The villain queen eavesdropped on my inner thoughts and won't let me lie down?

Outside the conference room, Roger stroked the character '正' (zheng - meaning correct, but here used as a tally mark), a strange expression on his face, and responded with a 'Yes'.

Immediately afterward, a smile involuntarily crept onto the corner of his lips.

The Eternal Night Empress had invited him for afternoon tea, without any proper reason.

This sudden invitation made Roger unable to resist wild thoughts.

The Eternal Night Empress clearly had workaholic tendencies. His interactions with her were either in cabinet meetings, discussing political affairs, or simply observing her on the battlefield.

In short, she was always busy or on her way to being busy.

Roger naturally wouldn't dare to request an audience with Her Majesty for idle chatter; that would be using his sister's influence, and he'd be slapped to death by her.

That's why he was so surprised when he saw the Eternal Night Empress's message.

It was a notification for him to come to the Maple Spirit Shadow Palace, with the content being just two words: 'Have tea'.

So, was this simply having tea, or was it using tea as an excuse for a casual chat, or was it using tea and chatting as an excuse to simply take a look at him?

Hmm, it must be simple, I haven't changed color!

If that's the case, would this count as more contact? Apart from the superior-subordinate relationship, was there a little bit of... a possibility of friendship?

Roger pondered his relationship with Her Majesty, and it seemed like there was a sign of taking a small step forward?

Suddenly, the silly smile on Roger's lips vanished, replaced by a look of horror:

【Crap, I've been wasting time here thinking nonsense; I should go to the appointment immediately!】

That was the Empress's invitation! Instead of going directly, he was thinking wildly here...

There could be no more foolish behavior than this!

He hurriedly stepped hard on his travel shoe insoles, teleporting to the coordinates for which the Eternal Night Empress had temporarily granted him access.

......

......

Maple Spirit Shadow Palace.

The afternoon sun was perfect, and in the verdant courtyard, the Eternal Night Empress sat on a swing, her toes lightly touching the ground, her body swaying gently with the vines.

She held a biography of the third headmaster of the Royal Magic Academy, reading quietly and unhurriedly, occasionally revealing a thoughtful expression.

This headmaster wasn't particularly strong, and he didn't have any outstanding achievements during his tenure.

But he had one specialty: he was particularly good at enlightening students with poor magical talent, raising them to heights they shouldn't have reached.

In short, he was a headmaster who could raise the lower limit of apprentices.

The Eternal Night Empress hadn't read this biography before; she had only come across it by chance and added it to her reading list.

Subconsciously, she was already worried about the growth in strength of a certain useless younger brother, wanting to find some inspiration from the successes of predecessors.

Strength is not only the basis for serving the empire but also the basis for his safety.

In front of her was an oak round table, with a pot of tea and two plates of snacks on it.

The Empress touched the temperature of the teapot, and her eyebrows twitched.

The water was already cold; why hadn't that guy arrived yet?

He wouldn't have agreed so readily and then stood Her Majesty up, would he?

The Eternal Night Empress became a little displeased, and her usual confidence felt a little shaky.

Indeed, even as the Empress, there was no reason to suddenly invite a subject for afternoon tea without any explanation...

He must be finishing up the work at hand before coming, after all, she was just an Empress...

Something didn't seem right! How dare he stand up a dignified Empress's invitation?

Magical light flickered on her hand, and the water temperature returned to the perfect heat for making tea.

Also to the temperature that would definitely hurt if splashed on someone's face.

Just then, a spatial gate opened in front of her.

At the coordinates she had authorized for teleportation, currently only one person had permission.

Chapter 99: Are you learning this to defend against Me?

Roger stepped out of the spatial gate and bowed apologetically to the Eternal Night Empress:

"Your Majesty, I was delayed because I was waiting for the teleportation item's cooldown."

【I can't tell her that I was late for the date because I spent too much time trying to figure out her intentions...】

The Eternal Night Empress, hearing the inconsistent explanation and inner thoughts, immediately understood the whole story and couldn't help but smile.

She picked up the teapot that she had originally prepared to throw directly and poured a cup of tea for Roger herself.

It could only be said that he was true to himself.

Forget it, she wouldn't bother with a coward like him if he didn't overthink.

Considering that he had told her a joke, she wouldn't hold it against him.

"It's fine, it's good that you're here," she said, pushing the teacup towards Roger.

Roger felt like he had escaped a disaster, took it with trepidation, and asked, "I wonder why Your Majesty has invited me here?"

Her eyes drooped slightly: "There's nothing to order. It's just that I've figured out some things and wanted to find some of the lazy feelings of the past, inviting Fourth Brother to add to the atmosphere."

Roger was surprised.

She had really let go, able to mention the Fourth Prince so calmly? No longer spending Q?

Because that memory was too painful, Roger's impression was also very deep. He took the opportunity to switch to the Fourth Prince's cynical tone and deliberately asked, "The atmosphere that Little Sister wants doesn't include stabbing Fourth Brother to death, does it?"

"Bah!"

The Eternal Night Empress was a little annoyed and scolded, "If you really want to experience it, I can save you even if you die dozens of times now."

Theoretically, Roger had made a slightly excessive joke.

But the Eternal Night Empress found that she wasn't angry. On the contrary, after the joke, she became more relaxed.

Because her Fourth Brother was such a guy who could nonchalantly mock his own wounds.

If he really was reborn and was willing to say that, it would mean that he had completely forgiven her.

