275.3: Extra 2
After saying this, Nina compassionately handed a handkerchief to Lucian.
"Here you are."
The Cat Beastmen Empress who had looked noble despite her simple clothing when getting off the carriage now looked truly pitiful...
Nina knew this wasn't the time to have the honor guard welcome this empress in the previous manner...
If they welcomed this Cat Beastmen Empress who had completely lost her royal dignity with the same grandeur as before, it would probably only appear ridiculous...
"After you've taken care of yourself, I'll take you directly into the palace to see Her Majesty Iron Emperor..."
After helping her hastily clean up the milk stains on her body, Nina dismissed the honor guard and led her into the Iron Palace...
And all of this was seen by Alexandra, who was observing outside with magic...
...
"Master... this empress seems to have a very poor relationship with her daughter. Please be careful later."
After Alexandra heard Nina's voice transmission, Lucian, who looked to be in extremely poor condition, walked in with an awkward smile.
Seeing Alexandra and feeling that terrifying aura, Lucian first bowed.
"Your Majesty Iron Emperor, good health to you."
Alexandra just smiled and replied:
"And to you as well."
...
After Alexandra replied, the air fell into silence.
Soon, understanding in her heart that Alexandra definitely knew what had just happened, Lucian smiled awkwardly:
"I... I have made a fool of myself before you..."
Alexandra smiled elegantly and comforted her:
"It's nothing. Your Cat Beastmen are skilled at divination. I think you know that I, like you, is also a mother."
"I can understand you."
"If my daughter treated me like that, my performance probably wouldn't be much better than yours."
Lucian lowered her head and said timidly:
"How would I dare divine Your Majesty's fate..."
Alexandra smiled.
Facing the Iron Empire with its powerful military, Lucian's performance before her was quite prudent.
She had already investigated this Cat Beastmen Empress long ago.
She had assumed the empress position when the previous Cat Beastmen emperor died at the hands of the Demon Clan, and afterward had done well with both internal conflicts and military preparations.
Especially during power struggles, the ruthlessness she displayed truly earned Alexandra's recognition.
But Alexandra truly hadn't expected that she, who was as full of wisdom and determination as herself, would perform like this in front of her own daughter.
Alexandra brought Lucian to her reception table, sat down and smiled:
"It's just divination, what's the big deal? I don't believe in fate anyway."
After hearing Alexandra's words, Lucian again lowered her head:
"Your Majesty Iron Emperor's spirit truly earns my admiration..."
"Alright, stop flattering me."
Alexandra smiled and interrupted her.
"I already had messengers tell you during pre-diplomatic contact that the Iron Empire isn't the Demon Clan. Unless necessary, we absolutely won't interfere in your internal affairs."
"There's no need to be so formal with me."
Alexandra smiled again at the head-lowered Lucian:
"You know, I've always admired you."
"After taking power, you internally stabilized the Cat Beastmen's upper echelon, completed the monopolization of violence and power, and externally secured an environment favorable to the Cat Beastmen's survival. Although you used some underhanded methods, you indeed protected the Cat Beastmen under the northern continent's chaos and the Demon Clan's powerful military threat..."
Hearing Alexandra's words, Lucian's head lowered more and more...
Indeed, this was the Iron Empire's intelligence capability...
Things she had originally thought were absolutely secret had all been obtained by this woman so quickly...
Compared to the Demon Clan that was only militarily powerful, this woman was probably even more terrifying...
Thinking of this, Lucian said in a trembling voice:
"Your Majesty truly overpraises me... Everything I've done is truly insignificant before your wisdom..."
Seeing Lucian's frightened appearance, Alexandra just smiled slightly.
"Don't be afraid. I said the Iron Empire isn't the Demon Clan. As long as you don't do anything too excessive, even if you inadvertently offend me privately, I absolutely won't do anything to you."
While speaking, Alexandra stood up.
The pleasantries were about done; now it was time to get to business.
She walked to the wine cabinet, took down a bottle of red wine, returned to the table and smiled at Lucian:
"Come, you probably haven't tasted human wine yet."
"I heard that your Cat Beastmen can use divination abilities after drinking. I invited you here precisely for this."
Looking at Lucian who didn't dare raise her head, Alexandra smiled as she poured her a glass of wine.
She wanted to see what the future of herself and humanity would be like in the Cat Beastmen's prophecy.
"Come, Lord Lucian, please use your ability on me."
"Then... I shall respectfully comply..."
Although afraid of this female emperor who could destroy the country she had risked everything to protect with just a few words, under her command Lucian had no choice but to drink the red wine.
Alexandra smiled and asked:
"How is it? The taste isn't bad, right?"
Lucian answered in a trembling voice:
"Very... very good..."
Under extreme tension, Lucian felt the fine wine she had just drunk was as tasteless as plain water.
Just thinking that she would soon have to divine this female emperor's future made Lucian feel incredibly nervous.
If the future wasn't good, what should she say...
If she lied, the other party would definitely see through it immediately.
But if she spoke directly, would she destroy the Cat Beastmen nation in a fit of rage...
(╥﹏╥)
"Relax, relax... I don't believe in it anyway, just tell me the divination results directly."
Looking at the cat girl trembling before her, Alexandra smiled somewhat helplessly.
Except for her daughter Elashia, almost everyone showed extreme fear when first meeting her due to her innate aura.
Alexandra was already used to it...
"Then... I thank Your Majesty for your kindness..."
"I... offend you..."
After drinking the wine, Lucian closed her eyes and a purple mysterious magic circle appeared in her hands.
Many things about Alexandra's past and future simultaneously appeared before her eyes...
"You and your daughter... ah!"
Lucian suddenly screamed and collapsed to the ground.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her reaction, Alexandra immediately rushed over, a dark green magic circle surging in her hands.
With just one look, she knew Lucian's soul had suffered severe shock.
Fortunately, Alexandra was an expert in soul magic, and she quickly healed Lucian's soul.
"Your Majesty... please forgive my discourtesy..."
Seeing Lucian quickly regain consciousness, Alexandra said somewhat apologetically:
"I'm truly sorry... I really didn't know this would happen..."
"Next time the Iron Empire needs laborers, we'll prioritize the Cat Beastmen..."
However, what Alexandra didn't expect was that Lucian, having regained consciousness, suddenly shed tears and said to her:
"Your Majesty... you and your daughter have such a good relationship..."