Chapter 123

Chapter 123

Bai Sha and Cecil Ronin walked into the photography studio together.

The walls of the studio were made of a material that was pure white and slightly translucent.

Separated by a layer of transparent glass was the photographer's control panel.

The photographer was already positioned behind the control panel. He was a young man with peach blossom eyes, handsome features, and a seemingly gentle temperament. His slightly curled black hair was neatly tied at the back of his head with a metal hair ring, stylish yet tidy.

The young man, seeing Bai Sha and Cecil Ronin enter, stepped out from behind the transparent glass wall to greet them with a bow.

"Good afternoon. Your Majesty and Your Highness."

Cecil Ronin's gaze fell on the young man's bowed face, his eyebrows lifting slightly: "Why, it's you?"

Bai Sha, curious, asked: "You know each other?"

"Your Majesty has a good memory," the young man replied with a smile. "Over a decade ago, my teacher took photographs for Your Majesty's coming-of-age ceremony. I met you then as an assistant."

Every royal family member must take such a formal photograph to hang on the family tree — when Cecil Ronin came of age, he wasn't yet the Crown Prince and had his photo taken as a prince.

However, after becoming the Crown Prince and eventually ascending the throne, Cecil Ronin never took a similar "royal commemorative photo" again. He felt one such photo was enough — so the one hanging on the family tree was still from his coming-of-age ceremony.

At that time, the photographer repeatedly emphasized to Cecil Ronin to exude the majesty and nobility befitting a royal. Impatient with these tedious demands, the just-of-age Cecil gave the photographer a killer glare, surprisingly earning praise.

Cecil was initially taken aback then — if an ordinary person felt his intimidating aura, they would have been trembling and apologetically frightened. But the photographer seemed unaffected.

He later learned that this photographer had served in a war zone as a frontline communications soldier. Due to an early injury, he switched to portrait photography, a hobby in which he excelled.

Photographers have a magical touch. Before starting a shoot, they already have a specific "feel" in mind and a unique understanding of their subject's aura, which they explore and amplify during the shoot — this directly influences the final output.

Even the discerning Cecil Ronin had to admit, his coming-of-age photo was well-taken, portraying him as brave and dignified without any hint of tyranny.

"The coming-of-age photo?" Bai Sha showed interest. "Can I see it?"

"Of course," the young photographer said with a smile. "The effect of that photo was so impressive, I've kept it in my light-computer as a model sample to inspire myself. I'll send it to you right away."

Cecil Ronin: "Ahem!"

Bai Sha and the photographer glanced at the frowning Emperor, quickly shared the photo, and then pretended as if nothing had happened, distancing themselves.

Bai Sha opened the photo —

A much younger Cecil Ronin, clad in a luxurious silver-purple military uniform, his deep blue eyes staring into the camera, inscrutable. His overall tone was cold, only the golden tassels on his shoulder offering a hint of warmth.

In the photo, he held a sword.

Not a decorative, impractical one. The sword was sharp, gleaming with a honed edge. Its hilt was inlaid with a bright red, unpolished ruby, resembling a solidified droplet of blood.

In the photo, Cecil Ronin appeared as a ready-to-strike famous sword, emanating unmatched sharpness and oppressiveness.

The photo was crystal clear, detailing every aspect. Including his sword-holding hand, covered in calluses from training.

His sword undefeated in battle, his will unbreakable.

While it might seem somewhat "inhuman"… such a powerful royal presence garners people's trust and loyalty and brings a sense of security to the nation.

"This photo is well taken," Bai Sha commented approvingly.

"Yes," the young photographer nodded. He then showed Bai Sha several commemorative photos of past emperors, each depicting a different royal temperament. "While the Ronin family is known for producing strong descendants, each individual's temperament is unique. Some photos emphasize assertiveness and leadership, while others display maturity and steadiness. There are those revered for their exceptional wisdom and those adored for their approachability and just rule..."

The young photographer showed Bai Sha many photos, speaking deliberately and informatively about each emperor. To excel as a royal photographer, he had indeed thoroughly studied past photography styles and the history of the Ronin family.

Cecil Ronin adjusted his tie, "After all this discussion, what style do you plan to use? Will you follow your teacher's approach?"

"No. Times have changed. People's hearts are like the wind, constantly shifting. Nowadays, people clearly prefer a more approachable style," the young man explained.

Of course, the royalty, however "approachable," cannot lose their inherent sense of distance. The terms 'haughty' and 'approachable' are relative. He meant that Bai Sha shouldn't, like Cecil Ronin, scowl at the camera but should use small, kind gestures. For example, a relaxed posture, a pleasant expression, and a smile.

The photographer briefly outlined his requirements to Bai Sha, and she nodded in agreement.

The photographer returned to his control panel. The white walls around them gradually glowed, and three small photography drones took off, orbiting Bai Sha in different trajectories.

Deep breath, don't blink, relax facial muscles, smile — just like taking an ID photo, right?

Three minutes later, the photographer called a halt.

"Your Highness, please relax a bit more," his voice came from behind the glass wall.

