Chapter 662 — Off the Leash
Blade of Dawn · Page 1 of 4
This ancient yet young nation had survived a catastrophe that was like rebirth through fire. Though the road ahead was still shrouded in gloom, a ray of sunlight had already pierced through the layers of cloud and mist, falling upon this land that was stirring with new life.
Within the city of Xuanyao, the atmosphere on the eve of celebration was growing ever more intense. Brightly colored banners had already been hung along several main thoroughfares, and municipal workers were stringing red and green ribbons across streetlamps and the facades of buildings facing the streets. Children waved scraps of ribbon they had picked up by the roadside, running laughing down the broad concrete streets, while citizens in brand-new clothes discussed the latest news at street corners and in alleys—some beaming with joy, others wearing grave expressions.
Newsboys with satchels slung across their shoulders ran through the streets and lanes, loudly hawking the latest issue of the Cecil Weekly and other publications. Newspapers still fragrant with the scent of fresh ink poked out from their bags, their large-type headlines strikingly prominent.
"Ansu's Royal Authority Peacefully Ends; the Provisional Administrative Hall of Saint Sunil Proclaims to All Territories: The Great Cecil Empire Is About to Be Founded"
At the Institute of Magical Energy Technology, on the third floor of the main building, Cohenbell watched the newsboys run past the street, then withdrew his gaze from the window and shook his head with a smile. "Those newspaper-selling children are going to be happy these days—one big story after another."
A tall man who was slightly balding shrugged. "The taverns and gaming houses are happy too. Every day countless 'newspaper clerks' and 'broadcast administrators' sit in them discussing the future. I can no longer find a quiet place to while away my time after work."
"Going to taverns and gaming houses to find quiet was your problem to begin with," Cohen said, glancing at his colleague. "I'd suggest you try that new 'café' on Golden Spindle Street. A northerner opened it. The atmosphere is nice, and the drinks are quite... novel."
The two researchers chatted idly, but their idle talk was soon interrupted—the laboratory door was suddenly pushed open, and an energetic voice came from the doorway: "Yo! Good morning, everyone... I mean, good morning! Are all the tests we're doing today ready?"
Rebecca, her braid tied up, greeted them as she walked into the laboratory. Her crisp braid swung back and forth behind her head with each step, and an air of jubilation seemed to swirl around her entire being. In fact, she had been in this jubilant state for quite a long while now.
Those who knew her well understood the reason for this jubilation: her ancestor had personally led a military campaign, her aunt was holding court in the Administrative Hall, and both elders were so busy they could barely keep up. All matters great and small in the Department of Magical Energy Technology had fallen into the hands of this marchioness (still a marchioness for now) alone. And thanks to the wartime policy of dual priority for research and military industry, the department's funding approvals had been quite generous of late. For Rebecca, who often had astonishing ideas, this life was simply a dream come true.
She had been off the leash for nearly two months now, and by the looks of it, she would remain off the leash for some time to come...
Grand Administrator Lady Hetty might get a headache upon seeing Rebecca in such a state, but those working in the research department were more than happy to see their minister (or director) like this—because Rebecca off the leash always possessed a keenness of mind that others could scarcely match. Recently, several research projects had been progressing quite well. This was certainly due to the collective efforts of the researchers, but Rebecca's leadership had also played an indispensable role.