The Emperor's Loneliness

A faint pressure emanated from Catherine, like the prelude to a storm. Chen Rui immediately sensed danger and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Through the Analytical Eye, Catherine's overall strength had actually surpassed her former S+, reaching S++. It seemed her power had improved considerably during this time. There was no doubt that the black potion he had given her back then had played a part in it.

He had lifted a stone only to drop it on his own foot.

"Wait a moment, aren't you turning hostile a little too quickly? I haven't said I won't agree."

Catherine froze, and her aura receded considerably. She looked rather surprised. "Then just now, you..."

"Don't you know there's a word called 'reserve'? I was merely showing a little reserve now and then." Ignoring that pressure, Chen Rui raised one finger. "I hereby formally state my position: whether you're Catherine, Christina, or any other identity, your prince consort, husband, man—can only be me!"

Even Catherine was moved by that resolute gaze. The Empress's imposing aura had completely weakened, only for this fellow to add, "Having an heir or something is certainly no problem. I can guarantee that I'll complete the task."

Catherine's face grew a little hot at those words, but after waiting for quite some time without hearing anything further, her lovely brows furrowed slightly. "And?"

"And... uh, having a few more heirs wouldn't be a problem either!"

"That's all?"

"Yeah."

Catherine's killing intent surged in an instant, and her voice turned cold. "Are you making a fool of me?"

"No, I'm serious. What I'm talking about is only something between a man and a woman—moreover, a man and woman who have feelings for each other and have shared intimacy. It has nothing to do with the Empire, nothing to do with