Chapter 21

Chapter 21

On the starship, in Lu Wei's quarters.

The pilot adjusted the control stick while keeping an eye on the map's blinking dots.

Lu Wei appeared dispirited.

He rubbed his belly, still struggling to accept that a new life was now growing inside him.

Aware of the recent dispute between Lu Wei and the Emperor, the pilot dared not comment further.

The starship continued its smooth journey.

Lost in a swirl of mixed emotions, Lu Wei sighed after a moment, "To which planet are we headed?"

Wiping his brow, the pilot replied, "The Jujube Star. Its climate and overall conditions resemble those of the Emperor Star, and it possesses a relatively advanced civilization. You can live a normal life there, so please rest assured."

The Silly Bird Star.

Who are you cursing at?

Lu Wei wiped his face and grumbled, "Being stupid enough to get pregnant for the damn ruler of this planet, that's truly on me."

The pilot didn't dare to ask any questions, not even a single one, let alone respond, "…."

The pilot tried to reassure him, "It's alright, sir. The facilities there are excellent, and your identity verification has already been arranged by the adjutant in advance..."

Lu Wei interrupted, "Is it suitable for farming over there?"

The pilot responded, confused at first, then realizing, "Ah? Yes, it is."

After a moment of recollection, the pilot added, "Scarthorn Star is a major exporter of food. Both its soil and climate are highly conducive to crop cultivation."

Lu Wei's expression improved slightly, "That's good to hear. Sounds like the place is quite similar to Earth, based on what you're saying."

The pilot asked, "Earth?"

"Mm-hm, it's another planet known for agriculture too."

"Oh, sure."

The two continued their casual conversation. Usually, it was His Majesty the Dog who engaged in such idle chatter during this time.

At the thought of this, Lu Wei's expression turned even more ashen. Damn.

Perhaps the life growing inside him sensed Lu Wei's emotions, stirring a wave of discomfort that made Lu Wei retch.

The pilot quickly asked the flight attendant to bring him a cup of warm water.

Despite holding the warm water, Lu Wei's face remained pale.

The flight attendant, worried about him catching a chill, draped a blanket over him.

In Lu Wei's mind, ten thousand furious grass mud horses were galloping wildly.

Who could possibly be worse off than him?

A man, alone in an alien world, carrying the spawn of a mentally unstable being—now he was embarking on a journey to an even more distant planet with both his own and the child's fate hanging in the balance.

Each one of them was a highlight on its own.

Lu Wei growled fiercely, "I just threatened to give His Majesty the Dog a frying pan, and I actually forgot to do it!"

The pilot: "…"

The stewardess: "…"

They dared not respond. They truly didn't dare.

Unlike Lu Wei's complicated yet relieved emotions, the atmosphere in the Starlight Conference Hall wasn't as pleasant.

The suspended interstellar conference resumed.

The king's expression was exceptionally, exceptionally, and exceptionally grim.

The king toyed with the teacup in his hand, causing it to clank against the table.

Aside from that sound, there was no other noise in the room.

The rest of the attendees fell silent, as quiet as chickens. It was surreal. The Emperor had just been delighted that his little darling came looking for him, and then he was suddenly faced with a scene they had never witnessed before. A submissive little darling approached with a frying pan that looked capable of inflicting immense pain, demanding an explanation – though they had been spectators to the drama without understanding the cause. Then, he dared to directly insult the monarch and the royal family! No matter how much the Emperor had doted on him in the past, he could no longer tolerate such arrogance born from favoritism. The offender had vented his anger. But their fate was sealed. The officials and nobles inwardly groaned. The aura emanating from the monarch was a hundred times more terrifying than ever before. "My lords, do you have any thoughts on this expansion plan?"

Indeed, they had initially hoped that this adorable recipient would bewitch His Majesty, causing him to become dizzy and eventually forget about the war plan.

But it seemed the opposite had occurred!

The king's face was expressionless as he said, "Since none of you have objections, so be it. The armies from the West City and East City will be mobilized and depart tomorrow. Our objective is to directly invade the territory of Planet F, where their intelligent beings reside, and seize the leader's head."

"..." It was now more urgent, the mission more challenging, and more troops were being deployed!

Oh, Flat Pan War God, you!

Yet, who dared to voice any objections to His Majesty's arrangements at this crucial moment?

The officials could only exchange glances, then remain silent like chickens.

The king declared, "Meeting adjourned."