Bai Sha: "Am I not relaxed?"

The photographer sent over two photos.

Bai Sha looked at herself in the photos — she seemed to be glowing. "Isn't this good enough?" she exclaimed.

"Your smile seems a bit forced," the photographer critiqued. "With your qualities, you can definitely produce a better result. Wait... maybe you could try releasing your spirit form?"

Bai Sha raised her hand to summon Xiao Bai Chiu into her palm, striking a cool pose again. Xiao Bai Chiu, knowing it was being photographed, made a lively gesture, its silver-blue tuft of hair standing proudly.

"You mean like this?"

The photographer: "…Your Highness, is there a chance that by 'spirit form,' you meant your Xuan Bird?"

The photographer had watched the live broadcast of the military team exercise and knew Bai Sha's Xuan Bird was different from other Ronins'. While others had deep blue or purple Xuan Birds, Bai Sha's was silver-blue — less flamboyant, but a unique trait of hers.

Bai Sha hesitated for a moment.

Seconds later, the small Xiao Bai Chiu in her palm fluttered and suddenly burst into blue flames. Soon, its tiny body disappeared, replaced by a graceful, long-necked silver-blue Xuan Bird. Its tail feathers, particularly long and dazzling, weaved a light blue pattern among the fluffy white feathers, an ethereal beauty rarely seen in the world.

The Xuan Bird flew onto Bai Sha's shoulder.

Bai Sha extended her hand, and the Xuan Bird turned its head and nestled its neck and back into her palm.

The photographer instinctively pressed the capture button during the moment of eye contact between Bai Sha and the Xuan Bird, then stared at the photo in brief astonishment.

What was in the eyes of this girl, soon to become the Crown Princess?

She carried the efficient air of a military academy, her palm, like Cecil Ronin's, covered with a thin layer of calluses; blessed genetically, her face as exquisitely crafted as if by divine hands.

But beyond all this, what was in her eyes?

They held the romance of wind and flowers, a soul-deep, serene, and pure freedom.

Growing up in the royal family, despite receiving the highest education, she also bore the heaviest pressure and constraints. These rules are ingrained in their souls — whether positively or negatively affecting them, they are passed down through generations within the family.

Having seen many "royal commemorative photos," the photographer mused that the Crown Princess in front of him had broken the Ronin family mold. However, this didn't seem to be a bad thing.

"I feel I've taken a photo that could be called a work of art," the photographer mused for a moment, smiling as he sent the photo to the two, "But it indeed doesn't quite fit the royal style… Whether to keep it as an alternative or take another one is up to you."

Cecil Ronin's gaze lingered on the photo for a moment before saying, "Let's use this one."

Bai Sha nodded — it seemed she could complete her task ahead of schedule!

"Alright, then this one it is," the photographer adjusted his position contentedly, peering from behind the screen to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, you also seem prepared today. What kind of joint photo would you like to take?"

Bai Sha: "How about a victory sign? Simple and cute."

Cecil Ronin: "What victory sign?"

"Just extend your index and middle finger, then spread them out—"

Bai Sha demonstrated with her fair fingers, forming a "V". Cecil Ronin, somewhat perplexed, mimicked the gesture.

Seeing Cecil Ronin's bewildered expression, Bai Sha couldn't help but blink and clear her throat, "Then, do the same with the other hand."

Cecil Ronin: "And then?"

Bai Sha placed both hands above her head: "Like this."

Cecil Ronin, unwittingly following suit: "What is this—"

Bai Sha: "It's a rabbit."

Cecil Ronin: "…"

Bai Sha dropped her hands and decisively turned her head: "I just heard the sound of a snapshot. Where's the photo? I want to see it!"

As Bai Sha was about to walk towards the photographer, she was abruptly caught by Cecil Ronin, who pinched her cheeks.

"You dare look and you're dead," Cecil Ronin chuckled coldly, squeezing Bai Sha's cheeks into puffs, "A rabbit, huh? You look more like one now. Hey you, come, take a picture!"

Bai Sha mumbled in protest, struggling to break free from Cecil's hold when he suddenly pressed his hand on her head.

"Don't mess up my hair!"

"Think your hairstyle looks nice, huh? I'll flatten it right now."

"Ouch! Uncle, that hurts—"

The moment Bai Sha yelped in pain, Cecil Ronin's hand paused, but then she slipped away like a slippery fish, clutching her hat and attempting to flee.

She ran, he blocked; their tussle evolved from playful scuffles to actual sparring, as the niece and uncle engaged in a half-serious contest.

The bewildered photographer: "???"

What's happening here?

Realizing his calls would likely go unheeded, he resigned himself to snapping photos, hoping to capture a few usable shots.

Finally, after their playful fight, Bai Sha and Cecil Ronin, both slightly out of breath, settled down on chairs.

"Are you two finished?" the photographer asked cautiously. "How about we take some traditional photos now?"

Due to their recent "battle," both had lost quite a few accessories, and with fewer jewels and ornaments, they appeared more relaxed and casual.

Cecil Ronin: "What do you mean by traditional?"

