Chapter 160: The Arrival of Livia

Ye Tian was sleeping comfortably when he suddenly felt a tickling sensation on his face. Opening his eyes, he saw a girl staring blankly at him, her long hair cascading across his face. "Who is it?" Ye Tian rolled over and leaped up beside her. "You're awake, Lord Gray," the girl said. "Oh, it's you, Hillary. You gave me a start," Ye Tian said, letting out a sigh of relief.

"It's been a while, how have you been, my lord?" Hillary asked with a smile. "Not bad. By the way, how did you get here?" Ye Tian asked curiously. "Hehe, it was simple. My younger brother and I came to apply as servants, and that's how we got in," Hillary explained.

"I see," Ye Tian smiled. "Thank you, Lord Gray!" Hillary suddenly dropped to her knees. "What are you thanking me for? We helped each other out. By the way, did you get what you wanted?" Ye Tian smiled.

"The old master ordered us to be dismissed. Those who wished to stay could remain with the Roxana family, and those who didn't were given ten gold coins each to go wherever they pleased. Thank you," Hillary said, bowing deeply and touching her forehead to the floor. "Thank you for saving us."

"Just don't mention this to Lady Rifeier, and consider that my thanks," Ye Tian said with a wry smile. "After all, I'm the one who did away with her father; it would be a lie to say she doesn't hate me." "Hmm, I know," Hillary wiped away her tears and said.

"Well then, I wish you both happiness," Ye Tian scratched his head. "I won't say anything else, it's pointless." "Hmm, thank you." Hillary gazed steadily at Ye Tian. "What is it?" Ye Tian smiled. "Nothing. I was just thinking that perhaps it was divine mercy that allowed me to meet you."

"You're wrong. In my hometown, there's a saying: human effort is the deciding factor. It means that as long as you take action, there is a chance of success," Ye Tian smiled. "Alright, it's getting late, and you still need to rest. Head back now."

"Hmm, thank you." Hillary brushed the hair from her ear and gave a gentle smile. "Perhaps what you say is right, but I still believe meeting you was a blessing from the gods!" With that, she took two steps forward, gently pecked Ye Tian on the cheek, and ran off shyly.

"Good grief, why are girls nowadays so bold?" Ye Tian shook his head, crawled back under the covers, and comfortably resumed his wonderful sleep.

"Gray, Gray! Mr. Gray!" A timid voice sounded in Ye Tian's ear. Ye Tian yawned, opened his eyes, and saw a beautiful maid leaning over his bed, gently calling out to him.

"Oh! Morning, Michelle!" Ye Tian yawned, recognizing the girl before him as the deeply endearing Michelle. Ye Tian leaned forward to get up, and instantly, a deep cleavage caught his eye.

"Gulp!" Ye Tian swallowed hard, quite unheroically, and immediately averted his gaze. "Miss Michelle, please stand up." "Oh, right." With that, Michelle lifted her body away from Ye Tian. Because of her sudden movement, the high peaks on her chest bounced continuously, giving Ye Tian a heart-pounding thrill.

"Mr. Gray, get up. Breakfast is ready. Shall we go together?" Michelle said, holding up Ye Tian's coat. "Sure. Watch out for the belt; it's very sharp," Ye Tian told the girl who was still helping him with his clothes.

"This looks quite heavy!" Michelle said, struggling slightly with Ye Tian's belt. "Hehe, that's because there are secrets inside!" He reached out, took it, wrapped it gently around his waist, tidied his clothes, and said, "Let's go."

"Wait a minute, you haven't washed your face and brushed your teeth yet!" Michelle said softly. "It's fine, a little dirt never hurt anyone," Ye Tian said offhandedly. Michelle covered her mouth and let out a light giggle, "No way!" With that, she pushed Ye Tian into the washroom, saying, "Hurry up!"

Today's breakfast was made personally by Michelle, and it tasted quite good, though not entirely to Ye Tian's liking. "Is it good?" Michelle asked, full of anticipation. "Mm!" Ye Tian raised a thumb, and the latter immediately covered her face with a tray and smiled.

"How is Aaliya doing lately?" Ye Tian asked. Having been here for several days, Ye Tian had spent most of his time sleeping and hadn't had the chance to ask about many things. Meeting Michelle today, he decided to inquire out of concern.

"Aaliya has mostly recovered now. Aside from still being a bit weak physically, everything else is fine," Michelle said shyly, "Thank you, Gray."

"It's only right; healing the wounded and saving the dying is a doctor's duty," Ye Tian said, brandishing his fork. "Right, I'll go check on her later. I haven't seen her in a while and I've missed her."

"Aaliya will be very happy," Michelle said joyfully, then loaded some breakfast onto a tray. "I'm going to take her breakfast now. Are you coming?" "Yes." Ye Tian finished his food in a few bites, wiped his mouth, snatched the tray from Michelle's hands, and said, "I'll take it."

