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

For more than a decade, this sense of powerlessness had been a deep torment to the old marshal. When he got to this part of the story, he was so exhausted that even his fingers were trembling.

"I thought...it was all over."

Marshal Hermann’s gaze refocused on Karandal, with a complex mix of emotions—a sense of loss and rediscovery.

"Many years later, I saw your file photo on the list of new recruits... Karandal."

"You look so much like your father, especially the way your eyes and brows look—they're practically identical!"

"I knew it almost immediately, it's Iris's child! You're alive!"

His tone became agitated, but then quickly turned into deeper worry:

"I wanted to recognize you immediately and protect you under my wings to make up for the regrets of the past."

"But... I'm afraid... afraid of dragging you into the hatred of our parents and the royal family's conflicts."

I just want you to live a peaceful and smooth life.

"Therefore, I chose to quietly look after you, incorporate you into my faction, do my best to cultivate you, and watch you grow step by step through your own abilities..."

The old marshal's eyes were full of satisfaction, but also tinged with helplessness: "Your excellence has exceeded my expectations; your promotion has been too rapid..."

"You've risen to a high enough position so quickly that I haven't even had time to pave the way for you or clear away any potential dangers, inevitably attracting the attention of those powerful figures in the palace... especially Consort Dei! That Anvis's father!"

"He was also the mastermind behind the persecution of your father-in-law."

His voice suddenly turned cold, filled with deep-seated hatred:

"During the time I was temporarily away from the Imperial Star, Consort Dei secretly instigated that foolish male Samuel, and even instructed the military court to torture you to death."

"All the abuse, injustice, and tragedies you suffered before... were all orchestrated by the wicked Consort Dei."

"When I returned and learned everything, it was too late... Fortunately, fortunately you met Lord Shen Yan."

The truth is like the sharpest blade, peeling away layer after layer of the fog of the past to reveal the bloody and cruel nature beneath.

Calander felt a chill run through him. He finally understood that all the hardships and tribulations he had endured were stemming from the grudges that the previous generation had failed to settle.

It originated from the vicious curse that had lasted for decades on him and his female father, the female queen.

Marshal Hermann already knew about his background; it turned out that this gentle and kind elder harbored such a painful past.

However, unknowingly, his exceptional talent prematurely exposed him to his enemies, leading to his death.

The overwhelming amount of information overwhelmed him, making him realize the tragic fate of his female father, the years of silent protection and helplessness of Marshal Hermann, and also the source of the suffering he had inexplicably endured.

Shen Yan hugged him tightly, feeling the coldness of his body and his slight trembling, her heart filled with a mixture of anger and heartache.

He looked at Marshal Hermann, his voice low and firm: "Marshal, thank you for telling us all this. We will remember this blood debt."

After revealing these secrets and guilt that had been buried deep in his heart for decades, Marshal Hermann seemed to have all his strength drained away in an instant.

His once straight back was now slightly hunched, and his eyes were dim, as if he had aged another ten years.

He propped himself up on his knees, his body trembling slightly. He looked at Karandel, who was still tightly embraced by Shen Yan, and his voice was tired and hoarse:

"I'm not saying this to make you consumed by hatred or live in the shadow of the previous generation..."

"In fact, if the emperor hadn't come to you today, I would have taken this secret to my grave..."

He sighed deeply, filled with endless regret and worry:

"The emperor will certainly deceive you with carefully crafted lies."

"Inside your belly is the only male insect offspring with royal blood, and it is destined to possess an extremely high level of spiritual power. They will definitely pay extra attention to it."

He slowly walked up to Kalandel, extended his calloused hand as if to pat him on the shoulder, but in the end, it just hovered in mid-air and gently fell down.

That's all I have to say... You... take care of yourselves.

"Contact me anytime if you need anything. I...I'll be going now."

The old marshal said no more, dragging his heavy steps as he slowly left the living room, his back view appearing particularly lonely and desolate.

The villa's door closed gently, isolating it from the outside world.

Almost simultaneously, Karandal's carefully maintained composure completely crumbled.

His legs went weak, and if his son hadn't been holding him tightly, he would have almost collapsed onto the carpet.

She didn't burst into loud sobs, but instead buried her face deeply in the chest of the male ruler, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

Scalding tears quickly soaked the fabric of Shen Yan's clothes on her chest, and she let out a broken sob that was suppressed to the extreme.

It turns out that his very existence carried the life that his female father had given his life for, and also the malice that his enemies had carried for decades.

He was heartbroken by the fate of his female father, Iris, who was imprisoned until his death. He was also saddened by Marshal Hermann's years of silent protection and deep self-blame. He felt immense injustice and anger at all the things he had experienced by mistake.

Shen Yan was heartbroken beyond measure. He held his trembling, crying partner tightly in his arms, as if he wanted to meld him into his very bones.

He didn't offer any empty words of comfort, but simply kissed the top of his head repeatedly, whispering in his ear in a deep and steady voice:

"I'm here... Lanlan, I'm here... It's okay to cry, I'm here with you..."

He let the female ruler vent her pent-up emotions until the trembling in his arms gradually subsided and the sobs turned into soft whimpers.

Shen Yan relaxed a little and gently wiped away the tear stains on the female king's face with his fingertips. Looking at his swollen eyes and nose, his heart softened and ached.

I carefully helped Karandal sit down on the soft sofa, poured him a glass of warm water, and fed him a few sips.

Seeing that her partner's emotions had stabilized somewhat, but his eyes still held a deep sadness and emptiness, she held his slightly cold hands and suddenly blinked.

He spoke slowly, in a tone that was completely different from the heavy atmosphere at the moment, carrying a hint of roguishness and eagerness:

"Lanlan, I have a question for you..."

Karandal lifted her wet eyelashes and looked at him with a somewhat blank expression.

Shen Yan's lips curled into a meaningful smile, and he lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret:

"Should we... give our little one a throne to sit on?"

These words struck like a thunderclap in the heart of the female insect, which was still shrouded in sorrow.

He suddenly opened his eyes wide, staring at the other person in disbelief, almost thinking he had misheard.