Hollow Knight: Hallownest

"Master Watcher, you haven't slept for several days and nights. You should take a rest. You have many government affairs to deal with. You must not hurt your body!"

The butler looked at Lu Ruien with concern as he sat at the desk next to the French window, still buried in the mountain of documents, and couldn't help but speak.

The reconstruction work has been going on for some time. Seeing that the economy of the main city has recovered visibly, the number of political leaders has reached its peak, which really puzzles him.

"Don't worry, it's just some government affairs. It's much easier than the previous plague and riots. You don't have to persuade me."

Lu Ruien didn't look up, but just responded softly.

In fact, he has pushed a considerable part of the government affairs to Sainz, and he only handles 70% himself, which is already a small amount. Besides, he knows that he can't be busy for long. Such fatigue is always unavoidable in special periods, but who made him the lord of a city?

"...Then I'll go get you another pot of tea."

"Ah."

The butler lowered his head, tiptoed to the desk, took away the teapot that was still half full but had lost its heat, and went downstairs.

Standing in the elevator, the butler looked out the window worriedly, his eyes falling on the square and streets where there were few people.

The vendors were nowhere to be seen, and not many small shops were open. Pedestrians were walking in a hurry, and from time to time he could see a few sentries surrounding civilians. He didn't even have to guess what they were doing.

The chaos in the main city has been going on for quite some time, but during this period of time, the Lord Watchman was always busy dealing with government affairs. He was either not seen or he was always sitting at his desk. The telescope was covered with a thin layer of dust. If he had any thoughts, he would definitely complain about his master's neglect.

The butler sighed and stopped daydreaming, but at this moment he noticed a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.

Due to his special status, he didn't come into contact with many bugs on a daily basis. Most of them were high-ranking officials and nobles. Although he said most of them, he had to avoid suspicion, so there were only a few of them on his hands. Moreover, they were the ones he wanted to see, not the ones who wanted to see him. If he counted the latter, he wouldn't be able to count them all.

So he immediately recognized who the slightly fat bug was. In fact, what was more important was the iconic follower behind him, which he could not ignore.

"Sainz? Is he going to..."

The butler looked in the direction of the hurried footsteps below and understood a little.

As the first minister under the Watchers, he knew very well that Saiens' style of doing things was very similar to the one he served. If there was no important business, he would hardly run around in the city. Combined with previous observations, this trip must be to the residence of another minister.

He shook his head and looked away, his expression puzzled.

After finishing the document at hand, Lu Ruien closed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and took a long breath. If it weren't for his strong spirit, no one could have endured such a long period of concentration, but even if he could endure it, saying that he was not tired was just bragging.

Da... Da... Da...

The sound of light footsteps suddenly sounded beside his ears. Lu Ruien did not open his eyes, but he was a little confused.

Didn’t the butler just leave? How come he came back so soon? I didn’t even hear the sound of the elevator.

Maybe he was too busy and forgot.

"Just put the teapot aside, and help me change the ones in the cups."

There was no response, but instead there was the sound of tea gurgling against the wall of the cup. As the sound faded away, Lu Ruien reached out and picked up the teacup from a familiar position, took a sip, and raised his brows slightly.

The taste of this tea is different from before. It has a strong tea aroma. When it enters the body, it is like a flowing spring, constantly washing away the mental and physical fatigue. It is really refreshing.

"This tea is good, but I haven't had it much before. Did you change the tea leaves?"

Lu Ruien took several sips in succession, his expression comfortable and relaxed, he almost fell asleep with his eyes closed.

"Of course, this tea is unique. Not many people can drink it on ordinary days."

A deep voice with a hint of laughter sounded beside his ear, causing Lu Ryan to frown.

This was not the butler's voice. He opened his eyes and looked to the side. His hand holding the teacup shook violently, almost spilling the tea on the ground.

"Ahem... Ahem! Your Majesty?! Why are you here?!"

A mouthful of tea got choked in his throat and he almost spit it out. Lu Ruien quickly stood up, left his chair and saluted.

The White King smiled and stretched out his hand to help him up. A white light flashed, inadvertently nourishing Lu Ruien's body, allowing him to completely get rid of his previous negative state.

"If you can't handle government affairs, you can delegate them to the ministers. There's no need to torment yourself like this and make yourself look like this."

Lu Ruien was about to speak, but his voice froze and he gave a bitter smile.

"I'm worried about it, and the ministers are busy these days and can't handle so many things, so I want to help them share the burden."

"Your words sound strange. As a minister, you are in charge of the political affairs of a city. When you gain power, you should bear responsibility. Think about the time when the main city was just established. Wasn't it the same for you?"

As the words fell, Lu Ruien's eyes showed reminiscence, and there was a subtle happiness flowing in his eyes: "At that time, I was full of energy and never felt tired no matter how busy I was. Watching the gradually prosperous City of Tears was like seeing my own child growing up..."

Older people like to reminisce, and insects are no exception.

The White King stood beside Lu Ruien, listening to him talk endlessly about the major and minor matters that had occurred in the establishment of the main city. He knew every single one of them like the back of his hand. To be honest, he didn't think he could do as well as Lu Ruien.

Really ashamed.

"I just can't believe that time flies so fast. I didn't realize it until later. Time has passed so quickly. I have also guarded this city for so long. I really don't want to leave..."

Lu Ruien walked to the window, overlooking everything outside, his eyes full of love and affection.

"Your Majesty, is it today?"

The White King walked up to him, looked out the window with him, and shook his head: "No, but you don't have much time left."

"Is that so? I have thought about parting, but this day has come so fast..."

"I really can't bear to leave."

Lu Ruien sighed, he knew why the White King came here, even though he had never mentioned it.

"I have protected this city my entire life, and I have done this all my life..."

There was a smile on his face, without any complaints or regrets.

"It should be the same even after death."