Chapter 169: What is a life-threatening question?
The light golden sunset radiance illuminated Jin Gui Street No. 32, but it couldn’t warm the icy chill permeating the living room.
“This is a game,”
“But since such a bet has been placed, it’s no laughing matter.”
The Empire’s Empress crossed her legs, her posture languid as she rested them on the armrest of the sofa. Her gaze swept over the decorative pillows on the sofa beside her. “Which one do you usually lean on?”
Shaya pointed to the one he used most often among the sofa cushions: “This one.”
Isadorella nodded and placed the cushion behind her. Then, her plain white hand loosely grasped the air, and golden light spots condensed slightly mid-air.
“In the name of the Holy Sword and the Freista Empire’s Empress, I shall oversee the fairness of this game.”
“During the game, divination, prophecy, mental probing of trump cards, and spiritual intuition are forbidden here.”
As these solemn words were spoken, the curtains and the skirts of the young ladies fluttered without wind. In Shaya’s Astral Realm vision, a vast and imposing mystery had already hung high above the entire dome. At this instant, a light golden domain spread out. Myriad illusory chains emerged from the void, emitting a crimson gold luster and sealing the surrounding space.
This was the Word of Power, empowered by the Imperial Power and the Holy Sword, that Isadorella could manifest as imperial decree after ascending the throne, within her territory of the Imperial Capital. Shaya felt his once vast as the sea mental power being sealed in an instant. This sealing did not directly affect his Star Spirit Body, but it obstructed his mental energy from scanning outwards. Of course, this seal was not very strict; with Shaya’s current mental power, it would not be difficult to forcibly break through the seal. However, once broken, it would be detected by the owner of the decree, meaning a violation. Or, to put it more crudely, it would be caught cheating red-handed.
The silver-haired Empress cast her crimson eyes towards Sylvia and Aerora beside her. “My Lord of the Tower, Little Ai, if you are not at ease, you can also supervise with your own methods.”
Aerora’s face, as beautiful and cold as ice and snow, showed no expression. “No need. Since it is an oath sworn in the name of the Holy Sword and the Empire, I trust Your Majesty’s word.”
Sylvia also shook her head. *Why is it so serious and solemn, even using the Imperial Power’s Word of Power? According to the atmosphere, should I say ‘Now, let’s start the game’ or ‘Let’s swear to the covenant’ at this point?*
Shaya grumbled inwardly, carefully standing up and walking towards his bedroom. “You guys go ahead and play first. I’ll go take a nap to rest and recuperate?” From the murderous aura of this formation, Shaya could already predict what kind of arduous battle he would experience tonight. After all, according to Little Ai’s suggestion, what they were competing for in this game was not the candidates themselves, but merely the order and duration. Well, basically, he wouldn’t be sleeping tonight. The physical quality of a Throne-level Beast Tamer… Two of them also had the physical protection of the Holy Spear and the Holy Sword. Who knows if he could endure it.
However, Shaya had only taken one step when he heard the Empress’s voice, filled with interest, sounding in his ears again. “By the way, my Black Knight, classmate Shaya.”
“If you could decide the outcome of this game, who among us would you hope wins?”
*Where did this life-threatening question come from? Your Majesty, why don’t you just ask me if I would save you, them, or them if all three of you fell into the water at the same time? But if it were that question, I would probably save Xi Bao first, because from when we first met through the Historical Echo… she probably really can’t swim.*
Shaya’s footsteps froze. To be honest, the pressure he was facing at this moment was even greater than when he had directly faced Norton and the Borgia Family Head, Goodrian. After all, both times he had prepared backup plans, and the worst outcome would have been flipping the table. Only at a time like this, Shaya was in the wrong, and whatever he said would be wrong. He could only be interrogated honestly. Shaya looked to his familiars for help, hoping to muddle through with their cuteness. But he saw the little mink had somehow come to the side of the blonde girl, happily spinning around, trying to catch its fluffy tail. Flashy seemed to be competing with its own shadow, playing boxing with it. Crimson had already transformed into a Star Spirit Body, becoming a fiery red ball, being held and played with by Sylvia in a bewildered state. It was originally the guardian beast of the Brunnhildr Family, and Sylvia felt an innate closeness upon seeing Crimson.
*Good heavens, I’ve never skimped on your food, clothes, or even extra treats. But when I need you to offer your hearts for me, you all scatter instantly, right? Only Yui remains loyal to me.* However, when Shaya looked at Yui on his shoulder, he saw a red light flickering in the eyes of this small metal fairy. Through his Fifth Soul Pact, Shaya could sense that Yui was operating at full computational capacity, processing and calculating countless complex data streams—and then, constructing detailed data models, with green and red lines winding and twisting. While calculating, Yui occasionally uttered words Shaya couldn’t understand, such as “price limit,” “stop loss,” “leverage,” “Ai stock,” “Xi stock,” and “Empress stock.”
*Great, this one’s gone mad too. Can’t count on it.*
But it was at this moment that Aerora’s clear voice slowly sounded. “Your Majesty, you seem to be too concerned about winning or losing this game.”
*As expected of my Little Ai. At a critical moment, you’re the one who pities your husband the most, knowing to help me out of this predicament. It wasn’t in vain that I doted on you normally.* However, just as Shaya let out a sigh of relief, he heard Aerora’s follow-up indifferent voice. “After all, the things and prizes that Your Majesty cares about,”
“During the ten years I spent in the Empty Dream, I’ve already done many times with Shaya.”
“For us, it’s just the most sparse and ordinary daily routine.”
Shaya couldn’t help but gasp in shock. *When did Little Ai’s ‘Taunt’ Skill Proficiency become ‘Transcendent’? Who would have thought that a silent, emotionless girl would speak so aggressively?*
And hearing Aerora’s calm yet confident words, the Empress’s crimson eyes couldn’t help but narrow slightly. “You’re right, Little Ai.”
“These past ten years that I’ve missed, I’ve indeed fallen far behind you.”
Crimson gold imperial radiance swept out, transforming into illusory solemn decree chains, toyed with at Isadorella’s fingertips. Her voice gradually turned cold, carrying a bit of the majesty that belonged solely to the Empress of the Empire. “However, this is only a temporary lead.”
“Throne-level powerhouses have lifespans of several hundred years. The path of life is long…”
“Who laughs last is yet to be determined.”
In an instant, the air in the living room froze.
PS: Sorry for the lateness again, but today is an 8000-word double chapter, and the new monthly ticket bonus chapter is complete.
