To demonstrate his loyalty, Raynor brought the group that had survived the ambush by Renly—including Bai Lanxue—under Bai Lanxue’s command to serve her directly.

It was only when he was truly working for Bai Lanxue that Raynor grasped the depth of her resources.

Although Karu was the Supreme Commander of the Interstellar Federation, the military was truly managed by three individuals: Karu, Bai Lanxue’s brother Bai Lanqi, and Bai Lanqi’s close friend.

No matter the time or place, control of the military was the true measure of power.

He suspected that if Karu and Bai Lanxue ever came to blows, Karu might very well be the one to fall.

Raynor finally understood the power struggles brewing within the Interstellar Federation.

Excluding that useless President, Karu and Bai Lanxue represented the two major factions. He surmised that Karu’s involvement with Illyria was a calculated move to leverage Illyria’s Fia forces against Bai Lanxue.

Viewed this way, his alliance with Illyria was not the optimal choice.

He should pledge fealty to Bai Lanxue and then seek an opportunity to swallow up her influence. By then, he wouldn't give a second thought to Illyria, or even ten of her.

Raynor applied himself with ruthless persistence, employing every tactic of soft persuasion and hard pressure, finally securing a position as one of Bai Lanxue’s personal aides. Colleagues who had once mocked him now scrambled to curry favor, calling him ‘brother’ and frequently surrounding him with fawning starlets.

Raynor was no longer the man he used to be. While basking in this newfound status, he hardened his resolve: he wanted more!

Illyria felt the pressure mounting.

After her return, Bai Lanxue’s methods had become overtly arrogant and aggressive. Unwilling to remain suppressed, Illyria prepared to eliminate her, only to discover, upon investigating Bai Lanxue’s background, the terrifying strength of the power backing her.

Illyria had to find an escape route.

After careful consideration, she once again deployed her seductive arts on Karu. After leaving him too drained to leave the bed, she draped an arm around his neck and whispered in his ear, "Help me take the position of Fia Queen, won't you? Then I can help you secure the Presidency later."

Karu had long desired the Presidency, and with the beautiful woman pleading in his arms, his head swam. He immediately agreed: "No problem. But, my little beauty, how will you reward me?"

Illyria pouted and gently tapped his lips with a slender finger. "Won't I help you get the Presidency?"

Karu grinned darkly: "I want more than that."

Illyria feigned annoyance: "Aren't you insatiable?"

Karu lowered his head and kissed her neck. "With you, I am always insatiable. Shall we marry first? Once we’re married, I’ll do anything you ask."

Illyria huffed and turned her back. "You haven't even proposed to me yet!"

Karu was first stunned, then overcome with joy, scooping her up and lifting her high. "You'll marry me? You will marry me!"

Illyria shyly lowered her head and tapped his chest with her index finger: "Idiot."

Regardless of the maneuvering, the wedding between Illyria and Karu was finally set.

The media instantly erupted!

Their union graced the front pages of every major interstellar news outlet.

The public commented universally, "We believe in love again!"

In this interstellar age, marriage was perpetually teetering on the brink of extinction.

Their coupling was hailed by lifestyle media as a fresh tide revitalizing the dying institution of marriage! Military media proclaimed it a union of giants, destined to forge a new order in space!

The Angel Domain, Wolf’s Den, Huaxia Corps, and the Siji Clan House all maintained a wait-and-see attitude. Throughout all of space, only one person was truly ungovernable: Karu’s son, **. Aimanit!

Ignoring the obstructions from the robotic staff, he stormed into Karu’s office, his face contorted in rage: "Dad. How could you—?" Before he could finish, Karu interrupted him, standing up with a smile. "You've come to congratulate your father, haven't you?"

** nearly overturned the desk.

After nearly being maimed by An Junlie previously, he had undergone rigorous training in the fleet, witnessing the brutal reality of interstellar warfare. His perspective had matured, and he was far calmer now. Despite the rising fury, he managed to restrain himself.

He glanced back at the closed door and spat out his words: "Dad, why are you marrying that woman?"

Karu’s face darkened: "What do you mean, 'that woman'?"

** retorted: "She was entangled with hundreds of people back in school, and she’s ruthless! You’re sharing a bed with her! Aren't you afraid she’ll kill you someday?"

Slap—

A sharp, loud sound echoed, and ** staggered back, clutching his cheek.

Karu’s face was black as soot: "I forbid you to speak of her that way! From now on, she is your mother!"

** covered his face, staring at Karu in disbelief. "You hit me for her? You will regret this!" With that, he kicked the door open and stormed out of the office.

Karu’s residual anger flared. Seeing the disarray on his desk sent his temper soaring, and with one sweep of his hand, he knocked everything to the floor, spitting, "Look at the trash I've raised!"

Bai Lanxue had anticipated **'s confrontation with Karu. She had deliberately positioned herself in the transparent glass café adjoining the main hall, waiting for the right moment. Watching him emerge, she casually strolled out of the café, staging a 'chance' meeting with **.

Furious, ** was charging forward, paying no attention to where he was going, and bumped directly into Bai Lanxue, who was just entering.

