She wouldn't abandon him.
But the prerequisite for being together is that she has to keep her own life.
She wants both power and love!
*
"Princess! The Senate has passed a resolution to hold the heir election ceremony ahead of schedule!"
Shen Zhiyi received the news and sneered.
It seems that her stepmother can no longer sit still.
There have been reports of orcs going missing in the city recently.
She has been investigating the matter secretly.
Now it seems that there is no need for investigation.
Her stepmother was able to hold the ceremony ahead of schedule without an army. The disappearance of the orcs must be related to her!
What do they want to do at the election ceremony?
Shen Zhiyi lowered his eyes in thought.
After a while, he looked up and told the maid, "Send a message to Ice Crystal City."
"Just say that I've already chosen my betrothal candidate. Please ask the Astoria family to prepare." Her eyes were cold, and she lifted her red lips slightly. "The engagement ceremony will be held on the same day as the election ceremony."
"My fiancé must present a wreath to me before choosing an heir."
"Yes!" The maid took the order and left in a hurry.
Shen Zhiyi slowly leaned back in the chair.
The empire has a crystal ball passed down from generation to generation, called "Stargazing", which contains the energy of all the successive rulers.
Every successor must pass the approval of the star test.
It not only shows a person's talent and ability, but also provides insight into all the power and support behind him.
The army, property, and even the people's hearts.
It can detect them all.
Then, give a comprehensive score.
Originally, she was the only heir.
As long as the score reaches the standard, you can successfully inherit the throne.
But now, the Senate raised objections.
She has to beat all the contestants and get the highest score.
Shen Zhiyi pinched his eyebrows.
It's a tough battle that has to be fought...
*
Election ceremony.
Catalina sat at the head, presiding over the ceremony with a graceful smile.
Shen Zhiyi glanced at Ana Shen, who was always smiling opposite him, and a hint of uneasiness rose in his heart.
Her expression was... very wrong.
It's so peaceful.
Having been deprived of her talent by her own hands and having lost the face of the royal family in front of so many people, when she saw her again, Shen Xiya should have wanted to kill her.
How can you have no emotions at all?
Shen Zhiyi narrowed his cold eyes slightly.
Could it be that her emotions and consciousness were being manipulated by someone?
"The testing ceremony begins now!"
On the high platform.
A purple crystal ball slowly rose up and hovered in the air, emitting a soft and majestic light.
That is star measurement.
"Princess, according to the rules, you and the second princess must place your hands on the measuring star one after another," Herbert said. "Whoever gets the higher score will become the next ruler of the royal family."
"Princess, please."
Shen Zhiyi looked at the shimmering energy ball and was about to raise his foot when a loud voice suddenly rang out from behind him.
"Princess, wait a minute!"
Leo, dressed in a white military uniform and holding a treasure box in his hand, walked up to Shen Zhiyi and knelt on one knee, “Your Highness, before the ceremony begins, please accept the absolute loyalty of the Astoria family and Leo’s heart.”
He opened the treasure box in his hand.
Inside lay an ice-blue wreath, woven from eternal ice crystals and thousand-year-old ice roses, emitting a refreshing cool fragrance.
"If you are willing to be engaged to Leo, please allow me to put a garland on your head."
He stared at her and said clearly, word by word:
"I beg you, give me the right to guard you."
"Astoria and my army will be the princess's strongest support and will always follow her."
He took the oath before the queen and the nobles.
Should that be enough to express sincerity?
Princess...will you agree?
Leo looked at her nervously.
Shen Zhiyi glanced sideways slightly, his gaze passed over his shoulder and locked onto the figure at the outskirts of the crowd.
Samuel seemed to have arrived in a hurry and was standing there, his breathing still not calm, his fists clenched, and his chest heaving.
His face was pale and his eyes were fixed on her.
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