Chapter 152

Afternoon.

Translation: "Afternoon." (Keep period). Output: 【1】 Afternoon.

While Rosen was having lunch with his family, Serena suddenly turned pale, raising a hand to clutch her stomach.

Translation: "Luosen was having lunch with his family when Selena's face suddenly changed, and she raised a hand to cover her stomach." Need to keep meaning. Ensure we don't add extra. Let's produce: "Luosen was having lunch with his family when Selena's face suddenly changed, and she raised a hand to cover her stomach."

Rosen immediately realized: "Is it coming out?"

Translation: "Luosen immediately realized: 'Is it coming out?'" Keep quotes. We'll output: 【3】 Luosen immediately realized: "Is it coming out?"

Serena silently nodded.

Translation: "Selena nodded silently." Output: 【4】 Selena nodded silently.

Saxon's wife and tutor Anna instantly grew nervous, after all Serena was giving birth for the first time and carrying twins, which is far more dangerous than for an ordinary woman.

Translation: "Mrs. Sakesen and Instructor Anna instantly grew nervous, after all Selena was giving birth for the first time, and she was carrying twins, which is far more dangerous than for an ordinary woman." Need to keep nuance. Output: 【5】 Mrs. Sakesen and Instructor Anna instantly grew nervous, after all Selena was giving birth for the first time, and she was carrying twins, which is far more dangerous than for an ordinary woman.

Serena's face turned ashen, half from pain, half from fear.

Translation: "Selena's face turned deathly pale, half from pain, half from fear." Output: 【6】 Selena's face turned deathly pale, half from pain, half from fear.

Saxon's wife panicked and shouted: "Quickly go to the Nature Temple to find the priestess!"

Translation: "Mrs. Sakesen panicked and shouted: 'Hurry to the Nature Temple and find the priestess!'" Output: 【7】 Mrs. Sakesen panicked and shouted: "Hurry to the Nature Temple and find the priestess!"

These days, everyone does it that way.

Translation: "These days, everyone does that." Output: 【8】 These days, everyone does that.

Rosen, however, raised a hand to stop them: "Don't panic! I'm prepared!"

Translation: "Luosen, however, raised a hand to stop them: 'Don't panic! I'm prepared!'" Output: 【9】 Luosen, however, raised a hand to stop them: "Don't panic! I'm prepared!"

It's just childbirth; on Earth it's no longer difficult, and with his current knowledge of human anatomy and transmutation, it poses no difficulty at all.

Translation: "It's just childbirth; on Earth it's already no trouble, and with his current grasp of human anatomy and the Transformation Technique, it poses no difficulty at all." Output: 【10】 It's just childbirth; on Earth it's already no trouble, and with his current grasp of human anatomy and the Transformation Technique, it poses no difficulty at all.

He had also been preparing all along.

Translation: "He had also been preparing all along." Output: 【11】 He had also been preparing all along.

The Mage's Hand escorted Serena to the bedroom.

Translation: "Mage Hand took Selena to the bedroom." Output: 【12】 Mage Hand took Selena to the bedroom.

The three women hurriedly followed behind him.

Translation: "The three women hurriedly followed behind him." Output: 【13】 The three women hurriedly followed behind him.

Serena groaned while holding her belly, Anna anxiously took her hand, Saxon's wife kept insisting they go find the priestess, while her sister Evelyn, terrified and at a loss, trailed behind Rosen.

Translation: "Selena groaned while holding her stomach, Anna anxiously took her hand, Mrs. Sakesen kept muttering about going to find the priestess, and sister Evelyn, terrified, blankly followed behind Luosen." Output: 【14】 Selena groaned while holding her stomach, Anna anxiously took her hand, Mrs. Sakesen kept muttering about going to find the priestess, and sister Evelyn, terrified, blankly followed behind Luosen.

