The capital of the Helterd Empire was beyond imagination. Even the nearby satellite cities were incomparable to the villages Arabel had seen before.
The capital city, Atiner, of the Helterd Empire, was the center of economy, philosophy, education, culture, and fashion on the continent, flourishing under the rule of the 27th Emperor, Maxwell. Nobles from across the empire and the continent flaunted their presence with the latest trends, scholars and inventors with their knowledge and ideas, and traders with imported novelties.
Even the flags hanging on the city’s common buildings fluttered in a perfectly aligned row. Every alley in the market was meticulously planned to fit the stature of the capital. Few knew of the numerous secret passages hidden beneath the well-swept streets, where soldiers and weaponry were stationed, ready for battle. This underground military facility, planned to combat enemies inside and outside the capital, was Emperor Maxwell’s idea.
The primary purpose was to confront enemies attacking the capital, but it was also quite useful for suddenly eliminating internal imperial conspirators. The underground paths were connected to the Emperor’s bedroom in the palace, and he often used them for secret outings.
Arabel, looking out the carriage window, tilted her head slightly. Surprisingly, as the Emperor’s procession entered the city, there were no salutations. In fact, the citizens seemed not to pay any attention, busily engaged in their own affairs. This was in stark contrast to the villages and towns of her homeland, where people would stop their work in the fields to bow and greet their lord.
“I issued a prohibition. Except for special occasions like holidays, no one is to pay attention to royalty or nobility.”
The Emperor explained inside the carriage passing through the capital.
“I despise wasting time on unnecessary formalities. It’s better for the empire if people spend that time doing productive work. The same goes for the palace.”
Arabel nodded in understanding and cautiously remarked.
“The buildings… they have different colors depending on the block.”
The city’s buildings were not a mosaic of individual styles but grouped by color – red, mustard, gray, etc.
“To manage city pollution, like sewage and trash, and for efficient handling of natural disasters and recovery. It’s all for more efficient management of the capital.”
The Emperor’s concern for his subjects touched Arabel, and her brown eyes shone as she looked at him. He smiled back, not mentioning that this was also particularly useful for times when assassins needed to be sent or troops deployed.
As they passed through the meticulously planned city, Arabel murmured to herself.
“There are no trees or flowers.”
The capital was grand and beautiful, but devoid of trees and flowers. The occasional flowers were merely decorative elements, carefully chosen to match the buildings.
“Huh? What did you say?”
“Oh, nothing. It’s just so grand I don’t know where to look.”
Maxwell seemed pleased with her response, a smile forming on his lips. ‘I’ll give her a tour of the palace once we return.’ He was about to say, but then his mouth closed into a straight line.
As they returned to the imperial palace, Emperor Maxwell thought of the delicate profile of the young woman beside him, like a watercolor painting heavy with water.
‘Forget city tours; even meeting like this will be difficult in the future.’
“For the next two months of the competition,” his deep, resonant voice filled the air, drawing Arabel’s gaze away from the window to him.
“You must stay in a detached palace within the imperial grounds. Though it’s said to be an invitation, it’s essentially confinement. Is that alright with you?”
“Yes.”
“You won’t be able to have such free moments with me during these two months.”
Arabel nodded, her eyes capturing the red gaze of the Emperor.
She knew this, of course. Clasping her hands, she turned her head back to the window.
Even the ignorant Arabel knew that the past week with His Majesty had been an exceptional exception. Once back at the palace, she knew she would not have the opportunity to see His Majesty, except to help him with his curse. She must not bother him otherwise.
Her throat felt choked, as if blocked by a hot ball. Arabel forced her gaze to linger on the brilliant cityscape passing by.
“In the detached palace, you might face unfair and difficult times, to the point of wanting to escape.”
“I won’t run away. I will stay until Your Majesty’s curse is lifted.”
Emperor Maxwell spoke in a subdued voice, and Arabel turned her head to face him again, promising firmly.
‘Once the competition ends… if my curse is lifted… let’s go to the city together and visit a chocolate shop.’
He couldn’t bring himself to say these words and dismounted from the carriage to get back on his horse.
Top Celebrity Younger Brother Bears Her Child (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: Forced to live stream romance with a top celebrity in a female-dominant world.
Yan Jin transmigrated into a brothel, with a fellow transmigrated junior beside her.
Hearing the obscene words coming from outside, the unfortunate junior covered his ears tightly, his cheeks flushed red, and whispered to comfort her, “Don’t worry, I will definitely help you escape.”
“Don’t worry, I will definitely defend your chastity.” Yan Jin looked at the flawless and delicate features of the unfortunate junior and gently comforted, “Because we have transmigrated into a female-dominant world.”
※※※
Top celebrity Yu Shu suddenly fell into a coma during a concert.
Research scientist Yan Jin fainted in the lab after working overtime.
Two people with no connection were rushed to the same hospital.
Three days later, neither of them had woken up.
Suddenly, the entire nation discovered that a live streaming app had been forcibly installed on their phones.
Upon opening it, they heard the two discussing how to escape from the brothel.
The entire internet was in an uproar.
After the two successfully escaped from the brothel, Yu Shu’s fan group rushed to make a banner and sent it to the hospital overnight.
“Big sister bravely took action to defend the chastity of our idol!”
※※※
When Yu Shu was diagnosed with pregnancy, Yan Jin stared at his belly for a long time.
Covering his stomach, he muttered gloomily, “If you don’t like it, I’ll go get an abortion.”
“It’s not that I don’t like it.” Yan Jin hugged Yu Shu and said softly, “I just feel like I’m not human.”
Yu Shu comforted Yan Jin, “I was already an adult when we got together.”
Yan Jin hesitated, “But you won’t be of legal marriageable age even after giving birth to the child.”
At the same time, a flood of bullet comments appeared in the live streaming room that the two couldn’t see.
[Although it’s inappropriate, I also want a young and handsome boyfriend to have my child.]
①Male pregnancy (highlighted)
The female lead is five years older than the male lead, and the male lead is already an adult when he appears.
