Chapter 247: Chapter 247: A Bestowed Marriage

Her Majesty the Queen didn’t respond immediately, instead sizing up Lu Xiao. Seeing that Lu Xiao showed no signs of nervousness or fear, the corners of the Queen’s lips curled upward. “I’ve been hearing your name mentioned quite often recently. Now that we’re meeting, I didn’t expect you to be so young, Lu Xiao. The young females of the Empire are becoming more and more formidable.”

“We have all grown under Your Majesty’s brilliant guidance. Naturally, we wouldn’t dare to be complacent.”

Her Majesty the Queen let out a laugh. “You certainly have a way with words. There’s no need for such flattery. I’ve heard about the situation at the S-Class Shelter and the Crystal Fruit you brought back. Regarding a complete cure for the Spirit Sea disorders of the S-Class males… how certain are you?”

It was a remarkably direct question from Her Majesty the Queen.

Admiral Hans couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat for Lu Xiao.

“I’ll do my best… and strive for a result that isn’t too disappointing?”

“It seems you aren’t very confident yourself.” Her Majesty the Queen chuckled. “I was under the impression you were completely certain of success.”

“No one in this world can be one hundred percent certain of anything. I simply don’t wish to deceive you by giving you hope, only to follow it with disappointment.”

Her Majesty the Queen looked at the quick-witted young female before her. “You’re right. There are indeed no one-hundred-percent guarantees in this world. You’ve already done an excellent job, and I should allow you room for error. The males who have recovered and been discharged from the S-Class Shelter are all a credit to you. Rest assured, I am well aware of what you’ve done.”

At this, Her Majesty the Queen raised her cup and took a sip of black tea. Lu Xiao remained silent, knowing full well that the Queen had not finished speaking.

And what she would say next was the crucial part.

Just as she expected, Her Majesty the Queen set down her cup and continued, “I hear that you currently have only one main husband. Isn’t that a bit

lonely? What if I were to bestow a marriage upon you? There are many fine young males in the Empire.”

Hearing this, Admiral Hans’s heart clenched. He never imagined Her Majesty the Queen would have such an idea. Looking over at Lu Xiao, he saw that the young female had indeed furrowed her brow.

“I’m surprised Your Majesty is aware of my domestic affairs. It’s quite overwhelming. However, I must apologize, but I have no intention of seeking other partners. Thank you for Your Majesty’s kind offer, but I’ll have to decline.”

Lu Xiao’s response remained poised, showing no trace of fear or reservation despite speaking to Her Majesty the Queen.

Her Majesty the Queen seemed surprised that Lu Xiao would refuse so bluntly. She gave a light laugh, as if she’d just heard an unbelievable joke. “I don’t understand what you’re holding out for. Isn’t this sort of thing perfectly normal for a female? Why be so standoffish? You’re still so young. Are you planning to spend the rest of your life with just one male?”

“And what would be wrong with that? The laws of the Empire do not go so far as to mandate how many partners a female must have. So whether I choose to take another is my own decision, is it not? Besides, I don’t want to do anything I’ll regret. My partner and I are very happy together; we don’t need anyone else. Please understand, Your Majesty. In fact, I believe you should be the one to understand me best.”

As Lu Xiao spoke, Admiral Hans once again found himself sweating nervously for her. It had to be said, her words were incredibly defiant.

What other young female would dare to so forcefully and boldly refuse a gift bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen?

In the entire Empire, only Lu Xiao would dare.

As expected, Her Majesty the Queen’s expression flickered at Lu Xiao’s words.

“It seems you truly intend to refuse. You will regret this.”

“That may be a matter for the future. For now, at least, I am without regret.”

Her Majesty the Queen composed herself, her smile returning. “And what if I were to insist on bestowing this marriage upon you?”

Admiral Hans’s heart tightened. He could see that Her Majesty the Queen was now very displeased.

Just as he was about to speak up for Lu Xiao, he heard her say, “Why must you insist, Your Majesty? I would have thought you, of all people, would understand my reasons. You live in this place, do you not, to mourn the late Prince Li Ke? If you had been like me back then—one couple for a lifetime—I imagine you would have no regrets today. Isn’t that so?”

Lu Xiao wore a puzzled expression, as if she truly couldn’t understand why Her Majesty was acting this way. ’Cecilia was right,’ she thought. ’The Queen may not have a reason to punish me, but she certainly has a knack for getting under my skin.’

’She clearly had me investigated, yet she insists on repeatedly poking at my biggest sore spot.’

Even with her good temper, Lu Xiao was reaching her limit.

Cold sweat was now trickling down Admiral Hans’s back.

Her Majesty the Queen shot to her feet. “How dare you!”

Lu Xiao was not intimidated. She calmly met the gaze of the Queen, whose face was contorted with fury. “Why are you so angry? Because I spoke the truth? But isn’t it true you live here to mourn Prince Li Ke?”

“Silence! Not another word! My reasons for living here are not for you to pass judgment on! You insolent brat! Do you think you can question me just because of a few minor accomplishments?” Her Majesty the Queen snatched the cup from the table and drained its contents. “Heh. So you’re a whelp from Duke Galliadoro’s family. You certainly have some of your grandmother’s youthful nerve.”

Hearing this sudden remark, Lu Xiao said nothing.

Beside them, Admiral Hans’s heart was pounding. This was more nerve-wracking than any battle he had ever fought.

“You’re right. I do live here to mourn Prince Li Ke. And I deeply regret the choice I made back then. You… you are impressive. You weren’t swayed by my status as Queen. If I had possessed your clarity of thought back then, I would likely have no regrets today.”

Her Majesty the Queen’s demeanor softened, and the look she gave Lu Xiao was no longer the same. “I heard your speech at the academy. Your words, ’one couple for a lifetime,’ were very well put. It’s just a shame I came to my senses far too late. Back then, I thought that as long as I had Prince Li Ke, I would have no other regrets. I was still me, the most revered Queen of the Empire. I possessed everything I wanted and everything I could possibly have. Only after he left me did I realize that I wasn’t so powerful after all. I regret it. I was not good to him at all.”

As she spoke, tears streamed down Her Majesty the Queen’s face.

At this point, Admiral Hans was completely lost. Just moments ago, Her Majesty the Queen had been furious at Lu Xiao’s disrespect and defiance. How had she suddenly started reminiscing about Prince Li Ke?

Yet Lu Xiao, for her part, did not seem surprised.

’What is going on?’

Faced with the Queen’s confessions, Lu Xiao remained silent, now simply a quiet listener.

And that was exactly what the Queen needed.

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