To break free from the control of those people as soon as possible, and to become the Queen of Fiia soon, Ilìya clenched her fists tightly; she had come this far, with no room for retreat!

She had to succeed!

Thirteen-Universe, hmph, let this jumping clown frolic a little longer.

That afternoon, Thirteen-Universe brought back the two robots she had designated: b76877 and f94355.

The robots were very well-behaved. As soon as they arrived before Ilìya, they immediately bowed deeply to greet her.

Ilìya contentedly pinched b76877’s cheek. b76877 immediately adopted a shy posture, feigning reluctance: “Master, that stings a little.”

Thirteen-Universe shuddered in disgust on the spot.

—Can’t look!

Damn it, Sprout Group, what kind of configuration did they give the male robots? It’s an embarrassment to men!

A faint smile played on Ilìya’s lips as she used her fingertips to lift b76877’s face, giving a thumbs-up. “Not bad, it fits my aesthetic perfectly.”

Thirteen-Universe lowered his eyelids, hiding his emotions. When he raised them again, his deceitful smile was back. “Although the robots are good, they are robots after all, not comparable to humans. The costumer should be here soon. Shall we prepare our attire for the evening banquet first?”

Ilìya reached out and squeezed b76877’s chest, laughing brilliantly. “It’s fine, we still have some time. This robot feels soft and real to the touch, a rare gem. I recall this group also produced quite a few soft-girl robots; which model do you prefer? I can order one as a gift for you.”

Thirteen-Universe was extremely awkward.

The Sprout Group’s female robots were indeed very soft and omni-talented. One particular model, modified by underground black market dealers to excel at coquetry, massage, and sexual intimacy, sold exceptionally well. He kept a pirated version for private use, having just bought a genuine one when ordering robots for Ilìya, so he could use the authentic version in public.

When Ilìya mentioned it, he felt his little secret had been exposed and nearly wanted to silence her on the spot. Ilìya turned her face and planted a loud kiss on b76877’s cheek, shaking with laughter. “I understand.”

Thirteen-Universe was about to offer a few defenses.

But the costumer had just arrived.

He had no choice but to retract the words he was about to speak and let the costumer handle Ilìya’s attire.

Watching him turn and walk out of the room through the mirror, Ilìya smiled slightly, a cold, chilling expression on her face.

She had grown up attending large and small banquets, moving through them like a fish in water.

Tonight, she had no intention of necessarily winning anyone over.

Her goal was to make Thirteen-Universe believe she was merely a woman with looks but no substance, one who not only played coy with humans but didn’t even spare robots.

Once the banquet began that evening, she flirted with everyone, even managing to engage the Crown Prince Ning Lu. Eventually, she left the venue with a man who was secretly her subordinate, leaving a deeply frustrated Thirteen-Universe behind.

Sometimes, Thirteen-Universe couldn't figure it out: he was clearly no worse than anyone else present. Why did Ilìya flirt so openly, even going so far as to solicit robots, yet never show any interest in him?!

Was he truly that inadequate?

Thirteen-Universe grew more frustrated the more he thought about it, suddenly yearning to go back and hug his pirated G-series little girl.

For several consecutive days, Ilìya mingled in various banquets, indulging in eating, drinking, and merrymaking. She was having the time of her life.

Thirteen-Universe stayed by her side, seeing nothing improper in her actions, so he continued to report her every move to his superior as usual. Her superior was Ilìya’s father, Ferigner. Ferigner was not pleased with the report. He said, “It’s best if she doesn’t make any moves. Over these next few days, you must intentionally introduce her to the people I have arranged.”

—Use her for a political marriage, pull all useful people to his side as support. Fiia would sooner or later become his domain!

Ferigner gazed out the window at the mechas gliding past, bearing the crest of the Fiia noble house, and slowly clenched his fist.

In truth, Ilìya was also anxious.

Kaga had emailed her, inviting her to attend the Mecha Competition Awards Ceremony in two days, complete with an address, and added that she could call a hotline anytime if needed.

Speaking of which, she was terribly depressed!

Although the runner-up team received fewer invitations than the champion team, they still got quite a few. It was hateful that Ferigner had dragged her back to Fiia, preventing her from making timely contact with the legions that had extended invitations, wasting precious opportunities.

Worse, she had been monitored too closely by Thirteen-Universe lately, making it impossible to achieve any significant breakthrough in the social scene, which made her feel like vomiting blood.

And Peizhe, for some reason, wasn't answering her comms.

If she couldn’t attend the awards ceremony, she was sure to face criticism again.

Ilìya felt a headache coming on. Seeing Thirteen-Universe walking toward her again, she pretended not to notice, sought out an acquaintance for some flirtatious mingling, and used the opportunity to secure a private room to slip out of Thirteen-Universe’s sight.

Once inside the room, Ilìya immediately went cold. She sat on the sofa and extended her hand to her acquaintance-subordinate. “Lend me your comm. Mine is being monitored.”

The subordinate didn't hesitate, placing his comm before her.

She opened the comm and dialed the number for the Kaga competition organizer. “I am Ilìya, captain of the runner-up team. I am currently at home and unable to travel by ship. Could you please dispatch a ship to pick me up? I will cover the cost.”

The organizer laughed. “All travel expenses for contestants are covered by Kaga. We apologize for assuming you were at the academy and not realizing your current location. Please provide the exact coordinates and address; Kaga will dispatch a ship to meet you tomorrow.”

This was exactly the result Ilìya wanted. She happily provided the address and coordinates, confirmed the arrival time of the ship, and hung up with satisfaction.

If she returned to the academy alone, Ferigner definitely wouldn't allow it. But if Kaga dispatched a ship, even if Ferigner was unwilling, he couldn't stop it.

She basically knew everyone she could contact and had confirmed potential partners. Once she was back at the academy and free from Fiia’s control, no one would be able to stop her!

Now, her only complication was Peizhe.

Ilìya leaned back on the sofa, wanting to sigh, but realizing the revolution was not yet complete, she forcibly swallowed the breath back down. “I asked you to check on Peizhe’s condition. Did you find out anything?”

The subordinate nodded and said in a low voice, “Please accept my condolences, Great Miss.”

Ilìya shot up instantly. “What did you say?”

The subordinate kept his head down. “I am sorry, Great Miss. By the time I found the news, Peizhe had already passed away after unsuccessful resuscitation.”

Ilìya froze on the spot, her body going utterly cold.

Peizhe died after resuscitation failed?

What a colossal joke!

He had survived those most difficult times; how could he possibly die from unsuccessful resuscitation?!

She roared internally, screaming hysterically.

She needed an outlet.

Lately, the places where she could vent had become increasingly scarce, so few that she swallowed all her hatred, letting it corrode her body and mind until she rotted away.

Peizhe had actually passed away.

-(To be continued...)