"So, what is your wish?"

"I..."

Ouyang Shi knelt on one knee, falling silent for a moment. Before her sat the Heavenly Ruler upon his throne.

It had been half an hour since the exchange tournament ended. With time to spare before the final banquet, the Heavenly Ruler could now fulfill his promise.

"Hm? Still undecided? No matter—I never said you must speak it now. You may return later to make your request."

"No..."

Her wish had been decided from the start.

"Your Majesty, I have only one wish."

"Let’s hear it."

Li Zhao was deeply intrigued by Ouyang Shi. Her icy composure before him was rare—utterly unlike ordinary people.

*Truth is, she’s completely uninterested in me.*

That was Li Zhao’s sole impression upon meeting her. Having been revered and feared his entire life, this novelty felt precious.

"I wish for Your Majesty to care for my younger brother, Ouyang Ge... for life."

"For life?"

The Heavenly Ruler’s brows lifted at her unusual request, yet his fascination with the girl deepened.

"Yes. For life."

"What a strange wish—to give such a precious opportunity to another. Ouyang Shi, I mean no offense, but have you considered alternatives? Boundless wealth? Or perhaps... great power?"

"No. That is my only wish. It will never change."

"Hmm~"

Li Zhao stroked his chin, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

"Ouyang Shi, tell me—what sort of person is your brother?"

"Of course! My brother Ouyang Ge is the cutest boy in the world! The most manly man alive!"

"......."

Ouyang Shi’s eyes sparkled as she declared this loudly, shattering the icy image she’d just projected. Li Zhao’s jaw dropped in surprise.

As Heavenly Ruler, he’d faced countless crises—training had forged preternatural calm in him. *Unmoved even if Mount Tai crumbled before his eyes.*

But this wasn’t court business. No need for such restraint. Her sudden shift left him genuinely stunned.

"T-that’s quite the praise. Now I’m curious about your brother too."

"Right?! He’s so adorable! If you ever get the chance—"

Abruptly, Ouyang Shi fell silent. A visible flush of pink climbed her cheeks.

"The chance?" Li Zhao suppressed a grin, teasing her.

"F-forgive my rudeness..."

She bowed her head instantly, apologizing. She’d forgotten herself—daring to act so freely before the Heavenly Ruler.

*Pfft!*

A laugh burst from the corner. Zokilia, who’d been leaning against the wall, finally lost control.

"You two are hilarious! I’m about to burst!"

Still chuckling, Zokilia walked over to Ouyang Shi, shaking his head.

"Master, please stop laughing. I was just joking with Miss Ouyang Shi. At my position, it’s rare to meet someone so... *genuine*."

The Heavenly Ruler waved helplessly at his teacher.

"........"

Ouyang Shi stayed silent—perhaps overheating from embarrassment.

"Enough joking. Ouyang Shi, I grant your wish. One person? Ten? A hundred? The kingdom can support them all. Your request is... unexpectedly simple."

He recalled the last promise he’d made—that old woman had demanded his hand in marriage. *Sweat still chills my spine.*

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Rise. You need not kneel before me again. I grant you that right."

Smiling, the Heavenly Ruler gestured upward. Ouyang Shi stood slowly, her "foolish older sister" act vanished—only icy calm remained.

"My duty here is done, Master. You have words for her, I presume? I won’t intrude."

Without waiting for replies, the Heavenly Ruler rose and left.

"Hohoho~ The Heavenly Ruler’s quite taken with you, Miss Ouyang Shi. Good fortune or bad, I wonder~"

"Mr. Zokilia... I accept."

"Eh?"

Zokilia blinked, caught off guard.

"What you proposed earlier—accompanying you to Atlantis. I accept your terms."

"Really? Excellent news!"

Zokilia beamed, his mood soaring.

"With my brother’s future secured... it’s time I focus on myself."

"Ah! A splendid reason."

"But if I wish to leave—to find my brother—I will go. No matter how you try to stop me."

"*Urgh...*"

Zokilia’s smile froze. His face twisted into a bitter-gourd-like grimace—utterly comical.

"Why so willful?!"

.......

.....

...

Elsewhere, in a hospital room in the capital.

"Shiyao..."

Huang Long sat by the bedside, clutching the jade-green potion Elvire had given him. Her proposal weighed heavily on his mind.

Twenty billion. Pocket change to him, yet the stakes were immense. Could Elvire truly annihilate the Ouyang Clan?

At just fifteen, she commanded terrifying power. Her track record suggested yes.

But failure?

The Ouyang Clan’s might was no joke—their combat and intelligence networks were top-tier. If she failed, they’d trace it back to him. His family would be plunged into eternal damnation.

His gaze drifted to his daughter on the bed, breathing through a tube...

Before being a merchant, he was a father. Only one choice remained.

"Elvire? I accept your terms."

[*Delightful. Leave the rest to me. Transfer the funds to this account—*]

Huang Long ended the call. Calm settled over him as he watched his daughter, lost in thought...

.........

.....

Meanwhile, Elvire lounged in her chair, wearing a childlike smirk of victory.

"Gaaar~naaa~"

"Yes, Young Mistress. Your command?"

The short-haired maid in uniform responded without hesitation.

"Our target’s hooked. Gather everyone on the list. Since I’m playing director this time... let’s make it a spectacular show!"

"At once, Young Mistress."

"Wait!"

Garna turned to leave, but Elvire called her back. No irritation flickered in the maid’s eyes—she existed only to serve. A blade. A hound. A machine.

"Have Ferna swing by the Ouyang residence on her way back. Monitor the boy Ouyang Ge. But she must not interfere. Under any circumstances. Tell her to curb her playful instincts."

"Understood. I’ll reprimand my sister firmly."

Garna bowed and departed.

"Hehehe~ Now then, Mr. Ouyang Ge... ♪~ Let’s see what you’re made of."