On the way out of the Shion Palace, Chen Rui was lost in thought.
Veronica asked him to leave the Dragon Bright Empire because the return of the Prince âArthurâ would create some kind of hindrance and put âArthurâ in danger?
When Chen Rui said unreservedly about âArthurââs true feelings to Veronica, with his peak stage of the Kingdom level sensing ability, he keenly captured a slight emotional fluctuation in it.
It was⦠fear.
Veronica was actually fearful.
Veronica of the Kingdom level, is fearful of Arthur, whose apparent strength is not even Demon King level?
It should have nothing to do with strength, but heart.
Her heart, as if it was frozen, was so cold that it could cut off everything, but she was afraid of the sincerity that could melt the cold. This state was somewhat similar to Isabella back then.
This fluctuation was only fleeting, and it soon returned to silence. Chen Rui would definitely not give up just like that. Whether it was to find out the truth or to fulfill Arthurâs state of mind, he would approach that frozen heart again.
No matter what the truth was, Chen Rui would make every effort to try to ârescueâ her. He had made all kinds of mental preparations for that, even including giving her the final liberation.
âYour Highness Arthur!â The voice of the imperial guards at the gate of the Shion Palace interrupted Chen Ruiâs thoughts, âHis Majesty summoned Your Highness to go to the side hall to discuss matters.â
Chen Rui nodded and walked toward the side hall of the palace.
When he was in the corridor, there were 2 people who happened to be coming from the opposite direction; 1 of which was Second Prince Garfield.
Garfield was talking and laughing with the man beside him, but when he saw Chen Rui, his face suddenly turned cold.
âSecond brother.â Chen Rui greeted him with a smile.
âBrother Arthur.â Garfield forced a smile, âYouâve been in the limelight lately. The whole empire is talking about the yellow dragon wine.â
âThanks to second brother for taking care of Golden Estate for so many years. Especially when you left, you took painstaking effort.â
This was an obvious irony. Garfield couldnât help but snort coldly. The troubles he left behind when he handed over the Golden Estate instead brought out Arthurâs extraordinary talent. The current development of the Golden Estate far exceeded his 7 years of operation. Which could see at a glance who was better or worse.
The atmosphere became awkward for a while, then the handsome and imposing purple-haired man on the side said in time, âProyo. Kurwich, itâs an honor to meet the Royal Highness Third Prince.â
The name made Chen Rui frown. Proyo was the eldest son of the Military Administration Councilâs Dean Chamosco; he was also the deputy legion commander of the Dragon Scale Legion, an upstart in the imperial army, and the fiancé of Princess Freya, the sister of âArthurâ.
Chen Rui had a very good impression on Freya, especially the kind of special intimacy. The Golden Estate was adjacent to the capital, but the Golden Estate City to Yerodisha was at least a dayâs journey away. However, in just 2 months, Freya came no less than 10 times to the Golden Estate. Even when the estate was in the most âdireâ situation, the princess forked out her own money to help her brother.
âOh itâs General Proyo, I heard that you just returned from the Cold Winter Fortress? Nice to meet you.â Chen Rui nodded to Proyo, âItâs a pity that Iâm going to see His Majesty now. Weâll get together again next time. â
Proyo laughed, âI have heard the reputation of the yellow dragon wine all the way from the Cold Winter Fortress back to the capital. Since the Royal Highness Third Prince has said it, I have to go to the Golden Estate for a drink. I hope Your Highness will not be stingy by then.â
âYouâre most welcome.â Chen Rui glanced at Garfield, âAs for some people, donât humiliate yourself.â
After speaking, Garfield walked straight forward without even looking at the pale-faced Garfield.
In the side hall, Chen Rui met Lex the Great.
âYou went to the Shion Palace just now?â
âYes.ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âYou seem to be a little diligent in visiting there recently? Is there nothing to do in your estate?â
âItâs manageable.â Chen Rui nodded, âThe estate is developing very well now, so donât worry about it for the time being.â
âAre you showing off?â
âYes.â Chen Ruiâs answer was somewhat surprising, âIf I donât even have the capital to show off, I donât deserve to stand in front of Your Majesty.â
Lex the Great squinted slightly, âI donât know whether to admire or hate your confidence, but too much confidence is arrogance. Your achievements are still insignificant. In other words, thereâs still a long time before you can be arrogant.â
âI know.â Chen Rui smiled lightly, âThese are really insignificant; perhaps you can call them warm-ups. I believe the real good show will be staged soon.â
In all fairness, the âachievementsâ of the yellow dragon wine, the auction, the rapid pacification and development of the Golden Estate, even Lex the Great himself or any talent in the empire, couldnât do it; but these were just warm-ups?
Lex the Greatâs brows twitched. After 7 years, this son has really changed completely. Whether itâs words or actions, itâs completely unexpected, almost⦠out of control.
As a father, there was a little gratification in his heart, but for the Dragon Bright Empireâs ruler who was used to controlling everything, it was not so gratifying.