Upon reaching the bedroom, they swiftly changed to fresh sheets and all bedding, then applied several cleansing spells, and Rosen said to Anna:

Translation: "Upon reaching the bedroom, he quickly changed into fresh sheets and all bedding, repeatedly applied cleansing spells, and then told Anna:" Need to keep meaning. Output: 【15】 Upon reaching the bedroom, he quickly changed into fresh sheets and all bedding, repeatedly applied cleansing spells, and then told Anna:

"Tutor, I need some warm water for cleaning. Directly condense clear water with the Condense Water spell, and the basin must be especially clean."

Translation: '"Instructor, I need some warm water for cleaning. Directly condense clear water with the Condense Water technique, and the basin must be especially clean."' Output: 【16】 "Instructor, I need some warm water for cleaning. Directly condense clear water with the Condense Water technique, and the basin must be especially clean."

Anna immediately complied.

Translation: "Anna immediately complied." Output: 【17】 Anna immediately complied.

Rosen gently laid Serena on the bed and drove everyone except the tutor out to the doorway.

Translation: "Luosen gently laid Selena on the bed and drove everyone except the Instructor out to the doorway." Output: 【18】 Luosen gently laid Selena on the bed and drove everyone except the Instructor out to the doorway.

"Dear, use a mental shield to block the brief bodily pain."

Translation: '"Dear, use a mental barrier to shield the body's brief pain."' Output: 【19】 "Dear, use a mental barrier to shield the body's brief pain."

"Yes, just like that, don't worry, it'll be over soon."

Translation: '"Yes, just like that, rest assured, it'll be fine soon."' Output: 【20】 "Yes, just like that, rest assured, it'll be fine soon."

The laboratory on the cliff contains the most extensive records on childbirth knowledge, so Rosen is fully confident.

Translation: "The laboratory on the sea cliff contained the most information on childbirth knowledge, so Luosen was fully confident." Output: 【21】 The laboratory on the sea cliff contained the most information on childbirth knowledge, so Luosen was fully confident.

Once Serena was ready and had assumed the correct position, Rosen, relying on his precise control over human anatomy, activated a transmutation spell on her.

Translation: "After Selena finished preparing and assumed the correct posture, Luosen, relying on his precise mastery of human anatomy, activated the Transformation Technique on her." Output: 【22】 After Selena finished preparing and assumed the correct posture, Luosen, relying on his precise mastery of human anatomy, activated the Transformation Technique on her.

He acted swiftly and precisely; in less than three minutes, Serena hadn't even realized what was happening before the two babies were born one after another.

Translation: "His movements were extremely fast and accurate; in less than three minutes, Selena hadn't even reacted before the two children were born in succession." Output: 【23】 His movements were extremely fast and accurate; in less than three minutes, Selena hadn't even reacted before the two children were born in succession.

"Tutor, warm water."

Translation: '"Instructor, warm water."' Output: 【24】 "Instructor, warm water."

Anna immediately handed it over.

Translation: "Anna immediately handed it over." Output: 【25】 Anna immediately handed it over.

"Mother, go fetch the cotton cloth from the cabinet—yes, that white one we've prepared beforehand."

Translation: '"Mother, go fetch the cotton cloth from the cabinet—yes, that white one we had prepared."' Output: 【26】 "Mother, go fetch the cotton cloth from the cabinet—yes, that white one we had prepared."

Saxon's wife did as she was told.

Translation: "Mrs. Sakesen did as she was told." Output: 【27】 Mrs. Sakesen did as she was told.

After a swift and orderly procedure, the two babies were wrapped in soft cotton cloth and began wailing "wa-la wa-la".

After a swift and orderly procedure, the two babies were wrapped in soft cotton cloth and began wailing "wa-la wa-la".

Their cries were loud and strong, clearly indicating healthy, robust babies.

Translation: "Their cries were loud and strong, clearly indicating healthy, sturdy children." Output: 【29】 Their cries were loud and strong, clearly indicating healthy, sturdy children.

They gently placed the babies beside Serena and then cast an enhanced version of the "Nature's Grace" spell on her as mother, to help her heal her minor bodily injuries.

