Chen Rui hurried into the main hall of the Golden Radiance Lord's Manor and saw Isabella and Veronica engaged in a cordial conversation.
The two women actually had much in common. Both wore veils, both were beauties, and... although Chen Rui had yet to see Veronica's face, at the very least, both possessed peerless bearing.
Isabella gave full play to the qualities of the former "Flower of Mandala." Every gesture and movement displayed an air of elegance and confidence. If there had been a man nearby, he would surely have been staring himself senseless by now.
Yet, from his familiarity with Miss Ine, Chen Rui could tell that his aunt had entered a special state of "combat readiness," because the woman opposite her was equally flawless and outstanding, placing no small amount of pressure on her.
What was strange was why Emperor Rex had sent Veronica to teach etiquette. Was it a concession? Or another kind of coercion?
"Cough..." Chen Rui deliberately coughed, immediately drawing both women's attention.
"Your Highness." Before Isabella, Veronica's form of address had clearly changed. "By His Majesty's order, I have come to give Your Highness supplementary lessons in—"
"Teacher, you should still call me 'Arthur,'" Chen Rui interrupted Veronica. "Ine is not an outsider. She is one of the Guardians of the ancient civilization I inherited, and also my most cherished wife."
At the word "wife," Veronica's pupils contracted slightly, and a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes.
"There should be an 'one of' after that." Isabella added with a smiling gaze. "This certain Highness cherishes more than just one woman. Isn't that right?"
Chen Rui gave an embarrassed laugh. Veronica laughed as well. "It seems that little Arthur really has grown up, hasn't he? My student and little brother."
"Little Arthur." Isabella nodded