Him and their stars.

Chapter 2195 No Need to Take Responsibility Anymore

Yu Lian has been living in the Sacred Tree Palace for almost a week now, and to avoid provoking the high-ranking officials of the empire, he hasn't stepped out of the palace gates at all. In any case, although it's called a "palace," it's actually a fairly large space city, and the living space isn't cramped at all.

In any case, this space city is nothing more than the residence of the Suruka royal family in the capital, so there are no secrets. As long as he doesn't leave the palace, no one else can be sensitive about it even if they want to.

Well, these past few days, this gentleman has been going into Princess Brunhilde's boudoir as naturally as if he were at home. Even if there really is some secret, it's as if he's completely unguarded.

In addition, the city is fully equipped with all kinds of facilities. Under the dome of the city, in addition to the space garden with a hundred flowers blooming, there is even a sizable artificial lake, which lies quietly in the embrace of the huge ecological dome.

The lake water is not naturally formed, but is maintained through a state-of-the-art purification and circulation system, resulting in a color between sapphire blue and emerald green. The surface is as smooth as a giant, polished corundum, perfectly reflecting the sky simulated by the dome above.

Occasionally, specially designed maintenance robots would skim across the water. Some were as large as waterfowl, while others were as small as dragonflies. The ripples they created shattered the reflections in the mist, turning them into shimmering, flowing spots of light.

The pristine white sand beach along the lake is paved with fine-textured, warm-colored artificial mineral particles, providing a perfectly comfortable temperature and feel when walked on barefoot.

The exquisite pavilions and terraces connect with the lake shore and extend into the smooth lake surface, like fine sculptures floating on emerald green jade.

Of course, there are also various kinds of fish kept in the lake. Some can be admired, some can be played with, and some can be caught and eaten.

Thus, the beautiful gardens by the Space Lake gained a touch of everyday life.

Yu Lian learned from the palace steward that this artificial lake scenic area was meticulously built by Brunhilde's great-uncle and grandfather, the previous King Suliuka, over nearly fifty years, with every blade of grass, every tree, every brick and tile. It was truly an exquisite and ingenious creation.

...Well, aside from state affairs, military matters, and psionic skills, every royal family has its own family-inherited specialized skills. Considering that Pudding personally managed the entire large garden, the Suruka royal family's forte is indeed horticulture and landscaping!
“Look, even without the status of royalty, the royal family can support themselves with their exquisite gardening skills,” Yu Lian exclaimed, gazing at the lakeside scenery.

“Indeed. Besides teaching at the academy, I’ve actually taken on some landscape design work lately. The design fees I’ve earned in the last two years are already more than my annuity. Even without this title, as a citizen, I could support myself, right?” Androuge replied, holding his fishing rod.

He was Brunhilde's older brother, more than ten years his senior, and also an old friend of Yu Lian. His first private yacht, the light-year mission-class Fukushima, was a gift from Brunhilde.

Speaking of which, where did Fujie go again? I think it was taken away by Feifei and given to the People's Federation as a government vessel, right? Well, at least it was put to good use.

"The Empire doesn't forbid members of the royal family from doing anything. In fact, the Empire encourages peripheral members of the royal family to make a living on their own," he said with a smile.

That is indeed the case. The eight royal families of the Dawn Dynasty have multiplied for over three thousand years, and there are at least seven or eight million people whose royal status can be confirmed, but the vast majority of them are just ordinary citizens.

The pensions these people receive as members of the royal family are at best equivalent to a basic living allowance.

They also have to participate in all social production activities.

The Duke continued, “Ordinary members of the royal family are already almost like ordinary people; they know all the joys and sorrows of life. But in history, there are many examples of such people who suddenly become chosen emperors. They understand from birth that power equals responsibility.”

His tone was as if he were making an excuse.

"Your Highness, you're not planning to discuss the Dao with me, are you?" Yu Lian asked curiously.

The Duke chuckled: "I don't have that ability or courage. I just hope you know that the Imperial Royal Family is different from the corrupt ruling class. We are the ruling class, and may even be considered evil, but we are certainly not corrupt."

Good guy, really good guy.

"...So you've seen it too?"

“Anyone with a bit of connections and knowledge has seen it, right? Even if it's just to avoid being outdated, to prove they're not a troll's brain, or even to refute you, they all have to see it.” The Duke revealed a slightly mischievous smile:
"Of course, while I understand my class affiliation, it's impossible for me to voluntarily relinquish my dukedom and generous pension. The Galactic Empire has its own unique circumstances, and who can say that Brin's reforms cannot bring about the most suitable progress for the Empire?"

