Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Cooperation?
Wen Shu’s gaze swept past Bai Qiao, looking towards the Queen, and asked with a smile: "Queen Niss, did you call for me?"
Seeing her turn back, Bai Qiao’s hand tensed as she hastened her measurements.
Yet, Queen Niss paid no attention to this.
She glanced at Wen Shu with a gleaming smile, gesturing for her to come closer, her eyes examining her beautiful features with a trace of satisfaction glinting in them.
"After the Divine Tree celebration, the Royal City will host a banquet, and all nobles are expected to attend."
Queen Niss paused for a few seconds, seemingly waiting for Wen Shu’s reaction.
Wen Shu didn’t understand how this banquet was related to her, but she raised her eyebrows, feigning surprise, "Really? It must be quite lively. I still remember those Divine Tree carriages; the Yisha Empire is truly awe-inspiring!"
Perhaps flattery hit the mark, for Queen Niss chuckled joyfully, clasping Wen Shu’s hand and giving it a gentle pat, "Good child, you surely lack a fitting dress."
Wen Shu was not expecting such enthusiasm from her and was momentarily caught off guard.
Then, just as Bai Qiao finished measuring her waist, Queen Niss raised her hand to stop her.
"Bai Qiao, this is Wen Shu, could you kindly take her measurements as well?"
Upon these words, Bai Qiao’s face visibly turned grim.
However, as Queen Niss was in a high position, she paid no mind to this and continued holding Wen Shu’s hand, instructing Bai Qiao, "I’m off to have breakfast. Wen Shu is my savior. Her dress must be elegant and luxurious."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Bai Qiao pressed her lips together, watching as Queen Niss departed. When she turned back to Wen Shu, her face showed no sign of yesterday’s intense resentment.
She approached with a frosty demeanor, indicating Wen Shu’s arm, "Raise it."
Wen Shu scrutinized her closely, noticing the dark circles under her eyes and how much more haggard she looked compared to yesterday.
Suspecting she might have consulted a priest to confirm who killed her child, Wen Shu looked away, lifted her arm to facilitate the measurement, and contemplated the matter of the Divine Tree leaves.
Bai Qiao’s closeness to Queen Niss must have a reason.
"You..."
Wen Shu pondered over her words, preparing to inquire somewhat, but was interrupted by Bai Qiao, who noticed her gaze and said irritably, "Don’t look at me with that pitiful expression. Even if it wasn’t you, we are not friends!"
Hearing this, Wen Shu abandoned the idea of consoling and instead pressed her lips slightly, stating bluntly, "Don’t worry, I was just wondering what you plan to do?"
Her words were vague, but Bai Qiao immediately understood what she was asking.
Facing the survival issue of the Beast World, they were, after all, on the same front, and clarifying some things could actually enable mutual support.
However, after hating someone for so long, Bai Qiao was inevitably discomforted.
She bit her lip and only after measuring Wen Shu’s bust, finally spoke reluctantly, "Of course, I will discuss it with Her Majesty. Or do you think I will snatch it by force?"
This thought was identical to her choice in the original story.
But this was still likely unfeasible.
Nevertheless...it could be used.
"What if Queen Niss disagrees? The snow is falling heavier than ever; we must act quickly."
Wen Shu rubbed her thumb, stating directly, "How about this: we can cooperate. You help cover for me..."
She moved a few steps closer, detailing her theft plan to Bai Qiao. However, upon listening, Bai Qiao widened her eyes with disbelief.
"What?" Bai Qiao stepped back in shock, her face showing disdain, "It’s absurd you came up with this... You have no morals!"
Seeing her expression, Wen Shu raised an eyebrow, almost amused by anger, holding back her temper, "Is it more about morals or the bigger picture right now? And moreover..."
The words were unpleasant; she hesitated for a few seconds, seeing Bai Qiao’s increasing disdain, she couldn’t help but ask curiously, "You’re quite preachy with me, so why do these so-called moral standards vanish when it comes to your Beast Husband?"
"He harmed you, yet you’re still submissive, thinking he has feelings for you, while you had no hesitation in setting me up..."
Halfway through speaking, Bai Qiao’s expression stiffened, recalling the events after confirming the truth with the priest last night, her eyes quickly reddened, tears streaming down uncontrollably.
"...Take my advice," Wen Shu, having been eager to comment, took note of the sound of dripping tears and looked up into tearful eyes, "Uh, be kinder to yourself."
Having spoken dryly, she looked down at Bai Qiao, shorter by half a head, her nose red from crying, gasping for breath pitiably.
Wen Shu glanced around, grabbing a cloth from the table, "Sorry, I was too harsh..."
Having known her for so long, Bai Qiao only recognized Wen Shu’s knack for provocation but was taken aback by her sudden soft words.
Moreover, what she said was true.
Even if Wen Shu was wrong, her self-deception and false accusations were equally wrong...
Bai Qiao wiped her tears, grabbed a corner of the cloth, and before she could exert force, several tall figures emerged from the dining hall—it was Wen Shu’s Beast Husbands.
The tension from yesterday was palpable, and being seen accepting Wen Shu’s comfort would be embarrassing!
"No need!"
She retracted her hand abruptly, picked up her measuring tools, intending to leave, but stopped in her tracks, throwing a "I don’t agree" before fleeing the castle.
Facing her resistant attitude, Wen Shu wasn’t surprised, but since she refused to help, she could only be extra cautious during the theft.
She was pondering how to proceed when surrounded by towering figures that cast an extensive shadow over her.
"What happened?"
Nan’s voice, tinged with concern, resounded overhead.
Wen Shu turned around, her gaze slowly scanning the varied expressions of the four, a smile tugging at her lips.
"We should also discuss our next plans."
After resting in Bain City for two days, Yining had finished dealing with priest matters and found Wen Shu and her group, while Queen Niss’ convoy finally set off to return to the Royal City.
This time, with the addition of the Alentia convoy, the return journey was exceptionally lively.
Wen Shu, pregnant for a long period, felt increasingly fatigued. Nestled within the carriage, she could still hear their laughter.
Incidentally, she also overheard plenty of gossip.
Most unexpectedly, Bai Qiao finally resolved to break the contract with Craig!
To win Bai Qiao back, Craig had already followed outside the carriage for an entire day and night.
Wen Shu lifted the curtain slightly for a peek, feeling no glee at the sight of the proverbial flames but rather thinking he had it coming.
She hoped Bai Qiao would hold her ground.
For the next half-day, she lay nestled against Wu Xuan, falling into a deep sleep.
She expected to awake upon arrival in the Royal City.
But nothing is certain.
"Hold on tight!"
Just as Wen Shu woke up, a sharp bird cry filled the air, and she was greeted by two anxious faces from above.
Wu Xuan and Luo Fei spread their robes wide, shielding her securely, while Mious crouched at the front, blocking the fierce wind entirely, presenting merely a broad back.
Wen Shu grew uneasy, her lips parting before an icy speck of snow brushed her face.
Realizing they were exposed to the cold winds, Wu Xuan tightened his grip on the robe around her, concern flickering in his eyes, "Ashu, it’s snowing..."
