Bonus Chapter 1: Rogied is Sick! (Modern Version from Qiana's Perspective)

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Rogied was sick.

No one knew who spread the news, but it reached Qiana’s ears.

The Empress, who prided herself on being gentle, considerate, and skilled at undressing others, decided to visit personally.

—Better call first. A sudden visit would be rude. As royalty, etiquette mattered. Yes, a call first.

Qiana pulled out her phone, scrolled through contacts, and found Rogied’s number.

Rogied’s number was: 187xxxxxxx4.

She quickly tapped the green call button. The line connected.

“Ring… ring… ring…” echoed in the receiver. After about ten rings, someone answered. Rogied’s voice sounded weary, laced with suspicious irritation.

“Hello—”

“Hello, it’s Qiana. I…”

“Rogied~ the porridge is ready…”

“Beep… beep… beep.”

Qiana silently stared at her disconnected screen. Without pause, she redialed.

The call connected faster this time, after only four or five rings.

“Hello…”

“It’s Qiana.”

“I know… Qiana, why are you calling…”

“You’re sick, right?”

“Yeah, a bit, but not serious…”

“I’m coming to visit.”

“Ah, no need! I’m fine… Rogied, who’s calling…”

“Beep… beep… beep.”

Qiana stared again at the black screen. It dimmed, reflecting her face—a bright, beaming smile.

After a moment’s thought, she unlocked the phone and redialed.

“Hello…”

The voice on the other end sounded guilty, hiding something.

—Hiding what? What exactly? What on earth?~~~

Qiana’s smile widened, her tone turning light and airy.

“Rogied~?”

“Ah… it’s me… Qiana, let me explain…”

“What explanation?”

“About…”

“Ah, stop. I must apologize first, Rogied.”

“………………Huh?”

“I said I’d visit you earlier.”

“Ah………………”

“Well, Oladef just called. She asked me to go grocery shopping together… I agreed, so I can’t come. Sorry…”

“Ah—ah… ah. Ah! Ah!! No problem! None at all! Have fun with Oladef! I can take care of myself! Enjoy your day, Qiana! Gotta go…”

“Wait.”

“…What else?”

“I wanted to invite ViniVini too, but her phone won’t connect… Why?”

“Impossible! ViniVini’s phone never rang… cough cough!!! I don’t know! That silly girl must be off playing somewhere… Rogied, you’re the silly one, mmm mmm, shut up, idiot… hahaha~~~~ Qiana, gotta run, things here… see you later~”

“Okay,” Qiana replied sweetly. After a pause, she added four words.

“See you… soon.”

She hung up, turned off the screen, stood, then sat back down and unlocked the phone.

This Hitchcock Empire-made Orange 36E phone was lightning-fast—no lag in her fluid motions.

But that wasn’t the point. If Qiana wanted phones, Sornton’s ministers would send a whole crate.

Now, she needed to:

Open messages → Group send → Enter numbers → Select 【Anjerite】【Oladef】【Silvia】【Qiaoqiao】【Yubis】【Saphia】【Nana】【Reiji】and【Elise】→ Add【Noksu】too → Type: Rogied is gravely ill, near death… ViniVini’s with him. Hurry to catch them red-handed → Send.

Done, Qiana poured herself a cup of black tea and sipped slowly.

About fifteen minutes later, her phone rang. Seeing 187xxxxxxx4, Qiana closed her eyes, exhaled comfortably, and answered.

“Big sis, I’m sorry! Forgive me… Also, can you make them leave? They’re wrecking my house!……………… ViniVini! You cheating cat, get out here!…… Rogied! You shameless, lowly Hero! How dare you do this! You, you, you!…… Vini… Rogied……… Ugh, Silvia, you’re too slow! Let me! Miss ViniVini, get out of Rogied’s room now!…… Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!…… XXX…… XXX…… You’re dead, Rogied. Cheating on the goddess? Good. Very good!…… Pfft, is little Elise angry~? Come to big sister’s arms~……”

Chaos erupted on the line—overlapping voices arguing.

But one voice cut through sharply:

“ViniVini must stay by Rogied’s side! She’s carrying his child!”

Crack!

Qiana’s teacup shattered in her grip from sudden, unnatural force.

She kept smiling, a sunny, radiant smile.

Smiling…

Veins bulged on her face and hands. Her legs trembled violently. She couldn’t sit still anymore.

She shot up from the sofa, striding fast toward the front door.

“…Don’t lie! You dumb bear! We only kissed once!”

…The words from the phone, still clutched tight in Qiana’s hand and not hung up, went unheard by her.