Chapter 830

Chapter 830: The Tiny Cake

In the room on top of the high tower, the curtains fluttered in the night wind, making rustling sounds.

The books spread out on the table, their pages flipping in the breeze, added to the quiet atmosphere of the room with a rustling sound.

As the nominal highest-ranking person in the empire at present, Red Queen Lily was sitting at the table lost in thought, gazing at the myriad lights in the imperial capital outside the window.

She wasn’t particularly fond of reading and studying, but now, isolated and helpless, she could only hope that the book might provide some possible answers.

After Emperor Edelman’s sudden death, many of the emperor’s powers had shifted to her. But this power was like a beautiful glassware, pretty but extremely fragile.

People dared not defy the supreme emperor, but faced with this young queen who lacked background, strength, and even seniority, they inevitably harbored some contempt.

If they believed the command given by the ministers was appropriate, they might comply. But if they felt the command was inappropriate or lacked strong justification, they would express their doubts. Although this wasn’t direct resistance, if Lily couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation, they would constantly dwell on it, even paying lip service while acting against it.

“Your Majesty, it’s late.”

In the candlelit room, a maid in black and white uniform entered quietly, reminding the frail queen.

Lily was startled at first, then relaxed when she saw the familiar figure.

“It’s Venna,” Lily recognized the maid, who had been designated by Edelman before his death, someone who had served him for a long time and could be trusted.

“I can’t sleep,” Lily said.

She stood up and walked to the window, feeling the night breeze. She wore a red and pink nightgown, exuding a gentle elegance.

“Prince Edlen will be back soon.”

“Although he is the emperor’s brother, I find it hard to fully trust him, especially with the temptation of the throne,” Lily confided.

“But currently he is the regent. Even I have no reason to stop him from entering the imperial capital. And if he doesn’t come, both you and Phedrin might be in greater danger,” Lily explained, knowing that many old nobles in the capital were dissatisfied with the late emperor.

“Then please try to trust Prince Edlen. Actually, I’ve served both princes since childhood, and I believe Prince Edlen isn’t the type to be cold-hearted,” the maid reassured her.

“I know, but the unease in my heart isn’t easily controlled,” Lily shook her head.

“Let me be alone for a moment.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the maid left quietly, continuing to guard outside the door.

The room fell silent again. Lily sighed and sat back at the table, supporting her head as she looked at the letters. Some were from nobles expressing their loyalty, others from generals showing their allegiance. Though all expressed loyalty and praise, Lily knew little about these people and found it difficult to discern their true intentions.

Edelman had supported a large number of military nobles after ascending the throne. These were loyal supporters of the new emperor. Originally, even if Edelman passed away, they would support his descendants. Unfortunately, everything happened too suddenly. Their child was just a year old, and it would take years before they could ascend the throne. Moreover, Lily was weak and lacked support, while Prince Edlen was still in his prime.

According to the empire’s past legal principles, he should rightfully ascend the throne, being Edelman’s brother. With Edelman’s death, his ascension would be easy, even for conservative old nobles.

But this made Lily’s position awkward. She wasn’t greedy for power, but as queen, she had heard many historical stories. Once Edlen ascended, her life and that of her child would depend on his whim.

Unable to think of a good solution, Lily sighed again in the candlelight and prepared to leave. If Phedrin woke up, he would cry again. The one-year-old prince was still very attached to his mother.

Just as she was about to blow out the candle, the flame flickered, and a figure appeared faintly in the room, then slowly solidified.

“You… are Sister Loran,” Lily started, then exclaimed with joy and surprise.

Fortunately, Loran Hill had set up a soundproof barrier beforehand, preventing the maids outside from coming in.

“It’s been a while, Lily.”

Loran Hill’s figure gradually solidified, standing in front of Lily. She wore a black and blue dress today, with a witch’s hat, appearing mysterious and enchanting.

“I’m not dreaming, right? It really is Loran,” Lily looked at the unchanged black-haired girl in disbelief, whose appearance and posture remained as they were ten years ago at school.

“It’s really me. If you don’t believe me, ask about our school days,” Loran Hill stretched her finger, and deep red light particles floated in the air, her pupils turning a gorgeous red.

With a light turn of her finger, these deep red light particles condensed into several familiar figures, rotating, interacting, and running around, exactly like the familiar group from ten years ago: Bumansa, Lily, Ye Ling, Vimya, Loran, Alena, Letis, and Nia.

“Now do you believe?” Loran Hill smiled mischievously, her emotions more lively than usual due to her demonic sequence.

“It’s really Loran,” Lily’s eyes filled with tears, then she hugged her, which made Loran Hill feel a bit embarrassed, realizing she shouldn’t tease her former companion.

“Yes, it’s me,” Loran Hill hugged Lily, gently comforting her.

“Huh, Lily still cries easily,” Ye Ling’s voice echoed in the room, and the dragon maiden appeared from the illusion, looking at Lily crying in Loran Hill’s arms.

“Mm, stupid Ye Ling is here too,”

Lily wiped her tears and looked at her familiar yet strange roommate. In school, her best friends were Ye Ling and Alena.

“I came to see silly Lily,” Ye Ling said haughtily, then suddenly grabbed Lily’s waist.

“Giggles, let me go, it tickles,” Lily struggled laughingly, and they played around for a while.

“So many years have passed, and Lily is still about the same height as me,” Ye Ling compared her height with Lily’s, feeling happy.

“Don’t talk about heights. Besides, I’m wearing slippers now. If I put on my regular shoes, I’d definitely be taller,” Lily responded, puffing out her cheeks as if slightly annoyed.

Even though she now has a child, Lily is still in her twenties and has only been queen for two years, retaining much of her youthful innocence.

“If you say so, I could transform into a dragon and crush you,” Ye Ling replied, crossing her arms.

“I’m much stronger now. Even Eruo wouldn’t necessarily beat me now,” Ye Ling patted her chest proudly. Back when they graduated from the high tower school, Eruo, the little dragon, had been a long-time top contender, reminiscent of Xingliu.

Watching these two interact, Loran Hill felt that Lily’s original sorrow had been alleviated significantly.

It’s great, thank goodness I brought Ye Ling along this time. Otherwise, comforting Lily alone wouldn’t have such a good effect.

Then, Loran Hill took out a temporary maple wood wand from behind her. With a casual wave, the papers and books on the table flew up, neatly arranging themselves on a nearby shelf. Then, a rich and colorful dinner was laid out on the table. In the center, a three-tiered maple tree cake emitted a colorful aura, with small orange fruits adorning the chocolate trees, and a few cute words written on the bottom layer.

“Happy birthday, Lily.”

(The End)