Chapter 34: Miss Veri’s Gift, Section 8

As Blackhair had expected, the news of the collapse of the space station spread at speeds beyond light, quickly reaching throughout the Moor Empire. However, this news did not provoke much reaction, as it was intercepted right away. The Moors feared such news might have a negative impact on their rule, so they dared not release it publicly. As a result, such a sensational event remained known only to a few people.

Still, its impact on the Moor Empire was enormous. It is said that the Moor Emperor even summoned several grand dukes to pay close attention to the matter, ordering them to find the murderer as soon as possible and deal a devastating blow to the culprit.

The Moor Empire had existed for an unknown length of time, dominating the universe, but such a tragic incident was unprecedented. An entire space station was destroyed, with no survivors. Undoubtedly, this was like a loud slap in the face of the Moors—they could not remain indifferent. After all, this was not an internal dispute; the Moors had no reason to ignore it. Thus, Blackhair—no, Beck—being the first to arrive at the scene instantly became the favorite among all Moor nobles who were aware of the incident.

Of course, Grand Duke Tarot was the happiest of all. How could he not be? The destroyed space station belonged to Grand Duke Blackhand—what did it have to do with him? Even better, it was his subordinate, whom he had highly regarded, who arrived first at the scene. Wasn’t this just proof of “those who are close to the water get the moon first”?

This Beck was truly his lucky star—or rather, Grand Duke Blackhand’s curse. Grand Duke Tarot returned to his castle, laughing so hard he could hardly breathe. Under the curious gazes of his servants, he recalled Blackhair’s first mission, which was also aimed at Grand Duke Blackhand. Though it was just a brief encounter with Blackhand’s subordinates, it caused Blackhand great losses, a story still often joked about among many Moor nobles. If not for Blackhair’s unexpected disappearance last time, he probably would have promoted him by now.

No, he must get in touch with him as soon as possible. Such a valuable subordinate must not be snatched away by other grand dukes. If he completed the emperor’s task excellently this time, he would surely be rewarded. Grand Duke Tarot thought to himself before raising a hand toward his servants.

“Go, call Veri here.”

“Yes, my lord.” The servant bowed respectfully before retreating swiftly. Soon, Miss Veli’s graceful figure appeared before the Grand Duke of Tarot’s eyes. After just a few days apart, the noble lady had become even thinner. Unlike what he had seen before with her black hair, her eyes now lacked some of their gentleness but showed more determination.

Seeing Veli in this state, the Grand Duke nodded inwardly. He could tell that after her experiences at the Seven-Six-Three Star Station, his younger daughter had matured greatly. She was no longer like ordinary little girls who only dreamed day and night. The responsibilities and duties of a Moorish noblewoman had made her more aware of her obligations. Though still thin, she was undoubtedly capable of bearing more burdens.

“Father, did you call for me?” Seeing the Grand Duke lost in thought, Miss Veli’s face darkened slightly, but she still forced a smile as she greeted him.

To be honest, her life had not been easy lately. Since returning from the Seven-Six-Three Star Station, she had been living under constant exclusion. The Grand Duke had many children, including several with high positions and power, who naturally did not show her much respect. Moreover, after Lord Beck, who was highly trusted by him, suffered an accident, her confidence waned even further. Although General Thunderstorm remained by her side to protect her loyally, she knew she was growing further away from her ideals.

Under such circumstances, she naturally matured quickly. She learned to force smiles and hide her true feelings. Until a few days ago, she heard some unexpected news.

She knew that her father might have called her here because of this news.

Sure enough, the Grand Duke sighed deeply before finally speaking up. “Veli, I’m sorry for all the hardships you’ve endured these past days.”

“No, Father. I’m fine.” Miss Veli seemed surprised; she stood up again right away. Her flustered appearance filled the Grand Duke with concern. Of course, he knew Veli had suffered a lot lately. He had heard rumors of the other children bullying her, but he hadn’t realized it was that serious. Seeing her pale and panicked face, his heart ached. He quickly waved his hand. “Sit down and talk.”

