A faint sound.
Standing by the desk, Illya's small face immediately flushed red to her ears, her fair and lovely complexion like an overripe peach, as if about to drip with juice.
"Sister!"
Illya, her face a picture of shyness, bit her lip and chided.
"What are you doing? I've already told you, Chen Yu and I are very good friends. I left the White Dragon Jade Pendant with him because I considered that he would encounter many dangers, and having the White Dragon Jade Pendant might help him. It's not what you're thinking."
Unexpectedly, Ilena showed a look of bewilderment.
"Huh?"
"Little sister, what are you talking about?"
"Didn't you say that Chen Yu should be your son-in-law?" Illya pursed her lips. "When you say that, it's like you're saying I should be betrothed to him."
Ilena looked up in astonishment, meeting Illya's flushed gaze as she spread her hands.
"Sister, you've really misunderstood me."
Illya, whose face had been flushed red just a moment ago, paused, then watched Ilena meticulously organize the documents on the desk and murmur to herself.
"I just said he should be a son-in-law, I didn't say it had to be you."
"If not me, then who else could it be?" Illya pouted. "Eldest sister is already married, and it's just the two of us sisters who are not married. You've dedicated yourself entirely to the North Sea, leaving me behind."
"It's very simple."
Ilena smiled faintly and lowered her voice.
"We can have Mother adopt an義女 (yi nu - adopted daughter). Aren't there many unmarried women of suitable age in the North Sea? If Mother adopts her as an yi nu, and then takes Chen Yu as a son-in-law for the North Sea, wouldn't that work?"
For the sake of better diplomatic relations between the two countries and to maintain alliances, intermarriage would occur.
Adopting an yi nu for the purpose of intermarriage.
This was a common practice in the underground world.
"Ah?"
Unbeknownst to her, Illya was completely bewildered.
"Little sister, Mother has always doted on you the most, and I, as your sister, am no different. In that case, how could we possibly let you marry someone you don't like?" Ilena smiled gently. "You can continue to be your happy little princess, and I'll handle the marriage arrangements."
"Huh?"
Illya, with a look of utter confusion, moved her lips, while Ilena had already tapped on the contact list on her wristband, her red lips parting slightly as she whispered.
"Prime Minister, come..."
"No, Sister!" Before Ilena could finish speaking, Illya anxiously pressed her hand, shaking her head repeatedly. "Don't call him, don't call him here."
A hint of a smile emerged from the depths of Illya's eyes, but when she looked up, there was only confusion and bewilderment.
"Little sister?"
"Let's discuss the matter of a son-in-law at length, okay?" Illya giggled, holding Ilena's hand and gently shaking it as she acted spoiled. "I don't want Mother to adopt an yi nu. What if I lose favor then? We need more time to consider this."
Hearing Illya's clumsy excuse, Ilena couldn't help but want to laugh.
Lose favor?
From childhood to adulthood, Illya had always been the most doted-upon little princess of the entire North Sea. Her mother's affection for her even surpassed that for the entire North Sea.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that if a choice had to be made between the North Sea and Illya and her sisters,
Her mother would undoubtedly choose her daughters.
This blood-related familial love could not possibly be changed by adopting an yi nu.
In the end, Illya just couldn't bring herself to admit it.
At this juncture, with only one step left, Ilena was determined to make Illya confess her true feelings, only then could she proceed to the next stage of her plan.
"Little sister, I'm afraid discussing it at length won't achieve what you desire."
Ilena sighed, a touch of regret in her eyes. "News of the Tiger Tally has already been exposed, and all the surrounding nations are restless. Just now, I received intelligence that the Beastman Empire and the Human Empire have already sent people. If our North Sea doesn't act soon, one step behind will lead to being ten steps behind."
Illya: "..."
"Let's not even talk about the ownership of the Tiger Tally. If, by some chance, those kingdoms secretly assassinate Chen Yu and he unfortunately perishes, what then?"
"How dare they!"
Illya suddenly widened her eyes and rebuked sternly.
"My White Dragon Jade Pendant is with him. Don't they know the significance of the White Dragon Jade Pendant in the North Sea? If they dare to make a move against Chen Yu in secret, wouldn't that be showing disrespect to our North Sea!"
"See, little sister, you understand it all, don't you?" Ilena smiled with amusement.
Illya, her face filled with anger, suddenly realized she had been tricked by her sister. She opened her small, flushed face and grabbed Ilena's arm.
"Second Sister, you..."
"Illya, your second sister is telling you the truth." For some reason, Ilena sighed earnestly. "Our North Sea is indeed not weak, but compared to the entire underground world, we are not enough to make everyone fear us. The reason I suggested making Chen Yu a son-in-law was to protect him. What good is holding the White Dragon Jade Pendant? What if the other party claims not to know the authenticity of the White Dragon Jade Pendant and thinks it's a fake? Or, what if they hire a death seeker to risk their lives and kill Chen Yu? Even if we find out who is behind it, what can we do then?"
As she spoke, Ilena slowly rose and gently stroked Illya's small head.
"Sister knows your heart, and you should also understand your sister's intentions. The difference between publicly announcing a son-in-law from the North Sea and a potential son-in-law from the North Sea is worlds apart. Moreover, as long as Chen Yu becomes the son-in-law of the North Sea, we will have a legitimate reason to support and protect him. Otherwise, how can we help him?"
After this earnest plea, Illya also fell silent and lowered her head.
What Ilena said was indeed correct!
Her previous thoughts were indeed somewhat lacking in consideration.
But—
"I don't think Chen Yu likes me," Illya suddenly looked up, pursed her lips, and said. "I think he just sees me as a very good companion, or perhaps a neighbor's little sister. If he rejects us, then we won't even be friends anymore."
"Are you short of friends?"
Seeing Illya's worried and hesitant expression, Ilena felt inexplicably annoyed.
"Little sister, you must remember that you are the Third Princess of the North Sea, the apple of the North Sea's eye. No matter who you marry, it is a condescension, not a climb. For Chen Yu to gain your favor is his great fortune, his blessing. Why are you the one here speaking disheartening words?"
"But I don't really know if I like him myself."
Illya pursed her lips and said, "At first, I just thought he was very interesting and liked to play with him. Whether it's like, or whether we should get married, I'm not very clear about these things."
"Then how about this, little sister, I'll ask you two questions."
"Okay."
"If Mother adopts an yi nu and takes Chen Yu as her son-in-law, would you be willing?"
"Unwilling."
"Do you want to see Chen Yu die?"
"No."
"Since that's the case, then propose on your behalf." Ilena said seriously, "Sister will handle everything. As for whether you'll be willing to marry him in the future, we won't force it. For now, let's at least ensure he stays alive. This is certainly what you want, right?"
"Yes, I want him to live."
"That's enough."
Ilena smiled and rubbed Illya's head, then slowly spoke towards the outside of the hall.
"Summon the official of ceremonies to see me!"