Early the next morning, Velin went to the small courtyard where his mother and wife were staying.
"Velin, why are you here?" Xuemiyya had just stepped out of her room when she spotted her husband entering the courtyard. Her eyes filled with delight.
"There's something I need to discuss with you."
"Come with me."
Xuemiyya took Velin's hand and led him to her residence at Karida Manor.
Velin entered the room with steady steps, sat quietly at the edge of the bed, and patiently explained the whole matter to Xuemiyya.
"So Father has handed the decision entirely to you." After listening, Xuemiyya sat beside Velin thoughtfully and leaned gently into his warm embrace. "Is that right?"
"Yes." Velin wrapped an arm around Xuemiyya's slender waist as he spoke. "So I wanted to hear your opinion. If you agree, Cronin will become your maid. If you don't, then they can withdraw that bargaining chip from the deal."
Xuemiyya considered it for a moment before answering, "Forget it. She's the daughter of Father's good friend. It wouldn't be appropriate."
Seeing this, Velin said gently, "Then we'll do as you say. Still, when you married me, you came to Qixing Territory alone and had no direct subordinates. That makes certain matters inconvenient to handle. How about establishing a force under your sole command? Star Moon Fort will cover all military expenses."
Xuemiyya asked in confusion, "Don't we already have Hilda, Sisina, and the Shadow Guard under their direct command? I don't think there's any need to establish another force for me to manage."
"Besides, with my strength, I don't need any subordinates."
Velin pinched Xuemiyya's cheek and said with a smile, "Forget it, then. I'll place Hilda and Sisina directly under your command. It will also lighten Kyle's burden."
As he spoke, Velin