"Brother Gray!" Aaliya was not staying inside her room, but rather soaking up the sun in a small courtyard outside. Seeing Ye Tian approach, she happily stood up and lunged toward him. "Careful!" Ye Tian steadily caught the girl.

"Such a handful!" Ye Tian placed the tray aside and gently flicked the tip of the girl's nose. "How are you feeling now?" "I'm better, really, look!" With that, Aaliya broke free and spun around gracefully in front of Ye Tian.

"Mm, you look great. I'll check you over again later," Ye Tian smiled. "There's a table over there, go have some breakfast." "Brother Gray, I want to have breakfast made by you," Aaliya pouted. "Next time, your brother has been a bit lazy lately," Ye Tian said apologetically.

"It's a deal then!" Aaliya picked up a sandwich and took a hearty bite. "Delicious!" "Slow down." Michelle gently used a handkerchief to wipe away the crumbs from her sister's mouth.

"Brother Gray, I heard you went to the imperial capital. Was it fun there?" Aaliya asked. "Not fun at all. It was lifeless and even more boring than the old pedants at the academy," Ye Tian whispered softly in the girl's ear.

"Really?" "Really?" "Oh well, and I wanted to go see it," Aaliya said, dissatisfied. "Looks like there's no need to go." "It's fine." With that, Ye Tian brushed against the girl's ear. Aaliya suddenly felt her earlobe grow heavy, and reaching up to touch it, she found an earring hanging from it out of nowhere.

"Don't take it off, or I'll be so sad if you throw away something I think looks nice on you!" Ye Tian said with a cheeky grin. "I won't! I love anything Brother Gray gives me!" Aaliya said firmly. "Thank you, Brother Gray!"

"I'm glad you like it!" Ye Tian smiled. "This one's for Michelle." With that, Ye Tian pushed a small box forward, inside of which was a very pretty necklace. "How pretty!" Aaliya smiled. "Brother Gray, help put it on for Sister."

"Ahem, maybe not." Ye Tian glanced at the shy Michelle and said awkwardly. "Such a log!" Aaliya pouted unhappily. "Sister, I'll put it on for you."

"Mm." Michelle nodded gently, then swept her long hair aside to expose her snowy white neck. Aaliya picked up the necklace with a smile and gently fastened it around Michelle's neck. "So pretty! Sister is the prettiest person in the world!"

Seeing that Aaliya had finished her breakfast happily, Ye Tian took the girl's pulse and, confirming there were no lingering side effects, calmly collected the tray and left. After all, there were still many things that needed to be done—such as sweeping the courtyard.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Queen! Good news, good news!" A maid hurried into the great hall, and instantly, the gaze of every minister focused on her. Hesitating slightly, the maid pressed on regardless.

"What is it?" The previously expressionless Reysina smiled slightly, making the maid's lingering fear vanish completely. "Reporting to Her Majesty the Queen, General Bradis has sent a military dispatch. The courier says it's a great victory!"

"Really?" Truman immediately exclaimed in delight. Then, the maid stepped forward and handed a bamboo tube to Reysina. The latter took it, chanted a brief spell, and a blue flash swept across the bamboo tube. Reysina then opened the tube and poured out a slip of paper.

"Lord Truman, congratulations." Reysina smiled and handed the slip of paper to Truman, who immediately read it with great excitement before passing it to Mikey, who also grew thrilled upon reading it.

"General Bradis used masterful strategy. While the enemy split their forces to capture five of our cities, he led a large army to cut off their rear, completely surrounding and annihilating the enemy force. Taking advantage of the momentum, he then seized five more enemy cities. Furthermore, Count Caladi's army arrived just in time to fill the gaps."

"Right now, General Bradis's subordinates are exceptionally brave, each demanding to push further forward. The Guchong Empire has sent envoys to sue for peace, offering massive wealth in exchange for the five cities. The General dares not make a unilateral decision and specifically asks for Her Majesty the Queen's instruction." With that, Mikey handed the slip of paper to Duke Boaili, who was craning his neck.

"Really, truly! May the God of Light bless us, the Principality of Leyton is about to rise!" Boaili said excitedly. "Indeed, indeed! Finally, the mighty prestige of our Principality of Leyton is restored!" Other ministers echoed in unison.

"Then the final question: war or peace?" Reysina asked calmly. "War, we must fight!" Boaili immediately declared. "That's right, the situation is excellent right now; we must strike while the iron is hot and take down the Guchong Empire!" Many ministers chimed in.

"In my view, it is better not to fight," an old man spoke up. The crowd looked over and saw it was old Field Diagomsky. Although his son had participated in the rebellion, they still belonged to the imperial family, and Reysina preferred not to dredge up old matters, so the affair had faded away quietly. Old Field, who used to spend his days idly riding horses at home, had returned to the imperial court to demonstrate his loyalty.

"Your reasons?" Reysina asked indifferently. "The principality has just gone through a rebellion and is currently in a period of recuperation. Besides, Guchong is not as weak as it appears. Without the certainty of a fatal blow, there is no need for meaningless actions," old Field explained.

