Who understands? The aloof female ruler always flirts without even realizing it.

Shen Yan's voice carried a gentle smile, like sunlight piercing through a glacier, warmly landing on Kalandel's heart. The female insect clutched the recovered access chip tightly, feeling the tangible texture of its metallic edges.

Just as he was about to speak, a series of footsteps approached from behind.

It was the dull "clatter" of leather boots hitting the ground.

Almost simultaneously, a female insect dressed in a crisp colonel's uniform and bearing the rank of major general walked across the hall with precise yet unhurried steps, heading straight towards them.

The intruders' movements were clearly purposeful, indicating that their location had already been pinpointed.

He stopped three steps away from the two insects, swiftly tapped his left chest with his right hand, and gave a standard military salute. His posture was respectful, but his eyes did not linger on Shen Yan for long. Instead, they turned to Kalandall.

Deep within that gaze lay a subtle scrutiny, curiosity, and perhaps an assessment of the unpredictable shifts in the situation brought about by the sudden return of this legendary general.

"Admiral Karandal..."

His address was followed by an almost imperceptible, cautious pause, as if confirming the reality of the title being bestowed upon him once more. "Welcome back."

Without any unnecessary pleasantries, he cut straight to the point, his tone businesslike:

"The Strategic Planning Department is holding an emergency briefing on the recent anomalies in the star map of the 'Rift' zone. Attendees believe your past experience in this region might offer some insights."

After saying that, he paused briefly.

"If it's convenient for you, we would like to have you attend the meeting now."

This is not just a work notification, but more like a silent test.

Although the punishment of stripping Karandal of his rank has been revoked, the two-month gap is considered long in the ever-changing military.

The meaning behind this sudden order is self-evident:

The return ceremony could go smoothly, but to regain real power and unwavering trust, he must immediately prove that his value has not been diminished by that setback.

His icy blue eyes remained completely still, as if he had anticipated this moment. He merely nodded slightly, his jawline tightening for a fleeting instant, his voice as steady as ever:

"Understood, I'll head there immediately."

He then turned to Shen Yan, the sharp edge that had momentarily gathered when he received the order now subtly concealed, and his deep voice carried a hint of apology:

"My lord, I'm sorry, it seems I won't be able to accompany you back for the time being."

Shen Yan understood.

This seemingly accidental work arrangement was actually the first probing move that Kalander had to face after returning to the chessboard. His expression remained unchanged, and he even gave Kalander a very faint, encouraging look.

"Business is important," he said calmly.

"Go ahead, I'll be waiting for you at home."

Standing still, my gaze gently followed that receding figure.

Sunlight streamed through the glass dome of the hall, casting dappled patterns on the female insect's pale blue hair. Her tall, slender figure appeared exceptionally long in the interplay of light and shadow.

I watched him walk further and further away until his figure blended into the halo of light at the end of the corridor.

A faint, cool fragrance seemed to linger in the air, a unique scent emanating from Kalandel, clean and crisp.

Shen Yan gently curved the corners of her lips, a soft ripple stirring in her heart.

This female soldier has finally returned to her rightful place.

They did not leave immediately.

He stood there, his gaze sweeping across the bustling hall, keenly catching several eyes fixed on Karandel's retreating figure—

There is concern, curiosity, and undisguised assessment and consideration.

A female insect dressed in high-ranking military uniform passed by, surrounded by several subordinates, and her gaze met Shen Yan's in mid-air.

The other person paused slightly, a complex and unreadable emotion flashing briefly in their eyes before being replaced by a flawless smile:

"Good day, Lord Shen Yan. I didn't expect to see you here."

Shen Yan recognized him: Lieutenant General Locke, one of the potential partners the Imperial System had matched him with. He came from a wealthy family, was handsome, and held a prestigious military rank—an ideal choice from any perspective.

To appease the empire's pressure, Shen Yan spent a few days with him, and the relationship was fairly harmonious. However, Shen Yan could only say that she had a good impression of him, but she couldn't say that she liked him much.

Unexpectedly, the other party quickly submitted a marriage proposal.

At that time, he had no intention of settling down, so he simply and decisively refused.

"General Locke," Shen Yan replied with a polite nod.

The female insect's gaze swept almost imperceptibly in the direction where Kalandel had disappeared, the curve of her lips remained unchanged, but her knuckles tightened almost imperceptibly.

This is Karandall, who not only always outshone him in the military, but now he's even getting the male insect he couldn't have...

"Upon learning that you ultimately chose Admiral Calander as your queen consort."

Locke's voice remained gentle, yet it was like a carefully crafted wine, initially sweet and refreshing, but with a subtle, sharp aftertaste.

"To be honest, it is indeed a bit of a regret. After all, I had so sincerely looked forward to our future together."

The smile on her lips was just right, yet it also subtly revealed a hint of bitterness.

"You rejected my marriage proposal without hesitation... and I'm still reflecting on what I did wrong."

"Am I asking for too much? If I had applied to be your consort instead of your queen, would you have agreed?"

He paused briefly, as if unwilling to reveal too much of his emotions, and gently shifted the topic:

"It is truly commendable that Admiral Calander has been reinstated so swiftly. With Your Excellency's favor, he will surely live up to expectations."

His tone shifted to include a hint of barely perceptible worry:

"However, the 'Rift' has been experiencing frequent turmoil lately, quite different from before... Although I occasionally have ideological disagreements with the General, I sincerely hope that he can handle this situation properly and live up to your trust."

These words sound like concern, but they actually contain a hidden veil of sarcasm.

He was implying that Karandal was "outdated" and that Shen Yan might have pushed a female insect of unknown condition back into a key position out of personal motives.

A faint smile curved his lips as Shen Yan brushed it off.

"No need to worry. The military has its own judgment on Karandel's abilities. As for adapting..." He paused, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"I believe he will only do better than he has in the past."

Locke's smile froze slightly, his expression twisting for a moment before returning to normal.

"Of course. We look forward to good news from the General."

He bowed slightly and left with his entourage.

Shen Yan watched his retreating figure, her eyes darkening slightly.

Sending Calander back is only the first step; the road ahead will likely be anything but peaceful.

The military was a deeper pool than he had anticipated. He needed to gather more information, not just about the anomalies in the "rift" zone, but also about the intricate network of relationships within the military.

Thinking of this, he opened his terminal and initiated a communication with a friend on his contact list.

The sound was calm and clear.

"General Arthur White, hello. I am Shen Yan. Do you have time for a chat now?"