Inside the private room.
All seven husbands looked absolutely grim, each one glaring at Ivy Shen with the most aggrieved, resentful expressions. Ivy, meanwhile, was busy shooting death glares at Fire God, who could only hang his head in misery. Off to the side, Ice God was totally confused—what was the big deal? Fire God just told them what the sword was for, right? Was that really so unforgivable?
“Your Majesty...” Fire God piped up weakly, “I really didn’t mean to! They—they tricked me!” He shot Ivy Shen an apologetic look, his eyes practically saying, Aren’t these men your husbands? If they’re your husbands, why can’t they know you’re going to save someone?
Besides, you had them come pick us up, so I just assumed they already knew everything. Why else would you send them?
Ivy Shen glared at Fire God. Are you stupid? I told them to pick you up, not to spill everything! Are you doing this on purpose?
Fire God hung his head, looking utterly wronged. Oh, heavens, oh earth, he really didn’t mean it! Someone save him, please—boohoo!
Seeing this, Xiska Mon quickly coughed and said, “Really sorry, he didn’t do it on purpose.” Then he stood up. “Um, I just heard there’s something called a disco downstairs. I haven’t seen it yet.”
“Yeah, it sounds really interesting! Why are the glasses see-through? And why is the drink blue? And what’s with the little umbrella?” Ice God’s face was full of genuine curiosity, totally focused on the drinks instead of the drama.
“You all chat. I brought what you needed—just say the word and we’ll go. I’ll go punish my subordinate first.”
With that, Xiska Mon put on a stern face and said to Fire God, “You said the wrong thing. I have to punish you!”
“Your Majesty...” Fire God whimpered, “Why do you have to punish me? I really didn’t mean it, I swear—boohoo, I really didn’t!”
“Ahem, Fire God spoke out of turn without my permission, so I’ll just punish him... by making him go dance.”
“Your servant obeys!” The moment he heard what the punishment was, Fire God’s eyes lit up with joy instead of gloom. Xiska Mon didn’t wait for Ivy Shen to respond; he quickly put on his special wide-brimmed hat (the kind that hides your eyes), grabbed two attendants, and hustled downstairs at top speed.
Seeing this, Ivy Shen shot to her feet, ready to yell at them, but the seven husbands had already stepped forward and blocked her path.
“What... what are you guys doing?” Ivy Shen looked at them, suddenly feeling guilty and deflated.
“Shouldn’t we talk?” Adrian Night said, clearly annoyed.
“Didn’t you once say you wouldn’t keep secrets from us?” Lucian Vane raised an eyebrow.
“Isn’t Xiska Mon still an outsider?” Caleb Miles muttered, fiddling with his abacus and sounding more jealous than usual.
“Wife... Bunny’s really upset.” Liam Willow turned away, looking heartbroken.
“Wife, is Butterfly useless? Are we all useless?” Butterfly Rogue wailed dramatically, milking the tragedy for all it was worth.
“Ivy... ah, what am I supposed to do with you?” Ethan Chu shook his head.
“No need to say it—I understand!” Eli Crane smiled gently, his deep, loving eyes reflecting her image.
At that, the other six husbands turned to Eli Crane and shouted in unison, “Traitor!”
Ivy Shen couldn’t help it—she burst out laughing.
“Ivy, we actually understand everything you do. You hide things because you’re afraid we’ll worry, but do you realize that only makes it worse? We feel left behind, always struggling to keep up with you. You care for us so much, but it hurts to be shut out.” Eli Crane spoke for all of them.
“Yeah, yeah!” The other six husbands nodded—finally, the youngest was making sense.
Seeing this, Ivy Shen realized she really was in the wrong. But she’d only done it to keep them from worrying, and honestly, things were way more serious than they thought.
“I’m sorry,” Ivy Shen said at last, meeting their anxious eyes.
At that, the seven husbands finally breathed a sigh of relief. Butterfly Rogue, always in a hurry, spoke up for everyone: “Since you admit you were wrong, let us and Xiska Mon handle the rescue mission for your sister!”
“Huh?” Ivy Shen blinked. Hand it over to them?
“What, you still object? Don’t forget you’re pregnant!” Lucian Vane curled his lip, shooting Ivy Shen a look of pure annoyance—clearly not impressed by her ‘huh?’
“You mean... you all want to go instead of me?”
“Absolutely.” Ethan Chu said firmly.
“No need to worry.” Eli Crane’s gentle voice was soothing.
“Wife, I don’t know any martial arts, so I’ll stay behind and take care of you,” Liam Willow said quickly.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Ivy Shen knew full well this wasn’t about care—it was surveillance!
She looked up at the seven men. Each of their eyes was deadly serious—when they set their minds to something, they always went for it. But they had no idea where her sister was locked up, or how dangerous that place really was.
Last time she stumbled in by accident, she nearly died. Now, so much time had passed, the defenses were probably upgraded a hundred times over.
Besides, men aren’t as detail-oriented as women. Even if all six went, their impulsive natures would definitely cause trouble. It’s not that she didn’t trust them—it’s just, the palace is way too dangerous. Her skills were barely enough to survive, but them...
No way! She absolutely wouldn’t let them take that risk!
“Ivy, what are you thinking? Don’t tell me you disagree?” Caleb Miles frowned, his big dark eyes fixed on her, as if trying to see right through her.
“Uh—ouch!” Ivy Shen quickly clutched her stomach and wailed in fake pain.
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong?” Instantly, all seven men forgot everything else and rushed to her side.
Back in Flame Valley, Ivy Shen and Xiska Mon had agreed: once they got the sword, they’d act that very night.
(This chapter isn’t over yet~ Please click to read the next page for more excitement!)
But now, looking at these guys, Ivy Shen knew she couldn’t trust them not to do something reckless. No way—she absolutely wouldn’t let that happen!
Besides, if she guessed right, knowing Yvonne’s personality, she’d probably tag along too. There was no reasoning with them. The only solution was drugs—knockout powder. It was the simplest, most effective plan.
With that thought, Ivy Shen told everyone to help her get ready for bed, and asked them to prepare lots of food for a party that night—ostensibly to discuss how to rescue her sister.
Everyone nodded and left. They all knew Ivy would try to rescue her sister, but didn’t know exactly when. According to their plan, they’d go tonight—but only after eating with Ivy. After all, her ideas and plans were always perfect.
They were sure listening to her would help with the jailbreak—unaware they were walking right into a trap.