Currying Favor

The next morning, after Qin Manor was tidied up, the core members set out early for the dock to board a ship bound for their fief in Qin.

As for the other relatives and friends, since there were so many of them, they traveled with the Qin army. Although their pace was slower than the ship, it was much safer.

With the Firestorm Battalion and two hundred thousand Qin troops accompanying them, no assassin could possibly harm Lily Evans's friends or family within such a massive force.

Meanwhile, Princess Jade Hayes and Alexander Hayes, as a couple, led the core team to Qin ahead of the others, arranging everything in advance to welcome the army and their relatives.

Princess Jade Hayes and Alexander Hayes stood on the deck of the ship—the largest and most luxurious vessel in the Jin Dynasty, which Alexander Hayes had commandeered for their journey south to the fief.

The deck spanned three stories high, lavishly decorated and comfortable. Even after a month sailing down the river, no one would find it unbearable—essentially, it was an ancient version of a luxury cruise ship.

Standing on the deck, Princess Jade Hayes enjoyed the cool breeze and squinted into the distance. "Simon Yu went to pick up Martin Wu—why aren't they here yet?"

Alexander Hayes looked out and said, "Don't worry, my dear. Simon Yu is an exceptional martial artist—if he's the one picking up Martin Wu, nothing will go wrong."

Princess Jade Hayes hummed in agreement—she truly trusted Simon Yu's ability to get things done.

Just as they were watching for Simon Yu, a loud voice rang out from the dock: "His Majesty has arrived!"

Princess Jade Hayes and Alexander Hayes turned at the same time, spotting the bright yellow banners approaching from afar—the unmistakable insignia of Emperor Leonard the Enlightened.

"Tsk, I thought he wouldn't bother to come and see us off," Princess Jade Hayes clicked her tongue. She glanced back and caught a glimpse of Bella Bell's silhouette disappearing into the cabin and heading upstairs—clearly, she wasn't keen on seeing Emperor Leonard.

"He had no choice but to come—he must, whether he wants to or not." Alexander Hayes gave a faint, enigmatic smile. "Leonard Li can't show any sign of caution toward us in public; in fact, he has to appear close and friendly with us at every turn."

"Oh? Why is that?" Princess Jade Hayes wondered. She thought Emperor Leonard must hate her and Alexander by now, so why keep up the pretense of friendship?

As they spoke, Emperor Leonard, surrounded by his trusted aides, boarded the deck and greeted the couple: "You depart today—I wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Princess Jade Hayes noted how convincingly Emperor Leonard played the role of a friendly ally—any onlooker would think the emperor and the couple were as close as brothers, never suspecting they'd already had a major falling out.

Still, Princess Jade Hayes had to admit—Leonard Li was a masterful actor.

Just a few years ago, Leonard Li's performance had fooled the couple completely—they'd genuinely thought he was a good friend, almost a brother. Who could have guessed he'd been acting all along?

After exchanging polite pleasantries, Emperor Leonard's gaze wandered. Princess Jade Hayes knew he was looking for Bella Bell, so she said, "Your Majesty, don't bother—she dislikes the wind and has gone to rest in the cabin. She won't be coming out anytime soon."

Emperor Leonard gave a quiet "Oh," a fleeting look of disappointment crossing his face. Then he said, "It's getting late—I shall return to the palace."

"Safe travels, Your Majesty."