"Any other views?" Reysina scanned the surroundings. "What is Her Majesty's opinion?" At that moment, Mikey spoke up. "I want to hear your opinions first," Reysina said.

"Peace," Mikey uttered a single word and offered no further explanation. Reysina looked at Truman beside her. "Your Majesty, I also believe peace is the superior strategy. After all, Guchong's territory is vast. Even if the Principality of Leyton conquers it, we lack the divided forces to garrison it. And if we use surrendered soldiers, there's no guarantee they won't mutiny!"

"Does anyone else still think we should fight?" Reysina asked. The ministers looked at one another and fell silent. "Your Majesty, I insist that offense is the optimal strategy. The army's morale is currently peaking, and taking Guchong should be no problem. Just think of the principality's former borders; glory will surely descend upon us once more," Boaili urged.

"But what if we divide our forces too thinly and end up meeting Guchong's fate?" Mikey countered. "This..." Boaili hesitated. A major reason for the Principality of Leyton's current victory was that the Guchong Empire had been greedy for military success and spread its forces too thin. If the Principality of Leyton walked the same path and suffered a counter-defeat, it would be the ultimate embarrassment!

"What is Your Majesty's will?" Truman asked at this point. "Let it be peace. There has been too much killing, and in the end, it's the common people who suffer," Reysina said indifferently. "Your Majesty is merciful!" The ministers dropped to their knees and said respectfully.

"Lord Truman, send word to General Bradis, authorizing him to represent the principality entirely. No matter what, I will celebrate his triumph in the imperial capital," Reysina said. "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Truman suppressed his inner agitation and bowed.

"Mikey, from today on, the security of the imperial city rests upon your shoulders," Reysina said. "This humble subject swears to protect the imperial capital with his life, and swears to protect Her Majesty the Queen with his life!" Mikey bowed deeply. "I swear it!"

"Then you are all dismissed. I am tired!" Reysina said. "Your Majesty has worked hard, we take our leave!" The ministers bowed once more and slowly backed out of the room. Mikey stood quietly by Reysina's side, not moving an inch.

"Mikey, do you hate me?" Reysina asked. "No. No matter what Your Majesty does, I will support it." A smile appeared on Mikey's face. "Do you regret it? Would you like me to drag him back?"

"Forget it. He is a robin without feet; he will never stop flying." Reysina's gaze drifted out past the palace gates. Mikey sighed and said nothing more.

Ye Tian lay comfortably on the roof of the bell tower. This was absolute paradise for slacking off, and Ye Tian wondered why he hadn't found it sooner! "Gray, Gray!" Leila's anxious voice came from below. Ye Tian smiled and poked his head out. "What, want to come up again? I'll be right down." "It's not that," Leila pointed outside. "Lady Rifeier is back!"

"Gray, I missed you to death!" As soon as Ye Tian entered Rifeier's courtyard, Koniya threw herself into his arms. "Good grief, why are you guys here?" Ye Tian quickly pushed away the enthusiastic maid and asked Bella, who stood nearby.

"The young lady said she doesn't want to see you," Bella adjusted her glasses and said indifferently. "Is Lady Rifeier doing well?" Ye Tian pushed Koniya away once more and asked Bella. "No," Bella said seriously.

"Let me tell you, the young lady has lost several kilograms!" Koniya wrapped her arms around Ye Tian's neck again, smiling and blowing a breath into his ear, "Did you miss me?" "I'm starting to think those thieving paws of yours want to get swollen again," Ye Tian said helplessly. He hadn't expected Koniya to be so intensely affectionate; it caught him quite off guard.

"It still hurts!" Koniya extended her fair, tender arms toward him. "Fine, I surrender, please get down. You're heavy," Ye Tian said helplessly. "Who says so? I'm not heavy at all!" Koniya immediately hopped down indignantly.

It seemed that girls in any world were fiercely sensitive about their weight. "I'm going to go see Rifeier." He lifted his foot to head inside. "The young lady said she doesn't want to see you!" Bella immediately blocked Ye Tian's path.

"You!" Ye Tian scooped Bella up in his arms, pinned her firmly against the wall, and thrust his wandering hands straight into the head maid's clothes. The latter let out a muffled gasp as Ye Tian's rogue hands scaled her sacred peaks.

"Let me go!" Bella felt her body growing weaker and quickly spoke up. "Let you—mm!" Before Bella could finish, Ye Tian captured her lips in a kiss. Her eyes widened in shock, and "Clatter!" the surrounding maids dropped what they were holding, staring in utter disbelief.

Finally, Bella's struggle ceased. Ye Tian released her, and Bella took a deep, greedy breath, still feeling somewhat suffocated, before panting heavily to recover.

"Anyone else?" Ye Tian swept his gaze across the onlookers, and the maids instantly lowered their heads. Ye Tian's notorious reputation as a rake was formidable enough to cow the entire courtyard! With a light sigh, Ye Tian pushed the door open and stepped inside.