Chapter 283
Chapter 284 Live Broadcast to the Black Spire
Hadrien laced his fingers around hers, gazing at her hands sheathed in long-cut white silk gloves
Lyra had requested them at the very last minute She did not want her passive ability to make Hadrien lose control of his emotions at an event like this.
With her free hand, she picked up the speech transcript. It read like a school essay, built around the classic intro-body-conclusion format.
The opening gushed over how honored and thrilled she was to join the Federation’s community of Guides
Next came thanks to the prime minister and numerous other officials for their support these past weeks, plus high praise for everything the White Citadel had done for her
Toward the middle, it touched on her plans to purify the Sentinels held within the Black Spire.
The closing held bright hopes for the Federation’s promising future
That was the whole speech.
Everything that truly mattered could have been summed up in a handful of sentences, yet it stretched across an entire page.
Nothing was technically wrong with it, other than being overly wordy
It rang even more hollow than the empty formal remarks shed delivered back at Red Castle.
Once her segment wrapped, other officials and Guide representatives would take the podium.
Then the planetary leaders from everywhere except Core Prime would deliver their speeches remotely.
After that came press interviews from Core Primes major media outlets, followed by a demonstration of Federation military strength
At noon, they would return to Red Castle for lunch alongside the prime minister and leaders of the two other governing branches.
The afternoon brought a welcome reception hosted by Core Prime’s elite, complete with a formal ball where she would meet countless influential figures.
A formal dinner would cap off the day, with more welcoming speeches delivered by senior officials.
1123 Mon, Sep 21
And that would mark the end of her long day
Lyra scratched the back of her head
Alf of this for one single day?
She had not even started, yet she could already feel a phantom ache in her rear from sitting through endless ceremonies
While she pored over the packed event schedule, their hovercar pulled away from the Guide residence Five additional Sentinel squads plus Oversight Council security units were waiting outside
Upon spotting their transport, they activated their own aircraft and fell into formation behind
them.
The protective convoy swelled in size.
When Lyra finished reading through the full itinerary, Lior turned toward her
“Ms. Kaelin, do you think any revisions are needed for your speech?
Lyra shook her head. She gave this over-polished formal essay her tacit approval.
A critical thought crossed her mind, and she typed our a quick confirmation
“The Black Spire will receive the live feed, correct Every cell block gets the broadcast p>
Lior nodded. “They remain citizens of Core Prime Naturally they deserve the chance to meet the new Guide just like everyone else.
Lyra thought of all the men locked inside Cell Block Three She could not meet them face-to- face, but a live stream would have to suffice
“Will I be able to see them in return?” she typed
Lior shook his head. “The transmission is one-way only”
Disappointment flickered across Lyra’s face
Hadrien gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. It is all right. You can still speak directly to them.
Lyra’s eyes lit up at once. She looked straight toward Lior.
Lior hesitated, forcing a strained smile.
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“Jirst try not to focus too heavily on them. Otherwise, you will draw endless follow-up questions from the press
Lyra nodded Fan enough.
She shot Hadrien a playful, knowing look
When you deliver my speech, pick up the pace. Save me extra time.
The timeline was rigid, and every speaker had strict time limits.
Hadrien feigned confusion.
“What do you mean p>
Lyra shot him a chiding glance.
You understood perfectly, and you’re still asking’
Amusement glinted in his eyes ‘I get it
Lyra smiled back.
Hadrien reached over and gently adjusted one of the small blossoms on her floral headband
Returning the favor, Lyra brushed a loose strand of hair near his temple
They shared a quiet, mutual sunle
Through the broad viewport. the venue for the public gathering stretched out prominently below.
Rows upon rows of seats before the speaking plattorin were already filled with attendees.
Sentinels stood posted all along the outer perimeter. Without all those guards on duty, Lyra might have mistaken the whole setup for a grand wedding ceremony
Spotting their hovercar escorted by multiple airborne squads, everyone below tilted their heads upward, eager to catch their very first glimpse of the new Guide
Hundreds of pairs of eyes locked onto their craft. Lyra’s heart skipped a beat, sharp nerves coiling inside her chest.
Noticing her tense posture, Hadrien stroked her palm softly to calm her.
11:23 Mon, Sep 21
You are going to be fine. Do not be afraid I will stay right beside you the whole time
Lyra shot him a grateful look and leaned into his side, drawing warmth from his body
Hadrien slipped an arm around her shoulders.
He drew in a slow breath
She smelled incredible.
A natural rose-like fragrance clung to her skin, amplified by the fresh real flowers woven into her crown. She bloomed like a half-opened blossom, intoxicating in every sense.
The hovercar touched down. Lior and the styling team exited first, leaving only the two of them inside the cabin.
Lyra pulled away from Hadrien’s embrace and peered out the window,
Zane and his squad held the innermost security ring, with additional layers of security fanning
outward.
So many guards stood watch that not even a fly could slip past the perimeter.
Even with this overwhelming security, curious, probing gazes poured over their vehicle from the venue.
Lyra activated her Star Brain and snapped a quick photo sending it off to Rhys.
Her message read, “See you soon p>
It took a little while for a reply to come through “Can’t wait to watch you appear
Meanwhile, deep within the Black Spire-
Rhys had not received a single message from Lyra since that prior threat incident
He kept telling himself her Star Brain might have been compromised by rebel forces.
Yet the thought of rebels using a Guide as leverage drove him wild with frustration. And he received zero updates about her condition, leaving him anxious and furious day after day.
During one of Kael’s routine inspection tours as the new chief, Cedric could not hold back and asked for news of Lyra.
Kael replied in a flat tone. “No information will be released regarding the new Guide until her public debut p>
11:23 Mon, Sep 21
In other words, even he did not know exactly what was happening on Core Prime
Trapped inside the Black Spire, they could only want helplessly.
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.