In the Magic Phoenix Empire,
earlier that morning, the queen requested Rocky and Erica to meet her in the hall. Felicia was also
there.
"Although I've promised to hand over the Magic Phoenix Empire, I can't leave my people behind." She
cut straight to the point.
"Are you saying that you're going back on your word, Your Majesty?" Rocky asked her coldly.
"I am aware that, as the queen, my words carry tremendous weight. And I will use my own way to fulfill
my promise. Today, I'll issue an imperial edict to withdraw all the Magic Phoenix Empire troops and
relinquish military leadership to Erica. After that, I'll accept Alston's offer on the condition that my
people won't be involved in the war," the queen announced.
Rocky thought it was a good plan. Although it appeared the empire surrendered to Alston, its troops
would actually be handed over to the United Army. By the time Alston found out, it would be too late.
"I'm afraid that once Alston finds it out, you'll be in great danger," Rocky addressed the queen with
concern.
This made Erica look at the queen nervously. Although she still denied that she was her daughter,
blood was thicker than water. She wouldn't allow her mother's life to be put in danger.
"If Alston vents all his anger out on me so I can protect my people from this war, then it's a sacrifice I'm
willing to make. Don't worry, Prince Crimson. Those who achieve great success don't care about small
details. What I hope is that the Magic Phoenix Empire will regain its strength one day through Erica's
leadership," the queen expressed in anticipation.
"Prince Crimson, Her Majesty is putting herself at risk by placing the future of the Magic Phoenix
Empire on you. I hope you won't let her down. As for Erica, I'll leave her in your care. I trust you'll treat
her very well," Felicia added.
"Master, do you also want to…" Once Erica heard those words, she understood that Felicia was willing
to surrender to Alston as well.
"You're an adult now. You should know how to care for yourself without me," Felicia commented
lovingly.
Tears welled up in Erica's eyes. She knew that this may be the last time they saw each other.
"My child. I'm so sorry. I know you've been lonely for so many years. I've always felt so guilty. But more
than anything in the world, I've always wanted to hear you call me… call me mother…" The queen
experienced sorrow and regret as she admitted her feelings to her daughter. They would be separated
soon and didn't know when they'd see each other again.
Erica's mouth opened slightly but the words failed to come out. She wasn't mentally prepared. Tears
streamed down her face like two tiny rivers. She looked grief-stricken.
The queen quickly stood up and took Erica into her arms for a hug. Actually, she was already satisfied
when she could tell her daughter that she was her mother.
"Mo… mother…" Erica managed to stammer.
The queen trembled as she wept with her daughter in a tight embrace.
To help buy the Magic Phoenix Empire's army some time, the queen planned to head to the Holy
Dragon Empire with Felicia and surrender to Alston. However, this dangerous journey would be like
stepping right into a tiger's den. After a while, Alston would know she lied and he'd be furious.
Despite this, the queen and Felicia moved forward with no hesitation, leaving Rocky and Erica behind.
After the two gathered all the soldiers of the Magic Phoenix Empire, they led the army to retreat and
join the United Army.
Back at the base camp located at the junction of the Holy Dragon Empire and the Timber Deity Empire,
Alyssa devised a plan. She managed to restrict the three United Army groups completely. The three
groups found it difficult to take even a single step forward, which ruined their original plan. This
reassured Alyssa that Rocky wouldn't be sitting still awaiting death. He'd adjust his strategy. She, thus,
had to prepare in advance.
The only opponent Alyssa cared about was Rocky. He was her arch-nemesis during the previous battle
between the Crimson Dragon Group and the Timber Deity Empire. Now that she knew more about his
abilities, she wouldn't let her guard down around him this time.
"Commander in Chief, I heard that Prince Crimson and that exceptional spirit manipulator from the
Magic Phoenix Empire named Erica got married. Is that true?" a commander at the camp asked her
casually.
"Who knows?" Alyssa answered back just as casually.
"It was also said that you and Prince Crimson had quite a good relationship, Commander in Chief…"
another commander added meaningfully.
The other commanders exchanged glances. It was no longer a secret that Alyssa was Rocky's woman.
Many people knew she turned against him because of the death of Woods—her younger brother and
the former emperor of the Timber Deity Empire. It was the reason why she decided to join forces with
Alston and lead the army for him. She even managed to successfully defeat the United Army. It was
precisely because of this that they all became curious about Alyssa's true thoughts.
"Don't you all have anything better to do?" Alyssa's pretty face turned serious and her stare was as
cold as ice. This made the commanders lower their heads in regret for prying too much.
"But while we're on this topic, the news of Prince Crimson marrying Erica has indeed spread
everywhere. With the United Army's current situation, he is supposed to be more focused on
commanding the army. It's not his usual style to get married at the Magic Phoenix Empire now." Alyssa
showed concern, but not for Rocky. She was worried about the dangerous situation the United Army
was in. If they pushed through with their original strategy, then she certainly had a chance of beating
them. It would be impossible for Rocky to not understand at this point. Therefore, he ought to change
the United Army's fighting strategy as soon as possible. It wasn't reasonable for him to suddenly marry
Erica at the Magic Phoenix Empire, regardless of the United Army's crisis.
Alyssa, unlike the others, knew very well that Rocky was secretly manipulating the United Army.
Marcia, Bryant, and even the late Lance remained loyal to him. This time, Alyssa was on high alert to
Rocky's unusual behavior.
"What are your other intentions?" she murmured. As cunning as she was, Alyssa was suspicious.
However, she couldn't think of any direct connection between the United Army and Rocky's wedding.
Although she couldn't figure out what he was up to at the moment, she immediately ordered the close
monitoring of the United Army just to be safe. As long as she was able to control their every move,
she'd be able to predict what Rocky would do next.
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