From morning onwards, a light drizzle danced in the air, painting the sky of Esnia a hazy gray, making it difficult to distinguish between rain and fog. The roadside trees, however, seemed delighted, stretching out their lush foliage to welcome this refreshing change.
In the midst of this rain, Aurelian Dragon slowly walked along the road leading to the Flying Phoenix Mansion. The cool raindrops pattered on his face, making him feel incredibly comfortable and clear-headed. On this morning, he thought of many, many things.
Aurelian Dragon got out of Princess Selene Qian's car at the intersection. Princess Selene Qian originally wanted to accompany Aurelian Dragon back home so they could ride together, but Aurelian Dragon insisted that he walk by himself for a while and let Princess Selene Qian take a car home first.
Perhaps the conversation last night had an effect, because the usually willful and capricious beautiful princess actually stopped talking when she saw Aurelian Dragon insisting on her own opinion. She obediently instructed her charioteer to let Aurelian Dragon get out of the carriage and then turned back to her own palace in Sanssouci Palace.
Seeing that this beautiful princess who had been giving him a headache had actually changed her attitude, Aurelian Dragon was surprised and gave her a deep kiss on the cherry lips as a reward. When they parted, the deep affection in Princess Selene Qian's bright and beautiful eyes almost overwhelmed Aurelian Dragon.
It was only at this point that Aurelian Dragon truly realized that this beautiful princess had reached the stage of budding romance, and that Princess Selene Qian was no longer just a playful and curious girl.
Thinking of this, Aurelian Dragon naturally recalled her conversation with Emperor Andre III last night, and the domineering aura that Andre III occasionally revealed during the conversation made one imagine what Andre III would have looked like in his prime.
"This is the true aura of a king!"
Aurelian Dragon raised his head, letting the raindrops patter against his face, even sticking out his tongue to taste the rain. Suddenly, he closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, an astonishing light burst forth from them, seemingly able to pierce through the clouds in the distant sky.
Perhaps it was Andre III's domineering presence that touched something deep within Aurelien Dragon's heart, or perhaps it was the sudden turn of events in the past two days—from heaven to hell and back again—that caused Aurelien Dragon to feel a sudden enlightenment on this quiet morning. He suddenly grasped something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
But one thing he was certain of was that ever since he was framed by Princess Xiu that day, and after that inexplicable coma, he now clearly felt that his skills seemed to have improved considerably. He himself found this strange; could his skills really improve while he was asleep? If that were the case, then all he had to do was sleep more often.
After a moment of silence, Aurelian Dragon withdrew her gaze and continued walking forward.
"What is the emperor thinking? Why is he so good to me? Is it only for his beloved daughter, Princess Selene Qian?"
Composing himself, Aurelien Dragon turned his thoughts to Andre III's inexplicable trust and support, and the emperor's expectations and hopes for him, which left him somewhat bewildered. It was hard to believe that all of this was solely due to Princess Selene Qian. After all, Princess Selene Qian was merely Andre III's favorite youngest daughter. Aurelien Dragon hadn't yet grasped the deeper meaning behind their late-night private conversations in the imperial study, yet he had already made a man's promise to the emperor.
Why would the mighty Emperor of Fast, Andre III, value Aurelian Dragon's promise so much? This is something that Aurelian Dragon is currently completely baffled by.
※ ※ ※
In Feifeng Mansion, the beautiful mistress had gotten up early. After washing up, she was about to head to the dining room when a maid came running up, panting and looking excited.
"Miss! Miss! Young Master Ye is back!"
"What?!!"
Phoenix Vane could hardly believe his ears. The Aurelian Dragon had returned so quickly! He had thought it would take some more time and effort, but things had changed dramatically in just one day.
When Phoenix Vane arrived at the front hall, Aurelion Dragon was already surrounded by excited women. Lynette Quill, overjoyed and weeping, threw herself into his arms, tightly hugging his waist and muttering something unintelligible. Obsidia Shade and Cynthia, on either side of him, held one of his arms, jumping and shouting with ecstatic joy. Surrounding them were the goddess warriors, all wearing beaming smiles.
Tian Tian stood beside them, her face full of smiles, but her beautiful eyes were filled with glistening tears, and her hands were clasped tightly to her chest.
