Arriving at Drake Abyss, the three Lu siblings—Ryan, Luna, and Lucia—were led by the Guardian Drake Lady to pay respects to the Celestial Empress.
Ryan Lu stood in the center, Luna Lian and Lucia Lu flanking him as they bowed together to the Celestial Empress.
"Rise." The Celestial Empress’s voice was both dignified and melodious.
Lucia Lu looked up and saw an exceptionally poised and beautiful High Goddess.
The Empress smiled gently, her gaze settling on Lucia. "You are the Lu clan’s eldest daughter, Lucia?"
"Yes." Lucia answered, neither arrogant nor servile.
"Hmm... Just as the rumors say." The Empress nodded. "I’ve heard your medical skills have reached great heights?"
"I wouldn’t say great heights," Lucia replied. "But my Divine Father has allowed me to practice medicine on my own. There’s still much I need to learn."
The Empress laughed. "Such a humble child, so young yet already has your father’s bearing."
"I’m flattered," Lucia said. "I was often sick as a child and rarely went out, so this is my first time meeting Your Majesty. I’ve brought a Jade Beauty Pill I refined myself—please don’t find it lacking."
A Divine Attendant presented the two gift boxes Lucia had brought. The Empress opened one and, surprised, nodded: "An Eighteenth-Level elixir! Your medical skills truly are exceptional."
Lucia said, "Honestly, only after seeing Your Majesty today did I realize I chose the wrong gift! Your skin—too pale looks dull, too dark looks heavy—but yours is naturally flawless. You have no need for this Jade Beauty Pill at all."
She was telling the truth. Although the Empress was already a mother of several children—and even had grandchildren—she looked incredibly young and carried herself with regal grace.
"You sweet-talker!" The Empress laughed delightedly, then picked up the other box. "And what’s this one?"
"This is a Detoxification Pill for the princess," Lucia replied. "It wards off most common poisons."
"Lucia, you’re truly thoughtful." The Empress reached out to her. "Come here."
Lucia walked over and was seated beside the Empress, who gestured to a man sitting just below her and said, "This is my fourth son, Henry Xiao. He’s a few hundred years older than you. He’ll be joining the army as well, so I hope you’ll look after each other."
Lucia rose and saluted him. "Greetings, Fourth Highness."
Ever since the three siblings entered, Henry Xiao’s gaze had lingered on Lucia. Now, he stood, smiling as he returned the salute. "No need for formalities, little sister! I’ve known Ryan for ages, Luna has visited Drake Abyss before, but this is my first time meeting you, Lucia."
Lucia smiled. "I hope I haven’t made Fourth Highness laugh at my inexperience."
"No need to be so formal, little sister. I hope the three of us can become close friends and true comrades in arms!"
...
After a round of polite exchanges, Lucia’s first impression of Henry Xiao was quite favorable.
Ryan Lu and Luna Lian exchanged glances and sound-transmitted: "Fourth Highness always seemed so cold, but now he’s calling Lucia ‘little sister’ over and over! I haven’t even called her that! Gives me goosebumps."
Luna replied, "Don’t talk nonsense in the Celestial Hall."
Ryan pursed his lips and fell silent.
Just then, two more people—a man and a woman—strode boldly into the hall.
The woman was dressed exquisitely, clearly someone of high status.
As the pair entered, both glanced at the three Lu siblings, but their gazes inevitably settled on Lucia beside the Empress.