Translation: "He gently placed the children beside Selena, then cast an enhanced version of the Nature's Blessing spell on her as a mother to help her recover from minor bodily injuries." Output: 【30】 He gently placed the children beside Selena, then cast an enhanced version of the Nature's Blessing spell on her as a mother to help her recover from minor bodily injuries.

After everything was finished, it had taken no more than ten minutes.

Translation: "Once everything was finished, less than ten minutes had passed." Output: 【31】 Once everything was finished, less than ten minutes had passed.

Serena felt as if she were dreaming.

Translation: "Selena felt as if she were dreaming." Output: 【32】 Selena felt as if she were dreaming.

She had expected it to last at least one or two hours, because her mother had endured a difficult labor, going a full day and night without delivering, and when the child finally came out, it died, which severely damaged her body.

Translation: "She had expected it to last at least one or two hours, because her mother had once suffered a difficult labor, going a full day and night without delivering, and when the child finally came out, it died, thereby severely damaging her body." Output: 【33】 She had expected it to last at least one or two hours, because her mother had once suffered a difficult labor, going a full day and night without delivering, and when the child finally came out, it died, thereby severely damaging her body.

She could hardly believe it: "Dear, is it really over already?"

Translation: "She could hardly believe it: 'Dear, is it really all right?'" Output: 【34】 She could hardly believe it: "Dear, is it really all right?"

Anna was also shocked: "It feels too fast."

Translation: "Anna was also shocked: 'It feels too fast.'" Output: 【35】 Anna was also shocked: "It feels too fast."

She had originally intended to encourage Serena, but she hadn't even gotten into the right mood before the babies were born, and she didn't even break a sweat.

Translation: "She had originally intended to encourage Selena, but before she could even get her emotions together, the children were born, and she didn't even break a sweat." Output: 【36】 She had originally intended to encourage Selena, but before she could even get her emotions together, the children were born, and she didn't even break a sweat.

Saxon's wife remarked: "I've never in my life seen a woman give birth so easily; the magic is truly amazing."

Translation: "Mrs. Sakesen remarked: 'I've never in my life seen a woman give birth so easily; the magic is truly amazing.'" Output: 【37】 Mrs. Sakesen remarked: "I've never in my life seen a woman give birth so easily; the magic is truly amazing."

Anna thought to herself: "It's not the magic that's amazing, it's Rosen's magic."

Translation: "Anna thought to herself: 'It's not the magic that's amazing, it's Luosen's magic.'" Output: 【38】 Anna thought to herself: "It's not the magic that's amazing, it's Luosen's magic."

She had originally not wanted children, since she couldn't explain their origin and also felt afraid, but seeing how easy it was, she suddenly felt a desire.

Translation: "She had originally not wanted to have children, firstly because she couldn't explain their origin, and secondly because she was afraid; but seeing how easy it was, she suddenly felt inclined." Output: 【39】 She had originally not wanted to have children, firstly because she couldn't explain their origin, and secondly because she was afraid; but seeing how easy it was, she suddenly felt inclined.

Mother and children were safe, and Rosen was very pleased.

Translation: "Mother and children were safe, and Luosen was also very happy." Output: 【40】 Mother and children were safe, and Luosen was also very happy.

He sat beside Serena, kissed her cheek, then turned to observe the two little ones eagerly gulping milk in their mother's arms.

Translation: "He sat beside Selena, kissed her cheek, then turned to gaze at the two little ones who were now nursing hungrily in their mother's arms." Output: 【41】 He sat beside Selena, kissed her cheek, then turned to gaze at the two little ones who were now nursing hungrily in their mother's arms.

Whether boy or girl, they each had a sparse head of deep gold‑near‑black hair, and a pair of pure black eyes identical to their father's.

Translation: "Whether boy or girl, they each had a sparse head of deep gold‑near‑black hair, and a pair of pure black eyes exactly like their father's." Output: 【42】 Whether boy or girl, they each had a sparse head of deep gold‑near‑black hair, and a pair of pure black eyes exactly like their father's.

