The guards who had come to their senses quickly surrounded Tong Sui, blocking him from view as their hearts raced in alarm. It was a close call; this traitor had nearly harmed Prince Tong Sui.
Surrounded and protected, Tong Sui heard the system voice in his mind: [A significant change has been detected in the story line of this world. You have successfully completed the task of saving the villain Bai Xingluo in this world. You now have 24 hours to choose to leave this world immediately or continue living until your life naturally ends.]
Twenty-four hours, huh?
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of kneeling voices, as the members of the council on stage bowed deeply to him.
“Prince Tong Sui, we implore you to accept the position of the new Insect Emperor. Under your leadership, the Empire will have a bright future!”
The insects below were also chanting his name, their voices rising higher and higher.
Bai Xingluo listened to the insects adoring Tong Sui, calling out his name. Despite being prepared for this moment, his emotions were complex. It felt like a precious treasure that once belonged solely to him was now being thrust into the spotlight to be shared, thanks to Tong Sui’s undeniable brilliance.
Tong Sui was indeed the best choice for the Insect Emperor. Bai Xingluo thought so too.
However, becoming the Emperor represented a heavy burden of obligations, as there would now be many insects depending on him—not just himself anymore. There would even be many females around him.
Bai Xingluo tried to maintain his composure, forcing a light smile. “Your Highness…?”
Before he could finish his sentence, Tong Sui had already crossed over the kneeling insects to stand beside him, enveloped in a sweet and fragrant aura.
Bai Xingluo froze.
Tong Sui wrapped his arms around Bai Xingluo’s waist, noticing his hand hovering in the air. He pulled it down and held it tightly, his voice soft and gentle, “Luo Luo, don’t force yourself to smile if you don’t want to.”
He turned, still holding Bai Xingluo’s hand, and his voice was soft enough to silence the entire room.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m suitable to be the Insect Emperor. I only like General Bai Xingluo; I have no talent and am not interested in being constrained by rules.”
In that moment, their fingers intertwined.
Bai Xingluo was dazed as he listened to Tong Sui’s words, feeling as if he were in a dream. Yet the warmth in their joined hands confirmed that this was real.
Not only was Bai Xingluo stunned, but all the insects, including those watching from behind the screen, were also taken aback.
Huh?!
How could any insect willingly relinquish such supreme power? That was the position of the Insect Emperor, which ruled over the entire Empire!
The senior council member who had been the first to kneel asked, “Have you really thought this through? This position is meant for you.”
From any perspective, there was no one better suited than Tong Sui.
Tong Sui replied, “I’ve thought it over.”
Discussions erupted among those on stage and below, while the viewing room was filled with cries of despair.
[Why refuse?]
[There’s no other insect who can be elected!]
[I don’t care! In my heart, Tong Sui is the only one capable of being the Emperor! Any rules don’t matter!]
“If you have concerns about the royal protocols, we can discuss those.”
Tong Sui said, “Even if I only have one queen?”
“This…”
Historically, which Insect Emperor was not surrounded by countless females and numerous offspring? His statement certainly challenged their understanding.
Could any male insect truly be willing to stand by a single female, especially as she aged and lost her appeal? Wouldn’t they eventually grow tired of it?
But Tong Sui’s next words further shattered their worldview.
“For there are better options than me, such as Lu Yunyi. He has been the one handling the affairs of state these days, and you all should know his capabilities well.”
When named, Lu Yunyi was startled. He slowly raised his head and said, “Prince Tong Sui, I am a female and have no right to inherit the Emperor’s position.”
“What does it matter if you are female? The Insect Emperor needs to carry the fate of the entire Empire. As long as one’s abilities are strong enough, they qualify for this position.”
His voice was not loud, yet it held an inspiring strength, like a powerful spring flowing into every female insect present, giving voice to their repressed thoughts.
“Th-this…”
The old male council member was hesitant to defy, but it was indeed a radical statement.
Bai Xingluo declared, “My lord, whatever decisions you make, I will support.”
After a moment of confusion, a familiar supportive voice rang out from the crowd: “I represent the Warner family, and I believe a female can also be the Insect Emperor!”
The speaker was Payne Warner, who looked up at Tong Sui with admiration.
His respect was not just simple admiration; without Tong Sui’s reminder, he feared he might never have had the opportunity to stand here.
“I support!”
“I support too!”
The voices of support grew louder, and the pressured council members exchanged glances. “Maybe we really can give this a try.”
“This could perhaps mark a new milestone for the Insect race.”
Tong Sui asked, “Prince San, would you be willing to give it a try?”
Lu Yunyi didn’t know how to describe his current feelings; it was as though the mist that had lingered in his heart for so long was suddenly dispersed. The rhythm of his heartbeat became uncontrollable.
Lu Yunyi had also struggled before, but he had resigned to his fate. The gap between their identities wasn’t something he could change through effort alone.
Yet Tong Sui accepted him.
After a long moment, Lu Yunyi finally found his voice, hoarsely saying, “I am willing to give my life for the Empire!”
The entire place erupted in thunderous applause.
Tong Sui chuckled lightly, soft black raven feathers obscuring part of his pupils, looking impossibly pure against all else in this world.
Compared to him, Lu Yunyi was the most suitable choice.
——
Amid the fervent gazes, all the insects watched as Tong Sui and Bai Xingluo returned to their mecha.