The so-called father-daughter affection never existed in her world, yet she still repaid it with her loyalty and life.

Hannah was right, she didn’t owe the imperial family anything anymore.

It was they who owed her.

Thousands of battles, life and death at stake, for the ambitions of the imperial family, she had been waging wars ceaselessly, without a moment’s rest.

Leaving the palace, Wayne Lane was once again pestered by Emma.

Being a princess, every time she went out, she was always dressed in the most lavish and expensive attire.

The gemstone around her neck was worth more than a small planet.

All these were once spoils of war.

Won by Hannah, yet she didn’t get a share; she was always in the simplest attire, even the initial mech she used was the unwanted leftover by others.

"Wayne Lane, I called you, why aren’t you speaking?"

Emma stepped forward, grabbing Wayne Lane’s hand hanging by his side, her face full of innocent joy.

Wayne Lane silently withdrew his hand and placed it behind his back, speaking indifferently, "What orders does the Princess have?"

He bowed slightly as he greeted her.

Emma, upset, stomped her foot, "Wayne Lane! Why are you being so distant with me? You used to call me Tiffany!"

They had grown up together since childhood, Wayne Lane and Sheffield Benedict were selected by their families to be companions for the princess.

In the royal family, this was an honor of the highest esteem.

Because imperial power was supreme, as the first princess, Emma would eventually inherit her father’s power.

But for Wayne Lane and Sheffield Benedict, this wasn’t their choice.

They didn’t have a choice.

Wayne Lane still wore his perennially cold expression, his words particularly chilly, "In the palace, one cannot overstep their status."

He deliberately maintained a distance.

Emma failed to hear the implication, taking it as Wayne Lane being too mindful of etiquette, "Wayne Lane, we’ve grown up together since we were young, no need for such formalities. Can’t you call me Tiffany just like before?"

Speaking so, her cheeks reddened, looking as though she was stricken by the feelings of spring, unable to conceal it.

"Wayne Lane, my mother has already spoken to me about our... marriage."

Wayne Lane frowned slightly, looking at the shy figure before him, he couldn’t help but finally say, "Emma, I only think of you as a sister."

Emma’s eyes widened in shock as she looked into Wayne Lane’s eyes, the smile at her lips immediately fading, "Wayne Lane, what do you mean by that?"

"I..."

"Do you dislike me?" Emma didn’t give Wayne Lane a chance to explain, her eyes welling up instantly, "We’ve grown up together; you’ve always been so kind to me. I thought I was different."

Over the years, the entire imperial family knew they were the best match.

Princess, commander.

In terms of status, what was not suitable?

"Or is it that you, Wayne Lane, have someone you like?"

Wayne Lane remained silent, not answering.

Emma’s expression struggled to maintain composure, her fingernails dug into her palm, yet her voice remained gentle, "Wayne Lane, let’s not talk about this matter today."

She knew when to stop.

Anyway, as long as her father nodded in agreement regarding the marriage, Wayne Lane naturally wouldn’t be able to refuse.

Since she was young, she understood that Wayne Lane was the most suitable man for her. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

As for the rest...

Emma smiled, masking the emotions in her eyes, still maintaining an appearance of pure and delicate charm, "Wayne Lane, would you accompany me for a walk outside?"

She stepped forward to affectionately grasp his hand.

Wayne Lane stepped back to avoid her, hands still held behind his back.