A hint of divine natural blood could be seen, but it was clearly not pure.

Translation: "A hint of natural deity blood could be seen, but it was clearly not pure." Output: 【43】 A hint of natural deity blood could be seen, but it was clearly not pure.

Naturally, Serena also noticed, watching the two little ones struggling to nudge the snow‑mountain for milk, her heart filled with both pity and sorrow.

Translation: "Selena naturally noticed as well; watching the two little ones struggling to nudge the snow‑mountain for milk, her heart filled with both pity and worry." Output: 【44】 Selena naturally noticed as well; watching the two little ones struggling to nudge the snow‑mountain for milk, her heart filled with both pity and worry.

"Rosen, this is getting a bit troublesome."

Translation: '"Luosen, this could get a bit troublesome."' Output: 【45】 "Luosen, this could get a bit troublesome."

If the children displayed pure natural‑god blood, they would undoubtedly be the next Dawn Duke, but with this appearance they might face skepticism.

Translation: "If the children displayed pure natural deity blood, there would be no doubt they would be the next Dawn Duke, but with this appearance they might be questioned." Output: 【46】 If the children displayed pure natural deity blood, there would be no doubt they would be the next Dawn Duke, but with this appearance they might be questioned.

Anna suggested: "Why not use transmutation to disguise them?"

Translation: "Anna suggested: 'Why not disguise it with the Transformation Technique?'" Output: 【47】 Anna suggested: "Why not disguise it with the Transformation Technique?"

That is indeed a method; the little king of Shila in Levinde did exactly that, but Rosen is not prepared to do so.

Translation: "That is indeed a method—King Selle of the small country of Levinde did it that way—but Luosen is not prepared to do so." Output: 【48】 That is indeed a method—King Selle of the small country of Levinde did it that way—but Luosen is not prepared to do so.

Because Shila's little king stole his throne, whereas Rosen seized his.

Translation: "Because the Selle little kingdom's throne was stolen, whereas he seized it." Output: 【49】 Because the Selle little kingdom's throne was stolen, whereas he seized it.

He seeks legitimate rule.

Translation: "He must obtain the throne legitimately." Output: 【50】 He must obtain the throne legitimately.

He laughed heartily: "No problem, just a minor issue."

Translation: "He laughed heartily: 'No problem, just a minor issue.'" Output: 【51】 He laughed heartily: "No problem, just a minor issue."

Next, it was simply a matter of protecting the children with all his might, letting them grow up smoothly and happily.

Translation: "Next, naturally, it's simply a matter of protecting the children with all his might so they grow up smoothly." Output: 【52】 Next, naturally, it's simply a matter of protecting the children with all his might so they grow up smoothly.

Fortunately, in this regard Rosen has already acquired several powerful high‑ring defensive spells.

Translation: "Fortunately, in this regard Luosen has already acquired several powerful high‑ring defensive spells." Output: 【53】 Fortunately, in this regard Luosen has already acquired several powerful high‑ring defensive spells.

A powerful ice talisman has already been issued to each person.

Translation: "A powerful ice talisman has already been issued to everyone." Output: 【54】 A powerful ice talisman has already been issued to everyone.

He is also developing a talisman for the "Law Interference Shield"; once it is successfully crafted, he will immediately give it to his family members.

Translation: "He is also developing talismans for the Law‑Interference Shield; once they are successfully crafted, he will immediately give them to his family to wear." Output: 【55】 He is also developing talismans for the Law‑Interference Shield; once they are successfully crafted, he will immediately give them to his family to wear.

Seeing him remain as calm as ever, Serena also felt reassured.

Translation: "Seeing him remain as calm as ever, Selena also felt reassured." Output: 【56】 Seeing him remain as calm as ever, Selena also felt reassured.

After checking her body and finding no discomfort at all, she said: "My uncle has been held in a prisoner‑of‑war camp for over a month now, and the children have been born; shouldn't we talk to him properly?"