âVery good, Iâm looking forward to your really good show.â Lex the Great nodded. His tone changed, âI called you here today for another matter. I initially wanted to send someone to the estate to inform you, but you happened to come to the palace, so Iâll tell you face to face. The news of your return has spread throughout the human world, including our largest alliance, the Blue Glory Empire. Your marriage to Princess Pearl Landbis, which has been dragging on for 7 years, should be completed. The last time you disappeared before the engagement ceremony. According to royal protocol, this ceremony must be completed first. So, before the 20th of next month, you have to rush to the Blue Glory Empire to hold the engagement ceremony with Princess Landbis. Then, bring Princess Landbis back to the Empire for marriage.â
âGo to the Blue Glory Empire to get engaged? Then bring the princess back to get married?â Chen Rui was surprised and asked deliberately, âCan I refuse?â
Lex the Great glanced at him, âWhat do you think?â
âI have 1 condition.â
Lex the Great sneered coldly, âYouâre not qualified to negotiate terms right now.â
âI have.â Chen Ruiâs words carried an undeniable firmness. Although his strength shown now was only âWarriorâ while Lex the Greatâs strength was peak stage of Saint, once these 2 words were uttered, even this ruler couldnât help but tremble.
Lex the Great took a deep breath and stopped arguing with the qualification problem, âVeronica?â
Chen Rui changed his mind and asked, âNo? Didnât Your Majesty say that anyone can be a bargaining chip?â
There was a strange light in Lex the Greatâs eyes, and he shook his head with certainty, âYouâre not qualified enough to trade, my son.â
Son? Not the prince? Chen Rui showed a strange expression, âItâs surprising, Your Majesty. As far as I know, sheâs just a poor victim who has no value anymore. Reasons like sudden death due to illness or disappearance can accomplish this deal. However, from Your Majestyâs determination, it seems that you would rather give me the Dragon Knight Legion⦠no, even the Holy Light Robe, than let Veronica come with me?â
The real focus of these words was not Veronica, but the Holy Light Robe used as an âexampleâ.
Lex the Great didnât have too much suspicion, and he just sneered, âNo matter what it is, your qualifications are far from enough⦠However, if you are really interested in the legion, I can consider putting you in a fortress for a period of time to train.â
âItâs just an example. My hobby is internal affairs, and Iâm not interested in the military for the time being.â Chen Rui spread his hands, showing no indifference, âIâd better go back to the estate first. Today is the 3rd, next monthâs 20th⦠Itâs just a month and a half. I need to think about something seriously.â
âItâs better not some kind of botched plan to escape marriage or pretend to be sick.â
âHow could it be? Your Majesty underestimates me too much.â Chen Rui shrugged, âBut to be honest, this marriage came too fast, Iâm not mentally prepared at all. Can youâ¦â
Lex the Great interrupted immediately, âNo way! The Dragon Bright Empire and the Blue Glory Empire have been preparing for 7 years! As for you, you donât need to prepare at all now. Donât think about delaying it for even a day!â
âWhat if I want to accumulate some bargaining chips before then?â
âYour intellect and attention seem to have foolishly diverged.â Lex the Great said coldly, âI donât care what plans or deals you have. This time you must go to the Blue Glory Empire. I will send Proyo and the elites of the Dragon Scale Legion to escort you there. There must be no mistakes!
âOkay, Your Majesty, if itâs your order.â Chen Rui sighed and agreed.
He had no particular resistance to going to the Blue Glory Empire to participate in the engagement ceremony because the holy relic of the town of the Blue Glory Empire was his goal. Meanwhile, he was also an âold friendâ of the aspiring Madam Princess, so he believed that there would be a common âtopicâ at that time. The Elf Grand Master Finoia invited him to go to the Jade Forest Sea when he had time last time, saying that he had something to give away, so he could drop by this time.
âYou must be focused in this trip to the Blue Glory Empire! You represent the entire Dragon Bright Empire. I can see that you have almost forgotten the court etiquette. I will send someone to teach you. As for the engagement gift⦠As a mechanical grand master, I believe you donât need me to worry about it. Now you can go back to the estate; go back directly!â
Chen Rui bowed, frowning a little.
As a bargaining chip, Veronica seems to be placed in a high position by Lex the Great; is it to use against Arthur?
The most troublesome thing was that although the wedding time with Landbis was expected, it came too soon.
At this time, there was still a month and a half before the engagement time of the Blue Glory Empire. If he went directly to the teleportation array, it would take at least half a month on the road, so he had less than a month left on hand.
Chen Ruiâs original plan was to first promote aromatic millet wine, then promote the magic game and its subsidiary products, magic phone, to expand to the entire human world step by step. After finishing, he would use this as a bargaining chip to showdown with Lex the Great, get Holy Light Robe from the Dragon Bright Empire, and deal with Veronicaâs matter. Following that, he would go to the Blue Glory Empire to get the Holy Grail. The final destination was the most difficult mission location âThe Holy Light Mountain.
In the Holy Light Mountain, he was likely to encounter a fierce battle or even face a powerful enemy like Michael again, but at that time he wasnât worried. He just had to bring Tiffany back and understand the creation origin along the way. Even if he was exposed, it didnât matter. Therefore, all matters must be handled in advance.
Now that the wedding was going to be held so soon, his plans were completely disrupted. The promotion of magic games was no easier than the promotion of aromatic millet wine. It needed to build the âbase stationsâ piece by piece. 1 month was not enough to launch it into popularity into the whole human world.