NTR: Choice Based System

Chapter 121: Celestial Convergence

Although the maid didn't know what was transpiring between the Empress and the Prime Minister, she noticed a change in Empress since she began privately meeting with Prime minister.

Aware of her place and loyal to the Empress, she obeyed without questioning a single word. Earlier, she had suggested keeping a distance from the Prime Minister, but she never pressed the issue further, aware of her position.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gu had confided in his trusted aide, Chen, who was deeply entrenched in his plans and unwaveringly loyal. With calculated patience, the Prime Minister awaited the next opportunity to when the empress will drink the Liquid of Corruption from the Vessel of Life, further ensnaring the Empress.

The following day, he requested a private audience with the Emperor and Empress in the secret meeting room. Under the guise of discussing the ancient Secret Map and the coveted cultivation technique, the Forbidden Art of Oneness, to speed up his plan.

Upon entering the chamber, Prime Minister Gu greeted the imperial couple with deference. The Empress, however, felt an unexplained tremor within, a strange sensation stirring between her legs. Her body betrayed her, succumbing to an inexplicable arousal, as if responding to an unseen force.

The Emperor, oblivious to the undercurrents, began the discussion. "Prime Minister Gu, we've made progress deciphering the Secret Map. What insights do you bring?"

Prime Minister Gu's gaze lingered on the Empress, with a secretive tone in his words. "Your Majesties, I've uncovered a crucial connection between the map and the Royal family while I also have some good news and bad news about the Forbidden Art. With this knowledge, our empire's prosperity is assured."

The Empress's discomfort grew, her thoughts clouded by the conflicting desires and loyalties warring within.

The Emperor's eyes locked onto the Empress, "Let us begin by discussing our findings on the cultivation technique, the Forbidden Art of Oneness." But the Empress's mind wandered, her thoughts consumed by the unexplained arousal stirring within.

"Dear... Dear..." The Emperor's gentle voice broke through her reverie, concern etched on his face.

Prime Minister Gu intervened, his voice smooth as silk, "Your Highness."

The Empress snapped back to attention, her gaze darting between the Prime Minister and her husband. "What?" she stammered.

The Emperor's brow furrowed, sensing something amiss. "What's troubling you? You seem distant. Are you well?"

The Empress nodded hastily, avoiding eye contact. "I'm fine. Lost in thought."

Her gaze flickered towards Prime Minister Gu; a fleeting moment of unease visible before she masked it.

The Emperor's concern deepened, his eyes narrowing. "Very well. Let us proceed."

The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Let us begin by discussing our findings on the cultivation technique."

The Empress nodded, her expression turning solemn. "Yes, Your Majesty. The process requires precise timing and preparation. We must align ourselves with the celestial bodies, awaiting the rare moment when the sun and moon converge in parallel."

Her voice took on a grave tone, underscoring the importance of the ritual. "Only then can we undertake the Divine Bath, purifying our essence for the procedure. The harmony of the celestial alignment amplifies the technique's potency."

Prime Minister Gu listened intently, his gaze darting between the Emperor and Empress. "Fascinating. I also found something but I have different detail about it but what of the risks, Your Majesty? Are they substantial?" he knew about it but lied to make his plan flawless.

The Empress's eyes met the Prime Minister's, a flicker of unease visible before she responded, "The risks are inherent, but manageable. We must ensure the alignment is precise, and our preparation flawless."

The Emperor nodded, his mind already racing with the implications. "We will make the necessary arrangements. When is the next celestial convergence?"

Prime Minister Gu's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes never leaving the Empress. "I believe the next convergence occurs on the night of the spring equinox. But, Your Majesties, I must caution that my research suggests additional requirements for the ritual's success."

The Empress's brow furrowed, her unease growing. "What requirements?"

Prime Minister Gu's smile was reassuring. "Merely a specific configuration of sacred herbs and a precise invocation of ancient incantations. I've prepared detailed notes for Your Majesties' review." He handed the scroll to the Emperor.

The Emperor nodded, his trust in the Prime Minister evident. "See that the arrangements are made, Prime Minister. We will review your notes and proceed accordingly."

The Emperor's eyes scanned the scroll, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the information. "Which three herbs prove challenging to acquire?"

Prime Minister Gu's expression turned grave. "The Starlight Bloom, the Midnight Lotus, and the Vermillion Tear, Your Majesty. Rare and elusive, they grow in treacherous territories, guarded by formidable creatures and rival factions."

