For a man of Admiral Snop’s status and position, investigating matters concerning Her Majesty Queen was not difficult. In fact, what he uncovered went far beyond the information Graces had provided. As he looked at the classified files laid out on his desk, a sense of unreality washed over Admiral Snop.

He couldn’t help but wonder, ’What have I been fighting for all these years of service to the Empire? Was it all just to protect a group of imperial nobles who are rotten to the core, inside and out?’

’All so they could live in peace and indulge in their pleasures?’

A sudden chill went through him for the soldiers who had died on the battlefield. Even more, he felt utterly disgusted by his own past sacrifices and his current steadfastness.

He locked himself in his study for a day and a night, contemplating this single issue.

He tried to find a reason to console himself, to accept reality, but it was incredibly difficult.

He found that the more he thought about it, the more he agreed with what Graces had said. The imperial system was in chaos; there was no reason to continue protecting it. Overthrowing it was the only way to establish a new order, one that would allow his family to live more securely.

So, the moment he stepped out of his study, Admiral Snop had already made his decision.

He contacted Her Majesty Queen before dawn.

At his rank, there was an exclusive communication channel directly to Her Majesty Queen. It was not to be used unless absolutely necessary. Admiral Snop had never used it before, but this time, he activated it without hesitation. It would be the first and the last time.

In the royal palace, Her Majesty Queen, who had believed she had everything under control, was surprised to be informed by her attendant that Admiral Snop was contacting her at such a time through the special channel. She couldn’t help but ask the attendant, "Did he say what it’s about?"

The attendant shook his head. "Admiral Snop didn’t say. He only said he needs to speak with Your Majesty."

Her Majesty Queen accepted Admiral Snop’s voice call, and his voice came through from the other end. "It is truly improper of me to disturb Your Majesty at a time like this. Please forgive me."

"Not at all, Admiral Snop. To contact me at this hour, you must have run into some trouble. Please, speak. I’m listening."

Admiral Snop was, after all, stationed at the border defending her. Her Majesty Queen was still willing to show him some courtesy.

Admiral Snop’s voice was low. "In that case, I’ll be direct."

"Please do."

"Your Majesty, did you really conduct biological experiments on young children? Are you truly unwilling to let the Empire’s ’defective’ males become Gene Fusion Experts? Did you misappropriate imperial funds to build your own private mansion? Did you..."

Admiral Snop rattled off a dozen or so questions, turning the Queen’s surprise into fury. She didn’t answer a single one. Instead, she rebuked him. "What is the meaning of this? Are you interrogating me? Questioning me? That is not your right, Admiral Snop!"

Admiral Snop didn’t waver. He said firmly, "That’s right. I am questioning you. Please answer my questions. And please, answer them carefully. It is very important for both you and me. And do not lie, because I already have sufficient evidence in my possession."

"If you already have evidence, then why are you asking me? What kind of answer are you hoping to get? Admiral Snop, are you planning to betray the Empire? To betray me?"

"I was hesitating, Your Majesty. That’s why I wanted to hear from you, hoping for a reason that might sway me. But it seems you don’t believe any of this is your problem. As the Queen, you believe you are entitled to all rights and privileges. However, I cannot comprehend, nor can I accept, the things you have done. So, Your Majesty, I am sorry. As of today, Admiral Snop will no longer lead the soldiers of the First Military District in service to the Imperial Family. Contacting you at this time is both a notification and a farewell. Take care of yourself. Goodbye."

With that, Admiral Snop hung up. The Queen’s face was ashen. She couldn’t believe Snop had just defected, completely severing ties with the Imperial Family. She frantically ordered her attendant to contact him, to keep trying to reach him, in a desperate attempt to win him back. She knew exactly how disadvantageous it was for the Imperial Family to lose a fighting force like Admiral Snop at a time like this.

However, the calls were only met with a busy signal. No one on the other end was picking up.

The Queen collapsed weakly into her chair, her eyes filled with despair.

She had no doubt that Admiral Snop had the ability to lead the entire First Military District in revolt. After all, as the highest Executive Officer of the First Military District, Admiral Snop possessed that kind of capability and authority, and the soldiers were loyal to him. So, before the Rebel Army was even suppressed, the First Military District had already turned against them. Beset by troubles from within and without, the Queen felt a profound sense of despair. ’Is the glory of the Imperial Family truly going to meet its end during my reign?’

After calming down, the Queen immediately commanded her attendant, "Admiral Snop’s defection with the First Military District must be suppressed! Absolutely no one can know about this, and it must not be reported!"

She knew very well that if this news got out, the Empire would truly descend into chaos.

Lu Xia was unaware of any of these events. On the third day after Lu Xia obtained the Golden Spirit Gene, she received a message from the nightclub owner. The male, Simon Lee, was inviting her to meet at the Delicra Restaurant tomorrow night.

It was a highly exclusive restaurant, accessible only to members.

Lu Xia didn’t refuse and readily accepted.

When Smelian and Cecil found out, they both said they wanted to go with her. Lu Xia said, "He only invited me. Wouldn’t it be a bit rude if I brought you along? But you can wait for me outside."

They naturally understood her reasoning, but they weren’t happy about Lu Xia meeting that guy alone. Smelian glanced at Cecil, his eyes conveying a clear message: ’If it weren’t for you, Lu Xia wouldn’t be in this passive position.’

But Cecil felt he was being wrongly blamed. ’I didn’t want this to happen either,’ he thought. ’If I could, I’d even want to return that Golden Spirit Gene.’

That evening, when Lu Xia left her house, Smelian and Cecil immediately followed.

Seeing how nervous they both were, Lu Xia found it a little amusing. "What are you two so worried about? Has that person done something bad, or is there something wrong with his character?"

Lu Xia didn’t know much about Simon Lee. Seeing how unusually concerned the two of them were, she couldn’t help but let her imagination run wild.

"No, it’s not that. It’s just... I’m still a little worried about you meeting him alone."

Cecil also chimed in, "That guy should be the one coming to see you."

’Using an opportunity like this to get a private date with Big Sis is just too calculating.’ Cecil even regretted not being so calculating himself. ’Otherwise...’ he thought, subconsciously glancing at Smelian, ’...Smelian probably wouldn’t have even had a chance. He’d be lining up behind me. I hate it!’