"What, cat got your tongue?" Xiao Jie leaned over, bracing himself on the table, his eyes cold and ruthless.
Xiao Chen looked up, reached for a flat peach, and said coolly, "Why bother with empty courtesies between father and son? When Father Emperor gave me the Puresteel Sword, I didn't even say 'thank you'—so why would I for a mere plate of fruit?"
Xiao Jie’s expression changed, about to retort, but the Celestial Emperor quickly laughed, "Yes, yes! No need for empty formalities—none of you need them! We're all family here. If we keep thanking each other, won't that make things awkward? Divine Lady Xianyu, don't you agree?"
Why’s he dragging me into this again?
Lucy Lu rolled her eyes at him, smiling, "Your Majesty, you’ve misunderstood Second Prince’s meaning."
Celestial Emperor: "Oh? How have I misunderstood?"
"Second Prince is just jealous you gave all the fruit to Fifth Highness!"
Her tone was playful, clearly joking.
"Huh? Really? Are you jealous, Old Second?" The Celestial Emperor asked Second Prince.
Xiao Jie opened his mouth but couldn’t figure out how to answer.
Xiao Bai laughed, "They say parents always favor the youngest son—looks like it’s true! I’m jealous too, Father Emperor! Why don’t you share one of your flat peaches with me?"
"Look at you all! You’re grown, married, with kids, and still fighting over peaches like children!" The Celestial Emperor picked up the Empress’s peaches and handed one to each of his sons and daughter.
Seeing her own plate empty, the Empress’s expression finally eased.
Xiao Bai seized the chance to change the subject, "Father Emperor, will the two Divine Lords be attending your grand birthday celebration?"
"They will! Both of them are coming." The Celestial Emperor glanced at the Empress, eyes slightly ingratiating. "I’ll have to trouble the Empress to entertain our guests properly!"
"Of course, I’ll do my best," the Empress replied. "And you should give the Palace Guard Barracks a day off so everyone can come to the palace and really celebrate!"
The Celestial Emperor turned to Lucy Lu, "Divine Lady Xianyu, do you want a day off too?"
Lucy replied, "Of course we do!"
"Then it’s settled! I’ll do a surprise inspection that day—if you pass, you get the holiday. If not, you’ll stay in the Instruction Hall and study!"
"What?" Xiao Qin wailed. "Father God, can’t you be nice on your birthday?"
Lucy couldn’t help but laugh.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly lightened.
"By the way, Lucy, will your Royal Father and Divine Mother be coming this time too?" the Empress asked.
Lucy replied, "Yes."
"I’m old friends with your mother and your Aunt Tanya Lu," the Empress said. "From now on, whenever you have a day off, don’t just visit the Guardian Drake Lord’s Manor—come to the palace more often and treat it like your own home."
Lucy bowed and replied, "Of course I’d love to get closer to Your Majesty, but I’m afraid I’d disturb you!"
"But you’re not afraid of disturbing the Guardian Drake Lady?"
Lucy laughed, "Then I’ll gladly obey Your Majesty’s wishes."
Just then, a Divine General rushed in, reporting, "Your Majesty! I have urgent news!"
"What is it?" asked the Celestial Emperor.
"A Demon Beast escaped from Clearwind Gorge in the Wildlands, broke into a human city, and injured many people," the general answered.
"Clearwind Gorge? Wasn’t that the one Yin Shu and the others suppressed?" The Celestial Emperor asked in confusion. "How did it get out?"
"Yes," said the general.
"How did it escape?"
"We’re not sure yet."
The Celestial Emperor stood up and said, "Carry on, everyone. I’ll go take a look."