I'm playing Honkai Impact 3

Page 1081

Rival had long ago prepared a complete plan, but he had kept it under wraps due to the issue of the previous princess's blood color. Now, the key piece, Rudela, has arrived.

He launched a long-term plan with lightning speed.

In addition, to everyone's surprise, Mr. Qiong came up with several rather simple but practical ideas.

For example, write the words "When the princess returns, the empire prospers" on a white silk strip and stuff it into the belly of a fish sold in the market.

When residents bought fish and cut open the fish's belly, they would find the silk writing inside and believe it was a revelation from Euronis.

In a world with gods, creating some mystical or eccentric things can be just as effective as in ancient China.

There were also people who would go to the Titan's temple in the middle of the night, light a bonfire, first imitate the roar of a strange beast, and then shout, "The princess returns, the empire prospers!"

Add a touch of modern marketing and promotion techniques.

Rival's plans are progressing at an astonishing pace.

Ten days later.

Central Square of the capital of Hyperion.

The entire city was adorned in festive attire, with colorful flags fluttering and flowers lining the streets.

A grand welcoming ceremony is underway.

The magnificent square was packed with people, their gazes like a blazing torrent, all focused on the high platform that symbolized supreme power.

"Your Majesty, do you truly wish to become entangled in the vortex of Hyper's power?"

Inside the palace, Hathaway watched as the blue-haired girl, struggling to hide her nervousness, was led onto the magnificent platform, surrounded by the prime minister and nobles, and asked her king a question.

"Hmm~"

The atmosphere was solemn and dignified, and Qiong and Heather, who were in a corner, were under the watchful eyes of many nobles' subordinates.

However, once the Divine Rank Feather Crossing Dust was activated...

By slightly influencing the guards' mental state and using their psychological blind spots to conceal themselves, they achieve a similar effect of invisibility, making it impossible for the target to detect or sense their presence.

This is what is known as psychological stealth.

"What difference does it make who becomes a princess?"

Qiong sat casually on the soft chairs prepared for distinguished guests, his posture completely out of place with the other nobles who sat upright, holding golden cups.

It was completely casual, like a wedding feast in the countryside.

“I was just trying to help someone. Think about it, if we hadn’t walked into the market that snowy day and hadn’t met Crydella and Orange Lord, what do you think that child’s future would have been like?”

A glistening, round, green grape was offered to her lips. Hazel blinked, opened her mouth, and accepted the grape as gracefully as a mermaid holding a pearl.

The tip of her tongue inadvertently brushed against Qiong's fingertips, leaving a slightly cool and moist sensation.

"The currents of fate have not revealed her course... but being in the eye of the storm now is better than drifting alone in the unknown, turbulent waves."

Now, at least Kerudella has someone to rely on.

"Your Majesty, do you intend to train this fish?"

"Ah."

Qiong withdrew his hand, his fingertips still tinged with the coolness of Heather's lips and the sweetness of grapes, and he licked them without a care.

She is a rough gem.

Ten days together may seem short, but we must consider the circumstances and the situation.

The intelligent Krystal understood her situation. With others at her mercy and only Kyon as her support, she naturally clung to him tightly.

With a touch of psychological suggestion, Qiong quickly figured out the little girl's background and personality.

"Calm, perceptive, intelligent, knows how to be patient and retreat, persevering, observant, only needs a little guidance..."

With a crisp snap of her fingers, Qiong recalled the tests she had conducted on Krystalla over the past few days under the guise of relaxing with games, and a pleased smile curved her lips.

"I dare say that she will leave a strong mark on the history of Onphalus."

"Oh? The king has such high expectations for her?"

Another piece of fruit was offered to her, a banana with a bite taken out of it. Hazel naturally didn't mind, and gently parted her cherry lips to take a bite.

"Don't you believe it?"

Qiong took back the banana that Heather had just eaten, put it in her mouth, crossed her legs, and looked at Kryudela, who was climbing the steps one by one.

"The voice of the deep sea rises and falls only with the king's heart; the pearls that the king has chosen will surely shine."

Heather revealed a gentle, tender smile.

"I look forward to this tender blue-scaled fry growing into a giant whale that rules the deep sea, under the king's guidance and amidst the turbulent vortex of power."

Following Qiong's gaze, Hazel saw the tiny blue fish, surrounded by sharks, ascend to the highest point of the stage.

Facing tens of thousands of people for the first time in her life, under the spotlight of everyone, Krydela felt incredibly hot and had an urge to escape from the platform.

But the impulse was just that—an impulse—and was quickly suppressed by the girl's reason.

She cannot escape, or she will die.

Her father and teacher will also be implicated.

She pursed her lips almost imperceptibly, forcing herself to recall every detail of those ten days of hellish training.

Posture, gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact.

Taking a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging panic in her chest, Krystalla raised her arm, her childish yet deliberately imitative voice carrying clearly across the plaza with the aid of the amplifying alchemical artifact:

"My subjects, of Highpel! I, of Lionheart blood, favored by Tarantun—Crydella, have returned today!"

