Yes, Lady Funina!

On the other hand, Richard had no idea what the three women were plotting. He had a lot to do every day, and since Lynette left, he had to do many things himself.

Although Richard is still the permanent secretary-general, and his position seems unchanged, the reform of the Mo Mang Palace has instantly expanded his power several times over.

Previously, he was essentially just the executive secretary-general of the city hall; after the reorganization, he became the executive secretary-general of multiple departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture.

The power of the former executive secretaries of those departments remained unchanged, and their treatment was even improved. The only change was that their superiors changed from Navelette to Richard and Funina.

As for why Richard and Furness?

The reason is that personnel appointments and removals can only be carried out with the consent of both Richard and Funina. This is equivalent to splitting the original power of personnel appointment and removal in two, with Richard having the right to propose and Funina having the right to approve.

But everyone who works at the city hall knows that Lady Funina has never objected to anything Richard suggests; they're practically inseparable!

The husband and wife are in harmony.

"Mr. Richard, please wait a moment." The Vice Minister of Culture called out to Richard, who was about to leave after the routine meeting.

Richard stopped and looked at the vice minister. If Richard remembered correctly, this vice minister was named Yin Baier, and was considered a staunch supporter of Richard.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Imber?"

Yin Baier glanced somewhat awkwardly at his colleagues who hadn't yet left. "May I speak to you privately for a moment?"

"Gentlemen, the meeting is over," Richard said, glancing around to remind them.

The civil servants from various departments who had planned to stay and watch the show immediately scattered like birds and beasts, leaving only Richard and Inber in the large conference room after a short while.

“Can we speak now, Mr. Imber?” Richard sat back down in the main seat, looked at Imber standing beside him, and pointed to the chair in front of him, saying, “Sit down and speak.”

Imber readily agreed, "Yes, Mr. Richard..."

What Iber wanted to tell Richard was quite simple; strictly speaking, it wasn't about city hall work, but rather about Fontaine's folk cultural industry.

In short, Yaedo used this cultural exchange event to severely squeeze out Fontaine's publishing market and steal the cake from those big publishers.

Those big publishers certainly couldn't swallow this insult, but they couldn't win a real fight, so they thought of using the old tricks they used against foreign companies.

—Tell the parents.

By lobbying relevant officials, a series of policy provisions restricting competitors are introduced in order to suppress or even destroy their business systems.

It can be described as a rather simple and unpretentious business warfare tactic.

Normally, this kind of thing wouldn't even reach Richard's side; the Ministry of Culture could make the decision on its own. However, the current situation is somewhat special.

After all, it would be inappropriate to introduce a series of policies that restrict the normal business activities of publishers in the other country during the cultural exchange phase between the two countries.

Naruto is still in Fontaine!

Unable to make up his mind, Yin Bai'er simply wanted to ask his superior for his opinion. As for why he didn't ask his minister, well, what civil servant listens to his minister?

What can a minister do?

After learning of Yin Bai's purpose, Richard did not tell him directly what to do, but instead brought up something that seemed completely unrelated.

"The day before yesterday, when I got off work, I went to the venue with Lady Funina. Lady Funina bought a lot of light novels at Yaedo."

“Lady Funina…” Imber’s expression turned solemn; he already knew what to do.

If you're going to do business, just do business properly. What kind of nonsense is this, always resorting to these underhanded tactics!

At the very moment of the cultural exchange conference between the two countries, these publishers, who only had themselves on their minds and no regard for the overall situation, almost ruined his career!

The more I thought about it, the more frightened I became. Luckily, I had asked Mr. Richard beforehand, otherwise I might have had to go to Petersburg to meet up with his former Vice Minister of Culture.

After all, Richard was known for sending people to Mello Petersburg. It was said that the number of officials Richard threw into Mello Petersburg was enough to build a small Moman Palace there.

“However, their concerns are not without merit.” Richard stroked his chin.

If he were one of those publishers, he would probably be furious if he saw a publisher from out of town like Yaedo, who has no sense of martial ethics, trying to steal his business.

After all, it's unfair that Yaedo can come to Fontaine to sell light novels, while Fontaine book publishers can't come to Inazuma to sell related books.

After thinking for a moment, Richard said, “Tell those businessmen… no, let the Ministry of Culture take the lead in establishing an association. Publishers who join the association can also open their businesses in Inazuma, just like Yaedo did in Fontaine.”

"Of course, the number of spots is limited. As for the requirements for joining... Imber, are you aware of Fontaine's recent financial situation?"

"I heard it's not going very well."

"Yes, so you know what to do?"