Although Lyra Draconis had never liked Aurelian Dragon's lecherous ways, she was quite happy to see the women's excited expressions. She stood aside and watched with a smile as if this was a wonderful reunion after a disaster.
Upon seeing Phoenix Vane emerge, Aurelian Dragon's eyes lit up. He first withdrew his right hand from Obsidia Shade's grasp, gently patted her pretty face, and gave her a tender smile. Then, he lifted Lynette Quill's delicate face, her cheeks streaked with tears and brimming with smiles, and Aurelian Dragon couldn't resist kissing her before gently pushing her away.
Phoenix Vane strode over, her joy and deep affection captivating Aurelian Dragon. The women stepped aside, and just as Phoenix Vane was about to pounce on Aurelian Dragon, she suddenly heard Aurelian Dragon utter a sentence that shocked all the women present.
"Phoenix, marry me!"
"..."
For a moment, everyone was stunned, and all their movements seemed to freeze. Why would Aurelian Dragon suddenly say such a thing in this situation, and he seemed to be very serious about it?
Seeing the eerily quiet silence, Aurelian Dragon felt uneasy. He tentatively turned his head, but finding nothing amiss, he hesitantly asked, "Phoenix, if you don't..."
"No! I...I do!!"
As expected of the beautiful warrior, Phoenix Vane was the first to recover on the field. She leaped onto Aurelian Dragon, wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and murmured, "I'm so happy, so happy! I finally heard you say those words!"
Aurelian Dragon felt a pang of guilt. This beautiful and passionate warrior was so moved by his words. If he had known, he should have said it sooner. He didn't realize that no matter what kind of woman she was, no matter how deep her love for her beloved, she always longed to hear him say such a thing, because it was a promise to be fulfilled over a lifetime.
"Then let's hold the ceremony tomorrow!"
Aurelian Dragon cupped Phoenix Vane's pink face in her hands, gazing affectionately into her bright eyes that seemed veiled in mist, her face radiating an indescribable glow.
"So soon!" A hint of confusion flashed in Phoenix Vane's eyes as she looked at her lover with a slightly bewildered expression. She seemed to sense that Aurelian Dragon was somewhat different from the man she knew, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Phoenix Vane's feeling was absolutely right. The epiphany in the rain and mist made Aurelian Dragon realize that he should cherish everything he had in front of him, while his private conversation with Andre III last night made him feel uneasy.
"Aurelian, you must remember your words. You must keep the promise you made to me! From now on, treat my daughter well and don't let her worry about you anymore!"
Recalling Andre III's meaningful words, Aurelian Dragon felt uneasy. He understood the emperor's meaning: he wanted to entrust his daughter to him. If Princess Selene Qian was to marry him, she would certainly be treated as his principal wife. For someone of Princess Selene Qian's noble status, it would be disrespectful to make her a concubine, let alone a mistress.
But when Aurelian Dragon thought about making Princess Selene Qian his first wife, putting aside her actual abilities in managing a household, he felt he would be letting down all the beautiful women in the Flying Phoenix Mansion who were deeply devoted to him, especially General Phoenix Vane. With her status, intelligence, and beauty, what kind of man wouldn't be worthy of her? Yet she had waited silently for him for so many years; such deep affection would move any man.
Therefore, Aurelian Dragon absolutely had to give the position of first wife to Phoenix Vane. Firstly, she deeply loved this beautiful and talented goddess of war, and secondly, it was to repay her deep affection. Nothing could change that.
It was precisely because of this factor, and to prevent any unforeseen complications—who knows when Andre III might issue a decree, which would make things complicated—that Aurelian Dragon brought it up so urgently at this time. This was also a ceremony that absolutely had to be performed.
"Then let's set it for the day after tomorrow?"
When Aurelian Dragon heard Phoenix Vane say that, she went along with it and made the suggestion, while casting an inquiring glance at Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade who were standing to the side.
Why did he suddenly become so impatient?
"Could there be some other reason behind this?"
"How strange!"
For a moment, the women on the field had all sorts of thoughts in their minds. Some of them couldn't help but have some inexplicable associations, and some of them even had completely unrelated ideas. But people are always so strange, and imagination is something that cannot be controlled.
However, as the person involved, she was very happy. The fact that Aurelian Dragon was in such a hurry to hold the ceremony showed that he couldn't wait to marry her, which showed how much she meant to him.
