I'm here to save the world, what are you doing?

"Nora."

Without giving Nora a chance to escape, Lucius took a step forward and pulled her into his arms:

"For the past ten years, you have been the one who has been with me."

"I can tell what you're thinking with just one look from you, so why bother hiding it from me?"

"I know you're worried that I might favor Plotina, or that I might be unhappy with your concealment..."

Surrounded by Lucius's warm embrace, Nora immediately felt his strong heartbeat.

The familiar sense of security instantly broke down her inner defenses, and tears flowed uncontrollably.

Lucius stroked her back gently, his voice full of pampering:

"Silly girl, you always dwell on the past and ignore the past ten years of our companionship."

"Didn't I say that last time at the opera house? No matter what happened in the past, it won't affect my love for you."

He lifted Nora's chin so that her eyes met his.

Staring into those ruby-like eyes, Lucius said word by word:

"Listen to me, Nora, even if I have never met you, my soul will still make the most loyal choice the moment I see you for the first time."

"If I had two hearts, I would love you twice."

Low emotional intelligence: The orders of the little boss are absolute.

High emotional intelligence: My soul will make the most loyal choice.

“But…”

Nora's voice was choked with sobs, and it was as distressing as a wounded little animal:

"I'm really scared... I'm afraid that you'll remember your past with Plotina and no longer need me..."

"I can't do anything right. I always need your protection and care. I'm not as smart as Sister Plotina, nor as capable as Iveliya..."

"Besides loving you...there is almost nothing I can compare to others..."

I'm too sensitive, dear. I need to confirm with you over and over again that you love me.

I would doubt myself if I was not doing well enough because of any little thing or anything.

I need you to say you love me every day, and I need you to be the first to share your happiness and unhappiness with me, so that I can feel at ease.

I need love and I need your response a thousand times.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Lucius interrupted Nora's self-deprecation, gently wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb, and said in a gentle voice:

"You are unique Nora, why compare yourself to others?"

"Do you know how important your dependence on me is to me?"

"Depend on me a little more. You will never make any mistakes with me."

During that time when he was abandoned, it was because he knew that Nora needed and depended on him that Lucius was able to keep his composure and never give up on himself or become a peanut devil.

It can be said that Nora is completely one of Lucius's spiritual pillars.

In order to further calm Nora's emotions, Lucius lowered his head without any hesitation and kissed her lips in the most direct way.

Lucius kissed Nora passionately, as if he wanted to give his entire heart to her, showing his emotions without reservation.

It's rough and direct, but more effective than any words.

Nora was stunned at first, but soon she felt Lucius's love that was so hot that it seemed to melt her, and she closed her eyes and responded to him passionately.

Come to think of it, this is the first time that Brother Lucius has taken the initiative to kiss me...

When the two separated, Nora's cheeks were stained with crimson and the anxiety in her eyes had completely disappeared.

"Now, are you still scared?"

Lucius smiled and winked at her, teasing.

Wow, she’s just a little cook. After being hit by Brother Lu’s combination of punches, could she still resist?

"Woo!"

Nora didn't say anything, but just shyly buried her little head in Lucius' chest and made a cute nasal sound.

At least for now, Nora's side will not explode for the time being.

..........................

After the banquet, Nora said goodbye to Lucius reluctantly.

After her figure disappeared behind the carriage door, Lucius and Iveliya also prepared to leave.

But just as they were about to walk out of the mansion gate, Domitian's voice came from behind:

"Lucius, wait."

"I have something important to discuss with you. Can I have a moment with you?"

The smile on Domitian's face had faded a lot, replaced by a serious and mysterious expression.

Lucius was not surprised by this.

Domitian specially invited me here, so it is obviously not just to sow discord. He must have a bigger plan in mind.

"No problem, uncle."

Lucius kept a polite smile on his face, secretly preparing himself for the response.

"Ms. Ivilia, why don't you wait in the living room for a moment?"

Domitian looked at Ivelia, his tone unyielding:

"Lucius and I have some personal matters to discuss."

"I suppose there's no need for that, uncle?"

Before Ivelia could speak, Lucius rejected Domitian's request and said firmly:

"I have absolute trust in Xiao Ai, there's no need to avoid her."

Iveliya: Wuuuu, Brother Lu, I knew you wouldn’t abandon me.

"this......"

Domitian hesitated for a moment, but seeing Lucius's resolute attitude, he finally nodded in agreement:

"Okay, follow me."

Then, Domitian led Lucius and Ivelia to a private study.

The room was elegantly furnished, with a map of the East hanging on the wall and the air filled with a faint scent of sandalwood.

Domitian closed the door, and after making sure no one would disturb him, his expression became serious.

"Please take a seat."

Domitian gestured for them to sit down, and he took a seat on the chair opposite.

"What does uncle want to talk about?"

Lucius asked straight to the point.

Domitian was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"Lucius, what do you think of the Empire now?"

"Good."

Lucius crossed his legs, tapping his toes lightly, with a leisurely demeanor:

"It's a prosperous scene~"

"is it?"

Domitian raised a meaningful smile and whispered:

"Then who do you think is most suitable to become the next emperor among the current heirs?"

Lucius:? ? ?

Is the sand wall windy?

You've already made it clear that you're not on good terms with Brother Lu, yet you're still discussing such a sensitive topic with him?

If Brother Lu recorded you on the photo stone at this moment, wouldn’t you be furious?

"I'm sorry I can't answer that question."

Lucius shook his head and gave a smooth answer:

"It is Your Majesty's right to choose the Crown Prince. As a minister, I am not in a position to make irresponsible comments."

"Haha, you are really cautious."

Domitian smiled, but soon turned serious again:

"However, there are some things you have to face sooner or later."

He leaned forward and said in a low voice:

"Let me help you analyze the current situation—"

"According to Imperial law, although women also have the right to inherit the throne, the First Princess Octavia has been away from the palace for many years and has no foundation in the court. The possibility of her succession is very small."

"The Second Princess Maria also has no interest in court affairs and only wants to be a scholar. The possibility is not high."

"The Third Princess, Plotina, is your fiancée. If she were to succeed to the throne, the consequences would be unpleasant to anyone..."

"Oh, then according to Uncle, the only real contender left is Second Prince Tiberius?"

Lucius sneered and interrupted Domitian's analysis:

"It seems that uncle has chosen to bet on the second prince."

"But with all due respect, I'm afraid uncle will lose everything this time."

"A qualified emperor needs to possess wisdom, vision, skill, and courage. Unfortunately, I don't see these qualities in Tiberius."

A hint of displeasure flashed across Domitian's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"You don't seem to have a high opinion of His Highness Tiberius?"

"Just telling the truth."

Lucius shrugged, not hiding his disdain:

"Tiberius's narrow-minded and sinister character makes him unfit to be the emperor of this empire."

Domitian looked at Lucius deeply, then suddenly said:

"Even so, I still choose to support His Highness Tiberius."

This sentence surprised Lucius.

He had thought that Domitian would at least remain neutral on the surface, but he did not expect him to express his position so directly.

"why?"

Lucius asked curiously.

"Because in the current situation, Tiberius is the easiest to control."

Domitian made no secret of his ambition and spoke in a deep voice:

"His Highness Tiberius is certainly lacking in ability, but precisely because of this, he needs the support of us nobles."

"and......"

An inexplicable glint flashed in Domitian's eyes as he continued:

"I have reached a certain... tacit understanding with His Highness Tiberius."

"As long as he succeeds to the throne, we will reward him handsomely."

After hearing this, Lucius couldn't help but sneer in his heart.