The grand and bright reception room's doors were swung open, and Ailuwei, feeling uneasy, stepped into the room that appeared even more splendid than the palace in Ekuia. It wasn't that Xiao Yu had made the Governor's Mansion excessively luxurious, but to Ailuwei, all surprises seemed magical, naturally ten times more luxurious than the palaces in Miruya.
By the floor-to-ceiling window, a man dressed in white, holding a cute little animal, was bathed in the warm, bright sunlight pouring in from outside, making him especially dazzling, and Ailuwei could almost feel the radiance emanating from him.
The man turned around, still holding the animal that looked like a dog and yet like a cat (Emerald Sea Star had no foxes), and his face bore a light smile.
Ailuwei's heartbeat quickened somewhat, no doubt he was a very handsome man. He had features somewhat resembling those of Southern Continent people, but his demeanor was not something the barbarians of the Southern Continent could possess. Ailuwei thought to herself, "This must be the regal aura only nurtured by those long in power.
My father's majesty might be greater, but his presence isn't as commanding."
If Bai Zhongqi knew the princess thought so highly of him, he would inevitably laugh discreetly to himself; he had only begun sitting on the Chancellor's throne since last December, and if being a Chancellor was a job, then he probably hadn't yet passed his probation period.
Before coming, Ailuwei had already asked about the Iridium Star people's etiquette. She placed her jade hand over her towering chest, bowed her head slightly, and performed a chest-touching salutation, "Greetings to Your Majesty, the esteemed Emperor of Iridium Star."
She was somewhat worried that this Emperor might not use the Miruya language, instead using the language of Shangduohan.
However, the Emperor spoke very naturally in the Miruya language, "Please have a seat, Your Highness, the Princess."
Ailuwei was somewhat surprised; she heard two voices speaking differently, one in the Miruya language she understood, and another precise and well-rounded, in an unknown language.
Bai Zhongqi explained, "I brought a translator, which translates my Iridium Star language into your mother tongue. Though it's a bit strange to hear two voices, it's quite practical."
Ailuwei was again astonished by the wonder of the Iridium Star people, praising, "The magic of Iridium Star is truly magnificent."
Bai Zhongqi shook his head, "Your Highness is mistaken. There may be magic in this world, but we Iridium Star people definitely do not use it. Everything you see is technology."
Ailuwei mulled over the word, not overly troubled. She respectfully said to Bai Zhongqi, "Your Majesty, first please allow me to congratulate you. Your invincible army defeated the seemingly unstoppable Black Flag Fleet of Shangduohan."
Bai Zhongqi smiled and said, "That's how you see it, as 'unstoppable.' But to us Iridium Star people, the so-called Black Flag Fleet and their Mage Corps are nothing at all."
Ailuwei couldn't help but gaze into Bai Zhongqi's face. She clearly perceived that even a hint of disdain was absent from the Emperor's expression, as if disdain was an emotion he didn't deserve to possess.
"Yes, the strength of the United Empire of Iridium Star is beyond the imagination of us mere mortals." The Princess's praise was very elegant, and coupled with her dignified and beautiful appearance, it earned her extra points.
Bai Zhongqi also had to admit, when he saw the princess, he was somewhat surprised. He had seen many beautiful women before, his girlfriend Han Jiaxue was a beauty he would rate more than 9 out of 10, but this princess with her exotic charm was no less. Especially the way she displayed her gentleness and compliance in front of him, which was quite heart-stirring.
But Bai Zhongqi was not so easily swayed, much less by beauty.
"It's natural to find it unimaginable, but for Iridium Star, the people on Emerald Sea Star, you, aren't considered insignificant. I believe you also have the same opportunities to enjoy a better life, no longer plagued by wars on your planets."
The expression on the Princess's face darkened, pitifully, "War has taken the lives of almost everyone in my family. My father was murdered by the people of Gidan, and my three brothers were incited by other kingdoms to slay each other, resulting in thousands of Miruyans dying in the war. Every time I think of this, it feels like a knife twisting in my heart."
Bai Zhongqi bowed slightly, saying, "That's most regrettable."
