With this token in hand, you will have unrestricted access in most places within the country in the future. Those who stand against you are directly opposing the Bai royal family!

Finally, please do not sell that gold medal for petty cash.

"I won't sell it even if I'm short on money, meow!"

Really, who does he think he is?

The appointment ceremony of the Regent is now concluded.

Bai Shui had intended to invite Wang Xiaole for a court lunch, but the latter declined directly and decisively, citing discomfort in such surroundings.

However, this does not mean that Wang Xiaole has nothing to do today.

Shortly after the ceremony, Bai Xiong, in his personal capacity, summoned Wang Xiaole to the room used for meetings, claiming there were some important matters to discuss with him.

Reluctantly, Wang Xiaole had to go, and on the way, he couldn't help but regret his decision a little:

If he had known he would lose his freedom, he might as well have gone for a meal and at least satisfied his hunger...

Upon arriving at the door, Wang Xiaole naturally found it unlocked, and Bai Xiong, sitting in a wheelchair, looked at him with resentment.

The main reason for Bai Xiong's heightened resentment was that following the ceremony, his obedient daughter was now by the side of the man before his eyes!

This constant companionship, even when Bai Meow was still a young child, Bai Xiong, as a father, never experienced it; furthermore, as Bai Meow grew a little older, Bai Shui, who used to be followed by his obedient granddaughter, also never felt the same as before.

But there was nothing he could do. After all, as the little girl grew up, she no longer blindly followed her family members, but rather made decisions based on her own will; the more self-aware a girl is, the more likely she is to decide who to accompany.

Bai Xiong comforted himself with the above reasons, even though the more he comforted himself, the angrier he became. Nevertheless, since he called Wang Xiaole over, it was not merely to vent his frustration, so he chose to endure it.

Once the other party sat down, Bai Xiong put his hands wrapped in bandages on his knees, unconsciously clenched them together, and then spoke in a roundabout way:

"Now that you have become the Regent of this country, you are one of us. If it is for the future of this country, I believe you will not shirk your responsibilities..."

"Slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp!"

This was the sound Bai Meow made as she hugged the oversized bowl of soup in front of her, directly slurping the soup; the sound was not loud but lasted for a long time.

In that moment, just as Bai Xiong was about to speak, he was interrupted. Unable to hold back, he whispered to his daughter not to behave like that, pretending not to have heard the sound, and readjusted his state.

"Regarding what we are going to discuss..."

"Well, Bai Meow, do you think the soup the maid brought over has issues? Don't like the pepper?"

"Hey, kid, are you diverting your attention in front of me?"

Despite Bai Xiong's bristling fur, Wang Xiaole had no intention of averting his gaze and simply waved his hand to placate him:

"It's okay. Continue, I can multitask!"

Bai Xiong had no choice but to speak:

"This matter is also related to Dibiles, I am prepared..."

"Is the chair uncomfortable? It's okay, I'll let you sit on my lap so you can feel more comfortable."

In Wang Xiaole's adjustment, Bai Meow officially sat on his lap, continuing to drink soup, occasionally feeding her.

The feeding scene made Bai Xiong feel a certain way.

His current feelings were like when a son-in-law came to visit, and the father-in-law needed some understanding to converse, but the son-in-law was constantly flirting with his daughter.

Bai Xiong couldn't help but think,

Is this the feeling that has been lingering in my heart?

No, no, no! This is too absurd. I refuse to acknowledge this guy as my son-in-law, and I don't need a son-in-law even when I'm in my coffin!

As the subconscious roar resounded, Bai Xiong's heart made a cracking sound.

Wang Xiaole felt puzzled:

"What broke? Was it the bowl that shattered? Did Bai Meow hurt her hand?"

Bai Xiong's heart shattered at the scene before him, and even though he paid such a heavy price, the terrifying light that filled his eyes remained.

At that moment, Bai Xiong even had thoughts like, "What are eyes for? Do they really need to exist? Wouldn't it make a difference if I gouged them out?"

As these self-deprecating thoughts echoed in Bai Xiong's mind, his eyes seemed on the verge of bursting, blood vessels from within to without.

Meanwhile, the two individuals ahead had entered an invincible state called "honeymoon period"; the relationship between them was like an impenetrable "absolute defense," isolating them from the outside world.

