His Majesty Land smiled as he said to Dilia, "Dilia, it's been a while since I last saw you. You came back from the O'Brien Empire, yet you didn't even visit the palace for fun?" His Majesty Land was about the same age as Dilia and they had a good relationship.
"My teacher is very strict. I have to focus on my magic practice," Dilia replied with feigned helplessness.
His Majesty Land chuckled.
Just then, the Earth Bear "Hatton" said to His Majesty Land, "Hey, blue-haired one, my master wants you to come inside." The Earth Bear spoke with no politeness whatsoever, but His Majesty Land didn't mind at all. "Ah Huang, even if you won't address me as 'Your Majesty,' you should at least call me Land. That way, I still have a little face."
"Who gave you permission to call me Ah Huang?" The Earth Bear twisted its furry head away, seemingly disdainful.
His Majesty Land smiled, bid farewell to George and Dilia, and walked into the house. Now only George and Dilia remained in the courtyard. Dilia had a very good impression of George... because he was Lin Lei's good brother.
The second brother, "George," was probably the calmest and most composed of Lin Lei's four brothers.
He had the best temper, rarely got angry with others, and was extremely well-liked.
But Dilia knew that this George was also an extremely formidable person. He had become a minister of the Yulan Court at such a young age. The world of politics was dark, and to reach a position of power and influence—and to even climb to the position of Yulan Court minister—George certainly hadn't hesitated to use his own methods behind the scenes.
Among the four brothers, in terms of ruthlessness, it was this best-tempered George who was the most ruthless.
"George, sit down," Dilia said with a smile.
George also smiled and sat down. "Dilia, you went to the O'Brien Empire last year. You must have seen the third brother. Oh, the third brother is Lin Lei." George had always been concerned about his good brother in his heart, but as a high-ranking official in the Yulan Empire, he had absolutely no opportunity to visit the O'Brien Empire.
"I know," Dilia said with a brilliant smile. "Lin Lei has been thinking about you too."
A warm feeling rose in George's heart.
It had been ten years since he and Lin Lei parted ways. George was now twenty-nine, almost stepping over the threshold of thirty. He even already had two children. Looking back now, the youthful arrogance of his teenage years seemed to be the most beautiful memory.
During his ten years in the world of politics, George had experienced constant scheming and deceit, and had become more and more mature. But the more mature he became, the fewer friends he truly trusted within the Yulan Empire.
"I'm proud that the third brother has reached this level," George sighed. "In the O'Brien Empire, I'm afraid no one dares to provoke him now. In this world, reaching the peak of strength is the greatest reliance."
"Lin Lei has already gone to the Chaotic Continent," Dilia said.
"The Chaotic Continent?"
George furrowed his brow. He remembered that in Hess City he knew about the conflict between Lin Lei and the Church of Light. As a high-ranking figure in the Yulan Empire, he was also aware of the influence of the Church of Light and the Church of Darkness in the Chaotic Continent. "With the third brother's personality, he definitely wouldn't be trying to expand his territory or anything. So..."
George looked at Dilia and lowered his voice. "The third brother is going to fight the Church of Light?"
Dilia was secretly startled. George really was sharp.
"Yes," Dilia nodded. Lin Lei had already discussed this with her.
George felt a bit worried. He knew Lin Lei's temperament. In the past, Lin Lei would have stopped at nothing for revenge. If it were George himself, he would definitely exercise patience, biding his time until his strength reached a point where he was absolutely certain of success before making a move.
"Does the third brother have confidence?" George looked at Dilia. "The Church of Light isn't as simple as it seems on the surface."
Dilia smiled at George. "George, Lin Lei isn't as simple as you think either."
George smiled. Indeed, even though Lin Lei was a genius, when George had parted ways with him back then, he never imagined Lin Lei would become so powerful, nearly on par with Blackstone. Especially that Shadow Mouse, "Bei Bei," George was quite puzzled. "That little fellow, Bei Bei, has become so monstrous. He's really an oddity."
After quite some time, His Majesty Land came out.
"George, let's go," His Majesty Land said to George, who immediately stood up. His Majesty Land smiled at Dilia, who also stood up to see them off. "Dilia, if you have time, do come visit the palace. The third princess has been wanting to see you."
Dilia smiled. "I will definitely come in the future."
"There's no need to see us off," His Majesty Land said with a faint smile, and then left together with George.
xxxxxx
In His Majesty Land's study in the imperial palace, there were only three people—His Majesty Land, his personal court attendant, and the head of the Lionheart family, Daya.
"Daya," His Majesty Land set down the brush in his hand, looked up, and smiled at Daya Lionheart. "The reason I summoned you here today is about your daughter, Dilia."
Daya Lionheart looked at His Majesty Land. "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
His Majesty Land smiled. "I recall that your daughter isn't married yet, is she?"
"That's correct," Daya Lionheart nodded.
Could it be that His Majesty Land had taken a fancy to his daughter?
His Majesty Land nodded. "That's good. To be honest... I have always liked Dilia quite a bit. How about this, you speak to Dilia for me, see if she would be willing to marry me. Of course... it must be entirely according to her own wishes."
Daya Lionheart replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will certainly go ask Dilia."
His Majesty Land nodded, smiling at Daya Lionheart. "Daya, you should understand, when I was still a prince, I had to produce an heir before I was eligible to inherit the throne. I have no particular feelings for that woman. Dilia, whether in terms of background or personal qualities, surpasses her. If Dilia were to marry me... I promise, Dilia could become the Empress."
A tremor ran through Daya Lionheart's heart.
The Empress?
If it were merely for his daughter to become an ordinary consort, the powerful Lionheart family would have no need for such a thing. But the Empress was different.
Daya Lionheart understood clearly that the current His Majesty Land was a very accomplished emperor, full of resolve. If he said Dilia could become the Empress, he could absolutely make it happen.
"Very well, you may leave now," His Majesty Land said with a faint smile.