“Eh, Captain? Why are you still here? You said you had things to do and left a while ago…”
At the end of the bustling noise were Ryllo and other members of the mercenary group. Like Rebel, they appeared tired but did not show any serious external injuries.
Ilaiyd quickly lowered the black mesh over her face upon seeing the incoming crowd. She attempted to leave her position, but the mercenaries recognized her quicker.
“Isn’t that Her Majesty the Empress?”
“Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress!”
The sight of several, even robust men, hastily kneeling was quite a spectacle.
Embarrassed, Ilaiyd bent down to help the mercenaries stand up. Where else would they receive such treatment? The mercenaries felt a poignant tug at their hearts.
“It’s not an official occasion, it’s fine. But… why didn’t you join the victory parade?”
Listening to Rebel, it was clear the mercenaries’ contributions were not insignificant. They had sufficient reason to at least be at the end of the procession, if not entering through the main gate.
“His Majesty the Emperor had strict orders.”
Before Rebel could say anything, Ryllo interrupted. His tone was subtly disgruntled, as if he harbored some resentment.
“Probably too many watching eyes, and our foreign origins in the procession wouldn’t have been well-received.”
Eddie shrugged beside him, nodding as if understanding everything.
A victory solely for the empire. Privileges and freedoms only they could enjoy. Foreigners of lower status like them were never meant to partake in such.
Ilaiyd realized why Claudius had given Rebel a test-like command.
They were to show how observant and subservient they could be.
Yes, they were mercenaries. Far below the nobility and royalty like Claudius in status. It was easier to think this way and move on.
But strangely, it was unsettling. Ilaiyd wished they had received the attention and reward they deserved for their achievements.
The thought of the mercenaries staying at the palace as a supportive force had faded considerably.
Catching sight of an injured mercenary among them, Ilaiyd spoke up.
“There are injured among you. I’ll contact the royal hospital. You can receive treatment there.”
“It’s not a serious injury; we can handle it within our group.”
“You fought for the empire alongside His Majesty’s soldiers. You have every right to that privilege.”
“Oh no, Your Majesty. We’re deeply grateful, but… being there might bring on illnesses we didn’t have before.”
Ryllo waved his hand in refusal. The royal hospital was sure to have unsavory royal guards, and sharing a room with them would only lead to frustration.
Seeming to understand their situation, Ilaiyd continued with a smile.
“It’s a place with only the empire’s best doctors. I’ll make arrangements for outpatient treatment, so don’t worry.”
This was all she could do as the Empress. Though it wasn’t an attempt to curry favor, the mercenaries soon bowed in gratitude.
“We’re thankful for your concern, even for people like us.”
“I’m the one concerned. You all must be tired, so it’s best to rest now.”
With that, Ilaiyd nodded lightly to Rebel and the others before turning away. Any further delay would disrupt her schedule.
Rebel watched Ilaiyd’s retreating figure until she disappeared from his view. Luce, noticing his captain’s lingering gaze, didn’t miss a beat.
“…He’s in love.”
“Luce, what did you say?”
“…Nothing.”
“By the way, Her Majesty the Empress is really kind. I’ve only seen her in newspaper articles before, but seeing her like this, she’s much more beautiful.”
“Portraits can never match the real thing. Even with her face covered, she was radiant. But why does the Captain look so pleased? Captain, did you feel the same way seeing Her Majesty?”
Ryllo playfully elbowed Rebel, whose usually stoic face crumpled with a hint of embarrassment, revealing even his blue inner light.
“Return and rest immediately. All training is canceled until tomorrow.”
A chorus of cheers erupted among the members. Ryllo’s cheerful voice trailed behind him, followed by Rebel’s calm command.
“Ryllo returns an hour early.”
“Ah, that’s too harsh! Even the world’s leader shouldn’t hold such a grudge, right?”
Their playful complaints were mixed with laughter. As the mercenary group headed towards their quarters in the palace, Luce paused for a moment, reflecting on Rebel’s rare, faint smile.
A respect disguised as love.
“Luce, what are you doing? Stand still, and we’ll leave you there!”
“…I’m coming.”
Luce felt a premonition that they would see more of such expressions from their usually unemotional leader. A smiling leader was a rather good sign.
Luce suppressed a rising smile and hurried after the others.
“Just came back after days, and look at the dust. Everyone start with cleaning… Huh?”
As the mercenary group reached their quarters, an unfamiliar figure awaited them, evidently a servant of the Emperor.
“The Emperor invites you to the victory celebration.”
The servant, stiff in demeanor, presented Rebel with a polished tray. On it lay a neatly folded paper.
Male lead first thought she played hard to get, only to realize she
really disliked him
Short intro:
What she can’t stand the most is the streets full of effeminate men, especially that so-called top beauty whom she avoids at all costs.
Shen Yaoxing looks at Jiang Mingyue, who keeps approaching her with coy shyness.
Shen Yaoxing: Bro, don’t be like this, I’m really about to throw up!
She fears nothing in heaven or earth, except for him getting close to her.
*
At first he thought she was just using the trick of feigning indifference to attract his attention. Later, he learned that she truly despised him.
This dealt a heavy blow to Jiang Mingyue, and he vowed to make her, like everyone else, fall at his feet in worship!
***
Synopsis:
Before transmigrating, Shen Yaoxing only wanted to find a reliable man to spend her life with. Who knew that after transmigrating, she would become a reliable woman herself…
A forced misandrist, highly skilled, and reliable female lead
vs.
An initially aloof and arrogant, later morbid, obsessed male lead
_____
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