Translation: "After checking his body and finding no discomfort at all, he said: 'My uncle has been in a prisoner‑of‑war camp for over a month now, and the children have been born—shouldn't we talk to him properly?'" Output: 【57】 After checking his body and finding no discomfort at all, he said: "My uncle has been in a prisoner‑of‑war camp for over a month now, and the children have been born—shouldn't we talk to him properly?"

Tudor could become the commander of the First Fleet of the Storm, and within the Adrian family he naturally carries considerable prestige.

Translation: "Te Wude could become Marshal of the Storm First Fleet, and within the Aideian family he naturally carries considerable prestige." Output: 【58】 Te Wude could become Marshal of the Storm First Fleet, and within the Aideian family he naturally carries considerable prestige.

If we can win his support, Rosen's path to becoming Duke of Vylan will face far less public opposition.

Translation: "If they could win his support, Luosen's path to becoming Duke Weilan would face far less public opposition." Output: 【59】 If they could win his support, Luosen's path to becoming Duke Weilan would face far less public opposition.

This resistance comes not only from within Weilan, but also from the natural alliance nations of the White Continent.

Especially Aaron, he will definitely make a big deal out of this.

After all, Luosen is nominally the first non-pure-blood Supreme Lord in the Natural Alliance.

But there's no need to rush like that.

He smiled, soothing his wife's emotions: "Dear, don't rush; rest well for a few days before we talk. The baby was just born, and needs to grow peacefully for a few days."

Since that's the case, Selena settled down to recuperate.

In the blink of an eye, ten days passed; her body had fully recovered, and aside from her figure being a bit rounder and fuller than before, there was hardly any change anywhere.

At least, no change was visible outwardly.

On the tenth night, Luosen couldn't resist testing his inner self, and felt no change—in fact, he felt even better.

He couldn't help feeling very satisfied with his shapeshifting skill.

Thus, early the next morning, the couple secretly summoned Te wu de. Ade li an to the rear courtyard of the lord's longhouse.

Before Te wu de. Ade li an arrived, Selena whispered, "Wait a moment; let me try to persuade him first."

Luosen nodded: "All right, dear."

Soon, Te wu de. Ade li an arrived.

Compared to his battered, disheveled appearance a month ago, he looked much more spirited, and had even gained a bit of weight.

Luosen also looked after his dignity, specially making him a black suit in the style of Dawn City, so he appeared like a distinguished old gentleman.

As soon as this old gentleman entered the rear courtyard, he saw a happy family of three beside the garden's round table.

He recognized the Baron, but his niece looked somewhat unfamiliar to him.

Because in his memory, even a month ago she still looked like an unmarried young lady, but now she had become a mother.

She was full-figured and round, radiating maternal glow all over, and even had two babies in her arms.

Wait, babies? Where did the babies come from?!

Te wu de. Ade li an stopped in shock, his green eyes darting back and forth over the Baron and his wife.

First he looked at the Baron—quite normal.

Then he carefully examined Selena—her deep gold curls and flawless green eyes exuded a strong natural force; there was no doubt she was his niece.

Then he looked at the child.

The children had extremely dark gold hair and eyes like black pearls; their appearance bore little relation to divine natural blood, yet their bodies also emanated a strong natural force.

Quite strong—in fact, to Te wu de. Ade li an's dull perception, it was not weaker than the mother's.

He was bewildered.

He naturally was bewildered, because Luosen had deliberately infused the children with a great deal of natural force.

"Who can explain what's going on?"

Luosen beckoned him: "Come over and have a seat, Mr. Te wu de."

Te wu de. Ade li an complied, sitting opposite the small round table, his eyes still fixed on the little one's face.

As he gazed, he became certain that these were indeed the Baron and his niece's children. "You two already have children?"

By my reckoning, that shouldn't be possible!

Selena said: "It's Mother Nature's blessing, uncle."