“Of course, the city hall provides convenience for businessmen, and in return, they should also shoulder their due social responsibilities. How about we take this percentage?” Yin Baier gestured with his hand to make a 'three'.

"Isn't this too high?" Richard asked. "After all, there are import and export tariffs and value-added tax."

“I think they will agree,” Imber assured.

“Very good, then I’ll leave this matter to you. As for Inazuma, someone will liaise with you later,” Richard said with satisfaction.

Richard only needs to inform Yae no Miko about this kind of thing later; it's really not a big deal.

If Richard were to make some sacrifices, he might be able to get Inazuma to be exempt from import and export tariffs.

After all, Richard would separately supply Yae no Kamiko with the import and export taxes waived over there, ensuring a sufficient supply by paying import and export taxes.

Just as Richard was considering whether to discuss this matter with Yae no Miko tonight, Fukaros came to his door.

This is indeed a rare guest.

Generally, it's Richard who takes the initiative to visit Fucarus, but this is the first time Fucarus has taken the initiative to come to him like today.

What's going on? Has the sun risen in the west?

Upon meeting, Fukaros made her purpose clear, saying to Richard, "There's been a problem with the proclamation machine. Would it be convenient for you to come with me to take a look after get off work today?"

Is there a problem with the command machine?

Richard looked surprised when he heard Fucarus's words. He wondered what was wrong with the device, since Fucarus had just inspected and maintained it the day before yesterday.

Seemingly sensing Richard's question, Fukaros said calmly, "I already discovered the problem the day before yesterday, but I didn't tell you because you've been a bit busy lately."

I'm more than just a little busy; I was working overtime until the early hours of the morning last night.

"Is there any problem that even you can't solve?" Richard said.

"It's an old problem, the storage issue of the legal compensation hybrid energy. I recently came up with a capacity expansion plan, but I need you to use your authority to assist me."

After hearing Fukaros's explanation, Richard had no doubts and agreed immediately.

"This matter concerns an imperial edict, and I happen to have nothing else to do. Shall we set off now?" Richard asked.

However, Fucarus shook his head and said, "Let's wait until after get off work. There's a trial at the Opiclie Opera House today, and the Prophet needs to be kept running. There's a concert tonight, so the Prophet will be idle then."

Today, the Cardinals of the Order no longer have the power to issue judgments; their role is more that of collecting legal information.

Of course, although the Prophet no longer issues judgments, Navelette still hands over the judgment to the Prophet at the end of each trial, as it has become a habit over the years.

"After get off work...that's fine too."

Although Richard was thinking of finishing the proclamation machine as soon as possible and then going to Yae no Miko to discuss the 'import and export tax' issue after get off work, since Fukaros had important business to attend to, that business came first.

After all, Yae no Miko is right there and won't run away. The cultural exchange activities between the two countries are only halfway through.

There is still a long way to go.

Speaking of which, Yae no Miko's trip to Fengdan was incredibly lucrative. Her Yae-do business was making a fortune every day, and she herself was also earning a fortune every day.

"By the way, you probably haven't tried watching a musical inside an oracle machine before, have you? Today is a great opportunity for you. You can have a great experience; I guarantee it will be a unique one," Fukaros said with a smile.

"Watching musicals inside the telegraph machine?"

Richard had been inside the Prophet, but if he remembered correctly, there were no viewing windows inside, and the Prophet was located behind the stage of the Opiclie Opera House, not in the audience area. How could one watch a musical like that?

Fukalos simply smiled mysteriously, intending to keep it a secret, saying that Richard would find out when he arrived.

The sun gradually set, and soon it was time for the city hall to close.

Richard had just stepped outside when he saw Fucarus already leaning against the doorway, waiting for him.

When Fukalos saw Richard come out, she smiled and asked, "Do you need to go home first, or go eat first, or perhaps go to the Opiclie Opera House first?"

"That's a familiar phrase," Richard thought, but replied aloud, "I'm fine with anything."

“Let’s eat first. You need to be full to have the energy to work, right?” Fukalos said.

Li realized that Fukalos might simply want to experience a normal person's three meals a day.

After all, Fukaros is different from Funinna. Her current body is a genuine demon god's body, and she doesn't need to eat to get energy.

After choosing a well-regarded restaurant, Fukalos and Richard enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.

During this time, Fukaros did not drink a drop of alcohol, which shows that she has fully learned from Lynette's experience and lessons. Moreover, she made this appointment with Richard under the guise of repairing the proclamation machine.

Who drinks before fixing something? She's not from Zhidong.

Dinner was quickly finished, and Fukaros checked the time, estimating that Yae no Miko and the others should have already entered the Opiclie Opera House, and that she and Richard were unlikely to bump into each other.

