps Bilgewater has a new business deal to discuss with you."

Upon hearing the sound, Jia Gu suddenly looked up, his eyes undergoing a dramatic change.

From the outside of the palace, a man with pale hair slowly walked towards them.

Upon seeing this person, everyone reacted with varying expressions.

As outsiders, Jagu and Renata naturally did not understand the identity of this sudden arrival.

However, with his already masterful ability to read people's expressions, Jagu already had some guesses in his mind.

Where is this place?

This is the royal palace in Bilgewater!

This is not an occasion that just anyone can casually attend.

Judging from the man's tone, he seemed to be referring to "Bilgewater" at every turn, and that's not all.

The key is the Empress's expression.

Hearing what the person said, he showed no anger whatsoever.

She only showed a hint of surprise on her face, but her eyes also showed a hint of joy.

As an empress, she shouldn't reveal her thoughts so easily through her expression.

But the more this is the case, the more it proves one thing—that the Empress had no intention of hiding anything.

This man's relationship with the Empress is probably much closer than one might imagine.

The man's words undoubtedly gave Hextech, which had already been defeated, a glimmer of hope.

...........

Upon Fryego's sudden arrival, Pete and Foxy exchanged a glance.

Then they stood respectfully on either side without saying another word.

He simply stood still, eyes downcast and mouth closed.

This person's relationship with the Empress was an "open secret" throughout Bilgewater.

Although the Empress has never publicly revealed the identity of this person, everyone has long had their own "guesses".

Bilgewater is a country blessed by God.

As is widely known, the Empress was "a person favored by the gods".

As for the identity of this person, that's open to interpretation...

Jagu sized up the man in front of him.

The man was dressed in a black robe similar in style to that of the Empress.

They look like they're wearing similar couple outfits.

Gazing at the magnificent attire, Jagu pondered for a moment. He seemed to have seen this outfit somewhere before, but couldn't quite place it.

The relationship between this man and the Empress needs no further explanation.

As far as Jaggu knew, the empress had no biological brothers.

Then there is only one possibility left.

What kind of relationship could it be if a man and a woman are behaving so intimately?

At the same time, a sense of curiosity arose in his heart: what kind of man could maintain such a close relationship with the Empress of Bilgewater?

Is he a legendary magic master from Ionia? Or an ancient noble family with a long and distinguished lineage from Noxus? Or perhaps a powerful noble lord from Demacia?

........

Jagu secretly wondered about Foyego's identity, but on the surface he remained calm and composed.

However, no matter how he tries to guess, he probably won't be able to immediately place Foygo's identity above that of a god.

After all, gods are too far removed from the world of mortals.

"Dear sir, nice to meet you~."

Jagu quickly gave a greeting to Foyego.

"Hello, Mr. Jaguar."

Foygo looked on with interest before responding to Jagu.

Why did you suddenly come here?

Sarah walked slowly to Fiorio's side and naturally took his arm.

"It's nothing, I just wanted to come and take a look."

Foygo shook his head slightly and said with a smile.

Seeing Foygo's expression, Sarah also smiled.

The two ignored everyone else present, as if they only saw each other at that moment.

This scene, witnessed by Lenata and Jagu, shocked them even more.

For once, even these two old rivals, who were on opposing sides, exchanged a glance.

Just who is this man?

"Foxch, carry out everything that was just agreed upon."

"The specific details will be handled by you and Pete."

"I have only one request."

"I need to see a fully upgraded fleet within three years!"

The Empress turned to Pete and Foxy and gave them instructions. The two exchanged a glance and nodded solemnly.

Seeing this, Renata knew that the matter was now settled.

She has already won this competition.

All that's left is to connect with Foxy and Pete to solidify their victory.

However, it seems that this outcome is not what Renata had anticipated.