Te wu de. Ade li an looked doubtful; he thought it more likely that the Baron and his niece had been intimate beforehand, but of course he couldn't say that, seeing as he was still on the Baron's island.

Of course, now that things are this way, quibbling over these details is pointless.

Selena got straight to the point: "Uncle, you've seen it—I and the Baron have children, a boy and a girl."

"There will be more children in the future, and children need a mother's care, so I'm afraid I won't have time to manage Weilan."

Te wu de. Ade li an furrowed his brows, guessing a possibility: "What do you mean by that?"

Selena pursed her lips at her husband: "My husband and I have discussed it; after we defeat Lade, my husband will succeed as Dawn Duke, and I will become Duchess."

"And the next Dawn Duke will come from one of my children."

Te wu de. Ade li an jumped up in shock: "No way! This is absolutely unacceptable!"

Selena certainly knew the reason—because her father's natural blood wasn't pure enough—but she pretended not to know.

"Uncle, this completely conforms to Weilan tradition!"

Te wu de. Ade li an gave a cold snort: "Your Highness, you don't need to play dumb!"

"You can become a female duke, but the next duke must be your paternal cousin or cousin, in short, someone from the Adrian family who possesses pure natural divine blood."

"Of course, you could also let your child become duke, but this child definitely cannot be the Baron's; it must be the child of a southern county marquis, or of some ancient noble family on the White Continent."

Having said that, he turned his head toward Luosen, his face stern.

"Baron, the bloodline of the Northern County lord is not allowed to mingle with the duke's bloodline; this is a sacred tradition set down by the Holy Maiden Weilan herself. No one may violate it, otherwise Weilan would cease to be Weilan and become a restored Gu se te Kingdom!"

His tone was extremely firm, leaving no room for doubt.

Selena frowned: "Uncle, is there no hope at all?"

Te wu de. Ade li an drew a deep breath.

"The Baron can become Weilan's regent minister; no matter what he wants to do, as long as he doesn't violate the Holy Maiden Weilan's tradition, we will listen to him."

"But if he becomes duke, that would violate the Maiden's tradition, so it's absolutely out of the question!"

After saying that, he gritted his teeth and added: "Unless I die!"

Selena frowned upon hearing this; she hadn't expected her uncle to be so insistent.

Since the other party had even uttered the word "death," she didn't know how to persuade him for a moment, so she looked at her husband.

Luosen said: "Marshal Te wu de, if that's the case, then I can only clear the obstacles with force."

Te wu de. Ade li an was startled, fell silent for a long while, then said: "The Northern County's strength is inferior to the Southern County's, and besides, Aaron supports them. Even if we fought, we might not win."

Luosen smiled: "What if the Southern County is gravely ill and on its last legs?"

Seeing Te Wude's puzzled expression, he added: 'Aaron did not send troops to support, only supported the magical implements. But our northern county also has Levinde's support.'

'Levinde's support? What situation?!'

He has been locked up for this past month and doesn't know much about the outside situation.

We have opened a deep-sea route to Levinde and obtained massive aid from Levinde.

Te Wude felt his legs go weak, he plopped back into his chair, muttering: 'The two great kingdoms are actually contending over Weilan; Weilan is doomed!'

At first he was somewhat disoriented, but gradually he became resolute in expression.

'No, even so, the Baron cannot become Duke Weilan!'

'This matter is not open to discussion.'

The situation seems to have reached a stalemate; Selena is very worried, and she absolutely does not want her husband to use force to wipe out the Adrian family.

At this moment, Luosen gave a faint smile: 'Marshal, do you find life rather boring?'

Te Wude startled: 'Baron, what do you mean?'

Luosen raised his hand and pointed at Te Wude's chest: 'Marshal, you often feel discomfort in your chest and abdomen, frequently experiencing a feeling of tightness, and at times even a sensation of suffocation, right?'

Te Wude was startled, but after thinking, he realized it wasn't a big secret: 'That's right.'

This ailment has persisted for several years, tormenting him to the point that life feels meaningless; many times he has wished to die.

