CHAPTER 6

Lia immediately rushed to greet Prince Aerus, smiling and bowing. She hoped to see her husband's smile and friendly response, and then they could talk and be as close as ever again. But he didn't seem to respond much and didn't even give her a positive response.

Everyone saw this, as well as witnessed when she was humiliated at her banquet.

Prince Aerus seemed to enter the hall, took a seat in the corner, looked at all the dishes that were available in front of him without any enthusiasm at all. Several chiefs from other planets nodded and smiled at him, although only a few of them seemed sincere and genuinely kind.

Lia glanced at her husband, looked sad under her veil, squeezed her fingers, and almost cried. King Rexon was seen approaching her, then patted her on the shoulder a few times.

"Maybe he has a lot of problems in Hexa," he said encouragingly, although it did not make any meaningful results.

All the guests had arrived. Lia went up to the pulpit to give a warm welcoming speech. "I want to strengthen Centraxus' relationship with all the planets that are members of the Galactic Council, as well as officially introduce myself. I am Ethlia, the newest queen in Centraxus, chosen based on the strength of the energy. I hope no one questions my leadership anymore."

Then thunderous applause erupted in the hall, followed by the proud shrieks of Queen Renoa and King Rexon from a distance. Several conflicts had occurred, both within Centraxus and on other planets. They opposed the leadership of Lia, who was judged as a young girl who was not fit to rule Centraxus.

If Lia had to become queen, then the leadership of the previous king and queen should not be overthrown. At least they should be the pillars of the real leader, which overshadows Lia's government. It was still being carried out until now, without the need for malicious criticism from many parties.

But for now, all Lia needed to do was prove that she was very competent in the field of government. She was finally able to prove this after visiting several leaders' planetary groups, discussing various very sensitive domestic issues. Her intelligence fascinated almost everyone.

Entertainment after entertainment was staged, ranging from dances, semi-modern classical operas, various performances typical of the planets with the latest technology. Everything could amaze the guests, making them believe that Centraxus had progressed very rapidly after being led by Lia.

The planet commanders, who previously had doubts about her leadership, have now turned to support her, although a few of them had become arrogant and were reluctant to directly praise her.

The day passed, replaced by a beautiful and serene night. Banquets began to be served again, dishes for the dinner menu.

The candles were lit, giving a very thick classic impression. The type of candle that will never run out because of the technology from Centraxus.

The lights flashed, then a beautiful painting with a puff of smoke like being in heaven. The maids were as beautiful as pearls, whose eyes were as clear as dewdrops. They swerved to serve food, chuckling when the planet's top brass praised their looks.

Lia sat at the end of the table, looking for the figure of Prince Aerus who had sunk at the far end. From behind the veil, she bit her lip. Her focus was completely absorbed as if soaking the world revolving around her.

The chief from Planet Bhusk traced Lia's gaze, then focused on the spot where Prince Aerus was. His ears are like two antennae, like needles in the insect's mouth. "Queen, is something bothering you?"

The general from another planet looked up, lowering a plate of seafood from his chubby hand. With difficulty, he swallowed the food in his mouth. "He's called Prince Aerus, Queen," he said after finding the center of Lia's attention. "He is the current leader of Hexa, succeeding his father and mother, even though his status is not yet king. It's just information in case you don't know."

A chief other planetary, cross-eyed, immediately raised his head, ready to gossip. "Don't think too much about it, Queen." His lips were crooked with teeth like a heavy smoker, scruffy, and very yellow, almost rusty. "He does hold an outrage with Centaxus," he continued. A corrosive smell wafted from his mouth, making some of the others unable to stand the moment they sat near him.

"Outrage?" Lia frowned. This was the new rumor she heard.

The seafood chief nodded after swallowing another meal. "That's right, Queen. You must have not heard the news of this since you are the new queen, who appeared suddenly in one night." That's not satire, is it? "But almost all the planets know that there is a conflict between Centraxus and Hexa."

'Why didn't I know?' Lia thought worriedly. She also did not hear any version from her parents. Was that why Prince Aerus looked displeased at this banquet? "Would you mind telling me about this matter, sir?"

"If you want to hear it then I don't mind telling it," said the chief corrosive mouth. After seeing Lia nod, his crooked lips smiled quite horribly. "Hexa used to ask for the help of the previous king and queen to break the seal of a princess in Hexa. It was said that the princess was the wife of Prince Aerus. But because the king and queen refused to break the seal, the princess died. Because Prince Aerus loves his wife so much, that hurt and resentment are still strong today."

The seafood chief nodded in agreement. "Right, that's what happened, Queen. But you don't need to be burdened. It's not your fault, nor is it Centraxus' fault. Centraxus reserves the right to help and not to help someone. If it does cause someone's death then that is beyond Cetraxus's responsibility."

"At that time Centraxus was in conflict, Queen. The relatives of the previous king and queen suddenly staged a coup d'etat. Even though the battle could be won by Unirex, the impact of the battle was massive. So I think Centraxus was just having a hard time."

Lia was stunned, looking at her husband, who looked down while turning the glass in his hand. He didn't even eat a single dish, except for small fruits. Even though he didn't say it outright, she could see how angry and disgusted he was right now, clearly reflected in his gestures and the look in his eyes.

"Is he still not able to forget the incident?" Lia subconsciously asked, in a mumble.

The chief from other planets turned to her.

"I think so," nodded the head of the corrosive mouth. "Isn't it obvious? His face looks irritated from earlier." Then he chuckled. "I wonder why he's so overreacting about love? Couldn't he still find another girl and marry her? There are so many beautiful girls in Hexa."

"Or at Centraxus," said the seafood chief. "There are so many beautiful girls here, that it makes me want to find a concubine here."

"Me too," said another prime minister, and they burst out laughing together. Their eyes darted at the curvy and very sexy maids, clearing their throats while teasing them.

Until then they became tense when they saw Lia's eyes that looked cruel and curt. They thought it was because they were presumptuous of discussing the concubines and girls of Centraxus.

"Forgive us, Queen. We're just playing around. Of course, we find the girls at Centraxus precious. We will not take them as concubines."

Lia squeaked. "All girls in the universe are precious, even if they are slaves in your palace," she said.

***

PS: I sort by system