Chapter 13: Should I choose the older brother or the younger brother for the dance invitation?

If you haven't seen "The Cold-Hearted Colonel Falls in Love with Me," you're missing out. The female lead in this drama is exposed as a spy because she's completely unmoved by the handsome and rich male lead and is single-mindedly focused on completing her mission, which leads to her being discovered.

Although they took different paths, they ended up in the same place. While Shi Wei was trying to figure out an escape route, the powerful and influential Second Prince was also investigating her.

Major General Lu Qi praised the Second Prince when he was young, saying he "possessed extraordinary perseverance."

This is the evaluation given by Lu Qi after Similan, a 20-year-old, persisted for three years, successfully hacked into the system through a network blind spot, and paralyzed the Security Bureau. As a result, the Director of the Security Bureau and Lu Qi were demoted two levels and scolded by the Emperor for three hours.

Although the Second Prince himself did not escape the calamity, he was directly thrown onto the battlefield by the Emperor.

However, he has always been persistent in doing things that are thankless and difficult.

They have a strong sense of curiosity.

But he is also exceptionally gifted.

It has a mad dog-like sense of smell.

If Shi Wei had the time to study the Second Prince's achievements over the past few years, she would know that this seemingly enthusiastic and persistent brat is definitely not a good person.

Unfortunately, she didn't have time to care about these things, and she wasn't as enthusiastic about accompanying the emperor to film videos as she was.

King Skolag II glanced at the girl, who seemed lost in thought, and casually asked, "What's wrong? You don't seem to be feeling well today. You can take the day off if you're not feeling well."

"Huh?" Shi Wei snapped back to reality. She had been a bit absent-minded lately. No, she had to stay calm. If the head of the secret service found out, she would be in deep trouble.

But His Majesty was still waiting for her answer.

How do you explain that?

In her panic, she made up an excuse: "Maybe it's because my period is about to start..."

She was stunned when she heard this.

Recently, Susan has been saying things like how annoying her period is, so I just blurted it out.

For an adult Omega to say such things in front of an adult Alpha is tantamount to seducing her.

She said awkwardly, "I apologize, Your Majesty, it was my rudeness."

Undifferentiated human females menstruate, while sex-differentiated Omegas do not menstruate, but they do experience estrus, also known as menstruation.

Shi Wei really wanted to die.

Fortunately, His Majesty did not reprimand her and even helped her out of the predicament: "It's alright. Omegas in the Empire have menstrual leave every month. Don't be ashamed of anything related to your body. It's not a wrong thing."

"Feelings and desires are no different from eating, drinking, and going to the toilet."

“The recording time is always scheduled according to my schedule, so I’m sorry—you can ask for leave at any time.”

Although he says sorry, it doesn't necessarily mean he really feels that way. But it's really comfortable to be around someone who's so good at talking.

His Majesty is actually very gentle; the outside opinions are far too harsh.

Shi Wei suddenly remembered someone, and she had a brilliant idea. Feigning shyness and embarrassment, she said, "Actually, there's something I've been struggling to tell you... I know I shouldn't be thinking about these things because of my status, and it might offend you, but I really want to tell you..."

Haha, she wants to take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of this troublesome Second Prince.

Let His Majesty, the one who upholds justice, punish him!

King Sklag II's heart was racing, and his tone became even gentler, almost coaxing: "It's alright, don't worry about my status, you can say whatever you want."

Be brave, girl.

Shi Wei mustered her courage and said quickly, "His Highness Simanan has been pursuing me recently. I feel that someone of my status is not suitable to have any connection with a noble prince, but Your Highness is of noble birth, and my several rejections seem to have no effect. I would like to ask you—"

Before she could finish speaking, she saw His Majesty's expression turn cold.

Huh? So you're still unhappy after all.

She just thought His Majesty was very gentle and righteous. Turns out, deep down he still looks down on commoners?

The anxiety that had been building up finally died.

The emperor sighed; he shouldn't have had any expectations.

Seeing that she had her head down, he asked, "You just said your period was coming, is it because of Similan?"

Shi Wei's pupils contracted slightly. So, one lie really needs countless lies to cover it up?

She said awkwardly, "No, no, no, it's not because of the Second Prince. I don't like him."

Such an eager denial makes it seem even more suspicious.