Then, he turned and left.

Those left behind could only weep inwardly, powerless.

Pantheon of Skillet Warriors, you've doomed us!

Within the Royal City.

It had returned to its former desolation.

That very night, the King's illness flared up again.

His headache was unbearable.

No one dared to disturb His Majesty at this time.

Except for that one person.

But he was no longer here.

Housekeeper Philia was exceptionally worried.

Without Mr. Lu, days would be even more unbearable.

His Majesty was, after all, not an easy master to deal with.

Upon hearing the news from the Starlight Conference Hall, no one was more astonished than her. Philia had no idea what had caused their argument and separation; she only knew that things might become even more difficult than before Lu Wei's arrival.

In the palace hall.

It was in a state of disarray.

This was a sign of a monarch's fury.

Yet, instead of attempting to sleep, the king summoned a servant. "Find someone for me."

The servant dared not inquire if it was that particular person, and could only wait in silence for the monarch's next instructions.

Eventually, a noble who had yet to leave Royal City was summoned.

Upon learning that the king had called for him at this crucial moment, the noble nearly fainted from shock.

The noble quickly made his way to the inner chamber and immediately fell to his knees upon arrival. "Your Majesty!"

The monarch sat on the throne, his head pounding with an unbearable headache. His pitch-black irises were tinged with a crimson hue of bloodlust.

His disheveled attire revealed the contours of his muscular physique, exuding a deadly allure as if he could crush a life with a mere grip.

The monarch asked him, "Do you recall Lu Wei's words outside the conference hall? Repeat them to me, word for word."

In the noble's mind, only two words remained: He wanted to die.

Not that he wished for his own death, but the king desired it for him.

He struggled to recollect which part of that conversation could be mentioned in the king's presence?

Only Lu Wei had the audacity to speak such words; he, however, dared not!

Within these fleeting three seconds, the noble had already mentally recounted all the wicked deeds he had committed in his life. "Your Majesty, have mercy!"

The monarch's face was a stony mask. "I'll reward you with a thousand ounces of metal ore for each accurate word—"

Noble: ?

The king, impatient, said, "One less word from you, and I'll take half your life."

Noble: Sobs.

A chill settled in the noble's heart.

He had already guessed: The king had long found him displeasing, thus was looking for any excuse to justify dealing with him properly.

He was utterly doomed, truly.

The noble whimpered, "Your Majesty, where have I gone wrong? Please enlighten me!"

The king closed his eyes. "Speak."

The noble hesitated. "..."

The king began counting down, "Three, two, one."

The noble didn't dare to inquire further and immediately began to recall Lu Wei's words earnestly, starting to recite them.

Oh, if only I hadn't been so daring as to enjoy that gossipy melon! He's just a minor character, why did they choose to target him? So many others are enjoying the spectacle, woe is me...

The noble didn't dare to mimic Lu Wei's tone but instead tried their best to sound submissive: "[The adjutant has already admitted it, and yet you're still putting on an act here…]"

Damn, there's no way to make this line sound submissive!

The noble spoke softly, stealing glances at the monarch, who remained with eyes closed.

There was no intention to nitpick, but rather, it seemed like he was genuinely listening.

It was only at the brink of life and death that the noble realized how remarkable his memory actually was, even recalling the other's interjections:

"I've come to realize now, not only you and the adjutant, but others have been deceiving me as well! They talked about low probabilities, but if it were truly as you said, there's no way I would have fallen prey to it so swiftly!"

Upon repeating this line, the king abruptly opened his eyes.

The noble's legs turned to jelly, and he fell to his knees once more in fright.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I didn't say those words, nor do I hold such thoughts in my heart. I genuinely admire you!"

The king paid no attention to his words and descended from the throne.

The noble observed, feeling somewhat... delighted.

Noble: ???

His Majesty had finally lost his mind and was now laughing.

The king swiftly left, casually remarking, "Award him with rare minerals."

Noble: Huh? For real? He's not beheading me?

The suddenly enriched noble could only watch the king's retreating figure.

Was he mistaken? The king's strides seemed somewhat hurried.

He even heard a chuckle echoing behind him:

"As the royal bounty for joyous occasions."

Joyous occasions?

Isn't that the term used for when the royal family distributes money and gifts to the nobles during events like weddings, childbirth, or a child's first full moon celebration?

The nobles looked utterly perplexed.

Who—Which princess is getting married or expecting a child?