It seemed like a barrier separating them from everything external unless they actively sought it out.

Now, the black aura enveloping Bai Xiong thickened even more.

However, despite this, the two continued their interaction with "hooing" and "ahhing" for quite a while before realizing that no other sounds had been heard for a long time.

"What's wrong? Don't you have something to say? Time is money, right, even in the beastkin kingdom?"

Coming back to his senses, Wang Xiaole innocently spoke to Bai Xiong as if the current situation was not of his own making.

Compared to Bai Xiong, Bai Meow was considerate enough.

At least she noticed that in just a few minutes of inattention towards him, her father seemed to have aged fifty years, giving the impression that he was on the verge of death.

"If only I hadn't had a daughter..."

Bai Xiong, consumed by burning resentment, weakly lowered his head. After a final thought echoed in his mind, his face took on an incomparably serene expression.

Some time passed until the discussion that had almost not started was able to continue.

As Wang Xiaole, in his capacity as the prince consort, engaged in discussions with the current king regarding the relationship between the beastkin kingdom and Dibiles:

"Kid, I can tell you the truth: due to the war to quell the previous rebellion and the significant blow you dealt to our country's army initially, our country can no longer afford to engage in external warfare."

"So, do you decide to cease fire? Truly cease fire?"

Previously, there had been two ceasefires between Bai Xiong and Dibiles, but those were only temporary measures stemming from expediency, lacking genuine sincerity.

However, this time was different. Understanding the current situation, Bai Xiong did not intend to continue forcing his country's military.

Nevertheless, considering his own reputation in Dibiles, Bai Xiong felt that merely emphasizing the legitimacy of a ceasefire from their side would surely not be trusted by Dibiles.

The best way to gain trust was to have Wang Xiaole, the sole prince consort, persuade the Empress of Dibiles, who in turn would persuade the citizens.

It may sound convoluted, but that's how wars sometimes work.

Would Wang Xiaole agree to Bai Xiong's proposal?

The answer was affirmative, not for noble reasons but for a more personal one: for Bai Meow and for his disciple, Isabella!

If Dibiles and the beastkin kingdom continued to wage war, there would inevitably come a day when these two would be on opposite sides on the battlefield, fighting each other for their lives.

If it came to that, it would be the most tragic outcome for Wang Xiaole.

In fact, even if Bai Xiong had not actively sought his presence today, he was prepared to find an opportune moment to discuss the future relationship between the two countries.

While Bai Xiong had considered a ceasefire, Wang Xiaole's thoughts definitely went further:

"Not only stopping the war, but when I return to my country, I will do my best to facilitate the re-alliance of the two countries. I also hope that you, as the king of your country, will convince your ministers."

"Restore an alliance? Kid, you really dare to dream! After two large-scale wars between the two countries, even I don't dare to hope to restore the relationship with Dibiles from back then."

"You cannot do it on your own, of course, and I alone can't do it either; we must cooperate to each help our respective countries."

"Why is that?"

Bai Xiong expressed his puzzlement:

"Dibiles currently has a clear advantage over our country and really has no need to deliberately restore an alliance. Even if they were to do so, they would undoubtedly demand a hefty sum in war reparations."

"Because it would lead to a new war!"

Wang Xiaole replied without hesitation:

"The defeated side would naturally harbor resentment, and if forced to pay war reparations, it would inevitably breed lasting animosity that could lead to a new war within a generation. This resentment would create a vicious cycle between the two countries."

"Even with your goodwill, you cannot fundamentally eliminate the contradictions between our two countries."

What followed from Bai Xiong was the honest thoughts he had never shared with any human:

"Our country's living environment is extremely harsh, with many resources in various areas depleted almost a generation ago; by this generation, if we don't find a way to gather food and other resources from elsewhere, we cannot guarantee the survival rights of all citizens."

This disclosure was indeed a truth, but Wang Xiaole, as always, saw the key point within it:

"So, to acquire resources, war is the only option?"

"It's inevitable. Our country's treasury is limited, and long-term exchanges with Dibiles are not sustainable; also, since your country only has women and strongly opposes the entry of foreign men, there is no possibility of exchanging labor efforts for food and water resources."

"What about the girls from the beastkin kingdom?"

"That's even less likely. Most of our warriors don't engage in production, so nearly every household relies on women for farming and textile work, and our women can't work abroad."