Yu Lian has recently taken to fishing with Prince Andorro. He must admit that, setting aside their differing stances, the prince is truly a refined and sincere gentleman, even his self-deprecating humor is so forthright.

He is truly a rare, literal oddity in the Dawn Royal Family, a family known for producing fierce, mad, war-mongering, and old-fashioned individuals.

Associating with such a person is truly like basking in a spring breeze or drinking fine wine.

He turned his gaze back to the buoy, as if what he had just said was merely a casual chat about the fishing: "I know my sister. She kept you there in that way. Some people think it was her capriciousness or infatuation, but I know my sister. She has always been adept at turning seemingly emotional choices into exquisite arrangements."

"She is such a genius."

"So, will you have children? If you do, will they be Earthlings or members of the Empire's royal family?"

Yu Lian coughed forcefully.

Yu Lian was shocked to find that he was completely at a disadvantage, especially since he wasn't even sure if his daily diet had been spiked with something.

“If Brin is too busy, my wife and I will take care of educating the children.” The Duke patted his chest vigorously. “I’m not bragging, but I’ve been a public school teacher for over ten years, so I’m more than qualified to educate children!”

Before Yu Lian could say anything more, Duke Androuge suddenly narrowed his eyes, revealing a sharp gaze no different from that of the most powerful swordsman.

He gripped the fishing rod and let out a shout that sounded like a battle cry. Although he was just an ordinary person, his shout truly exuded an aura of spiritual power.

Immediately afterwards, the Duke's fishing rod suddenly sank, and the reel emitted a pleasant hiss.

He cast his line with the skill of a swordsman drawing his sword, and a large fish, a meter long, broke the surface of the water. Its scales shimmered with dazzling light, swaying wildly in the sunlight, like a rainbow spreading across the water.

Some fish are perfect for eating, some are perfect for looking at, and some are both beautiful and delicious, like the rainbow trout that the Duke caught.

“My children love watching me fish and grill fish,” said Duke Androger. “I imagine Brin’s children feel the same way.”

Although this man, with his thick eyebrows and large eyes, certainly resembled a refined and modest gentleman, and although he was a wealthy idler far removed from the affairs of the empire, he still possessed a dragon-like side at heart.

Looking back now, I realize I spent a considerable amount of time in deep sleep each day. The advantage was that the deep damage from the battle with the emperor was being alleviated and healed. The disadvantage was that I might have already been taken advantage of.

Boys really need to take good care of themselves when they're out in the world!

...On another note, would an orange cat really be that desperate?
"So, what exactly did you do?" Yu Lian asked Brunhilde directly at dinner that day.

She smiled broadly, like a cat that had just had its fill of fish: "Who knows? We tried every position imaginable in that timeline."

That's something we have to admit... "We've gained a lot from the previous battles. Our daily deep hibernation is for healing, as well as digesting the improvement in our spirit and realm."

"That is certainly true."

“Under these circumstances, it’s inevitable that our souls will perceive the other side of the universe or intersect with past memories. But, Lian Qing, how can you distinguish between dreams and reality? We’ve tried every position imaginable.” Brunhilde said proudly, “We’ve been married for forty years; we’ve definitely tried more positions than you and Fei Fei!”

What the hell is there to be proud of?
Yu Lian said irritably, "Heh, I'm already a demigod at the Great Perfection, half a step to the side of truth, you know? If I can't even distinguish between dreams and reality, I would have died many times over."

“But you’re not quite on the side of truth yet,” Brunhilde chuckled. “Do you know that the soft couch we sleep on every day is actually a requiem bed I moved from the Infinite Palace? It’s an alchemical artifact. Beneath the couch, there’s a spiritual passage that connects directly to the Primarch’s sarcophagus. The power of the Enlightened Ones and the Empire’s highest alchemical achievements are taking turns serving you. Do you like it? Are you moved?”

"..."

"Also, today I used 'Deep Space Love' on the piece of King Blade fish steak that I personally fed you."

Yu Lian stared at her, his expressionless face returning once more.

"I was just joking around." Seeing that the other party was about to turn hostile, Brunhilde had no choice but to change his tune.

Yu Lian maintained his emotionless poker face.

"However, after careful consideration, they decided that you don't need to take responsibility. Once the child is born, I won't have time, so I'll leave him to my brother and sister-in-law to take care of. They have four other children, so they can grow up together and have playmates. When he turns six, the situation should be more stable, and I'll take him in to personally teach him. He can be sent to a junior military academy when he's ten. Actually, in the society of the military aristocracy of Tirelo, whether or not you have a father isn't that important."

