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

Before they could even begin investigating the mystery surrounding Anvis, an even more troublesome matter struck like a sudden hailstorm.

After a few days of rest, Karandal resumed his work as usual, preparing to go to the military headquarters to handle post-war matters.

Shortly after he sat down in his office, his adjutant knocked on the door with a grave expression and entered, saying that he had received a formal summons from the "Imperial Male Insect Rights Protection and Reproduction Management Committee" and was required to appear immediately for questioning.

Traditional management meeting?

Karandal's heart sank slightly.

This department is primarily responsible for supervising and protecting the rights of male insects, while also urging them to fulfill their reproductive obligations.

Since he and his master have been together for so long, they have not had any offspring, so it is understandable that this department would be keeping an eye on him.

After all, Shen Yan is now an SSS-level male insect.

Remaining calm, he put down his work and took a hovercar to the imposing building where the Management Committee was located.

He was greeted by a female insect official with a stern expression and sharp eyes. The atmosphere in the office was oppressive, and the air seemed to be filled with a sense of scrutiny.

"Admiral Karandal."

The official didn't even offer him a seat, cutting straight to the point with a cold, businesslike tone.

"According to the records, you and Mr. Shen Yan have been registered as partners for more than six months."

"Yes."

Karandal stood ramrod straight, his voice steady.

"However, to date, we have not detected any record of Lord Shen Yan having any children."

We have not received any reports of your conception.

The official's gaze was like a scalpel, scraping across the female soldier's body, full of oppression and seriousness: "According to Article 7, Paragraph 3 of the Imperial Supreme-Rank Male Insect Reproduction Guarantee Regulations."

"If a high-ranking male insect's mate fails to successfully reproduce within a reasonable period after mating, the breeding management committee has the right to intervene and assess whether it still qualifies as a female male insect."

Karandal's fingertips twitched slightly, but his expression remained calm: "My union with the lord is still recent, and I was recovering from injuries..."

"That's not an excuse!"

The official interrupted him, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of sarcasm: "We have accessed some of your non-public medical records."

He picked up a thin document as if it were some kind of evidence of a crime and slammed it hard on the table.

"Records show that your reproductive cavity suffered a severe penetrating injury. Although it has been treated, it has left permanent functional damage, and your chances of conceiving are far lower than those of a normal female worm."

"Did you truthfully disclose this to Lord Shen Yan when you married him?"

Karandal's breath hitched almost imperceptibly. That injury record was his private matter; he would never have known about it unless someone had deliberately investigated it.

The committee was well-prepared.

"The powerful ruler was aware of this matter..."

He spoke in a calm voice, trying to suppress the emotions surging in his chest.

With a sneer, the official stood up, walked around to the front of the desk, and looked the other person up and down with an almost humiliating gaze.

"General Kalandall, you are a decorated female general, and we respect your contributions to the Empire."

"However, please face reality."

"Lord Shen Yan is the only SSS-level male insect. His genes and spiritual power are the empire's treasures and must be preserved with the utmost priority and effectiveness!"

"Your physical condition simply cannot guarantee that you will be able to give birth to a healthy and strong cub for you!"

Her voice rose, carrying a stern accusation: "Since you are unwell, you shouldn't be so jealous, monopolizing Lord Shen Yan!"

"This is damaging the Empire's fundamental interests! It's wasting the precious reproductive capacity and time of SSS-class male insects!"

Every word was like a barbed whip, lashing at Karandal's heart.

It's not that I hadn't thought about this day.

But when this naked accusation and humiliation actually came, especially when his most cherished regret—his inability to bear children for his beloved lord—was used as a weapon to attack him, the pain was far more acute than he had imagined.

His hands, hanging by his sides, clenched quietly, his nails digging deep into his palms, as he tried to maintain his last shred of composure and dignity through the pain.

"Based on the committee's preliminary resolution."

Seeing his pale face, the official seemed quite satisfied with the effect, his tone softening slightly, yet still even more unquestionable:

"We are formally requesting that you take the initiative to persuade Lord Shen Yan to take in at least one female servant who is healthy, has excellent genes, and has been approved by the Breeding Management Committee within half a month."

"This is for the continuation of His Excellency's bloodline, and for the future of the empire! Otherwise..."

The voice was cold and ruthless: "We will initiate enforcement procedures."

"At that time, not only will your position as general be in jeopardy, but Lord Shen Yan will also lose all the SSS-level male insect privileges he enjoys due to his failure to fulfill his reproductive obligations, including but not limited to the highest amount of resource allocation and political immunity..."

"The court will also annul your marriage."

"Please consider this carefully. Don't ruin yourself and others because of your own selfish desires."

……

Meanwhile, Shen Yan, who was leisurely watching the melodramatic Zerg drama at home, also received several uninvited guests.

Although they were both members of the Traditional Culture Management Committee, their attitude appeared respectful, but in reality, it carried an undeniable forcefulness.

"Good day, Your Excellency Shen Yan."

"I apologize for disturbing you, but it concerns an important matter concerning the future of the empire."

The leading female insect bowed slightly, a formulaic smile on her face.

Shen Yan put down the terminal in his hand, raised an eyebrow, and gestured for them to continue.

"Your Excellency and Admiral Calander have been married for over six months, but there has been no news of any children to date."

"Given your incomparably noble SSS-rank status, the Empire holds the highest expectations for the continuation of your bloodline."

The female insect from the breeding management committee carefully worded: "Based on our assessment, and... the partial medical records we retrieved show..."

"Admiral Callandall's fertility is in serious doubt due to old injuries, and he may be unable to shoulder the responsibility of bearing you a healthy and strong heir."

The male's face instantly darkened.

"After careful discussion, the committee unanimously agreed that, for the sake of the empire's interests and to prevent the precious genes from being buried, you must take in at least one female servant within the stipulated period."

As he spoke, he handed over a list.

"This is our initial list of female insect candidates with excellent genes and good health, all of noble lineage, worthy of your status."

Please review this and complete the registration process within two weeks.

Shen Yan didn't even glance at the list, his dark eyes flashing with a chilling light: "What if I say no?"

The smile on her face remained unchanged, but the female insect's tone became firm:

"Your Excellency, please understand that this is not a request, but rather based on the provisions of the Imperial Supreme-Rank Male Insect Reproduction Guarantee Regulations."

"If you refuse, then unfortunately, the Empire will consider it as your automatic abandonment of fulfilling your core obligations as an SSS-class male insect."

"At that time, all the privileges you enjoy will be suspended or even revoked."

"and……"

He paused, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

"Admiral Kalandall, as your empress, has failed to fulfill your responsibilities and will be severely punished as well. Please consider the bigger picture."

A threat, a blatant threat.

They not only used privileges to pressure him, but also threatened Calander's future to force him to comply.