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Time flew like an arrow, swiftly passing by. Unlike ancient emperors who wielded absolute authority, Zeke found his reign post-coronation far more demanding. Despite having the divine assistance of the Hub for administrative tasks, he still had to devote significant hours each day to coordinating and directing progress across various domains due to numerous considerations.
In politics, one must either possess exceptional intelligence and cunning or hold unwavering power. Zeke excelled on both fronts, so although it consumed much time, the results were highly satisfactory. At least thus far, no fool dared to challenge him with cries of—"This isn't democracy!"
In summary, after being entangled with state affairs for over a month, Zeke finally managed to establish the overarching direction and framework, freeing up some personal time.
"Screech—"
The study's door was actually soundless, but as Zeke pushed it open, he imagined hearing a creak—a testament to how stifled and nearly driven mad he felt.
He genuinely admired individuals like Cocolia and Chen Tianwu, who tirelessly managed complex tasks around the clock without complaint. Zeke couldn't fathom how they accomplished such feats—oh wait, perhaps due to the overwhelming pressure of imperial authority, making it impossible for them to voice grievances. Well, that explains it then.
"Aiyoh, Zeke, you're out! Come, here's some tea I prepared just for you; please have a sip!"
As soon as Zeke stepped outside, before even enjoying a breath of freedom, he bumped into Kiana, who had been eagerly waiting. With a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, she offered him a steaming thermos cup.
Zeke leaned in, sniffed the steam, and narrowed his eyes.
"Goji berries?"
"Uh... well, you know, for health benefits, no harm in trying, right? Go ahead, drink up! I researched extensively and consulted numerous experts to create this blend! Hurry, take a sip!"
Kiana blinked, growing increasingly anxious as she even tried to force-feed Zeke.
Suddenly, death gripped her by the skull.
"Burp! I surrender (I think)!"
"What mischief are you up to now?"
"Well, um... it's just that you haven't touched us for over a month, right? So I was thinking, maybe we went too wild before and need to...to replenish...replenish..."
As Kiana felt Zeke's deathly gaze intensify along with the crushing grip on her head, her voice trailed off, eventually whispering weakly:
"How about pretending this never happened, okay?"
"Don't speculate about my perfect physique with your feeble mind."
Zeke's voice dropped coldly, then swiftly swung his arm, laying Kiana across his bent knee while lifting her short skirt.
"Smack! Smack! Smack!"
"Aaahhh~!" screamed Kiana.
"You wanted replenishing, huh? With goji berries, right?" echoed Zeke's voice.
"Smack! Smack! Smack!"
Three minutes later, Kiana's bottom was sticking up as she lay on the ground, tearfully clutching her head defensively, bracing herself for Zeke's next strike.
But Zeke stopped there.
Cautiously, Kiana lifted her head and saw Zeke gazing at his hand—the one he had just used to spank her. His relaxed posture suggested he might be relishing the sensation of her skin.
Kiana trembled uncontrollably.
"Um..."
"Hm?"
"I don't have any interest in that kind of thing, so Zeke, please don't take it down a weird path... But if...if Zeke really likes it, I'll do my best to adapt! That's the responsibility of a wife, after all! Oh no, how embarrassing!"
Kiana covered her face, attempting futilely to hide the blush spreading across it. However, the upward curve of her lips, stifled giggles, and audible swallowing betrayed her imaginative thoughts.
"Heh...heh-heh...smack!"
Zeke initially felt exasperated, then his expression darkened—this silly girl once only obsessed over food and drink; now, her mind is filled with inappropriate fantasies. Is there any hope left? Years of education seem wasted; must he simply let her continue being this dim-witted?
"Ehehehee..."
Watching Kiana snickering on the floor with her butt sticking up, her thoughts galloping off to who knows where, Zeke placed his hand over his heart and took a deep breath.
"Hissss!"
Calm down! Stay calm! It must be all that excessive work lately messing with my head. Regardless, I cannot abandon her education!
Zeke swiftly regained his composure, determination shining in his eyes.
Indeed, as both her former father figure and current fiancé, it was Zeke's responsibility to nurture and continually educate Kiana. If he could confront Honkai itself, how could mere challenges in guiding this little rascal, Kiana, possibly daunt him—Zeke, Emperor of the Human Union, history's mightiest being, Lord of Herrschers, Vanquisher of Honkai? Impossible!
