That would be Pu der Bär, not Pu der bar (or Winnie Puuh for the Disney version)

Flos is once again trying to take over the world. He would have zero reason to give advice to a foreign emperor.

As well, Laken only had access to Ryoka’s phone while she was with him in Invrisil. I highly doubt Ryoka would just sit by while someone called The King of Destruction tried to give Laken advice via a magical communication method that has been shown to be compromised previously.

This was one of the issues I had with Laken becoming Emperor in the first place. With as close as Invrisil is, which I believe is under Magnolia’s control, Riverfarm should be as well. But even if not her, you are right that basically everywhere should be claimed by either one of the Five Families, or by a lesser noble (who is probably under the authority of one of said Five Families).

Plus, a village that didn’t have to pay any kind of tribute should be much more prosperous than Riverfarm was made out to be. It’s understandable that basically everything was lost in the avalanche, but prior to that, farmers that owned their land and could sell every bit they didn’t need would likely be much, much wealthier. They would likely have at least 3-4x the amount of crops able to be sold elsewhere, if they didn’t have anything being taken as a tithe/tax, since farmers typically had to give up a fairly substantial portion of the crops.

Not Az. Az is too big for her to feel comfortable around. I could see her getting along well with Rags and Pisces though

Villagers they might be, but the people of my empire have surprisingly kinky tastes. I could have lived without knowing that.

Poor dude

Continuity: how is Laken sending [Message] spells? Later chapters have him relying on Nesor for that, so prior to this he shouldn’t have the capability.

I see Tessia’s eyes shining as she fires a tiny, prototype and it sends a rock flying across the village.
———>
…tiny prototype, and it sends…

? ???? ???

Hmmmmm, who else met strange people during winter