Looking at Lia's appearance, the Queen couldn't help but mistakenly think that she had returned to ten years ago.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion; was this the feeling of reuniting with family after a long separation?

Unexpectedly, in Lia's heart, her brother Victor was so important.

This is truly an enviable family bond.

However, when she thought of family, the Queen's eyes involuntarily dimmed.

But she still didn't forget to say to Leah:

"Marquis Liya".

Lia was still worried and pondering how to plead for Victor and discuss with the Queen about letting Victor go.

But then she thought about it again, and realized that she and the Queen didn't seem to be very familiar with each other.

Therefore, he could only stand silently behind Viktor, his heart filled with conflict.

Upon hearing the title of "Empress," Lia froze, her mind seemingly going blank.

"Huh? Me?"

Marquis? How did I suddenly become a marquis?

Her bewildered gaze met Aurelion's firm nod:

“Victor is no longer a nobleman, but his mistakes have nothing to do with the Clavner family.”

"Therefore, his title should be inherited by you."

As soon as she finished speaking, Aurelion turned her head slightly and gestured to Celia behind her.

Celia immediately understood the Queen's intention and brought her hands, which were behind her back, to the front.

She held a small brocade plate steadily in her hands, and in the center lay a medal that shone with golden light.

That was the Imperial Order of Merit, a symbol of a marquis.

The emblem, resembling a lion, is adorned with four stars crafted from different colored gemstones, radiating light.

Aurelion then picked up the medal with one hand, walked up to Leah, and personally pinned it on her chest.

Throughout the entire process, Lia's mind went blank; she was completely dazed and bewildered.

Meanwhile, the numerous royal guards on both sides glanced at each other, their eyes filled with envy.

Good heavens, to be awarded the medal by Her Majesty the Queen herself!

This is an unparalleled honor!

They wouldn't even dare to think about it!

Lia was filled with questions, but then she realized what was happening.

Wait a minute, Victor is an earl, how come he's a marquis in her eyes?

They even gave her a promotion?

Perhaps sensing the confusion in Lia's eyes, or perhaps wanting to explain to others, Aurelian said directly:

"You should have succeeded to the marquisate ten years ago."

"But you refused the title."

Ten years ago, Victor made an immense contribution to the Empire.

So much so that after his 'death,' Aurelion posthumously granted him the title of Marquis.

But because Leah always believed that Victor would return, she never went to inherit the title.

Since Victor had not been able to appear in the Empire since his return, the matter of his promotion was left unresolved.

Then, another guard came over carrying a large wooden tray in both hands.

It was covered with a layer of red silk cloth, making it look bulging.

Only when he reached Liya did he hold the bottom of the plate with one hand and lift the red cloth with the other.

Now, a thick pile of gold bars shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.

The dazzling golden scene left Lia speechless.

After all, in her life, her first love was Victor, and her second love was money.

But what's the deal with this pile of gold bars?

Lia composed herself slightly, but her eyes still involuntarily glanced at the gold bars.

Then, the Queen continued:

"This is your reward, thank you for subduing the criminal Victor and handing him over to the Empire."

Huh? Me? What did I do?

She didn't do anything, she just returned to the Empire with Victor, right?

Thinking of this, Lia turned around and looked at Victor behind her.

She saw the other person nod slightly, indicating that she could accept the money.

Seeing this, Lia paused again, opened her mouth, and subconsciously said:

"Thank... thank you, Your Majesty?"

Something feels off.

Wasn't Her Majesty the Empress here to arrest someone? Why is she bestowing a title and rewarding her with money?

"Let's go, Viktor."

"I hope you won't resist."

As soon as he finished speaking, two heavily armored guards, fully armed, came up with heavy shackles and chains, ready to handcuff Viktor.

But before they could even get up there, they inadvertently met Viktor's cold gaze.

A jolt of electricity seemed to run through his body, hidden beneath the heavy armor, and he instantly felt weak.

But they absolutely could not show weakness in front of the Queen.

He could only stand firm with his strong will, cold sweat dripping down his forehead and his body trembling slightly.

They were already preparing to handcuff Victor, as ordered by the Queen.

After all, this is the standard procedure for arresting criminals.

However, when they actually met Viktor's gaze, they suddenly realized something was wrong.

Wait a minute, damn it, that's Victor...

Even if they had eight times the courage, they wouldn't dare to handcuff this man...

The two looked at each other, swallowed hard, and hesitated.

Just then, they heard Aurelion sigh softly behind them, saying as if somewhat disappointed:

"Forget it, no need to bind him. Let him ride in my carriage."

ah?

The heavily armored guards on both sides, as well as the guards holding shackles, were all stunned.

Their gazes, filled with shock, were all fixed on the Queen, speechless with astonishment.

Is that so?

The criminals who were supposed to be detained were actually allowed to ride back in a carriage with the Queen?

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