Chapter 498: Investigating Melody Monroe
"On behalf of the Kingdom of Solara, we surrender to Veridia. All soldiers of Solara will lay down their arms and cease resistance. We implore the Emperor of Veridia to accept our letter of surrender and the Jade Seal, and to spare our innocent people!"
Amidst the whistling wind, two figures stood on the gate tower. They looked helpless and forlorn, yet their resolve was unshakable.
「Ten days later, an imperial edict arrived from the Emperor of Veridia.」
The Princess of Solara and Prince Javian took the letter of surrender, written in their own blood, and the Jade Seal, traveling to Veridia in person to demonstrate Solara’s sincerity.
The Princess of Solara was wise. If they had fled, it would have given Veridia a perfect excuse to hunt them down and eliminate them, and killing them would have carried no political repercussions.
However, by surrendering willingly, they forced Veridia’s hand. It would be impossible for the emperor to execute a helpless prince and princess under such circumstances without tarnishing his reputation.
The Emperor of Veridia cared more about his reputation than anything else, and this was his weakness. The Princess of Solara had expertly exploited it.
The Princess of Solara in the show was wise, and Melody Monroe’s performance perfectly captured that blend of stoic forbearance and intelligence.
After this scene, they had nearly two weeks of location shoots scheduled. This block of scenes would cover the Princess of Solara and Prince Javian’s journey to Veridia to present the Jade Seal and the letter of surrender.
Melody Monroe quickly removed her costume and makeup, eager to leave the set. Ian was coming to Jansburg today, and since she’d wrapped up so early, she could go home and spend time with him.
...
In late autumn, the Trillium University campus boasted a breathtaking sight. People called it the "reverse spring phenomenon." Along a lengthy main road, there was a particular type of tree that, after shedding all its leaves for the season, would burst into bloom with palm-sized flowers in shades of magenta and pink.
The road had become one of the season’s must-visit hotspots for social media check-ins.
Yasmine Scott and a few of her classmates were on this "influencer road" taking pictures.
Yasmine Scott had over a hundred thousand followers on her personal social media account, where she posted short videos she made. It also served as a form of practical experience for her major.
"Yasmine, we’ve got another collaboration offer, and they’re paying pretty well!" one of her classmates said excitedly, walking over with her phone in hand.
"How much?" Yasmine asked. It was the first time she’d ever shown an interest in the pay.
"It’s just a week’s worth of work for a five-figure payday! Should we take it?"
Normally, Yasmine wouldn’t have cared about that kind of money; her monthly allowance used to be more than that.
"From now on, take any ad deals we get," Yasmine said as she packed up her camera equipment.
"Huh? Our little heiress needs money now?"
"Of course I need the money."
Yasmine Scott left campus and headed to a nearby café. A man in a trench coat was sitting by the window, and he snapped his fingers the moment he saw her.
"Lionel," Yasmine said as she walked over and set down her backpack.
This was Lionel Warren, a senior Yasmine had known since her freshman year.
He had also majored in media studies. After graduating, he’d started his own company—a communications firm on the surface, but a front for private investigation work on the side.
Lionel Warren had been smitten with Yasmine Scott since the moment he first saw her. But her family was even more well-off than his, so he’d never confessed his feelings.
He figured he’d wait until he’d made a name for himself before telling her, sometime after she graduated.
In the two-odd years since his graduation, Yasmine hadn’t dated anyone, so he felt no need to rush things.
"What’s wrong? You look so down. Did someone give you a hard time?" Lionel Warren asked, reaching out to gently pinch her cheek.
Yasmine didn’t pull away from the familiar gesture, letting out a sigh instead.