Then he set off with Richard to the Opicley Opera House.

Just as Fukaros had predicted, when they arrived at the Opicley Opera House, Yae no Miko and Kage were already seated in the VIP room.

Richard followed Fucaros through the side passage into the Prophet's Chamber...

Chapter 203 Projection Crystal

Richard had been inside the Prophecy Machine before. It wasn't like the exposed mechanical structures described in many Fontaine Fantasy novels. On the contrary, the only mechanical thing you could see here was the control panel in the center. The rest of the room was no different from an ordinary room.

Even the floor was covered with a thick layer of solid wood flooring, and the overall decoration style was the same as that of the Opiz Clay Opera House outside.

However, compared to Richard's last visit, many things have been added to the room. When Richard last came, apart from the control panel, there was nothing else in the room except for some old books.

Actually, when she first arrived here, there were still many things in the room, but Fukaros, as a demon god, could withstand the erosion of time, while the items she brought into the Prophecy Machine could not withstand it.

In addition, the presence of a strong mixed energy of law compensation inside the proclamation machine further accelerates the wear and tear on objects. Wooden tables and beds that can normally last for a hundred years can only last for about ten years inside the proclamation machine.

Over time, Fukaros lost the habit of putting things in the oracle. When she was tired, she would sit on the ground, and when she was sleepy, she would simply use her water elemental power to make a waterbed and sleep on it.

Sleeping on the floor is out of the question. Her chest is already flat enough, and the only part that has some curves is her pert buttocks. If sleeping on the floor flattens out her only decent feature, she would truly be devastated.

After the prophecy of the crisis was resolved, Fukaros added many everyday items to the room, including tables, chairs, benches, coffee tables, and sofas.

At the deepest part, there was a very large double bed, big enough to fit three of her, given her size!

Fukaros had essentially transformed the operating space inside the oracle into her secret boudoir.

"There's been a lot of changes here." Richard reached out and touched the wall, noticing that even the wallpaper had been replaced.

Whether it's adding furniture or redecorating, this is clearly not something that can be done overnight. In addition, this is inside the Prophecy Machine, and ordinary people cannot enter. Therefore, it is highly likely that everything here was done by Fukaros herself.

It seems that she had planned to renovate this place a long time ago.

"I asked Lynette to help me buy the furniture. We put it in the 'Mind Space' on the outside, and then take things out when we come in. It's very convenient. It's just that decorating was a bit of a hassle. I studied for a long time and put in a lot of effort to get it to look like this."

Fukaros was clearly quite satisfied with her work; the house was indeed quite well done by her, no less impressive than what experienced craftsmen outside could do.

"So what you meant by repairing the command machine was all about this?" Richard asked.

"Not entirely. It was mainly for maintaining the proclamation machine. While the proclamation machine was performing its self-check, I took the opportunity to tidy up the house a bit." Fukaros lied without even blinking.

She did have a maintenance command machine, but she prioritized it the wrong way; she just casually maintained and repaired it while doing renovations.

After all, when she designed and manufactured the Prophecy Machine, she aimed for reliability and durability. It has been working without problems for five hundred years, so how could it possibly have problems recently?

"I see." Richard nodded, but didn't say anything more. He then looked at the large bed at the far end of the room. "Since you're all alone here, why did you choose a double bed?"

“Because we took your presence into consideration.” Fukalos didn’t mince words, looking intently at Richard.

Everyone knows each other; in front of Richard, Fukaros never intended to hide anything.

Moreover, with such a large double bed, it would be difficult to find an excuse. You can't exactly say it was used to entertain Funina, can you?

She and Funina slept in separate rooms in the Water God's Palace, so there's no reason for them to sleep together here at the Edict Palace. Besides, who would invite Funina to stay overnight at the Edict Palace for no reason?

If you want to watch a trial or an opera, just go to the special seats reserved for the Water God at the top. Both the view and the sound will definitely be clearer than in the oracle machine.

"Unexpectedly frank, so are you inviting me to share a bed with you?" Richard was quite surprised by Fukalos's direct approach.

He had expected the other person to blush like an apple and stammer, unable to speak, just like before.

Unexpectedly, Fukaros went straight for the ball, which already puts her far ahead of the other two ladies who were still having a tea party.

“It’s not the right time yet. Impatient men aren’t very popular,” Fukalos said with a slight smile, but he only said it wasn’t possible now, not later.

“Alright, shall we fix the command machine first?” Richard asked.

"The proclamation machine isn't broken, why bother repairing it? Five hundred years of experience have taught me that as long as it's running stably, don't touch it unless necessary, otherwise it might get worse the more you try to fix it," Fukalos argued confidently.