Chapter 875: Preparing for the Invasion

After the elders left, Zhao Tian, Sylmeria, and Eira were left standing in the room.

Sylmeria bowed her head, "Then I will excuse myself, Honoured One. I will personally oversee the reinforcement of the defensive barrier around the star."

Zhao Tian gave a nod, leaning back further against the table's edge "Hmm. Go."

As she left, he turned his gaze to Eira "Come here,"

Eira's ears twitched faintly, but she obeyed at once, stepping forward until she stood directly before him. "Honoured One?"

Without a word, Zhao Tian reached out, and his hand slid around her hip, cupping the soft, full curve of her ass before giving it a faint squeeze.

"Gik-!" A startled squeak escaped her lips.

Eira stiffened instantly, her cheeks flushing a deep rose as her eyes widened up at him. "W-Why are you so fixated on my ass, you… Honoured One?"

He answered with a tighter squeeze, pulling her forward until she stood between his parted legs.

His thumb traced slow circles over her ass "Who do you think sent that message, Eira?"

Eira's breath hitched as he gave another squeeze. "I… I don't know, Honoured One. The Fallen Mandate, perhaps? Or pirates, as Mother suggested…"

Her words trailed off as his hand kneaded again, sending little shivers up her spine.

She bit her lower lip and Zhao Tian watched her reaction with a faint smile.

"Think carefully," he murmured.

His free hand rose to brush a stray lock of hair from her cheek, "I wonder if there is another culprit."

"Only a handful of people knew I was here. Your mother's maids. The Elder Council. And you."

Eira's eyes widened further, "You… you don't think I am the-"

He silenced her with another squeeze, pulling her even closer until her thighs brushed his. "I don't think anything yet," he said softly.

He leaned in slightly, pressing his lips near her pointed ear, "So convince me it isn't you."

Eira's hands rose instinctively, resting against his chest as if to steady herself.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of his robe, "I would never betray the star… or you, Honoured One,"

"My loyalty is absolute. Mother raised me to serve the legacy of the First Honoured One... and now to serve you."

He patted her ass gently "Don't tense, I was joking. I know Eira won't betray me."

The tension in her shoulders eased instantly, a soft exhale escaping her lips as she melted against his chest.

He brought his other hand, squeezing both of her ass cheeks "You have an exceptional ass."

She looked into his eyes and murmured "You really are a pervert."

Hearing this, he raised an eyebrow "Do you want another spanking session?"

She hurriedly shook her head "No, Honoured One."

With a chuckle, he let her go "Come on..."

...

In the room, Zhao Tian, Freya, Eira, and Xia Shenyi are sitting on the couch.

Xia Shenyi's fingers tightened around the cup in her hand. "I see. So it's dangerous in the Elven Star too, for Tian."

Freya sighed softly, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees, "If word truly spreads beyond the High Stars... if people in the Astral Realm come to know that the Honoured One is here, more will come."

"Not just the Fallen Mandate. Bounty hunters, assassins, and entire sects in the Astral Realm."

"Because the Honoured One is feared that much."

Zhao Tian nodded lightly "Yeah. That's why I was thinking earlier… when the 'Organization' that sent the message comes in two days, I will meet them openly."

"I'll fight hard... that it looks like I'm forced to flee. Then I'll 'escape' the Elven Star, make it look like I've slipped away into the space toward some other sector."

"With that, there'll be no further harm to the Elven Star. The hunters will chase the trail I leave behind... away from here."

Eira stiffened beside him, "Honoured One… you'd leave us?"

Freya's frown deepened "It's a good strategy."

"The moment you appear to abandon the Elven Star, most opportunists will follow the scent of blood elsewhere. But it puts you alone against an unknown number of enemies, Tian. We don't even know how many they'll send... or who's truly behind the message."

Xia Shenyi set her cup down, leaning toward him "It is still risky."

Zhao Tian let out a soft sigh "Right now, the Elven Star is a fixed target. As long as I'm here, it remains in the crosshairs. I won't let centuries of guardianship be burned for my sake."

Upon hearing this, Eira's gaze trembled to see him putting the Star's safety before his own safety.

"Then… take me with you. I may not be an Elder, but I can fight. I can serve you anywhere."

Looking at her, Zhao Tian shook his head "No, you can stay here."

Eira went silent and lowered her gaze.

Xia Shenyi patted his arm and spoke "It's okay, we still have time to prepare, and let's see what happens after two days."

...

Sitting on the bank of the Lirien lake, Zhao Tian glanced at the woman sitting beside him "And that's what happened..."

Lirian lowered her gaze and looked at the lake "In that case, I can also help you fight against the people trying to invade us, My Lord."

"I was the mount for the First Honoured One," she muttered, a faint, wistful smile touching her lips.

"I carried her across skies torn by Eldritchfiends, through storms that shattered lesser stars. So it would be my honor... if you use me as a mount too."

Zhao Tian blinked slowly before giving a nod "Sure."

"Thank you, My Lord."

She shifted closer and reached out tentatively, brushing her fingertips against the back of his wrist.

"When the time comes, call for me. I will answer. I can outrun any pursuit ship and carry you through the space..."

Her gaze lifted to meet his eyes "…I will fight beside you as fiercely as I once did for her. My life is yours to command..."

Zhao Tian turned his hand palm-up, letting her fingers settle against his skin. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"I'll remember that."

Then, after a pause, a playful smile appeared on his lips "Though I should warn you, I'm a heavier rider than I look."

Lirien's lips parted on a soft, surprised laugh and she replied playfully "I am stronger than I appear, My Lord. And I have carried far greater burdens than your weight."

He chuckled under his breath "Then we have a deal."