King Skolag II tried to soften his tone: "It's alright, if you like him..."

In reality, he had already mentally mapped out the war zone and was figuring out where he could put his son.

He deliberately dragged out his words, observing Shi Wei's reaction.

She showed no surprise, and looked even more helpless: "Your Majesty, I really don't like Prince Similan, I... I don't like people younger than me!"

She dared not speak ill of the prince, so she could only make up a less offensive reason.

"Hmm, you don't like people younger than you, so you prefer older ones?" His Majesty asked, looking at her.

Seemingly willing to believe in herself, Shi Wei nodded foolishly.

As expected, after receiving a positive reply, His Majesty's tone became even gentler: "That's true. Young Alphas are impetuous and fickle, which is indeed not a good choice. When looking for a partner, it's better to find someone more stable."

It doesn't matter if he's a little older, what's so great about a young kid?

good.

Shi Wei nodded vigorously in agreement.

Yes, yes, Your Majesty, please don't overthink it. I am very self-aware and would never attempt to taint the royal bloodline.

Having received her assurance, King Sklag II nodded in satisfaction and reassured her, "I will speak to Similan properly. It is truly rude of her to treat an Omega so disrespectfully."

Shi Wei lit a candle for the Second Prince. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but since you are His Majesty's own son, His Majesty won't do anything to you."

The filming went smoothly. His Majesty never had any objections, except for that wretched royal official, who would reject the filming several times and make her reshoot, wasting not only her time but also His Majesty's time.

She really wanted to slander the person in charge and get the emperor to fire him.

The videos were released one after another, garnering mostly positive reviews and a few trolls, but the view count had plateaued. Director Langdon wasn't satisfied with the data and asked Shiwei to shoot more footage.

Shi Wei: "..." Is this something she can decide?

His Majesty is extremely busy, yet he still squeezed out time to cooperate with their video production. We can't just take advantage of His Majesty because he's easy to talk to. Besides, with so much work assigned to her, how is she supposed to run around?

Shi Wei protested to the director, saying that she should respect His Majesty's schedule and not keep bothering him.

Director Langdon was suffering in silence, too bitter to speak.

He really wanted to say that if the emperor didn't want to film, he could have just refused.

Girl, don't be so naive.

Fortunately, Her Majesty is going to an economic organization for exchanges next month; heaven is on her side.

The Second Prince hasn't appeared before her lately, whether he was warned by His Majesty or something else.

Shi Wei quickly contacted Shi Chuan to finalize the details.

In the end, Tokikawa listened to her advice and jumped from Sunshine Harbor.

Just as Shi Wei was going through the plan again and again, imagining how to deal with various unexpected events, Prince Similan's victory celebration banquet began.

It is said that the delay was due to waiting for His Highness Cyril.

Anyone with eyes can see that His Majesty is elevating the Second Prince's status in the army. His Majesty personally went to the southern battlefield, and the Second Prince's many military achievements must have been at His Majesty's behest.

The eldest prince, Cyril, has no military power, and His Majesty now intends to have the second prince take over the southern war zone.

Shi Wei cursed inwardly, thinking that these two brothers would eventually fall out.

His Majesty probably did it on purpose.

Survival of the fittest; the one who fights their way out of the jungle and defeats the others will inherit the throne.

This is how most members of the Manla royal family inherited power.

Sklag I had no brothers or sisters, but he imprisoned his cousins ​​and killed his brothers.

His Majesty has done the same thing. He has dealt with Alpha royals who are around his age. During the self-defense counterattack, His Majesty "reduced" one-third of the royal family members.

Shi Wei had seen many such things in Fran. Ordinary families could fight to the death for property, let alone the throne.

Who wouldn't want the throne?

Shi Wei also attended the ball. A quick glance revealed many young and beautiful Omegas, seemingly prepared for the two princes.

Shi Wei's attention was on the food.

It was indeed a very lavish meal; the view stretched as far as the eye could see—and everything looked delicious.

Shi Wei decided that after they finished dancing, she would try all of these!

I'm about to leave, so I'll eat and drink to my heart's content. I won't be able to eat such delicious handmade food anymore.

When the Second Prince entered, everyone's attention was drawn to him.

Manla Shangwu's impressive achievements at his age are truly commendable.