Bai Lanxue had always maintained an image of gentle warmth in front of **. This time was no different.

She first reacted with a look of 'shock' upon realizing she’d collided with him, then quickly dissolved it into an easy smile, looking at his face: "What's wrong? In such a rush?"

Seeing her, ** felt as if he had run into family, and tears nearly sprang to his eyes: "My dad is marrying Illyria!"

Bai Lanxue inwardly smirked but maintained an air of complete ignorance. "Isn't it good for them to marry? You'll have a mother who can help you."

In his anger, ** blurted out: "Don't mention the word 'mother' to me, it makes me sick!"

Bai Lanxue raised an eyebrow slightly. "Fine, I won't mention it. Don't be sad. Take your warship out and look at space; it’ll lift your spirits."

** looked at her with profound gratitude. "Thank you, Secretary Bai. You are far kinder than my father."

Bai Lanxue merely smiled and remained silent.

Humans!

His father had toiled for twenty years to raise him, yet he felt no gratitude; instead, he was moved by a few random words from someone he randomly met on the street.

This kind of fool—if she didn't take advantage of him, who would she take advantage of?

She offered enthusiastically, "I happen to be going to inspect the fleet right now. Why don't you come along for a look?"

** hesitated briefly, then agreed.

Bai Lanxue hummed inwardly, leading ** toward her warship.

Since ** was currently serving under Bai Lanqi's command and trusted her, Karu’s good days were numbered...

A malicious plan began to form in her mind.

Bai Lanxue was utterly satisfied.

Illyria and Karu’s wedding date arrived quickly.

Karu, ever ostentatious, booked the largest and most opulent hotel in Kolei. In addition to hosting every important figure in the Interstellar Federation, he specifically established an area for foreign guests, laying down a long red carpet and lining up rows of robotic beauties to welcome the leaders of the various corps.

This was a time of tense *** for war.

The situation shifted daily.

To gather the latest battlefield intelligence, the majority of the corps arrived promptly. Major media outlets and their top reporters were all gathered.

General An Junlie of the Angel Corps did not attend; instead, Vice-Commander Renly and the Wolf's Den Combat Director, Red Hair, arrived together. The stunning pair trod the red carpet, soaking up the glare of countless camera flashes.

In attendance were the President of the Interstellar Federation, the Queen of the Siji Clan House, the Combat Director of the Huaxia Corps, the Combat Director of the Siji Clan House, the Deputy Commander of the Moco Corps, the Commander of the Hope Corps, the Foreign Minister of the Tang Sect, and the military liaison for Kaga. Even Stas, the besieged leader of the Unified Department, made a gracious appearance. The scene was even more lively than a Unified Department Corps Conference.

Furthermore, there was a contingent of more mysterious, yet highly influential figures: three assassins from the Tama Pirate Syndicate, the Deputy Commander of the Temme Pirate Fleet and two of his ferocious subordinates, the Secretary-General of the Siyatu Pirate Alliance, and five mercenaries from the Teutonic Mercenary Group...

Kolei Hotel’s intrinsic security was not formidable, but with the arrival of leaders from every major corps, it instantly became the most secure location in the entire galaxy.

With so many high-ranking officials present, the sheer number of spies and assassins created a precarious equilibrium; no one dared to shatter it.

The time neared 12 o’clock.

Illyria sat backstage in her wedding gown, waiting quietly.

Her gown was sheer, meticulously studded with fine diamonds. Her undergarments alone were worth a million credits, paired with opulent jewelry, walking the razor's edge between provocative and scandalous. When the lights hit the dense diamond clusters, the resulting gleam was almost blinding.

Illyria had bridesmaids and sisters, but at this moment, only robots from the Mengya Group were by her side.

She wanted solitude.

Only when alone did she feel secure.

She understood better than anyone what this marriage symbolized. In other words, marriage meant absolutely nothing to her.

However, since Karu desired it, acting out their little performance was acceptable.

She used her gloved finger to lightly tap a light screen, watching the live feed that displayed countless leaders, some she recognized, many she did not.

Illyria smiled with confidence. Today, she was the centerpiece.

She was very pleased with that fact.

Just then, the door chimed.

The dutiful robot opened it.

Illyria frowned in annoyance, about to chastise the intruder, but when she looked up, she froze.

The visitor was Raynor.

Raynor strode in wearing an expensive, bespoke three-piece suit, his expression stern. But the moment his eyes locked on Illyria, a predatory gleam ignited within them.

Illyria was breathtakingly beautiful today!

Raynor approached her as if entranced. The more exquisite she looked, the harder it became to suppress the rage churning within him. This beautiful woman should have been his, yet today she was becoming another man’s wife!

Illyria frowned. "This is not a place you should be. Leave."

Raynor laughed mockingly. "You tell me to leave, do you?" He extended a finger and gently traced her cheekbone. Illyria snatched his finger, snapping angrily, "What are you doing?"

Raynor leaned in close, blowing softly into her ear, "What do you think?" He followed this by deftly sliding his fingers down to her proud bosom and delivering a sharp, quick flick, eliciting a soft moan from Illyria before she could voice her anger.

-(To be continued...)RT