Seeing the beautiful women blush and nod shyly, looking radiant and full of energy, Aurelian Dragon was overjoyed that his words had brought them such happiness. He hadn't expected them to be so delighted. To be able to marry these beautiful women was already an immense blessing.
Just as I was getting excited, a clear, melodious sound, like a mountain stream, suddenly came from a corner.
"No, no! I object!"
These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the man who was feeling incredibly happy. His smug smile froze on his face, and Aurelian Dragon turned his head blankly toward the source of the voice.
It's Lyra Draconis! It's that beautiful dragon girl, Lyra Draconis!!
"What?! What is she saying?!"
The women, who were immersed in boundless joy, also looked at the lively and spirited dragon girl Lyra Draconis with disbelief.
Lyra Draconis's beautiful crescent-shaped eyes shone with unwavering determination, telling everyone of her resolve and persistence in saying these words.
"I disagree! He can't do this!"
Zuo Lanxin had been standing silently to the side, genuinely happy for Aurelian Dragon and Phoenix Vane, until she finally couldn't help but speak up.
"Little Sister Long, do you know what you're saying?"
Just as Aurelian Dragon was about to jump up in anger, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind.
Despite receiving displeased, even somewhat frightening, looks from Lynette Quill and the others, Lyra Draconis did not show the expected awareness or understanding. Instead, she smiled faintly and turned her gaze to Phoenix Vane.
Phoenix Vane was looking at Lyra Draconis with a strange expression, a look that seemed to be one of disappointment, reproach, and surprise at her reaction. Their eyes met in mid-air, conveying a myriad of messages in that instant.
Hearing Lyra Draconis's words, all the women breathed a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere instantly lightened. However, for Aurelian Dragon, Lyra Draconis's words resonated more deeply. In his memory, this beautiful dragon girl, who had always seemed like a source of headaches, had never called him "Brother Aurelian" since the day she appeared before him. Now, for the first time, she addressed him that way. Did this mean that Lyra Draconis was beginning to formally accept him?
Lynette Quill laughed heartily, "Little Dragon Girl, you really startled us all!" She then patted her own breasts to show that she was genuinely frightened. The other women nodded in agreement, expressing their displeasure to the beautiful dragon girl; such jokes were best avoided in the future!
Aurelian Dragon released her grip on Phoenix Vane, walked up to Lyra Draconis, and asked with a wry smile, "Little Dragon, what do you suggest we do?"
Lyra Draconis wrinkled her beautiful nose slightly, subtly expressing her feelings, and then said, "How to do it is up to you! I think it should at least be a bit more formal, I think, I think..."
Lyra Draconis pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with anything. After all, she was an inexperienced young girl who had always lived in the secluded dragon territory. She was completely ignorant about these things and could only rely on her imagination, so naturally she couldn't explain it.
She didn't know what to do, but for Aurelian Dragon, who considered himself a seasoned womanizer, this should be one of his strengths. If such a small matter could stump him, he would truly lose face.
"Style? Grandeur?" Aurelian Dragon murmured a few words, a flash of inspiration striking her, and she immediately had an idea.
"I know what to do!" Aurelian Dragon clapped his hands and said happily to Lyra Draconis. Before the other women could even ask any questions, he had already run out.
Upon hearing this, not only was Lyra Draconis dumbfounded, but Phoenix Vane and Lynette Quill were also dumbfounded. What on earth was this man's brain that he would think of the agreement he made with Lyra Draconis at this moment? He was really something else!
Before the people in the hall had even finished reminiscing about Aurelian Dragon, she returned. Her movements were incredibly swift, as fast as the wind. Aurelian Dragon entered the flower hall with her hands full.
"Huh? What's this...?"
All the beauties widened their eyes. With their exceptional eyesight, they could clearly see that the man was holding a large bouquet of fresh flowers. The flowers, still glistening with moisture, were vibrant and delicate, clearly freshly picked from the back garden. The flower hall was immediately enveloped in a refreshing fragrance.
"Come on, one for everyone!"
Aurelian Dragon quickly began to distribute the flowers in her hands, saying, "These are the freshest roses. Flowers for a beautiful woman make her even more beautiful!"
Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade happily accepted the flowers, while Zuo Lanxin blushed deeply, looking quite shy. Lyra Draconis, however, took them without hesitation. When it was Cynthia's turn, who looked completely bewildered, Aurelian Dragon said, "You represent your sisters!" Although still somewhat confused by the man's meaning, the goddess warrior leader, who always followed his lead, accepted a flower with both hands.
Seeing that even Tian Tian had a flower, the beautiful warrior Phoenix Vane, the female protagonist of the incident, was still empty-handed. Just as Lyra Draconis was about to make her move, she heard Aurelian Dragon clear her throat.
"Ladies, today you will witness an important historical moment!"
Although they could tell that Aurelian Dragon's words were somewhat inappropriate and grammatically incorrect, they were all stunned by the serious expression on his face. The flower hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on this man who seemed a little strange.
Aurelian Dragon straightened his still damp clothes, then held the remaining flowers to his chest. With a serious expression, he walked up to Phoenix Vane. Before Phoenix Vane could ask a question, he suddenly knelt on one knee, placed one hand on his chest, and presented the flowers to Phoenix Vane with the other. Looking up at Phoenix Vane's beautiful face, he said in a deep voice, "My dear, please marry me!"
In an instant, everyone in the flower hall could almost hear their own heart pounding. The impact of this scene was beyond imagination. The mist in Phoenix Vane's eyes instantly turned into crystal tears, which welled up and overflowed. Overwhelmed by immense happiness in an instant, she was completely engulfed.
Such actions by Aurelian Dragon would be absolutely unimaginable in the Fast Empire. Under the patriarchal social atmosphere, even if a man is deeply in love with a woman, he would never lower his status. At most, he would give a generous dowry, send a high-ranking official as his matchmaker, and hold a grand wedding to show his love and affection for the woman.
More often than not, it's the man's indifference and contempt towards the woman. He thinks it's good enough that he can officially marry you, what else do you want?
This is understandable. In an era of frequent wars and an environment where only the strong could survive, men, as the main players in war, had a considerable mortality rate. Over time, this naturally led to a situation where there were more women than men in society. In addition, various countries promoted policies that encouraged procreation, which naturally resulted in this outcome: polygamy was a common phenomenon in society, and women thus developed a sense of self-degradation.
Very few women can achieve what Phoenix Vane has, possessing strength surpassing that of men. Even so, women like Phoenix Vane, who rise above men, face considerable pressure in this male-dominated society.
What a blissful moment!
Phoenix Vane's joy and happiness resonated with the other women in the hall, their shared sentiments deeply affecting even two highly perceptive women. Zuo Lanxin's usually calm heart was stirred, and even Lyra Draconis, who had always been indifferent to Aurelian Dragon, felt a different kind of affection for this man at this moment.
Phoenix Vane took the flowers from Aurelian Dragon and looked at them again and again, gradually regaining his composure from the huge shock. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Lynette Quill suddenly say something.
"Oh, what's this…" Lynette Quill held up the flower in her hand to Aurelian Dragon. "What did you say this was?"
"Rose!" Aurelian Dragon answered without hesitation, adding enthusiastically, "It represents our love!"
"But…but this is clearly a rose!" Lynette Quill hesitated for a moment, then said with certainty.
"Ah..."
The man's only reaction upon hearing this was to open his mouth wide, point at the bright red flowers in front of him, and stare wide-eyed.
The entire scene fell silent. A few seconds later, someone burst into laughter, followed by all the women erupting in uncontrollable laughter. The scene was truly chaotic and flamboyant. Lyra Draconis, in particular, was doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach.
Looking at Phoenix Vane, who was laughing and shaking his head at him, Aurelian Dragon awkwardly touched his nose and chuckled dryly, "They all look pretty much the same, pretty much the same..."
"They're far inferior!" Lynette Quill said bluntly. "And I think only the peony, the king of flowers, is worthy of our Sister Feng!"
Aurelian Dragon could only nod and accept the lesson. What was originally a flawless scene had turned into an incredibly embarrassing mess, which could have been a beautiful ending. This troublemaker had to be punished properly! He made this decision in his heart.
Phoenix Vane glanced at Lyra Draconis first, then smiled at Lynette Quill and said, "Lynette, don't flatter your older sister. Praising her is just praising yourself, isn't it?"
Lynette Quill smiled sheepishly and said nothing more.