He was wearing a black tuxedo today, with a white scarf tied around his neck and a cross emblem embroidered on the collar. Golden dragon patterns were faintly visible on the black fabric—a totem from ancient Earth, which, influenced by Asta, became popular among royalty.

The young man was tall and straight, with an arrogant look in his eyes. His short, golden hair was like the afterglow of the sun, and the black, rivet-shaped communicator on his ear reflected the light.

He's really handsome, the kind of handsome that's arrogant, Shi Wei thought to herself.

He scanned the area and finally spotted Shi Wei in the corner. She was wearing a white dress, with no other adornments except for a white gemstone around her neck.

Similan pursed his lips, about to confront her, when he heard a commotion behind him.

Oh.

Sure enough, his good brother made his grand entrance right on time.

Shi Wei's eyes widened. Although she had seen 3D photos and knew that the eldest prince was also very handsome, how could he be even more handsome in person than in photos?

Cyril was dressed in white, with dragon crystal carved into the shape of a tulip, tucked into his black hair, but it did not make him look effeminate—on the contrary, it made him look as noble and upright as a tulip.

Long black hair, blue-black eyes, a gentle yet aloof smile on her face, and a flawless white complexion.

Shi Wei's heart was struck, wow—her brother is handsome too.

His Majesty's genes are truly exceptional.

In terms of appearance, the eldest prince looks more like the emperor, but he does not have his father's sharp aura. He has the same noble temperament and a sacred feeling that cannot be profaned.

"Look at him, he's totally mesmerized?" A sinister voice came from beside her.

Shi Wei was startled: "When did you get here?"

How did Similan end up next to her?

The music began to swell, and the handsome prince glanced at her sideways: "Come, I'll lead you in the opening dance—"

He bowed slightly and extended his hand to her.

Those around her quickly stepped back. Shi Wei looked at him with a hint of fear and said awkwardly, "Your Highness, I don't know how to do Manra's ballroom dance!"

“It’s fine, international dance is fine too.” Similan said impatiently, “If all else fails, I can just follow along.”

"No, no!" Shi Wei knew that there would definitely be videos of tonight's banquet posted tomorrow, and she didn't want to be on the front page with the Second Prince.

"Hurry up." The second prince had already started baring his teeth at her, as if he would bite her to death if she refused again.

As the two confronted each other, the eldest prince actually walked over. Although he had a smile on his face, his words were not so friendly:

"What's wrong, Simanan? Would you like to ask this young lady to dance?"

The second prince glared at Shi Wei, shielded her behind him, and raised his voice, "Yes, what's wrong, brother? Are you going to try and take it from me again?"

Cyril smiled, looking utterly harmless: "Of course not—"

But he took two steps to the side, bowed slightly to Shi Wei, who was staring at him with wide eyes, and extended his jade-like hand:

"Miss, may I have this dance?"

Ah! A black bear was howling in Shi Wei's heart!

You two brothers are fighting, don't drag me into it.

I am innocent.

People around them looked at them with curiosity. Shi Wei just wanted to die. She didn't know either of these princes at all.

I have a feeling that tomorrow there will be gossip like "a commoner Omega hooking up with two noble princes".

Silence fell around them. Similan stared at her, grinding his teeth in threat, "If you dare agree to him, you'd better sleep with your eyes open tonight—"

Cyril, with his excellent hearing, chuckled softly: "If you're afraid, I can provide safe accommodations."

Shi Wei's face flushed slightly, and two little voices started fighting inside her.

One said, "Don't be a coward, don't be a coward, just close your eyes and pick one! Pick the mother of the son!"

One said, "Why choose? I want both! I'll dance with the younger brother first, then with the older brother! They're both so handsome, I can't let either of them go..."

Just then, she saw a familiar figure.

With the event still not starting, the Emperor noticed this as well.

The most distinguished person at the banquet is walking this way.

Everyone stepped aside, making way for him, and bowed to him.

Like the receding tide, like the arrival of a god.

The emperor was looking at her.

Her heart skipped a beat.

The two little figures who were just arguing fell silent for a moment, then quickly reached an agreement:

"Choose this one!"

A note from the author:

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Shi Wei: His Majesty's genes are amazing! I'm so conflicted!

Sklag II: Actually, I personally think I'm even better.