Half an hour later, everyone gradually departed.
After Angus and Velin met up with Elisa and the others, they headed together to the palace in the West City District that was used for resting.
Inside a side hall, Velin waved the maids away, then walked over to the bed and lay down directly.
Xuemiyya moved around the room and casually set up several restrictions to guard against others spying on or disturbing them.
After finishing, Xuemiyya came to the bedside, sat beside Velin, and asked, "What did it feel like fighting Father?"
Velin rested his hands behind his head and narrowed his eyes at the ceiling as he slowly replied, "I feel like Father hasn't been working very hard these past few years. He's been standing still without making much progress. In a while, I need to go find Grandfather and have him visit Father more often, give him some pressure and motivation."
Hearing that, Xuemiyya covered her mouth and chuckled. "Only pressure brings motivation. You really understand that deeply, don't you?"
A sly glint flashed in her eyes, as though she were teasing Velin.
"That's what you said. I didn't say it."
Velin smiled faintly, reached out to grab Xuemiyya, and gently pulled her onto himself.
Xuemiyya struggled symbolically for a moment, then obediently lay atop Velin. Resting her head on his chest and listening to his heartbeat, she softly asked, "How long do you think it will be before Eldest Brother inherits Father's position?"
Her tone carried a hint of curiosity and anticipation.
Velin stroked Xuemiyya's silver hair and replied, "That's hard to say. Back when Grandfather forced Father to inherit the title of Earl Eagle, Father used the excuse that he had no children and dragged it out for more than ten years."
"If Eldest Brother follows