"Noble parties of the Wind were indeed dull. There wasn’t even a sound coming from the direction of the bathroom."
Yang Ming sat on a sofa in the corner, a glass with just a remaining sip was by his side. Around him, a few elite soldiers of the Royal Guard in formal attire were preventing young women from approaching.
In a formal suit, Yang Ming had his legs crossed, watching the men and women swaying in the dance floor.
He originally didn’t want to wander around in such occasions.
After all, these Wind nobles present had no say in the Empire’s affairs, none held key government positions, and weren’t part of the military system. Yang Ming felt attending such events was somewhat a waste of his precious vacation time.
However, today was General Fremont’s grandson’s birthday. Yang Ming, the Wind’s secret decision-maker, had to come and support this well-connected old general.
Edwan did not appear. Instead, representing Edwan was the Wind royal Princess, Emilia, who had been gaining fame on Ilando Star.
Not seen for some time, Emilia had grown even more radiant.
With a height nearing 1.7 meters, a slightly slender figure, and a youthful, beautifully crafted face, Emilia had recently become a national idol in the Wind Empire.
Under the fluffy princess dress, her waist had begun to show slimness, and her curves were already quite graceful.
When she turned twenty, it was highly likely she’d mature into a stunning beauty with flawless looks and figure.
Tonight, young nobles and sons of wealthy merchants were lining up to invite her for a dance.
Yet, Emilia politely declined with a smile, sitting by General Fremont in the main seat, occasionally sneaking glances at the corner.
Yang Ming took a large gulp from his glass and continued to stare blankly into the crowd.
The issues with Hera indeed troubled him.
He could very well steel himself and ignore Hera’s fate, forgiving himself for being thick-skinned.
After all, they had feelings for each other.
Even though Yang Ming admitted to being a tad sentimental, after being together for so long, they were incredibly familiar with each other’s bodies. How could he stand idly and watch her step by step fall into the Abyss?
What made Yang Ming uncomfortable was Hera’s change.
She continually researched insects, seemingly also being assimilated by them.
Should he forcibly stop her experiment? Lock her up?
That would probably be counterproductive.
Hera could now contact the queen at the edge of the Milky Way. Although Yang Ming did not think Hera would betray him, there was a possibility she might let the Insect Swarm come again, to let them take her away.
This was the situation Yang Ming worried about the most.
He knew the truth that hesitation only leads to chaos.
But he couldn’t immediately think of a way to help Hera.
The death of her father was undoubtedly a significant blow to her.
"Sir, it seems Her Highness wants you to go over," a soldier beside him quietly reminded.
Annoyed, Yang Ming replied, "Tell her to contact me after the banquet."
The soldier stood there stunned, glanced towards Princess Emilia’s direction, and shook his head towards the distinguished and beautiful princess.
Emilia, lifting the hem of her fluffy dress, charged over spiritedly, followed by two maids.
"Sir, Her Highness is coming."
"So she’s coming. Why are you stuttering? Is she an insect?"
Yang Ming gestured with his hand, and the four soldiers stepped aside.
As she approached, Emilia casually untied the back of her puff dress, letting the maids take it. The long dress turned into a short one, revealing her slender, eye-catching, and fair legs.
She elegantly sat in the empty seat next to Yang Ming, maintaining a dignified smile, squeezing a sentence through her teeth:
"Bounty Hunter, it’s a bit excessive. In front of so many people, you didn’t even respond properly when this princess summoned you."
"Not in the mood," Yang Ming sighed faintly. "I’m pondering a troublesome issue."
"Your woman’s problem?"
"You understand so much now?" Yang Ming glanced Emilia up and down, smiling, "Indeed, you’ve grown a lot."
Emilia remained calm, placing her legs slightly together, taking a cushion handed over by a maid and placing it on her lap.
She let down her meticulously arranged hair, strands of slightly curly long hair fell, then casually tied into a ponytail, gently shaking her head.
"Is this still better or before?" Emilia asked with sparkling eyes.
"Shouldn’t the standard answer be both look good?"
"Your stylist put so much effort into your hair, it definitely looks better than a simple style," Yang Ming clicked his tongue, "You’re truly at the age of vanity."
"You’re vain. I’m naturally beautiful," Emilia slightly raised her head, "This princess is erudite, skilled in both arts and combat, and can already assist my brother with some simple affairs, now serving as the image ambassador for our Wind royal family."
Yang Ming: "There are only you and your brother active in the royal family right now. You do indeed look a bit better than him."
"Is that so... uh, are you praising me?"
"Going to dance, hmm," Emilia glanced at Yang Ming’s profile, then quickly averted her gaze, "I thought you were truly injured."
Yang Ming chuckled, not continuing the topic.
He snapped his fingers, and each of the four soldiers took out a badge to hang on their chest, four transparent screens formed a soundproof chamber.