Ailuwei returned the gesture, raising her head with eyes like autumn waters, watching Bai Zhongqi with a seemingly magical allure.
"Your Majesty, I know the request I am about to make is quite reckless and impolite, but your greatness and kindness are apparent to me, even in the few minutes we have met. I hope you will forgive my impudence and listen to my plea," she said.
Bai Zhongqi responded, "Yes, Princess, I am listening."
With gritted teeth, Ailuwei said, "Honored Majesty, Ailuwei has nothing left but herself to offer. Although it is insignificant, it is all I have. To you, the kingdoms of the Northern Continent are mere ants, easily crushed. I hope you can administer justice, eliminate all the regicides and rebels, and restore peace and righteousness to the Northern Continent, restoring Miryua's situation."
Bai Zhongqi smiled, thinking that this was not much different from what he had imagined.
Bai Zhongqi looked at Ailuwei, and for almost a minute, he said nothing, which made Ailuwei somewhat fearful, even afraid to look up at him again.
Bai Zhongqi asked, "If Miryua were restored, then who would become the Emperor of this nation?"
Ailuwei had naturally considered this question, as she was the sole heir to the Miryuan throne, the only one who could ascend it. But if she truly gave herself to the Iridium Star Chancellor, how could she become an Empress of the Empire?
Decisive, she declared firmly, "As long as the name of Miryua is preserved, the crown of Miryua must naturally rest upon your head. However, the next heir should be a child...bearing both our bloodlines,"
As she spoke these words, her pretty face turned crimson. Even though she had made a profound decision of sacrifice, speaking in such terms left her exceedingly shy.
Suddenly, Bai Zhongqi burst into hearty laughter.
He took a few steps closer, causing the princess to become even more alarmed. Of course, His Excellency the Chancellor would not engage in any vulgar acts; he was merely staring into her eyes, sharp as an eagle's.
"You might be disappointed, Princess, but first, I have no interest in marrying a woman I do not love. Second, just so you know, I have existed for five thousand years and might continue to exist for another five thousand years, or even fifty thousand years. Even if I had descendants, they would be unlikely to inherit any position.
Moreover, Your Highness, you are being rather cunning, according to your proposal. Not only would you regain Miryua, but you would also gain my empire, would you not?"
Panicked, the princess vehemently denied, "No, that's not true! Your Majesty, I do not have the slightest courage to covet all that you possess."
Bai Zhongqi pursed his lips and said, "Yet you are plotting to use my army to restore your country."
The princess was clearly no match for Bai Zhongqi in debate. The young man across from her, claiming to have existed for five thousand years, along with all the magical aspects of Iridium Star, had already utterly confounded her. Of course, Bai Zhongqi's claim was merely to intimidate Ailuwei; in reality, he was only twenty-five years old.
However, at that moment, Bai Zhongqi suddenly shifted his tone and said, "However, I am willing to avenge your enemies. I make no secret of the fact that this planet is destined to become my possession, and in the future, all its people will become my subjects. It is impossible for me to allow Miryua to continue to exist as a state within my empire."
He turned around, still cradling the cat-eared fox, and said nonchalantly, "Indeed, Your Highness, the Four Great Kingdoms are quite disgraceful, and they will pay the price. But the future of Emerald Sea Star has room only for the existence of my empire. If you are interested, I can allow you to join the Empire Army that's preparing to conquer the Northern Continent.
Perhaps you could personally eliminate a few of your enemies. As for the Miryua Empire, forget about it. If your performance is satisfactory, perhaps I will award you Ekuia Miryua's palace."
The princess turned pale, biting her lip, nearly in tears. Yet she knew that whatever she could obtain was merely the largess of the sovereign before her, and she had no power to ask for more. Although unable to accept this, she intelligently realized that this was the best she could hope for under the circumstances.
Bai Zhongqi had already left the room, leaving only Ailuwei behind. She gazed at the empty room, clenched her fist, and thought secretly, "There is no man I cannot conquer. Perhaps you can possess this empire, but by possessing you, I can have it all!"