Desert Island Infrastructure: Claiming the System Brings Many Blessings

Diana led Qin Chuan through the corridor behind the council hall, winding and turning until they arrived at a secret room deep inside the castle.

The secret room is not large, about thirty square meters.

The four walls were covered with animal skins and centaur battle flags, and a low table stood in the middle with thick fur cushions on either side.

In the corner was a small stove with a copper kettle sitting on it, steam rising from the spout.

"This is where I handle confidential matters." Diana walked to the low table, her energy flowing within her body, and her form began to change.

A pale golden light emanated, and the horse's body shrank and reshaped. The four horse legs merged into two long, slender human legs.

Ten seconds later, the light faded.

Diana stood there in human form. Her long, golden hair cascaded down her shoulders and back from her braids.

A white shirt and a dark brown leather breastplate clung tightly to her upper body, highlighting her slender waist and the full, firm curves beneath the breastplate. Her long, straight, and powerful legs were barefoot on the animal-skin rug.

She was more than half a head shorter than Qin Chuan, but her aura was still formidable.

Diana sat cross-legged on the cushion, poured two cups of tea from the copper kettle, and pushed one cup towards Qin Chuan.

"Speak, what is it?"

Qin Chuan sat down opposite her, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

The tea is brewed from sacred herbs from the grasslands, and its flavor is slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness.

"Anna, how is the Centaur Kingdom doing since you became chieftain?"

Diana thought for a moment: "It's much better than before. When Ivanka was in power, she was too domineering; she made all the decisions herself. After I took office, I implemented the separation of military and civil administration, giving city lords more autonomy. The public response has been good."

"What about trade?"

"Trade with the Civets and Mermaids is increasing. Especially your clothing business, which allowed centaur women to wear beautiful clothes for the first time. Now when I walk down the street, people from my tribe often stop me to say thank you."

Qin Chuan smiled and asked, "So, what difficulties have you been facing lately?"

Diana remained silent for a few seconds.

"Medusa tribe."

Qin Chuan nodded.

"Last month, Medusa sent people to urge us to pay tribute. She demanded that the offerings of spirit grain and beast meat be doubled. I only gave her a portion for now, but I know this isn't over. You should have heard about Chief Medusa's temper."

"I've heard of it."

"This is what's giving me the biggest headache right now. The Centaur Kingdom's military strength is not bad, and we are not afraid of them in a head-on battle. But the Medusa's petrifying eye technique is too disgusting, and our taxi soldiers can't withstand it."

Qin Chuan took a sip of tea but didn't rush to reply.

The two talked about Medusa, then about the population problem of the centaur kingdom, then about economic development, and finally about food culture.

After chatting for about an hour, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Diana held a teacup, her legs crossed on the cushion, her posture much more relaxed than before. The collar of her shirt was slightly pulled open due to the movement, revealing a small patch of fair skin below her neck.

Qin Chuan felt that was about right.

He put down his teacup, took out the gorgeous long dress from his spatial ring, and spread it out on the low table.

Diana's eyes lit up immediately.

The base color of this long dress is dark red, which echoes the chestnut-red mane of her horse.

The upper body is a tight-fitting leather corset, but the surface is covered with a thin layer of silk, which feels smooth to the touch.

The waist belt is Qin Chuan's specialty, featuring a segmented design with a metal frame and elastic leather straps that perfectly fit the centaur's waist curves.

The gemstones used are rubies and obsidian. A ruby ​​is set in the center of the bodice, with one main stone and four secondary stones arranged in a five-pointed star pattern. Obsidian embellishes the metal buckles of the waistband, understated yet sharp.

The hem of the skirt was embroidered not with a galloping horse totem, but with a long spear.

Diana's signature weapon.

"This is... for me?" Diana reached out, her fingertips touching the silk fabric of the dress.

"Yes," Qin Chuan said, "It was made especially for you."

Diana's fingers traced the ruby, then touched the metal frame of the blouse, finally stopping at the spear motif at the hem of her skirt.

Her throat moved.

"Qin Chuan..."

"Anna, I have something to tell you."

Qin Chuan looked into her eyes, his tone calm but earnest.

"From the first time we met until now, you have helped me a lot. You took me to find the treasure map, let me ride on your back for hundreds of kilometers, and even helped me sever my blood ties with Ivanka. I remember all of these things."

Diana didn't speak, her golden eyes fixed on him.

"I've been wondering why you're so good to me. At first, I thought it was because of Ivanka's orders, then I thought it was because of the deal involving that gorgeous dress. But then I realized, no. Many of the things you've done go far beyond orders and deals."

Diana's eyelashes trembled.

"Anna, I'm not one to beat around the bush," Qin Chuan took a deep breath. "I like you. From the moment you let me ride on your back on the northwestern grasslands."

The secret room fell silent.

The water in the copper kettle was still bubbling, and wisps of white steam rose from the spout.

Diana's eyes reddened.

"You know what?" Her voice trembled slightly, "Back in Northwest City, when you were riding on my back, I already..."

She couldn't continue, and wiped the corner of her eye with the back of her hand.

"Centaur women don't let just anyone ride them. It's a privilege reserved for those they like. I said it was for efficiency, but actually I wanted to get closer to you."

Qin Chuan remained silent and continued to listen to her.

"You captivated me even before I became the clan chief. The magnificent dress you made, your talent, your courage, and your gentleness. On the Wild Horse Plains, you were afraid I would get tired, so you offered to get off and run by yourself. When you hugged my waist, your hands were trembling, but you still held on without letting go."

Diana looked up, her golden eyes brimming with tears.

"Qin Chuan, I've waited a long time for this day. But I didn't dare speak. I was afraid you'd refuse. I'm a centaur, and I look different from you humans. I was afraid you'd think..."

"You're overthinking it." Qin Chuan reached out and took her hand. His palm was warm, and their fingers were tightly clasped together.

Diana's tears finally fell, dripping onto the side of her gorgeous long dress on the low table.

Qin Chuan felt a surge of emotion.

He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. He had thought there would be a need for preparation, for testing the waters, for pushing things forward little by little. But Diana was much more direct than he had imagined.

This is a two-way journey.

The guidebook was right: centaurs appreciate direct emotions. If you're talented, just confess your feelings boldly.

"Don't cry." Qin Chuan released her hand and reached out to wipe away the tears on her face. "It's not a good look for a centaur chieftain to cry like this."

"Who's crying?" Diana sniffed, a smile playing on her lips. "I got something in my eye from the wind."

"Where did the wind come from in this secret room?"

The two looked at each other and laughed for a while.