Chapter 58: The Workers

Deville never expected that he, who had always been exemplary, would be publicly questioned by the Governor.

He felt an overwhelming sense of injustice, almost to the point of tears.

Still, he struggled to maintain his composure, trying to preserve his dignity.

Without the Governor asking, he didn't dare inquire where he had fallen short.

But regardless, if the Governor said he wasn't good enough, then he wasn't good enough!

As Deville wrestled with his emotions, trying to keep his thoughts under control, Eden turned to Popov, standing beside him:

"This comrade here is doing well; everyone should take him as an example!"

"Really?"

Popov, who had never received any praise before—especially not from the Governor—could hardly contain his excitement. He instinctively asked.

Then he quickly realized how disrespectful it was to question the Governor and immediately shut his mouth.

"It's true, young man. Keep up the good work!"

"All for the Governor!"

Popov stood tall, filled with pride.

When he returned home, he would certainly tell his parents about this.

To be personally praised by the Governor was an honor that would be recorded in his family's history.

What an immense honor!

Deville, watching Popov barely suppressing his excitement, found it even more unbelievable.

Why?

How could that coward Popov be better than him?

Soon, Eden explained the reasoning to everyone:

"You're all too serious and too cold. You should smile more. You represent the Governor's image, and I need you to show enough approachability.

You need to be able to connect with the people, to communicate well enough to gather the information we need!

That's something you must do!"

The officials of the Secretariat were acting as the Governor's emissaries.

If they were too cold and made people fear them completely, it would negatively impact the Governor's image.

At least for now, he needed to leave a kind image in the minds of the people.

Upon hearing the Governor's request, Deville and the other young officials immediately forced smiles.

However, they hadn't smiled in front of people in such a long time, making their expressions awkward.

Eden looked at them and nodded:

"In any case, your primary task is to smile and show enough friendliness. I trust you can manage that!"

"Yes, sir!"

"However, when facing enemies and corrupt individuals, you must show them your ruthlessness and cold-blooded nature.

You need to strike fear into their hearts and show them what the wrath of thunder truly means!

Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

That was Eden's purpose in selecting this group. They needed to be approachable but also capable of extreme ruthlessness when required!

"I believe you all understand what I mean. Now, let Steward Bayev assign you your tasks."

Eden's work was done, and from here on, it was Bayev's responsibility.

He would assign the young officials to various regions, such as mines and factories, to select the right citizens for the ceremony.

The process involved the King's Court issuing orders, instructing each area to submit a list of names according to specific requirements.

They would select active individuals to represent the people, forming a procession into the Sacred Square.

The Secretariat's task was to review these lists, ensuring there was no fraud and determining whether to add or remove people.

If anyone was found to be deceiving or disrespecting the Governor, they would be judged accordingly.

Soon, Bayev had the plan in motion.

Deville and Popov were assigned to the same group, becoming partners.

They headed to the factory district to carry out the selection task.

Riding in a hovercar toward the factory area, Popov couldn't help but ask:

"Deville, why do you keep staring at me? Is there something on my face?"

"Nothing,"

Deville replied with a blank expression, turning his face away.

He would never admit that he was trying to learn how to smile by observing Popov.

Out of Popov's sight, Deville practiced smiling in silence.

He swore that next time he saw the Governor, he would present the most perfect smile.

He would smile even better than Popov!

As Deville and the others made their way to the factory district, the factory managers scrambled to prepare for the Governor's emissaries' arrival.

To avoid leaving a bad impression on the emissaries, the factory directors ordered workers to work overtime to clean and tidy the factory thoroughly.

Supervisors became even more diligent in overseeing the workers, allowing no slacking off.

Yet none of the workers complained.

Two days ago, the King's Court had issued a notice that a select number of active workers would be chosen to attend the Emperor's Ascension Day at the Sacred Square.

These chosen individuals would receive the Emperor's blessing and be given consecrated bread and holy water from the church.

It was an opportunity beyond measure.

In the past, when the Emperor's Ascension Day had been celebrated, only the directors of large factories had the privilege of being invited by the nobles to the Sacred Square in the Upper Hive to receive blessings!

But this time, everyone had a chance!

For the workers from the Lower Hive, this was an unparalleled blessing.

They didn't even need supervision; they worked harder than ever, fearing that if they slacked off, they might lose this precious opportunity.

They prayed silently, hoping they would be selected.

Arila, working diligently on the assembly line, desperately hoped to be chosen as one of the active workers!

Cough!

She coughed but quickly stifled the sound.

Her mask was broken, but she didn't dare speak up.

According to regulations, workers could only replace their masks once a month.

The last worker who had complained about a broken mask had been whipped by the supervisor!

At this critical moment, if she were beaten for such a mistake, she might lose her chance to be selected as an active worker.

Fortunately, she was the fastest worker on the line, with the highest product output!

She was sure to be chosen.

But it was so hard to bear!

The noxious fumes seeped through the gap in her mask, and the wounds on her face made the pain unbearable, but she gritted her teeth and kept going.

"Arila, you can do it. Just hold on a little longer!"

Just as Arila felt she could no longer endure, the supervisor finally announced a break.

She could finally catch her breath.

Soon, the list of active workers would be announced, and the workers gathered nervously, discussing the Emperor's Ascension Day.

They were full of hope, as this might be the greatest honor the Lower Hive workers could ever receive.

From birth to death, the workers lived their lives unnoticed, with no praise or mourning.

But now, the Governor was offering them such a great honor!

Arila didn't join the discussion. She was always invisible, not well-acquainted with her colleagues, and people often forgot she existed.

She listened to their praises of the Governor, and in her heart, she couldn't help but think:

"The Governor truly is a kind man."

Soon, the supervisor pulled out a list—the preliminary selection of active workers.

At that moment, everyone's hearts were in their throats!

(End of Chapter)