Chapter 24: Anje Cupid Lina
Although Roger was drowsy, he dared not truly sleep. He maintained a sliver of vigilance, ready to defend against a surprise attack from the Empress of Eternal Night. And wouldn’t you know it, she came without warning. He immediately got up and replied with utmost trepidation, “This subject would not dare harbor such thoughts.”
[Holidays, what a wonderful word… but the Empire has no weekends or Golden Weeks!]
“I grant you seven days of leave.”
[Ah, this leave comes at an inconvenient time, my salary hasn’t been paid yet…]
“You have made meritorious contributions to the compilation of history, and I shall award you an additional fifty thousand gold coins.”
Roger looked up at the Empress in surprise, blinking his eyes.
[Ah, and money too? This Empress is too generous, she won’t give me a few more maids or concubines, will she?]
“Scram!”
The Empress suddenly flicked her finger, and a strong gust of wind sent Roger flying like a cannonball, soaring across the imperial palace. To ask for leave and money was one thing, but to openly demand women from me? I’m furious!
The Empress of Eternal Night herself wasn’t entirely sure why she was so angry. Rewarding money and women was a standard package for winning over hearts. With the Empire’s wealth, what kind of beautiful women, plump or slender, couldn’t be provided? Any XP could be satisfied. But she simply didn’t want to satisfy Roger’s needs in that regard. Because… well, yes, because he was being too greedy! What I want to give, you must accept. What I don’t want to give, who gave you permission to ask for it from me? Not even thinking it is allowed! I am an Emperor of all ages, a peerless Empress, I won’t indulge anyone forever! If you get everything you wish for, good heavens, won’t this brat think the Empire won’t function without him? Me not giving it is just to give you a cooldown period. When you’ve recovered, I’ll play with you again and drain you dry! Hmph!
The Empress of Eternal Night’s calculations chased away all the gloom that had plagued her day. She cheerfully began approving memorials. Seven days later, the second round… We’ll see!
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The Azurevine Empire’s imperial palace, officially named the Star River Palace, was once plundered and burned down during the invasion war by the Wabruga Kingdom. After the Empress of Eternal Night annihilated the Wabruga Kingdom, she rebuilt the Star River Palace. Upon establishing the Empire, she expanded it further. It now stands as one of the most magnificent imperial palaces on the continent, with triple palace walls, each taller and sturdier than the last. Roger, blown by the wind, landed directly at the main gate of the Star River Palace.
Hearing the whistling wind, the two rows of guards nervously shouted, “Assassin!” and assumed a defensive encirclement posture. Then they saw Lord Dio Brando land in a “Wild Geese Descending on a Sandbar” style. Though disheveled, he was wearing the magnificent attire of a cabinet minister, adorned with a medal bestowed by the Empress, and possessed a handsome young face. The guards retracted their partially drawn swords, and the captain stepped forward to ask with concern, “Lord Brando, are you alright?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine. My teleportation magic just malfunctioned.” Roger replied feigning nonchalance, smoothing his now-messed-up hair. He dared not say that the Empress had suddenly turned on him, going from smilingly granting leave and money one moment to sending him spiraling to his doom the next. Such a capricious and useless Empress! Like a dog, she turns her back when she pleases! However, considering how readily she gave him money and leave this time, Roger decided to be magnanimous and not spread rumors about her.
The guard captain seemed skeptical but said with feigned concern, “Then Lord Dio, please be extra careful.”
“I definitely will be. I won’t fly anymore.” Roger adopted an accommodating demeanor and walked towards the main road. After all, he was just a decorative mage; his magic power was all for show, and he couldn’t cast a single spell. Naturally, there were no horse-drawn carriages at the palace entrance. He had to walk a considerable distance further before he could find a carriage.