The photographer began directing: "Your Highness, please stay seated there, just turn towards the camera a bit. Your Majesty, if you could remove your cape and stand behind Princess Bai Sha... Yes, right there."

"Both of you, lean in a bit closer."

"Your Majesty, please raise your hand and place it on Princess Bai Sha's shoulder."

This was indeed a very traditional pose.

The younger in the front, positioned lower, and the elder in the back, elevated higher. The younger one could be said to be within the protective range of the elder, and the shoulder-touching gesture conveyed intimacy and importance.

Bai Sha felt the warm and solid embrace from behind, like a closely guarded fledgling, feeling genuinely secure and obediently refraining from any further movement.

The room fell into a brief silence, punctuated only by the soft mechanical sounds of the working camera lenses and flying drones.

Click—

"Done," the photographer said cheerfully. "Thank you both for your cooperation. This photo is also perfect."

Bai Sha: "..."

She understood what the photographer meant. The only "parent-child photo" that satisfied the photographer was this one.

The photographer also asked Bai Sha and Cecil Ronin to select some usable photos to frame together.

Bai Sha and Cecil Ronin competed to save each other's embarrassing shots.

Photographer: "..."

These days, photos are produced quickly, both in digital and physical forms. The Empire has a special framing technique that ensures the photos won't fade or blur for centuries, but it requires pre-ordering specific sizes.

As Bai Sha was pondering over the album samples, Cecil Ronin, standing calmly behind her, casually remarked:

"I want all sizes."

The smaller sizes were one thing, but the largest size in these photos was big enough to cover an entire wall.

"Uncle, you're not planning to hang our joint photo in your study, are you?" Bai Sha asked.

"What are you thinking?" Cecil Ronin chuckled. "I'm going to get several of your funny photos printed."

Bai Sha: "..."

Bai Sha: "Then I'll do the same!"

The two began to compete again.

However, a few days later, Wei Li came to report on official business at the Youdu Star and privately told Bai Sha that he saw several joint photos of the Emperor and her in the Emperor's safe while he was retrieving a seal.

……

Three days before the coronation ceremony.

The official website of the Ares Empire's royal family posted Bai Sha's photo.

It was the one where Bai Sha was gazing at the Xuan Bird.

The photo was released just a few seconds ago, and its views had already broken the hundred million mark. It attracted not only the Empire's citizens who had been eagerly waiting for news but also Federal netizens who came specifically to see.

The official website did not support a commenting feature.

But the photo was shared by major news media, allowing netizens to discuss freely on these platforms.

"I've been repeating this for the last two days: What is this amazing thing—let me see—overwhelmed by its beauty—look again—overwhelmed again!"

"Beautiful, so beautiful, truly magnificent!"

"This is my first time appreciating the absolute beauty of a Xuan Bird like this… staring disdainfully at my own Diao Diao. Both are from the avian species, why is there such a big difference!"

"You must be a deity (in a daze). If anyone dares to say there are no gods in this world, I'll argue with them..."

"From the neighboring Federation here. Awww, I was wondering why our General Commander looked like a Crown Prince with such unique hair and eye colors, and here you are waiting for me. Your Highness, were you hiding your true appearance to prevent us from falling for your beauty on the battlefield?"

"Passing by from Tianquan Military Academy, I need to make something clear: The Crown Prince is good-looking, but also hits hard. To those calling her 'husband' or 'wife' and seeking an encounter, better not behave like a stalker, or consider the consequences (brandishing a knife). We at Tianquan Military Academy are not to be trifled with."

The coronation of the Crown Prince is a grand celebration — before Bai Sha could react, the festivities had begun. The royal-controlled industries distributed numerous discount vouchers, and many institutions even announced half-day paid leave on the day of the ceremony, allowing employees to watch the coronation in peace.

The Federation's delegation arrived at the Empire's Tianshu Star amid this festive atmosphere.

Tianshu Star is one of the most prosperous planets in the Empire. Even Zhou Xiao and the others felt momentarily dazed upon their first visit, feeling somewhat out of place amidst the Empire's citizens and various spirit forms wandering the streets.

"The Empire is truly... magical," Yaning mused, looking out the window, struggling to describe the atmosphere he felt in the Empire.

Their shuttle swiftly glided along the orbit, passing a massive holographic billboard.

Displayed on it was the photo that made Bai Sha "famous in one shot."

"Isn't that Sha Sha!" Yaning whispered.

"I heard her fan club specifically launched promotional ads for her," Zhou Ying said, connecting to the Empire's star network as soon as he landed. He had browsed around and gathered some basic information. "Like this billboard — it was bought spontaneously by them."

The transportation hub of Tianshu Star, prime time, huge billboards. Placing ads here must have cost a fortune.

Normally, although the coronation of a Crown Prince is a cause for celebration, it wouldn't excite everyone to the extent of spontaneously purchasing ads to promote the ceremony.

All these actions seemed to be compensations and consolations for not celebrating Bai Sha's birth earlier.

Compensation for her once being unknown.

Consolation for her: everyone was looking forward to her return.