Luosen then took out a bottle of 20 milliliters of Golden Blessing elixir, placed it on the table, and gently pushed it toward Te Wude:

'A healing divine medicine from Levinde that can completely cure the Marshal's ailment, at least extending his life by twenty years.'

Te Wude was half‑believing, half‑doubting, but he was very tempted.

'This ailment—whoever has it knows—is nothing short of a torment worse than death.'

Luosen continued: 'After we defeat the southern county, you will support my succession as duke at the Adrian clan council.'

'This elixir is yours.'

Te Wude, while feeling tempted, added a note of caution: 'Is this elixir poisonous?'

Selena looked displeased: 'Uncle, what do you think we are? Are you treating us like that scoundrel Lai De?'

After saying that, she herself drank five milliliters: 'All right, now you can only extend your life by fifteen years.'

Te Wude immediately believed it, because his niece had just given birth; she would never willingly drink poison.

'Can it really cure my illness?'

'Why not give it a try.' Luosen pursed his lips toward the elixir.

Te Wude gulped down the elixir in one go.

Immediately afterward, he felt a strong warm current rise in his chest and abdomen, so soothing he almost moaned.

Luosen was not idle either; he immediately pressed his hand on Te Wude's chest, guiding the medicinal power to repair his damaged heart.

After a few minutes, he withdrew his hand, and Te Wude let out a long breath, feeling unusually light all over, his body brimming with endless energy.

It was as if he had regained his youth.

He instantly no longer wanted to die, and was greatly shocked by the Baron's methods.

After a long silence, he asked: 'How long can I live at most?'

'Given the Marshal's soul strength, you could probably live to about ninety‑five.'

'Then I want to stay healthy and live to ninety‑five.'

Luosen then poured him another 20 milliliters of Golden Blessing.

'After drinking it, before ninety‑five, as long as you don't actively seek death, you won't die.'

The latter hesitated not and drank it.

'The clan council has fifteen elder seats, all occupied by aged elders; I can at most persuade five, which is not enough. But if the Baron can obtain more divine medicines, I guarantee at least ten elders will support you.'

Selena couldn't help but say: 'Uncle, are the things you just said all bullshit?!'

Te Wude's cheeks flushed slightly, but he quickly found an excuse.

'Times have changed, Your Highness; I didn't expect Levinde to join, and the Saintess Weilan certainly wouldn't have anticipated this.'

Selena sighed: 'Uncle, you are nothing but a hypocrite.'

Te Wude felt embarrassed, turned to look at Luosen: 'Baron, will this work?'

Luosen held up a finger: 'As long as you secure a majority of seats, that's enough; so I'm only giving you fifty milliliters—take it and handle it as you see fit.'

'This elixir is hard to refine, and I don't want to waste it on a bunch of corrupt officials.'

Te Wude let out a sigh of relief: 'Then there's no problem.'

'Fifty milliliters is still more than enough; perhaps he should set aside ten milliliters for his wife, or simply keep it for himself.'

Just as he was thinking that, the Baron's voice came from beside him: 'I'll go along with whatever you do, but if you ruin my plans, the entire Adrian clan will have to pay the price.'

Te Wude jumped in fright: 'I dare not! I dare not! I guarantee I will fulfill the Baron's task!'

Selena couldn't help but cover her forehead, not wanting to see her uncle's fawning expression.

Te Wude still retains a bit of principle.

'Baron, is the next duke truly your and Her Highness's child?'

'Indeed.'

'We need to sign a contract, a sacred contract!'

Having said that, he explained: 'This is important; I need the contract to persuade the clan elders.'

Luosen smirked inwardly, but since this so‑called sacred contract could put people at ease, signing one didn't matter to him.

'Then let's sign it.'

Te Wude felt relieved.

'Although doing this goes against the Saintess Weilan's ancestral teachings, at least it is still the bloodline of the Adrian family.'

Moreover, the times have truly changed.

(End of chapter)