The sky was clear, a boundless expanse of blue stretching overhead. Today marked the grand celebration for the victory in the Ares Campaign.
The Insectoid Imperial Palace hovered thousands of meters above the clouds, suspended by a powerful energy field. Its outer walls, a combination of silver-white metal and semi-transparent crystalline materials, reflected sunlight and starlight alike, emitting a cold yet regal radiance. At the heart of the palace lay the central main hall, flanked by four subsidiary halls positioned like the four guardians of the cosmos, symbolizing the ultimate power and glory of the Insectoid Empire.
This magnificent palace had a long history. It was originally designed by the legendary Emperor Caesar himself, and though centuries of technological innovation had transformed it, it remained the throbbing heart of the empire. Today’s banquet would be held in the Dawn Hall on the east side of the main hall—arguably the grandest chamber in the palace. Its open-domed structure featured towering silver-white energy pillars engraved with reliefs of past rulers, faintly glowing with divine energy.
A sleek black hovercar glided smoothly along the main avenue of the palace. Inside, Milton and Gu Qing sat side by side, while Ace faced them, a rare tension in his usually composed demeanor. Above the car, a small silver-white orb zipped around excitedly—this little Heavenly Dao companion had grown restless in recent days, unable to tolerate the constant closeness of Gu Qing and Milton, even during the night. It was practically bouncing with boredom.
“We’re here! We’re here!” the orb chirped, spinning and scattering tiny silver sparks as it descended.
Stepping from the vehicle, the three were greeted by the pale golden energy-sensing doors, which parted like mist, revealing two rows of silver-white ceremonial robots bowing in perfect unison.
“Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Dawn Hall,” they intoned.
The main banquet hall shimmered in shades of crimson and gold. A floating crystal dome refracted starlight onto the polished floor, while a suspended energy dining table displayed dishes as though they were works of art. Royal family members, high-ranking military officials, and nobles were already in attendance, with elegant classical music drifting through the hall—a snake lurking beneath calm waters, patiently awaiting its prey.
At that moment, the massive doors swung open once more.
When Milton and Gu Qing entered, arm in arm, the laughter and chatter of the hall froze as if a switch had been flipped. Ace followed closely behind them. Their arrival instantly drew all eyes.
A brief silence was followed by whispers that rippled through the crowd like a tide.
“Look—that’s Gu Qing… the most audacious male in Imperial history, and he’s actually given Milton the position of ‘Queen’.”
“Milton General has skill, indeed. I heard that during the Ares Campaign, Gu Qing personally organized the wedding on Onia Prime for him—what a massive display of face.”
Amid the astonishment, the older nobles’ criticism was sharp and thinly veiled:
“The social divide has never been so extreme—an incomplete low-tier male paired with the empire’s strongest female general? Ridiculous! Can he even calm Milton’s urges? Or purify that turbulent mind of his? I think it’s just a show.”
“Have you heard? That Blue Dane seems to disdain attending… who really won that battle, then?”
Milton could feel the poisonous stares around him, like countless needles trying to pierce his composure. He despised such gatherings and the veiled arrogance and malice of these nobles.
At that moment, Gu Qing leaned slightly closer, his black eyes calm yet radiating an inner strength that put Milton at ease. In a voice meant only for him, he said softly:
“No matter what happens, I’ll be at your side.”
The words immediately eased every taut nerve in Milton’s body. He glanced at Gu Qing, seeing his composed expression, and felt a slight tremor in his heart. He was no longer the general who bore the empire’s campaigns alone, facing all hostility by himself. By his side was a companion, someone capable of withstanding storms with him.
Milton’s furrowed brow relaxed, and he returned a faint but resolute smile. Together, they walked elegantly toward the center of the banquet, undisturbed by the envious and suspicious gazes around them.
The noble males’ attention shifted to Ace, their eyes laced with disdain and calculated judgment.
“A male who abandons dignity to do the menial tasks of a female, running the Sunny Garden restaurant—how lowly,” they sneered.
Yet, many noble females covertly evaluated Ace, weighing the potential for marriage alliances. Sunny Garden had become wildly famous, earning fortunes and coveted for private bookings—something even the wealthiest nobles might wait years for. The Mer family, once fallen, had regained their past glory.
Every bit of this criticism filtered into Ace’s ears. In the past, he might have erupted, arguing or even striking back. But now, strangely, it did not stir him.
He watched Gu Qing and Milton walking side by side, every movement commanding attention. Malice fell upon them like dust on stone, brushed away effortlessly.
Ace suddenly realized that if not for Gu Qing, he would still be one among the male nobles, living a pampered, meaningless life, mistaking it for the world.
Gu Qing had swept him out of that comfortable cage like a storm, forcing him to see, to think, to fight.
Now, Ace’s goals had been rewritten. He no longer sought protection as a weakling but aimed to become someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with them. He lifted his chin and walked with renewed steadiness, ready to face the thorns along the path, determined to make the name “Ace Mer” one respected by all.
Nearby, Il, Philip, and Velly exchanged glances. Il snorted, lowering his voice:
“These nobles… so narrow-minded, can’t bear to see others succeed.”
Velly’s eyes were full of admiration, his tone resolute:
“As expected of Lord Gu Qing—remaining calm and unshakable even in such a scene. Any ordinary male would have lost composure.”
Philip scanned the hall with a solemn expression, adding in a low voice:
“I heard the Crown Prince will attend. Thankfully Gu Qing is here, or the general would have to face him alone.”
Their gazes simultaneously fell on Gu Qing, who remained composed beside Milton, speaking politely to the visiting nobles. His poise, navigating power and rumor, was unshakable.
That presence reassured them. They trusted that in this court of scrutiny and scheming, Gu Qing would protect Milton completely.
Suddenly, the banquet hall lights dimmed, converging on the main entrance.
The elegant string music gave way to solemn, heavy tones. A deep red carpet unfurled from the doorway as all eyes turned. The Krom family, imperial bloodline of the legendary Emperor Caesar, stepped in. Their lineage, stretching back a thousand years, still held the empire’s supreme glory.
At the forefront walked the elderly Insect Emperor, Sorrendal Krom.
Despite rumors of frailty, he appeared robust and energetic. Each step was measured, his back straight as a mountain ridge. His signature golden hair glimmered with steady, icy light under the illumination. His blue eyes, deep and cold as glacial waters, seemed to pierce all lies and ignoble intent, allowing no room for disrespect.
Close behind him was the eldest prince, Adrian Krom. Golden hair like sunlight poured over his shoulders, blue eyes dazzling. His expression exuded unmasked superiority and possessiveness. His ornate golden banquet attire radiated dominance.
Following them were the second prince, Verson, with silver-golden hair shining coldly in candlelight and deep blue eyes as dark as the ocean; and the third prince, Serex, with neatly kept silver-golden hair and deep azure eyes, calm and contemplative, like a strategist observing from the shadows.
Gu Qing’s eyes swept over the four, unshaken. A faint whisper from the orb:
“Emperors have historically been female generals. This emperor was once a great ruler. Though he has delegated much of military and political power to the second and third princes in old age, he has yet to appoint a crown prince, leaving the noble factions divided and in constant conflict.
His male consort died early, but the palace is full of female attendants and servants… the eldest prince is the emperor’s only child and almost always obeyed.”
The orb’s tone darkened:
“If they are indeed the hidden manipulators… what is your plan?”
Gu Qing’s long fingers traced the rim of his cold glass, gazing through the swaying red wine at the approaching royal family members.
A sharp, chilling smile curved his lips. The prelude to this power game had officially begun.