The Martial Unity
chapter-2327

As much as Rui would have loved to bury himself in the matter regarding the Shionel Confederation so that he could fight to his heart's content, he had other matters to think about.

For one, there was the construction of his sect.

While he had left the details and the managing of the process to his staff and administration, he needed to be involved with the big picture. It had only been two months since the construction of the sect headquarters began. At that time, Dealarian Infrastructures had made major strides already, showing that they were investing one hundred percent into the project that he had commissioned for himself.

He wasn't surprised that things were going smoothly.

Normally, purchasing land closer to the heart of Hajin was extremely difficult due to how expensive and cumbersome the process was. On top of that, getting a manufacturing company to even begin taking one's construction projects seriously was a nightmare in and of itself.

It was a process that should have taken years.

Yet, it was at times like this that Rui came to appreciate the benefits of being a political powerhouse. His team needed to merely ask for land, and they got it. They merely mentioned looking for a construction company, and they got the best one in the country, desperately trying to please them.

"How long do you estimate the construction process will take?" Rui asked with a calm expression as he studied the scaffolding that had already come to be erected in his sect. "It is my deepest honor and pleasure to inform you that we hope to complete the process in six months, Your Highness." Chairman Dealarian smiled at Rui.

His expression was composed, but he couldn't hide his nervous energy. Rui frowned as he raised an eyebrow. "Six months? That's far too fast for a project of this magnitude, is it not?"

"Under ordinary circumstances, yes, but we have decided to dedicate the entirety of all our teams and resources to this project, Your Highness," he remarked with excessive courtesy, afraid that even the slightest rudeness might ruin the potential relationship with a man who possessed the political power of a Martial Sage. Rui frowned even deeper. "The largest construction corporation in the world undoubtedly has a lot of ongoing projects; how did you manage to focus all your teams and resources on this project in particular?"

The man's smile grew a tad bit sheepish. "We have terminated all other ongoing contracts and agreements in order to focus on this one. I would not dare be derelict in serving the prince of our country and leading figure of the Martial Union. Furthermore, I can assure you that people in my circles and echelons of society are more informed than ordinary citizens. I am aware of the… gifts of your Martial Art. It only makes me more invested in aiding the development of your Martial Sect that will undoubtedly spread the seed of your greatness to the rest of the empire."

Rui stared at him with a strange expression. "…Uh huh. Well, as long as you are motivated. Given that you are so invested in this project, are you willing to consider becoming our exclusive constructing contractor and dedicate yourself to the development and expansion of the Water Sect?"

The man bowed before Rui. "I would be honored, Your Highness."

That was easy.

Of course, Rui was aware that this wasn't just some blind show of unconditional loyalty. The man was a businessman; unconditional loyalty was not something that existed in his vocabulary.

"Of course, exclusivity is expensive, and we hope that you will be willing to show us… consideration if and when we require your services and power."

There it was.

Rui scoffed inwardly.

The man was kissing his ass so that he could bag Rui as a contact and use his influence indirectly to further his business.

"…Don't go too crazy," Rui replied softly. "If I find my name on something that I disapprove of, there will be consequences. Keep that in mind, and you can do whatever as long as the Water Sect's projects gain priority over all other projects you have in the nation and beyond, got it?"

"Understood, Your Highness. Your grace is truly encouraging."

The man showed excessive deference once more, bowing his head deeply.

It was not something that Rui could get accustomed to, no matter how many years had passed since the revelation of his princehood. Yet, it was yet another reminder of his political reminder within the Kandrian Empire.

Convenient as it was, it was stifling and suffocating. It was almost impossible for him to have genuine human interactions with those who weren't already his friends, family, or peers.

As he departed from the developing headquarters of the Water Sect, he realized that this was the norm for pretty much how the entirety of the Kandrian Empire was. It was forever impossible for him to live a normal life in the empire or anything even resembling it as long as he didn't isolate himself.

He was deeply unwilling to be surrounded by sycophants for the rest of his life.

"Perhaps I should leave the Kandrian Empire in the future."

It was a spontaneous thought that flashed in his mind.

In the first place, because his Martial Art was reactive, he needed to subject himself to different forces to adaptively evolve to them. It also meant that he couldn't lead a monotonous life in the long run; thus, leaving the Kandrian Empire was a given, but he always assumed that he would return home at the end of the day.

"I do also have the Divine Doctor's commission."

He hadn't forgotten about the man's mission to heal Gaia from the ailment that he was allegedly suffering from.

"There is the Quarrier Orphanage, too," he muttered. "And soon enough of the Water Sect as well. So, I suppose I won't be leaving any time soon."

He shrugged. "Oh well, I'll figure it out in the future."

He certainly had no intention of going anywhere so long as the war was ongoing.