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Charles Manor. Anjelina was in the study, tallying the household’s expenses. Beside her lay a stack of “cream puffs,” a dessert the younger brother had taught the kitchen to make. The soft and crispy dough enclosed a sweet and creamy filling, exceptionally delicious. Different spices could also be added to change the flavor. Her younger brother had taught the kitchen many delicious desserts recently, all of which Anjelina loved. The only drawback was the high calorie content; eating late-night snacks every day had caused her weight to creep up by two jin. But she just couldn’t resist. That scoundrel of a younger brother, instead of reading proper books, spent his days researching food to feed his sister – what ulterior motives could he have!
At this moment, a shadow suddenly materialized, and a woman in black knelt and reported, “Your Excellency, Lord Dio has left the palace.”
“He stayed this late? Wonderful.”
“However…”
“He was blasted out of the palace by Her Majesty.”
“This… You may withdraw. I understand.” Anjelina’s eyes flickered. After the black-clad woman disappeared, she let out a soft sigh. This was the first time Her Majesty had allowed a male peer of the same age to stay in the palace until this hour. It seemed the final outcome wasn’t very good, however. They appeared to have argued? Indeed, talented men generally couldn’t accept strong women. Although she herself was considered a strong woman, compared to her own Empress… Hmph, who doesn’t praise the Right Minister for being gentle, kind, and considerate? Prince Dio had only entered the palace on his first day and already erupted into an argument with Her Majesty, escalating to physical action? His temper is quite fiery. As expected of someone who could compile the Empire’s history like that. Anje Cupid Lina felt that for the Empress’s happiness and the Empire’s continuation, she had a great responsibility ahead… She needed to work hard to bridge the rift between them and help them find the great harmony of life!
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The next day, in the Grand Council Hall, a cabinet meeting was in session. Everyone was puzzled by the absence of His Majesty, Dio Brando, the Minister of History. “He is unwell and has requested several days of leave from me,” the Empress of Eternal Night stated indifferently after arriving, then proceeded to arrange for the meeting to commence as usual. The others did not ask further questions, nor did they think much of it. Only Anjelina sighed softly. Her informants had told her that Dio could walk and run after landing at the palace and was in no need of leave. Yet, the next day, he was absent from the cabinet meeting. Therefore, the two must have argued? Her Majesty was sulking and didn’t want him in the cabinet. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Through the Empress of Eternal Night’s demeanor, Anjelina’s guess from yesterday was further solidified.
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An hour later, the cabinet meeting concluded. “Your Majesty, I have something to report to you privately,” Anjelina stated proactively. The Empress of Eternal Night nodded, allowing her to remain. Marguerite pouted and said, “Your Majesty, I…”
“You also have something to report privately?”
“I shall take my leave, Your Majesty. Rest early!” Marguerite pretended nothing had happened. She had nothing that needed to be reported privately. Thus, she changed her mind on the spot to avoid the crime of deceiving the Emperor, which would displease Her Majesty even more, leading to more severe consequences. But this made her unhappy! She could only glare hatefully at Anjelina. Once I conquer Dio Brando and have the assistance of my advisors, I’ll make you, blue-haired saint, crawl! I’ll give him whatever price he asks! Marguerite made up her mind and walked out of the Grand Council Hall with an arrogant stride. Except for His Majesty, I’m the only one in the entire Empire who knows that impersonating the restoration army was Dio’s plan! As long as I hold this key, I’ll have endless insidious schemes to use! I’m such a clever little ghost!
“Pah, pah, pah, I am a proud demon, I will not be compared to lowly creatures like devils!” She immediately corrected her wording.
Soon, only the Empress of Eternal Night and Anjelina remained in the Grand Council Hall. The Empress tapped the table, signaling the Right Minister to begin. Anjelina first glanced at Her Majesty and found her mood seemed quite good. Sigh, for the sake of this Empire, even more wrangling, little Ao has to force a smile and pretend nothing happened, it’s truly arduous. Only I will pity Her Majesty. Anjelina sighed softly and said earnestly, “Your Majesty, I wish to speak with you about Dio Brando.”
“Oh?” The Empress of Eternal Night was both surprised and curious. Does she want to say, “As expected of siblings, even if my disguise isn’t seen through, I still want you to take special care of your little brother privately?”