Even though Roger had his face, the tone and demeanor made the Empress feel so familiar.

With him around, it was as if she had really found the feeling of the former Azure Vine Little Princess.

If the heart demon domain was a farewell, now it was like a reunion in another space-time, as beautiful as a dream.

True or false, who could tell the difference?

This was a misalignment and comfort that only the two who had experienced those multiple nightmares could understand.

Roger could endure the pain of death for her, but that didn't mean he liked that feeling. He quickly said, "Seeing blood would be too anticlimactic. I'll replace wine with tea to toast Little Sister's establishment of such a large empire."

"I also hope Fourth Brother likes such an empire."

The Eternal Night Empress blinked and clinked glasses with Roger.

Then the two looked at each other and laughed at the same time.

She thought, he was the only one in this empire who could be so unserious.

He thought, her smile, so pure and without pressure, was truly beautiful.

The Empress, who was busy with a myriad of affairs, occasionally stealing half a day of leisure, wasn't bad, was it?

Pretending to drink tea, the Empress hid her smug little expression.

She had been praised again!

Master Tai was right; a bad woman's sudden purity and a junior's sudden charm are addictive poisons.

The Eternal Night Empress put down her teacup, feeling that the opening atmosphere was good, and continued to maintain a fairly casual tone as she asked, "What preparations do you have for tomorrow night's celebration?"

Roger smiled: "I'm not in charge, but Sister should have prepared the clothes and everything. Anyway, I'm not the main character; I'll just show my face."

He wasn't interested in the noble stuff. He had been running between the military and the Drinking Ice Manor these past two days and was too lazy to consider these details.

The Eternal Night Empress felt slightly displeased.

This was the first ball I've personally attended in so many years, and I've specially prepared a dress, but you don't take it seriously?

Is having a sister so great? Huh!?

But I don't know if Angelina has prepared a good-looking dress for him, whether it matches mine, whether I should send another set to Charles's mansion...

Cough, what am I thinking?

It's as if I want to dance with him, want to be seen with him!

The Eternal Night Empress sarcastically mocked, "How are you not the main character? Marquis Lacapas, who has made immortal contributions and is a newly emerging powerhouse, will definitely be the main character at the celebration, welcomed by noble girls."

Roger frowned, suddenly remembering those noble girls who had been flirting with him madly at the previous conferment ceremony...

【That's right, those boring women were already eagerly trying to get close to the useless younger brother.】

【Now that I've become famous in the Battle of Serena City, coupled with the 《Long Live the Queen》 report's hype, having war merits and the aura of a powerhouse, those women will only be even more eager to hook a golden turtle (rich and powerful husband), right?】

He spread his hands helplessly: "Forget it, wouldn't it be okay if I just didn't go?"

The Eternal Night Empress first affirmed his attitude of being uninterested in those noble girls.

This showed that this Empress's charm was still online, that under her light, he had lost interest in those vulgar women.

But.

The Eternal Night Empress said in an unquestionable tone: "Of course not. You are the hero of this battle, a role model for the military, so you definitely can't be absent."

Although I didn't want to dance with you, if I'm in a good mood and want to dance the opening dance, I'll need a suitable partner, right?

Rommel is already very tired; I can't add more tasks for him.

Roger didn't answer, lowered his head to add tea to the two's cups, which was considered a default to the Empress's statement.

Even if he wasn't interested, he understood that it was impossible not to go to such an important triumphal celebration.

To integrate into an environment, one must compromise and adapt.

《New Arcana》 and magical industrialization couldn't be accomplished by him alone. Taking advantage of the celebration to gain prestige was a necessary step.

As long as he adjusted his mindset well, everything could be laid flat!

I must be calm, I must be detached—

The Eternal Night Empress saw the aggrieved expression on his face and glared at him: "This is a wonderful night that countless noble children are looking forward to. How can you be so unwilling? A dance might be a romantic encounter, you should cherish the opportunity."

"To be fair, yes. But I refuse!" Roger said firmly.

"Don't refuse!" The Eternal Night Empress subconsciously ordered.

Roger: "???"

【No way, Your Majesty, are you even in charge of this? Can't you give your subject's dick a break?】

The Eternal Night Empress realized she had said the wrong thing. She had subconsciously substituted herself too deeply and gave a stress response after being rejected.

Moreover, it was just a dance; I didn't ask you to use that organ!

But to avoid suspicion and cause more suspicion, she could only bite the bullet and say:

"Roger, think about it, when a girl invites you, she must have mustered her courage, thought it over, and done a lot of psychological preparation before making the decision, right? If you refuse bluntly without giving face, wouldn't you hurt her heart? Leave a psychological shadow on her? What if she develops social anxiety in the future?"

"What does that have to do with me?" Roger rolled his eyes. "First of all, you can't rule out the existence of sea demons who cast a wide net, inviting all high-value targets. Even if there is the situation that Your Majesty is talking about, shouldn't such things be based on mutual affection?

Everyone is an adult and must be responsible for their own actions. Just because someone is a woman doesn't mean that she should always think about preferential treatment, that all of humanity must give way to her and follow her wishes, and that there is an obligation to spoil her. If you impulsively challenge a target beyond your level and are killed, do you have to blame me for being too strong?"

"You... as an empire's gentleman, you must have manners!"

"Manners can't be eaten."

"Are you not afraid of being single for the rest of your life if you're so straightforward?"

"Not afraid!"