CHAPTER 454: CHAPTER 454: THE FUNERAL OF JOSEPH V

The bridge was vast, offering views of the most fantastical cosmic landscapes. Xia Huangyu casually chose a spot to sit down and thoughtfully pulled out a chair for Lin Fu. Just as she sat down, a screen lit up in the middle.

Both immediately recognized the symbol of the Capital Star—an Artificial Sea.

On the screen, the Capital Star was draped with mourning flags, which fluttered like an ocean as far as the eye could see.

"This is..." Xia Huangyu abruptly stood up.

Everyone on the bridge, whether they were Clive’s original confidants or prisoners who had later chosen to join, stood up, bowed solemnly toward the screen, and observed a moment of silence with grave expressions.

Theresa, previously so proud and invincible, had fallen to the ground, her eyes filled with sorrow.

Only Lin Fu remained seated, unfazed.

Initially, she hadn’t understood the significance, which was why she had been slow to respond. Then she realized that this was the Empire’s highest funeral ritual, one reserved solely for the Emperor.

The mourning flags blanketing the entire planet signified that Joseph V had passed away.

Once she understood, Lin Fu was even less inclined to stand up.

After all, she had a deep-seated grudge against Joseph V.

Lin Fu’s abnormal behavior left everyone on the bridge shocked and furious. The Mecklenburg Royal Family’s culture and traditions had been ingrained in the hearts of the Empire’s citizens for three thousand years.

Whether they were criminals who harbored extreme hatred toward the Empire or members of the Democracy Alliance and Free Federation, none would dare act disrespectfully during the supreme funeral of the Emperor.

To revere the Royal Family was to honor one’s ancestors, the pioneers of humanity.

Naturally, after the funeral, life would go on as usual, and so would the criticisms—nothing would be delayed.

But someone like Lin Fu, who showed no reaction, not even bothering to stand up, was exceedingly rare.

Jon subconsciously looked to Clive, but Clive’s gaze was fixed only on the screen.

Theresa and her two servants grew increasingly angry and resentful.

Yet in such a setting, no one spoke up, nor did they dare to make a careless comment during the funeral of the Emperor.

On the screen, the solemn and majestic funeral proceeded in an orderly fashion, with two long lines of people standing on either side of an aisle made of ice crystals. On the left stood Imperial Officers in formal military uniforms and Nobles in splendid ceremonial attire.

The silver-grey uniforms, splendid buttons and trims, and the shimmering Medals formed the most dignified and solemn sight, yet also the most romantically extravagant contradiction.

These were the officers of the Galaxy Empire.

The formal attire of the Nobles was also strictly regulated, with specific insignia for each rank dictated by detailed requirements.

They were always the most enchanting beings in the whole interstellar space.

Not only were the people on this ship watching the funeral, but so too were the citizens of the Galaxy Empire. Even the distant Democracy Alliance and Free Federation were broadcasting the ceremony live. Across countless planets and cities, everyone stopped their hurried steps on the streets to witness this funeral.

For those from the Democracy Alliance and Free Federation, there was intense curiosity about the Galaxy Empire; they found it hard to imagine that a feudal monarchy could still exist in such an advanced interstellar era. While they derided the Empire’s backwardness and conservatism, they were also intrigued and drawn to its uniquely romantic chivalric ethos.

The Galaxy Empire’s military uniform was universally acknowledged for its lavish elegance—a stark contrast to the more austere uniforms of the Democracy Alliance and Free Federation, which would surely face criticism for such extravagance.