Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Coral Heart
Augustine rose slowly, his heavy King’s Robe dragging across the jewel-encrusted floor.
He walked to the window and gazed at the brilliant lights of the Imperial Capital. "The Minister of Finance, the Cardinal, the Eastern Governor..." His voice was so low it was almost inaudible. "Do you know what this means, Roland?"
Roland looked up, his gaze firm. "It means treason, Your Majesty. They not only participated in illegal human experiments, but they also conspired to overthrow the Empire."
A series of hurried footsteps approached. Cezel rushed into the council hall, his expression grave. "Your Majesty, we found this in the deepest part of the laboratory." He presented a sealed Crystal Box, inside which floated a single, eerie drop of purple liquid.
Augustine’s pupils contracted sharply. "Is this... an extract of the Royal Family’s bloodline?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Cezel said in a low voice. "They were trying to replicate... you."
The room fell into a deathly silence. From a distance, the chiming of the Imperial Palace’s clock tower could be heard, each toll like a death knell.
"Issue the order," Augustine said, suddenly turning. His King’s Robe billowed like a dark cloud. "Arrest everyone on the list immediately. But remember—" His sharp gaze swept over the two men. "This must be done in secret. The people cannot know that the Empire’s high command has rotted to the core."
Roland frowned. "Your Majesty, the victims deserve justice—"
"Justice?" Augustine sneered, retrieving a secret decree from a hidden compartment in his throne and tossing it to Roland. "Look at this. Three Beastman uprisings have already occurred in the Eastern Province in the last three months. If news breaks now that our nobles were collectively involved in human experiments..."
Roland unfurled the decree, his expression growing darker. "They’re already forming a resistance army."
"Exactly." Augustine rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily. "That is why we must arrest them immediately! I want to handle this before Yaoyao returns."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Roland acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Augustine gazed into the distance, wondering how Yaoyao’s trip to the Sea Clan was going...
Unlike the bloody turmoil in the Empire’s Imperial City, the domain of the Sea Clan was bathed in a gentle, blue halo.
The group set out for the Heart of Coral Island on their honeymoon trip.
"Yaoyao," Noah called out softly, a hint of shyness in his voice.
Su Yaoyao smiled and walked over, gently taking Noah’s hand. "Noah," she said, "you’ll be our guide for this trip."
Noah nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up in an irrepressible smile. He squeezed Su Yaoyao’s hand back and said, "Mm, I’ll make sure everything is perfectly arranged."
Mingye watched them, happy to see them getting along, and said with a smile, "Then let’s get going."
Afterward, Noah led everyone aboard a magnificent Sea Clan vessel. The ship resembled a giant, elegant seashell, emanating a soft glow as it glided effortlessly through the water. Along the way, Noah enthusiastically pointed out the beautiful sights.
"Look, that vibrant area over there is our Sea Clan’s Crystal Garden. The crystals inside refract light in marvelous colors under different conditions."
Noah said, pointing to a distant area that shone with a strange light.
Everyone followed his finger and saw countless massive crystals standing on the seabed. Some towered like spires, while others bloomed like flowers. Under the sunlight, they refracted every color of the rainbow, weaving together a dreamlike tapestry.
Lucia bounced excitedly in Su Yaoyao’s arms, pointing her little paw at the Crystal Garden. "Yaoyao, look! It’s so pretty!"
Su Yaoyao smiled and patted Lucia’s head. "Yes, yes. I’ll hold you so you can see. Be careful with your wound."
Before long, the vessel arrived at the Heart of Coral Island.
As they stepped onto the legendary island, they were immediately struck by the breathtaking beauty before them.
The island was covered in coral reefs of all shapes and sizes. They were like exquisitely carved works of art; some stretched out like antlers, some were rounded like mushrooms, and others intertwined like branches.
The colors of these coral reefs were dazzling—red as fire, pink as a sunset cloud, and white as snow. Set against the blue sea, the sight was breathtakingly beautiful.
"This is the Heart of Coral Island. According to legend, the place where Sea Abyss and Coral were transformed is at the island’s center," Noah explained as he led the group toward the middle of the island.
Following a winding coral path, they arrived at a heart-shaped cove.
The cove was encircled by the most magnificent coral reefs, which seemed to be built from the most precious gems, glowing with a captivating luster.
In the very center of the cove was a massive, heart-shaped reef stone. It was covered in ancient runes that seemed to tell the story of a tragic, beautiful romance.
"This is where Sea Abyss and Coral were finally transformed," Noah said. "It’s said that if lovers hang shells symbolizing their love on the surrounding coral, their love will be blessed."
Su Yaoyao’s heart filled with emotion as she listened.
She turned to Mingye and said, "Mingye, thank you for suggesting we come here." Mingye smiled and pulled Su Yaoyao into his embrace. "As long as you’re happy," he said.
Bai Lian, Reg, and Pani also picked out beautiful shells and hung them on the coral reefs, making wishes for their love with Su Yaoyao. Not to be outdone, Lucia picked up a small shell in her mouth and struggled to hang it on a low-lying piece of coral, looking absolutely adorable.
A warmth spread through Noah’s heart as he watched them. He stepped forward, gently took Su Yaoyao’s other hand, and said, "Yaoyao, I hope our love can also be as eternal as that of Sea Abyss and Coral."
Su Yaoyao looked at Noah, then at her other Beast Husbands, tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. "We will," she said. "We’ll always be together, no matter what difficulties we face."
On the beautiful Heart of Coral Island, their vows of love drifted on the sea breeze, merging with the legendary scenery to become an eternal memory.
The group enjoyed their time on the island to the fullest, savoring the rare, sweet moments. It was as if time itself had stopped for them, allowing them to immerse themselves completely in their romantic and wonderful honeymoon.
Night fell like a vast, black satin cloth, gently blanketing the Heart of Coral Island and adding a touch of tranquility and mystery to the romantic isle.
The group strolled along the island, enjoying the pleasant time together.
Bai Lian gently took Su Yaoyao’s hand, their fingers intertwining. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze full of deep affection as he looked at her. "Yaoyao," he said softly, "being with you in a place as dreamlike as this... I feel like I’m in the most wonderful dream, and I never want to wake up."
A faint blush appeared on Su Yaoyao’s cheeks. She looked up at Bai Lian, her eyes filled with love, and replied, "Me too. As long as I’m with all of you, no matter where we are, it’s the happiest moment."