The Empress's concern deepened; her voice measured. "Are these herbs essential to the ritual's success?"

Prime Minister Gu nodded. "Indispensable, Your Majesty. Without all eleven herbs, the ritual's potency is severely diminished."

The Emperor's jaw clenched; determination etched on his face. "We will acquire them. Prime Minister, assemble a team of our finest hunters and diplomats. We will not be deterred."

Prime Minister Gu nodded gravely. "Your Majesty, the Starlight Bloom can be found on the elusive continent of Essos, a landmass that defies conventional geography. For decades, it has floated beyond our reach, hidden in the sky."

"Every thirty years, Essos aligns with our continent, Thedas, offering a brief window of accessibility. But even then, the bloom lies hidden within ancient caves, guarded by treacherous terrain and unforgiving skies." Continue reading stories on ???

The Emperor's voice was resolute, his eyes burning with determination. "We cannot afford to wait a decade for Essos to align with Thedas. We must send out our finest explorers, immediately, to retrieve the Starlight Bloom."

The Empress leaned forward; her voice laced with concern. "And what of the risks? Sending an expedition to Essos will be perilous."

Prime Minister Gu's expression turned resolute. "I have already begun assembling a team of skilled adventurers and scholars, Your Majesty. We will not fail."

The Empress's voice remained poised though she is wet inside, but her eyes betrayed a hint of distraction. "What about the other two items, Prime Minister? The Midnight Lotus and the Vermillion Tear?"

Prime Minister Gu's expression remained professional, aware of the Empress's inner turmoil. "Ah, yes. The Midnight Lotus blooms only under the light of the full moon in the heart of the Shadow-wood Forest. Our scouts report that the forest is treacherous, inhabited by dark creatures and enchanted beings."

The Emperor nodded, his mind already racing with strategies. "We'll send a team to retrieve the lotus. What of the Vermillion Tear?"

Prime Minister Gu hesitated; his voice measured. "The Vermillion Tear is said to be in hands of Holy Fairy sect and it will be hard for us to get that item from their hands."

The Emperor's brow furrowed, his mind weighing the risks and benefits. "Sending teams for the Starlight Bloom and Midnight Lotus is feasible, despite the dangers. But the Vermillion Tear... That's a different matter altogether."

Prime Minister Gu nodded gravely. "Yes, Your Majesty. The Holy Sect is a formidable force, known for their unwavering principles and unyielding protection of their treasures. Acquiring the Vermillion Tear from them will be... delicate."

The Empress's gaze turned inward; her thoughts troubled. "We can't afford to antagonize the Holy Sect. Their influence spans the entire realm."

The Emperor's eyes narrowed. "I'm aware of the risks, but we need that tear. Prime Minister, explore diplomatic channels. Perhaps we can negotiate a trade or alliance."

Prime Minister Gu's expression turned thoughtful. "I'll dispatch an envoy to the Holy Sect, Your Majesty. However, we must be prepared for refusal. The sect's leader, the Holy Lord, is Famous for his unwavering stance on matters of faith."

The Empress's voice was laced with concern. "And if diplomacy fails?"

The Emperor's jaw clenched. "Then we'll explore... alternative methods. We must have that tear, no matter the cost."

The Empress, her brow furrowed with concern, voiced her doubt, "But how?"

The Prime Minister, ever the strategist, offered a solution, "Your Highness, a direct appeal to the Holy Lord for the Vermillion Tear may prove futile. Perhaps a more indirect approach would yield better results."

"We could cultivate a relationship with one of the Holy sons, a figure of influence and power. By forging an alliance with such an individual, we could potentially negotiate a deal for the Vermillion Tear."

The Emperor, intrigued by the Prime Minister's proposal, pondered the possibilities. "It could be our most promising course of action," he acknowledged, a thoughtful expression gracing his features. "I shall personally oversee this endeavour."

Turning his attention back to the Prime Minister, the Emperor inquired, "Which of them do you believe would be the most prudent and advantageous choice to approach?"

The Prime Minister, a confident smile playing on his lips, responded, "I have carefully considered the matter, Your Highness. Two of the Holy Lord's sons stand out as potential allies: the esteemed Holy Son Le Lin and the formidable Holy Son Xiao Feng."