Yu Lian was really ready to turn against her this time, but Brunhilde had already rolled up in a thin feather quilt, assumed a sleeping position full of flaws on the bed, closed her eyes, and fell asleep on the spot.

Her breathing was even and her breath was sweet; she was asleep less than twenty centimeters away from me.

Sure enough, a true dragon must have good dreams, right?
Despite the daily anxieties, Yu Lian had to admit that flirting with the orange cat, fishing with Duke An, and enjoying the constant flow of royal delicacies made for a truly enjoyable life.

Of course, all good holidays eventually come to an end.

As Yulian's leisurely holiday entered the last week of May, news from all fronts of the Empire began to arrive like autumn leaves, carrying a chill and an omen.

The above statement still comes from Duke Androuge, who, although he has a dragon-like side, is still a gentle and refined literary youth overall.

The first news came about the Dawn Angel and Barbarossa. The elite fleet they led, returning from the front lines, was ambushed on the edge of their journey into the Imperial Central Sector.

The attackers' identities remain a mystery. Their tactical style is ruthless and sophisticated. They used an ancient asteroid belt with unusually active gravity as a natural cover and launched a surprise attack at extremely close range.

However, it was probably because Vice Admiral Ostana Baal, the fleet commander, suddenly awakened some kind of precognitive ability in her "Eye of Lava," allowing the fleet to take early warning measures in advance.

Thus, the torpedoes and sub-light-speed missiles hurtling out of the asteroid belt, though coming with great force, were intercepted at a safe distance by the deployed defense network.

The fleet was completely unharmed.

Then came the almost invisible arcs of electricity in space, which swept past the fleet like an unseen grim reaper.

The Dawn Angel and Barbarossa immediately caught fire.

These two legendary warships, which traversed two universes, participated in the War of Judgment, and created the miracle of "one hour and twenty-two minutes," have suffered the heaviest damage since the day they were built.

Fortunately, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ostana Bar, Acting Admiral Lieutenant General Wolfna Memidal, and Deputy Commander Miss Nairhana Mela were all unharmed.

Very well, there's no need to guess the attacker's identity now.

The enemy also realized that the opportunity had been lost, and decisively withdrew from the battlefield.

In any case, a raid that could have caused serious chaos or even heavy casualties ultimately turned into an encounter with negligible losses, which can be considered a minor episode in this march.

But bad news followed immediately.

The fleet, jointly commanded by Lieutenant General Olivia Rowentour and Major General Gong Xiao, was attacked while marching from the edge of the frontier toward the capital.

In the sparse region of the nebula where the raiders attacked the Biffy fleet, in an unstable star system with a complex electromagnetic environment, the Imperial fleet encountered a sudden barrage.

It still features the iconic arc cannon, with its silent and colorless spatial energy that can disregard the operating rules of energy shields and the stabilizing structure of armor.

They tore apart the vanguard of the fleet and set several cruisers ablaze.

Fortunately, despite her weakened state and still recovering from serious injuries, Lieutenant General Olivia Rowentourage personally led the flagship Colossus in the charge. Her actions inspired her subordinates.

Under the fierce counterattack of the Imperial fleet, the Earth fleet, with its limited forces, quickly withdrew from the battlefield after losing a destroyer.

In short, it was a close call, but ultimately without serious harm.

Of course, the unfortunate thing was that Lieutenant General Olivia Loventull was seriously injured and fell into a coma.

This time, it was just a broken bearing that fell from the bridge of the HMS Colossus and pierced his shoulder, causing a penetrating wound. To be on the bright side, it was at least much better than when half of his body was blown off last time.

Lieutenant General Olivia Rowentourage became the first Imperial general to be seriously wounded twice by the ghost ship.

以上的消息，分别来自5月21日和5月27日。不过由于帝国军暂时封锁了消息，余连是在5月最后一天才得知的。

"Does Fifi have a grudge against Olivia?" Brunhilde asked, finding it hard to understand.

Yu Lian corrected, "She has a grudge against you. So she's just taking it out on your subordinates."

Brunhilde gently stroked her lower abdomen, revealing a sweet smile: "So, does she also have a grudge against you? Knowing that you are still in the capital, she still recklessly attacked the Imperial Fleet?"

Yu Lian looked at her meaningfully: "Darling, the war is not over yet. Even if you are really prepared to be a single mother, that won't change."