The next morning, warm sunlight streamed through the window, spilling onto the dining table.

Su Yaoyao, Bai Lian, Reg, and Pani sat around the table, enjoying their breakfast.

Su Yaoyao’s gaze was slightly apprehensive as it swept over the three men’s faces. After a moment of hesitation, she finally mustered her courage and spoke. "Um... I want to make a trip to the Imperial City."

Bai Lian, who had been gracefully cutting the food on his plate, paused. He then looked up, a gentle smile on his face, and said softly, "Alright. I’ll make the necessary arrangements at the base. We’ll leave for the Imperial City tomorrow."

Su Yaoyao quickly waved her hands, her tone apologetic. "There’s no need to rush, it’s alright. I don’t want my decision to cause too much trouble for everyone."

Reg chimed in from the side, his expression eager and sincere. "It’s no trouble. I’ve also been looking forward to getting to the Imperial City quickly to register our marriage."

Upon hearing this, a blush instantly spread across Su Yaoyao’s cheeks, and she shyly lowered her head.

Pani, meanwhile, was worried that Su Yaoyao wouldn’t take him along, which would mean he’d be separated from Yaoyao.

His eyes immediately reddened, and tears welled up in his big, watery pink eyes. He stared pleadingly at Su Yaoyao, his fluffy rabbit ears drooping, and his voice held a begging tone:

"Yaoyao, please take me with you. I’m a doctor. I can take care of you."

Seeing Pani’s pitiful appearance, and remembering that he was in his mating season and couldn’t be away from her, Su Yaoyao’s heart ached and she quickly agreed. "I’ll take you, I’ll take you! You’re all coming. You’re all the most important people to me. How could I ever leave you behind?"

Hearing this, the three grown men’s hearts all felt warm and fuzzy.

But when Su Yaoyao saw their expressions, she was filled with confusion and couldn’t help but ask, "Why aren’t any of you surprised?" It was as if they had known all along that she wanted to go to the Imperial City.

The reason, of course, was that every night the three men transformed into cute pets to stay by her side.

Reg was taken aback at her question, then he unnaturally scratched his head, trying to hide his inner panic.

Pani, like a child who had done something wrong, guiltily avoided Su Yaoyao’s searching gaze.

Bai Lian cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence. "Didn’t we say before that we would go to the Imperial City to register your identity information once your injuries healed?"

Only then did it dawn on Su Yaoyao. She nodded vigorously. "Oh, right."

The men quickly finished their breakfast and hurried off to their respective areas of responsibility, busying themselves with arranging various matters.

Su Yaoyao didn’t stay idle either. She used the remaining time to comfort as many soldiers as she could, clearing their Rage Value.

Early the next morning, as dawn broke, everyone was diligently checking their equipment and supplies for the trip.

Su Yaoyao followed Bai Lian to the landing pad. Reg and Pani were already waiting for them on the Flying Ship.

In an instant, an enormous Flying Ship came into view. She couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath, her eyes filled with shock and awe.

The Flying Ship had a sleek, shuttle-like shape with clean, sharp lines. Its silver-gray metal hull reflected a cold light, as if it embodied the mystery and chill of the cosmos.

And beside the Flying Ship’s hatch, two rows of soldiers stood at attention on either side, their postures ramrod straight and their gazes firm.

Bai Lian walked to her side and said softly, "To ensure your safety, this squad will be accompanying us.

They are the most elite warriors on the base, with rich combat experience and outstanding skills. They will definitely ensure you arrive at the Imperial City safely."

Seeing Bai Lian and all the soldiers standing ready as if for battle, Su Yaoyao finally felt as if she were waking from a dream. She realized she had thought of this trip far too simply.

She had thought it would just be a relaxing, pleasant journey, but she never expected such a serious affair just to protect her.

A warm current flowed through her heart. She turned to face the soldiers and said in a sincere, warm voice, "Thank you for your hard work on this journey. Having you all here makes me feel incredibly safe."

The soldiers shouted in unison, "Reporting! It is not hard work! Protecting a noble female is our honor!"

Their unified, resounding voices, like rolling thunder, echoed across the landing pad for a long time.

Su Yaoyao heard a familiar voice among them. She looked toward the sound and exclaimed in pleasant surprise, "Du Lu? Is that really you!"

Du Lu’s face broke into a good-natured smile. "Miss Su Yaoyao, I’m so happy that the Admiral selected me to escort you."

Just as the two were smiling at each other, immersed in the joy of their reunion, Bai Lian suddenly reached out, steadily scooped Su Yaoyao up with one arm, and held her against his chest.

Su Yaoyao’s face instantly turned bright red. She struggled and said, "My foot is healed, you know."

The corners of Bai Lian’s lips curled up in a gentle smile. "I just wanted to hold you."

With that, he carried her into the Flying Ship, the soldiers following closely behind.

The interior of the Flying Ship was spacious and bright, its decor a display of technology and luxury.

In the center were several rows of comfortable hover chairs, each equipped with an advanced control panel capable of various functions.

At the front of the Flying Ship was a massive holographic screen, displaying real-time flight data, a route map, and information about the surrounding environment.

After everyone had boarded, the Flying Ship slowly started up with a soft hum.

Su Yaoyao leaned against Bai Lian’s chest, gazing at the scenery outside the window. It was as if an invisible giant hand were gently lifting them, and the ground gradually receded below.

Her heart was filled with novelty and anticipation as she imagined what a magnificent and bustling place the Imperial City would be.

But having woken up early and bustled about for several hours, her eyelids gradually grew heavy, and her gaze became hazy.

Bai Lian looked at her slightly weary expression and said with a doting smile, "Go ahead and sleep. You got up very early today to pack, so you must still be tired. When you wake up, we might already be at the Imperial City."

Bai Lian’s words seemed to have a magical effect. Su Yaoyao felt waves of drowsiness wash over her. She rubbed her eyes and said groggily, "Okay, wake me up when we get there."

After speaking, she found a comfortable position in his arms and fell into a deep sleep.

Reg watched from the side, his face full of dissatisfaction. He grumbled, "It’s my turn to hold Yaoyao next."

Pani’s rabbit ears drooped as he said plaintively, "I want to, too."

Bai Lian raised a finger to his lips and whispered, "Shhh," signaling for them not to wake Su Yaoyao. And so, the three of them, in this quiet and warm atmosphere, accompanied Su Yaoyao on her journey to the Imperial City.

「...」

In a dark and opulent castle, the dim yellow lights flickered, filling the air with a strange and eerie atmosphere.

A subordinate rushed into the main hall and knelt on one knee. "Reporting to the Lord! The men staking out the military base have sent some footage."

The man seated at the head of the hall slowly raised his head upon hearing the report.

He wore a long black robe, his face was cold and severe, and his eyes glinted with a terrifying green light.

A virtual screen in the center of the hall lit up, showing a Flying Ship on the military base’s landing pad, slowly taking off with flames blasting from its engines.

The man’s lips slowly curled into an utterly evil, shudder-inducing smile.

"Shoot. It. Down."