The solemn-looking old nobleman stepped forward and respectfully took her small hand.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he gently pierced the girl's delicate fingertip with a fine gold needle inlaid with dazzling gemstones.

A drop of golden blood, as rich as molten gold from the sun, slowly seeped out and dripped onto a pure white silk handkerchief, spreading out in a dazzling brilliance.

"This is proof of my divine favor and the blessing of Tarantun."

Golden blood, blue hair.

To the people of the Hyperion Empire, this was the royal family blessed by Tarranton, the chosen ones.

They are the people who can lead them.

"Your Highness the Queen!"

"Your Highness Kerudela!"

"We have a new king!"

"The hard times are finally over!"

The crowd below cheered wildly, their eyes burning with anticipation, their gazes like flames, as if they wanted to ignite Cerudela as well.

Of course, there are shills involved.

These are small tactics devised to incite an outburst of emotion among residents.

Essentially, it's not much different from the play that Qiong directed at the Beloborg military camp, where Raven and Secondary Silverwing were the cooperating partners.

This time, there's absolutely no trace of a director.

This can also be seen as a sign that Qiong's skills are becoming increasingly profound.

The inspiring speech ended amidst cheers and celebrations from the people, and Kerudela struggled to descend from the most glorious platform with trembling legs.

They returned to the palace under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

However, the princess's treatment from then on was not what ordinary commoners imagined.

"Everything went smoothly."

Rival walked up to the gray-haired youth who was enjoying the banquet with a beaming smile.

"Mr. Qiong is indeed a master who deeply understands the rules."

"Excellent, very good!"

The elderly nobleman couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Amidst the chilling laughter, Kerudela, dressed in an elaborate palace gown and resembling an exquisite doll, carefully made her way through the crowd to Qiong's side and gently took his hand.

"teacher."

"Good speech, Kerudela."

Qiong gently ruffled the girl's blue hair, which was adorned with a crown.

"You have the presence, but your gaze needs more refinement. When facing someone's gaze, you must not look away; that is a sign of weakness. You must be like a lion cub eyeing its prey."

"Yes, I understand, teacher."

Kerudela nodded obediently.

"Only ten days!"

Rival applauded sincerely, the crisp applause echoing in the hall.

"To be able to mold a child who had wandered the streets into a princess with nascent dignity, Mr. Qiong, you are the most outstanding mentor I have ever met, without exception!"

He was very satisfied with Kyon and Krydela.

The latter not only perfectly met the basic requirements compared to the previous princess, but also performed the role more outstandingly.

Especially the relationship between Kyon and Kelidestra.

Considering that Krydella and Sora had only recognized each other a few days ago, Rival deliberately prepared only one room for the two of them, so that the blue-haired girl could have a safe haven when she slept soundly at night.

They intentionally accelerated the process of letting Krystalla personally meet and become familiar with her father, Kyon.

As their relationship deepens, he can use one of them to threaten the other.

For example, Cerberus, an orphan with no parents and no ties, would be difficult for Rival to deal with if pressured too much or if some extreme measures were used, and if she refused to cooperate even at the cost of her life.

Once he has leverage over someone, he can manipulate them at will.

It's just as easy for a boss to manipulate a worker who has a mortgage, car loan, two children in school, and is elderly and frail.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Donning her Persona, Qiong switches to a mode of feigned interaction with the nobles.

Otherwise, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to hold back his laughter.

Kyō's ability to gain Krydela's unconditional trust and affection in such a short time is inextricably linked to Rival's scheming.

It's much easier for smart actors; Qiong only needs to guide the situation, and the other party will push the drama in the direction he wants.

As for sharing a bed at night?

No one would think that Qiong would do anything to a seven or eight-year-old child, right?

Unless she is herself.

Otherwise, even Qiong's flexible moral bottom line wouldn't be that low.

It's simply about holding a child who feels insecure while they sleep.

"Then, Her Highness's royal etiquette instruction and early education will be entrusted to Mr. Qiong."

Lival is also working to improve the relationship between the father and daughter.

Both of them were inside the palace, monitored by his spies and heavily guarded. Even if they had wings, they could have flown away.

The deeper the bond between the father and daughter, the more advantageous it is for him to control these two pawns, given that he has control over their lives and fortunes.

Therefore, Rival abandoned his original plan to have professional court tutors teach Krydera knowledge and etiquette, and instead decided to have Kyon, the 'teacher,' come instead.

The opponent's abilities even exceeded Rival's expectations.

His insightful perspective sometimes even made him think he was a genius!

"Rest assured, I will do my utmost to ensure that Krydella acquires all the qualities that an outstanding princess should possess in the shortest possible time."

Qiong bowed slightly with elegance.

Yes, all the manners are impeccable.

The impeccable etiquette left Lival momentarily stunned.