"Stand up!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Keep your back straight and tuck in your stomach!"
"Yes, sir!"
"You're always goofing around without any seriousness. And you dare claim you've grown up? Don't underestimate the adult world, you silly girl!"
"Yes, sir!"
Kiana stood rigidly, chest puffed out, trembling slightly. Although she didn't quite understand why Zeke suddenly got upset, obeying and showing humility when he was displeased had become her survival strategy!
Then, just as Zeke's frustration reached its peak, it abruptly dissipated.
This girl was increasingly adept at leveraging her charming appearance. Whenever she stood tall with an obedient, innocent expression, Zeke often found himself helpless against her.
"Alright, let's eat."
For now, lacking the inclination to dwell on their disagreement further, Zeke walked past Kiana, his face impassive.
Once Zeke had taken about ten steps away, Kiana, still standing in place, visibly relaxed, placing a hand on her chest and exhaling deeply.
"Phew... That scared me half to death!"
Kiana secretly made a funny face, grumbling under her breath for a while before brightening up with an incredibly radiant smile and catching up to him.
"Zeke!"
"Get down; you have legs of your own."
"No way! Carry me, please! It's been ages since you last gave me a piggyback ride!"
"...Childish."
Despite his criticism, Zeke effortlessly adjusted his hands behind him to support the girl's bottom without missing a beat in his stride.
Sunlight streamed through the corridor windows, casting oblique rays as they walked farther together. Left behind was only a bottle of goji berry tea lying on the floor, promptly picked up by a robotic arm extending from the wall, which then proceeded to clean the spill.
Zeke carried Kiana to the dining hall, arriving just as dinner was about to be served, with most people already gathered.
Kiana promptly hopped off Zeke's back, dashed over to join Shi and Li Sushang, forming a tight circle as they whispered amongst themselves, their conversation unintelligible from afar.
Zeke didn't eavesdrop on their chatter; even someone as carefree and eccentric as Kiana deserved her own space without constant scrutiny.
Within the trio's huddle, shielded by Senti's interference barrier muffling their voices, they began exchanging thoughts.
Senti: "Kiana, has that guy finished his work yet? I've been enduring this for over a month now. He randomly beat me up and interfered in my battles—I must repay him for such grievances!"
Kiana: "Seriously? You keep asking me every day, and it's been more than a month already! Haven't you given up? Remember, unlike me, Zeke won't go easy on you!"
Senti: "Ha! The Red Kite Immortal always seeks retribution—why would I fear him? What say you, disobedient great-grand disciple?"
Li Sushang: "Oh yes, absolutely! Master Ancestor is truly formidable!" She clapped enthusiastically, her face filled with admiration and awe.
Having spent some time here already, Li Sushang aimed to build good relationships with both masters. After all, following a five-hundred-year gap, there were only a handful of people left in this world connected to her.
Fu Hua was relatively easygoing; despite being betrayed by Li Sushang's mother and experiencing past conflicts with Li Sushang herself, the Elder Immortal held no grudges. After several conversations, she warmed up considerably and now treated Li Sushang as a worthy junior disciple. However, Senti was different—the Herrscher of Sentience practically wore "holding grudges" on her forehead, her personality strikingly intense. Thankfully, her resentment towards Zeke surpassed everything else, providing Li Sushang an opportunity to intervene. Over this period, Li Sushang consistently supported Senti, gradually easing their strained relationship.
In any case, Li Sushang was quite satisfied with the current state of affairs, so naturally, she could only agree wholeheartedly with Senti's persistence.
With a radiant smile, Li Sushang firmly backed Senti's conviction. Witnessing this, Kiana found herself at a loss and scratched her chin, contemplating aloud:
"It seemed like Zeke was much more relaxed today when he emerged earlier. Maybe it's finally safe for you to try? But remember, don't blame me—it's your own risk to bear the consequences, not mine!"
"Deal!"
With everyone around her urging not to let personal matters interfere, Senti had been suppressing her frustration for quite some time, reaching her breaking point. Now, with Kiana's approval, she cast all consequences aside—this was the moment for retribution!
Senti dismantled the barrier and charged at Zeke's back as he approached the sofa, fists clenched.
"Zeke! Take this!"
And then...
"Craaaack!"
"Bam!!"
Thus, Senti met her demise just before dinner.