Chapter 164: Chapter 164: Promise

Asina now made no attempt to hide the purpose of her visit. She kept her eyes on Cecilia as she spoke, confident the other woman would understand her meaning.

If Lu Xiao were to accept Fred as her main husband, the Lelis and Gallodro families would be joined by marriage—a clear win-win situation.

She was sure that Cecilia, who had always wanted to restore the Galiodro family’s prestige and return it to its peak, would not refuse such a tempting offer.

Surely, she understood the simple implications of an alliance between two Duke Mansions.

However, just as Asina waited for a nod of agreement, Cecilia turned to Lu Xiao. “I don’t meddle in the younger generation’s affairs,” she said. “If Xiao Xiao is willing, then she will accept. If not, then she will politely thank Asina for her kind intentions.”

A small smile touched Lu Xiao’s lips when she heard this. ’Cecilia really is a woman of her word. She wasn’t swayed by Asina’s tempting offer to go back on our agreement. She’s truly committed to having my back.’

Asina hadn’t expected such a response, and her eyes widened involuntarily. “Cecilia, what do you mean by that? Did you not understand my implication?”

’I’m starting to regret not being more direct. Is Cecilia getting too old? Did she fail to grasp the subtext?’

But Cecilia simply waved a hand. “Of course I understood, Asina. It’s just that Xiao Xiao is a girl with a mind of her own. We don’t want to place too many restrictions on her. I hope you can understand.”

’It’s precisely because I don’t understand that I’m speaking up!’

’I’ve never seen anyone turn down such a great offer!’

Her gaze fell back on Lu Xiao. The young female sat there, her expression unperturbed. “My Fred will be promoted to Admiral in the future. There aren’t many males in the Empire as outstanding as him. Are you sure you don’t want him?”

“It’s not that I’m rejecting him, but Vice Admiral Fred deserves someone better. He isn’t an object, and I doubt he’d want his own mother trading him like merchandise. I appreciate your kind intentions, Asina, but please don’t bring up the matter of a main husband again. My Ares is plenty outstanding himself. He’s already a Major General at such a young age, and I believe he too can become an Admiral one day. But that is an honor he earned through his own efforts, and for that, I am nothing but proud of him!”

After Lu Xiao finished speaking, her tone even and unbothered, only a faint smile remained on her lips.

Her words, however, made Asina feel a little uncomfortable.

Because Lu Xiao had hit the mark; she was indeed using Fred as a bargaining chip.

Ever since news came from the S-Class Shelter that Regal’s condition was improving, she had started inquiring about Lu Xiao.

It was a classic case of “the more you dig, the more you find”—and what she found was astounding.

Who could have imagined that at such a young age, Lu Xiao had already been ennobled by the Queen, becoming a Merit Earl?

Furthermore, through her efforts alone, she had enabled an S-Class male at the S-Class Shelter to recover enough to be discharged.

Even her own Regal, whose case had been deemed a “death sentence” and was in the High Stage, was now improving. A female of such ability had not been seen in the Empire for centuries.

As Duke Leslie, she was no fool. If Cecilia could see Lu Xiao’s value, then of course, so could she.

Now that she had seen this value, she had no intention of letting it slip away—especially while Lu Xiao’s influence was still nascent. It was the perfect opportunity.

She had arrived thinking this was a sure thing, but she’d never imagined that Lu Xiao’s uniqueness extended beyond her abilities to her views on marriage, where she was also in a league of her own.

’A female who wishes to be devoted to only one man… How incredible.’

But she also knew that things had been said. If she continued to insist, she would only devalue Fred, making it seem as if he were some unwanted piece of trash she was desperate to offload.

“It seems Duke Leslie’s Mansion is not so fortunate,” Asina sighed. “I’ve heard about Regal. Thank you for all the time and effort you’ve put into his care.”

Lu Xiao was somewhat surprised by the sudden shift in topic to Regal, but she replied with composure, “It’s all part of my regular duties. There’s no need to thank me.”

Seeing that Lu Xiao wanted nothing to do with her, Asina actually laughed. “I’ve been asking about you quite a bit recently. Everything I heard said you were a special young female, and now I see it’s true. Do you have any idea how many people are desperate to form a connection with Duke Leslie’s Mansion? I’ve come knocking on your door myself, yet you’re trying to push me away. Are you worried the association is too hot to handle?”

Lu Xiao chuckled. “That’s not what I meant at all. It’s just that treating S-Class males is the duty of every therapist at the Fifth Research Institute. Since I’m one of them, it’s simply my job. I’m only doing what’s required of me, so there’s truly no reason for your gratitude.”

’That was truly how she felt. It was just her job; there was no need to make a big deal out of it and have everyone thank her for it.’

“Alright, but I’m still going to offer my thanks. Whether you accept is up to you. We’ve properly met today, so if you ever need anything in the future, just come to Duke Leslie’s Mansion and say the word. I’ll be sure to help. I’m saying this in front of your grandmother, so you know I’m not lying!”

Cecilia chimed in at the perfect moment. “Asina’s reputation is impeccable. With a promise like that, I’m sure Xiao Xiao will come to you if she ever truly needs help.”

“Nothing would be better. Well then, I won’t disturb you two any longer. I’ll take my leave now.”

Hearing this, Lu Xiao stood up. “I’ll see you out.”

Although Asina hadn’t been very friendly at first, once they started talking, Lu Xiao realized she wasn’t a bad person—it was just her personality.

In fact, she found Asina to be quite straightforward, always speaking her mind. Once you got to know her, a person like that was actually easy to get along with.

As Lu Xiao personally escorted Asina to the door, Asina glanced back at her, still not ready to give up. “If you change your mind and decide to accept Fred, just come to the mansion and let me know. I’ll be waiting!”

Lu Xiao hadn’t expected her to still be pushing Fred so hard. She replied, exasperated, “Vice Admiral Fred is truly a fine and outstanding man, but we really aren’t a good match. He has a mind of his own, so please, respect his wishes.”

Asina sighed. “Just hearing you say that makes me think my Fred would take a liking to you. You’re the best there is. What other female in the Empire would say such things? Alright, I can see your mind is made up, so I won’t press you further. But do come visit my home when you have time. The atmosphere at Duke Leslie’s Mansion is just as pleasant as it is here at your grandmother’s!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep