With the Insect Race crisis averted, everyone relaxed, and Colonel Taka was incredibly warm toward Graces.

He handed Graces what he had asked him to prepare. "If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word. I’ll go through hell and high water for you."

Graces smiled at him. "Alright. I’ll be sure to find you if I need anything. Colonel Taka, you’ve been stationed here for many years. Have you never thought about getting a transfer?"

"Of course I have, but it’s impossible now. You know... *She* won’t let anyone who knows about this transfer easily. My predecessor retired from service and went straight home after he returned. I expect I’ll meet the same fate, so I’ve stopped hoping for anything else." Colonel Taka gave a bitter smile. "When I first heard I would be working for Her Majesty Queen, I was thrilled. Who could have imagined it would be like this? My colleagues are all quite envious of me, but in truth, I’m the only one who knows the hardship involved. Oh, but now you know, too." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Colonel Taka glanced at Graces. He didn’t say a word, but his meaning was clear: Graces had now become a poor soul just like him, and had thoroughly caught the attention of Her Majesty Queen.

Graces pretended not to understand the meaning behind his words and changed the subject. "Are there any nearby star systems that are good for a vacation? Since we have some time, I’d like to give my men a proper holiday."

"A11 Star may be barren, but the nearby A12 and A13 Stars are quite nice and suitable for tourism. If you go, though, you’ll still need to be well-disguised."

"Understood. I’ll make it clear to them. It’s getting late, Colonel Taka, you should head back and get some rest."

After seeing Colonel Taka off, Graces sent a message to Lu Xia: "My work here should be finished in about a week. No need to worry. Everything is going smoothly, the Fire Spirit Gene Extraction Liquid is very stable, and all is well. Rest easy."

Graces sent messages like this every day to reassure her of his safety. He didn’t want Lu Xia to worry about him, so far away in the Empire.

While waiting for Lu Xia’s reply, Graces reviewed the surveillance footage backup that Colonel Taka had given him.

He then realized that Colonel Taka was a truly straightforward man; he had actually given him the complete surveillance archives from his entire time stationed there.

The volume of information was so massive it was impossible to get through in a short period.

However, any random clip from these recordings, if released, would be enough to cause an uproar.

Graces closed the video and saved the files carefully. This would be an ace in the hole at a critical moment.

Lu Xia’s reply came two hours later. By then, it was morning on the Imperial Star. When Lu Xia woke up and saw Graces’s message, she breathed a sigh of relief. His mission was progressing much faster than she had expected. "Got it. Waiting for you to come home ^_^"

After getting ready, Lu Xia left her home and went directly to the Imperial Palace. The previous night, she had unexpectedly received an invitation from one of Her Majesty Queen’s attendants, summoning her for a meeting with the Queen this morning.

Although she didn’t know the reason for the summons, a personal command from Her Majesty Queen could not be defied. So, first thing that morning, Lu Xia postponed her scheduled meetings and headed to the Imperial Palace for her audience.

Unlike her previous visit, Lady Daina did not accompany her this time. When Lu Xia arrived, one of Her Majesty Queen’s attendants was already waiting for her. "Duke Lu Xia, good morning. Her Majesty Queen is currently in her morning conference. If you would please wait a moment."

Lu Xia nodded in understanding. The attendant had refreshments prepared for her and did not give her the cold shoulder.

’Judging by the attendant’s attitude,’ Lu Xia thought, ’this summons from Her Majesty Queen probably isn’t a bad thing.’

She did not have to wait long. After the morning conference ended, Her Majesty Queen changed into her daily attire and came to see her.

"Duke Lu Xia, my apologies for making you wait." Her Majesty Queen approached with a warm smile and took Lu Xia’s hand. "I only just learned that Graces was sent to the front lines for support. To be dispatched so soon after the banquet celebrating his status as your main husband... it’s truly improper."

"Your Majesty, it is Graces’s duty as a soldier. As his family, we understand." Lu Xia was a bit surprised that the Queen would suddenly bring this up. ’Was she summoned today because of Graces?’

Just as Lu Xia was growing suspicious, Her Majesty Queen continued, "Regarding our last conversation, I mentioned I would compensate you, but I had yet to find a suitable way. However, considering Graces’s recent deployment to the front lines, coupled with your own contributions to the Empire, I am prepared to bestow upon you a Merit Medal. With this medal, you will have a path to becoming a Prince in the future. Duke Lu Xia, are you pleased?"

Lu Xia rose to her feet and thanked Her Majesty Queen. ’Although I don’t fully understand the significance of this Merit Medal,’ she thought, ’if it’s a prerequisite to becoming a Prince, it must be an incredibly important honor.’

Even though she had little interest in becoming a Prince, a reward from Her Majesty Queen was not something she could refuse.

"It is too precious. I am unworthy of such an honor."

"Don’t be so modest. There are not many exceptional women like you in the Empire. You are more than deserving of this medal. It is decided. We will choose an auspicious day to make the announcement. From then on, you will be a Meritorious Duke. Once you are a bit older, the title of Prince will be within your grasp."

Lu Xia couldn’t be sure if this was a genuine promise from the Queen or just an empty gesture.

Lu Xia smiled, her face a mask of gratitude.

When she left the Imperial Palace, she was holding the heavy Merit Medal.

She had a nagging feeling that Graces’s mission to the front was extremely important to Her Majesty Queen. Otherwise, the Queen would have given her this medal much earlier. But she hadn’t, which meant that the original compensation the Queen had in mind was something different.

It was Graces’s mission that had made the Queen change her mind.

The Queen’s motive for doing so was rather intriguing.

’But there’s no hurry,’ she thought. ’I’ll find out when I ask Graces after he gets back.’

What Lu Xia didn’t expect, however, was that just as she boarded her hover car, she received a voice call from Lady Daina. As soon as the call connected, she heard her say, "Xiaxia, did Her Majesty Queen bestow a Merit Medal upon you?"

"Your sources are as impeccable as ever, my Lady." At that moment, Lu Xia was certain that Lady Daina had her own network of contacts within the Imperial Palace.

"It’s only natural I’d know about something this important. Congratulations! This is the primary prerequisite for becoming a Prince. It’s just a matter of your age now. Once you turn thirty, you are guaranteed to become a Prince!"

Only then did Lu Xia realize there was an age restriction for becoming a Prince.

"I see. If you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have fully understood the significance of this medal. For Her Majesty Queen to bestow such an honor... it’s quite overwhelming."

"Just accept it. Countless people covet that medal and can never obtain it. This shows that Her Majesty Queen approves of your conduct. Just continue to work hard to repay the Empire in the future. You can do it. I’ve always believed in you!"