Chapter 135: The Emperor’s Reward
At his words, Sophie Wexler finally tore her gaze away from the disheveled Cillian Forrest.
She looked where he was pointing and slowly walked over.
"What is...?" Sophie Wexler asked, looking at the huge pile of things in confusion.
"Open one and see," Cillian Forrest said, tilting his chin toward her.
At his words, Sophie Wexler reached for the most unremarkable-looking small box on top and opened it.
The next second, a rainbow-colored light radiated from the box. Inside, a perfectly round pearl rested quietly.
The surface of the pearl shimmered with rainbow light. It was stunningly beautiful.
Amazement flashed in Sophie Wexler’s eyes. She looked at Cillian Forrest, her gaze filled with astonishment. "What is this?"
Cillian Forrest was also taken aback for a moment when he saw what was inside. "A Mermaid Pearl," he said slowly.
It was a Mermaid Pearl. The Merfolk and their Star System were far away, and contact was rare. They had always been seen as a mysterious race.
This particular Mermaid Pearl had been a gift, given after Your Majesty saved the Merfolk’s chieftain while clearing Starbugs in another part of the Galaxy.
’And he’d actually given it to Sophie Wexler.’
"A Mermaid Pearl?" Sophie Wexler gently held the beautiful gem and blinked. "So, the Merfolk are real," she marveled.
And they have Mermaid Pearls.
"Check out the others," Cillian Forrest prompted.
Curious, Sophie Wexler began opening the rest, one by one.
Top-grade crystal stones! A High-level Dagger!
All sorts of jewelry! A miniature mecha! And an Obsidian Card!
With each new item she opened, Sophie’s heart jolted.
She went from being shocked at the beginning to almost numb by the end.
Finally, her expression froze. She looked at Cillian Forrest in disbelief and asked, "Is all this... really for me?"
She had been in the Galaxy long enough to recognize that none of these items were ordinary.
Back on Karath, even one of these would have caused a sensation, let alone having them all laid out in front of her as if they cost nothing.
Meeting her doubtful gaze, Cillian Forrest smiled and slowly nodded. "Don’t doubt it. They’re for you."
"Have you forgotten what you did yesterday?" Cillian Forrest reminded her.
’Yesterday. What had she done yesterday? She’d helped that little kid soothe his Spiritual Sea and cleared out the Starbugs.’
"So this is all..." Sophie Wexler gestured to the pile. "A gift from that kid?"
"From the kid’s family."
’He knew Your Majesty would show his gratitude, but he hadn’t expected him to send Sophie so much.’
’But on second thought, it made sense. The person Sophie had saved wasn’t just his son, but the future of the Empire.’
’She deserved it all.’
Meanwhile, Sophie Wexler was looking at the pile of treasures. "These are too valuable," she said.
They had spent enough time together for Cillian to know exactly what she was thinking the moment she spoke.
’She thinks they’re too valuable and is now surely trying to figure out how to return them.’
Cillian Forrest gestured to the gifts on the table. "To him, these aren’t particularly valuable. You can accept them without worry."
"Besides, you can’t return them anyway."
Gifts from Your Majesty were never returned. It simply wasn’t done.
Sophie Wexler was at a loss for words.
"Who on earth is that kid?" Sophie Wexler murmured.
’He’s so rich.’
"You’ll find out soon enough," Cillian Forrest said. ’And it wouldn’t be long.’
With that, he picked a Crystal Stone from one of the boxes, took Sophie’s hand, and placed it in her palm. "This Crystal Stone is just what you need right now."
’Your Majesty knew exactly what she needed most.’
Sophie Wexler blinked slowly. She decided to trust Cillian and finally gave up the idea of returning the gifts.
She put most of the gifts away, leaving out the Crystal Stones since she would need to use them.
After stowing the items, Sophie looked at Cillian, who was still lingering nearby. Her lips parted and closed a few times before she finally managed to say, "Shouldn’t you... go change your clothes?"
’Him wandering around in front of her like that... She wasn’t a saint. It was really testing her self-control, okay?’
At her words, Cillian Forrest raised an eyebrow. "Hm?"
"Well," Sophie said, struggling for an excuse, "it’s just... it’s a little cold. It would be better to wear something warmer."
The words were barely out of her mouth when she heard a teasing chuckle, and heat rushed to her ears.
It was obviously a terrible excuse.
While it wasn’t particularly warm outside, the temperature inside the room was by no means low. In fact, wearing any more layers would be hot.
Sophie knew her excuse was flimsy, but so what? She was going to stand by it, logic be damned.
’If he kept on like this... like this... then he couldn’t blame her for...’
’Never mind. She couldn’t actually do anything to him. She could only fantasize about it.’
"It is a bit cold."
Sophie looked up in surprise. Cillian was smiling. He knew exactly why she’d said it, but he was willing to play along.
Soon, Cillian emerged in a fresh set of clothes. This outfit was much more modest, but his every movement still hinted at the powerful muscles hidden beneath the fabric.
’Having seen what was underneath before, the fact that she couldn’t see it now only made her mind wander, adding an extra layer of sex appeal.’
’Sophie felt like she was going crazy!’
’Why else would she keep having these random thoughts?’ She shook her head furiously, forcibly erasing the images from her mind.
Although Cillian had said it was a day off, how could they ever truly rest?
They spent the morning at home, then headed out in the afternoon.
When Cillian left, he headed straight for the Imperial Palace.
After yesterday’s events, he’d had someone take Shawn Thorne home. And after Your Majesty had sent all those gifts, a personal visit was definitely required.
「The Imperial Palace.」
Shawn Thorne was already awake. He’d been ecstatic all morning, ever since he woke up and realized the toxins in his Spiritual Sea were gone.
He had been frantically begging his royal father to let him go and thank the lady who had saved him.
But Your Majesty hadn’t relented, not until an attendant announced the Marshal’s arrival.
"Show him in."
A moment later, Cillian Forrest strode into the grand hall. "Your Majesty."
"You’re here," the man said, gesturing with his hand. "Sit."
Shawn Thorne’s eyes lit up when he saw Cillian. "Uncle Forrest! Quick, tell my father to let me go to your house!"
Cillian glanced over at him. "Little Prince, did you sneak out yesterday?"
Shawn Thorne fell silent instantly, muttering under his breath, "I just wanted to see your matched partner."
"Do you realize what would have happened yesterday if Sophie Wexler hadn’t been there?"
Shawn Thorne’s head hung low. He didn’t dare say a word. He knew he was in the wrong.
’If it hadn’t been for the pretty lady yesterday, he wouldn’t be standing here safe and sound today.’
"Shawn Thorne, you are dismissed. You still have your lessons for today," the man on the main throne said slowly.
"Yes, Father," Shawn Thorne said, dejected.
"You can go find Cillian Forrest after you’ve finished your studies for today."
Shawn, who had started to leave, paused. Then his eyes lit up. His father meant he could go see the pretty lady!
"Thank you, Father!"