The female officer simultaneously knelt on one knee, holding high the brocade box containing the 'Bestowment Crystal'.
At that moment, a holographic projection emanated from the 'Bestowment Crystal'.
It was a middle-aged man seated on a throne.
Upon seeing this figure, everyone present immediately knelt on one knee, with some who had never witnessed such a scene and were inwardly panicked even prostrating themselves fully.
Zhao Chen, however, slightly raised his head, quietly observing the luminous figure before him.
He appeared to be in his seventies or eighties, perhaps due to technological therapy and maintenance, he did not look very old, resembling a middle-aged man with jet-black hair.
With a high nose and large eyes, seated on that throne, he resembled a giant dragon coiled atop a mountain peak.
In terms of presence, the only person Zhao Chen could recall who could compare to this man was Governor Chu He.
Yet the two possessed completely different auras.
Chu Changhe's aura was akin to a sharp blade—concealed, he seemed like a kindly old man, but once he drew his sword, his sharpness would be fully revealed, overflowing with killing intent, as if a god of slaughter had descended upon the world.
This man, standing at the pinnacle of the Stellar Glory Empire, seemed more like a transcendent being, commanding awe without anger, with the vastness of stars and seas in his brow.
"Lord of the Fierce Dragon Star System, Baron Zhao Chen. Braving the perilous Zerg-infested lands alone, rescuing one hundred and eighty-seven faculty and students of the two academies—a heroic act befitting a young hero!
I hereby confer upon him the title of Imperial Viscount and reward him with one million Star Coins." As the luminous figure spoke, his voice was resonant and powerful, like a great bell, exerting an intangible pressure.
A full half-minute after the voice faded, the luminous figure finally dissipated.
At this moment, the female officer stood up and said, "Viscount Zhao, please rise."
Zhao Chen stood up.
"This is the Bestowment Crystal, please keep it safe.
Here is the Imperial Card with one million Star Coins bestowed upon you by His Majesty.
Additionally, here are some small gifts presented to you by Her Highness the Princess." The female officer first handed the 'Bestowment Crystal' to Zhao Chen.
Subsequently, the female soldiers behind her brought forward several brocade trays.
Zhao Chen accepted the 'Bestowment Crystal'. In reality, this item served little purpose, merely symbolizing honor.
However, the rewards behind it were quite favorable.
The Viscount title.
Although it was only a promotion of one rank in nobility, it would provide Zhao Chen with significant conveniences.
For instance, regarding the lord fleet.
According to the Empire's regulations on lord fleets, lords of different noble titles were permitted to maintain private fleets—that is, lord fleets—of varying scales.
Previously, as a Baron, Zhao Chen was theoretically only allowed to possess a fleet of fewer than thirty starships.
Of course, in practice, many lords would exceed this limit to some extent, as the Empire would not strictly enforce the rule over a few extra starships.
But if the number exceeded by several times, once reported by rivals or enemies, it could become a major issue.
The Viscount title would allow Zhao Chen to legitimately command an interstellar fleet of one hundred starships, thereby avoiding many potential troubles.
Zhao Chen then glanced at the crystal bank card containing one million Star Coins. Was the royal family so stingy, offering only one million Star Coins?
Well, having something was better than nothing.
The gifts from Her Highness the Princess, however, were more precious.
Such as the specially tailored Viscount's formal attire, certain rare gemstone jewelry, and so on.
If these were put up for auction on the market, especially with the royal family's name attached, they would probably be worth two to three million Star Coins.
But at a time like this, Zhao Chen certainly wouldn't do such a thing.
When the princess personally bestows these gifts upon you in front of so many people, is it really meant for you to sell them off?
Only a true blockhead would do something like that.
Zhao Chen didn't consider himself one.
"Thank you. May I ask how I should address you, sister?" Zhao Chen smiled, trying to build rapport with the female officer.
The female officer replied with a smile, "Wei Shishi, Fleet Commander of the Tenth Fleet under the Princess's Royal Guard Fleet."
"So it's Sister Wei. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier. I wonder if you and the others have some free time. I'd like to invite you all to a private dinner," Zhao Chen offered.
After undergoing several rounds of Super Soldier Serum modifications, Zhao Chen was undoubtedly a handsome man, exuding a strong, masculine aura.
Most women wouldn't refuse an invitation from a man like him.
Many of the female soldiers behind Wei Shishi were already casting lingering glances at Zhao Chen.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible. We are part of the princess's guard fleet, and leaving this time was already a special circumstance. Once this matter is settled, we must return immediately," Wei Shishi politely declined Zhao Chen's offer.
"In that case, I happen to be leaving as well. Let's go together. I'll see you off," Zhao Chen said smoothly, addressing them as "sisters" without hesitation.
Xue Xiaoxiao, standing nearby, rolled her eyes at his overly familiar tone.
"Very well," Wei Shishi said, turning to Governor Bilan and the others, as well as Governor Chu's video feed, which had remained active throughout. "Governors, Marshal, I must hurry back to the princess's side. I take my leave now."
"Go ahead, go ahead," Governor Chu said cheerfully, a stark contrast to his earlier furious reprimands of Governor Bilan and Marshal Huang Zhixiong.
"Then let me congratulate Baron Zhao... no, I should now address you as Viscount Zhao Chen. If there were any oversights or misunderstandings during this banquet, I promise to host another one in the future to properly entertain you, Zhao Chen," Governor Bilan said with a hearty laugh.
"Teacher Qin, Senior Su Lan, Xiaoxiao, let's go. And help me carry these things," Zhao Chen said, looking at the boxes of gifts. There was no way he could manage them all alone.
Xue Xiaoxiao happily took the gifts, her sparkling eyes fixed on the exquisite treasures.
"Governor, I take my leave," Teacher Qin said with a slight bow before departing.
Senior Su Lan also bowed and followed.
The people around them continued to watch Zhao Chen with envy and jealousy.
Although he had only been promoted from Baron to Viscount, anyone with eyes could see the significance behind it. The Emperor of the Starlight Empire had personally bestowed the title, the princess's royal fleet had delivered the decree, and there were even small gifts from Her Highness the Princess.
These gestures were enough to show that Zhao Chen had made an excellent impression on the royal family.
Most importantly, it was well known that the little princess's older brother, the Crown Prince, was the future successor to the Stellar Glory Empire.
Zhao Chen was now riding a rocket to success!
His future was undoubtedly smooth sailing.
Becoming a Count in three years and a Marquis in ten was no longer just a dream!
Just as everyone watched Zhao Chen about to leave the Dome Restaurant, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and walked back toward the three influential figures.
He stood before the three of them, smiling as he looked at each one. "Today's 'hospitality' from the three of you is something Zhao Chen will remember well. I will be sure to repay it in the future."
The threat in his words was unmistakable.
Though it might seem arrogant, Zhao Chen didn't care.
After all, he had already torn all pretense with these three. If Governor Chu hadn't stepped in, they would have already detained him—who knows what methods they might have used against him!
Let's not forget, Zhao Chen has one "bad habit."
He holds grudges!
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