“Yes, Father.” Miss Veli obediently returned to her seat, sitting only halfway down, her cautious demeanor once again filling the Grand Duke with guilt.

Yet he didn’t know that Veli’s heart was actually calm. She even noticed the thoughts that flashed across the Grand Duke’s eyes and smiled secretly, satisfied with her performance.

Actually, didn’t she know all about the filth among noble children? It’s the same no matter what race. Not to mention just insults, true incest is also common. Compared to that, what were the slight grievances she had suffered? She was just acting.

It seemed now that she had acted very successfully. Veri had seen the effect she wanted. She believed it was time for a turnaround.

“Hmm, that’s right,” said the Grand Duke of Tarot, rubbing his temples with guilt before continuing. “Some time ago, Beck appeared. He drove away the subordinates of the Dark Hand and now controls the 363 Star Station.”

“I’ve also heard this news, Father. But isn’t this exactly what you wanted? Could it be that the Grand Duke of the Dark Hand is causing you trouble because of this?” Miss Veri replied respectfully, yet her face showed no expression, as if she didn’t even know Beck at all.

“No, no, no. If it were just the Dark Hand causing trouble, it wouldn’t be a big deal. How could I fear him?” The Grand Duke of Tarot shook his head. Finally, he revealed the news he had received. “I’ve called you here because of the fall of the 351 Star Station. Thirty-eight hours ago, the Empire received news that it had been destroyed.”

“What!?” Miss Veri was shocked. “The 351 Star Station was destroyed? Who did it?”

“Well, we don’t know yet. But His Majesty the Emperor is furious and insists on finding the culprit. He has gathered all the grand dukes for this purpose. You can imagine that whoever catches the culprit first will receive great praise from the Emperor,” the Grand Duke of Tarot replied with a smile.

“Oh, such a big reaction? But what does this have to do with why you called me here? I’ve been at home all this time. I haven’t gone out at all,” Miss Veri said, covering her mouth lightly, still in shock. But the more so, the more pity the Grand Duke of Tarot felt for her. He could tell that Veri must have suffered a lot recently. His once ambitious daughter was now trapped at home, like a bird in a cage—how sad she must be.

But now, he could make it up to her. The Grand Duke of Tarot smiled. “Veri, you’re growing more and more like your mother. I know it’s been hard for you to be confined at home these past days, which is why you’ve stopped paying attention to such important matters of the Empire. But what I want to tell you is that this matter is closely related to you. Because Lord Beck, who just returned, was the first to reach the 351 Star Station. He has the most direct information.”

“Ah!? It’s Baker?” Miss Veli’s face paled instantly. Her surprise didn’t seem fake. This only strengthened the Grand Duke of Tarot’s resolve to leave this matter in his daughter’s hands. Yet he had no idea that Veli was thinking something entirely different at that moment.

She wasn’t surprised to see Baker appear at Star Station 351, as it was part of her plan all along. She just hadn’t expected someone else to act first. But now, connecting these events, a sense of unease suddenly arose in her heart.

Was it a coincidence? Baker acted on her orders to target Star Station 351, yet happened to coincide with this accident? If so, wasn’t it too much of a coincidence? For a moment, Miss Veli was utterly confused, her complexion growing worse and worse. The Grand Duke of Tarot, seeing this, thought she was worried about Baker and hurriedly reassured her.

“It’s okay, Veli. Don’t worry. Baker didn’t encounter those murderers, so he’s safe now. He’s on his way to the Empire. By estimate, he should be near the First Corridor soon. I asked you to come here because I hope you’ll set out immediately to meet him, so as to prevent other dukes from getting there first.”

“Ah! So… I’m supposed to go?” Veli was stunned and asked quickly.

“Of course. Only you and he are most familiar with this place. If I don’t send you, who else? But you need to act fast—leave right away. There’s still a long distance from here to the rendezvous at the First Corridor. I don’t want him to be gone by the time you arrive.” The Grand Duke of Tarot spoke calmly, but his expression gradually grew serious.

“Do you understand what I mean?”

“I do, Father. I’ll set out right away.” Miss Veli replied respectfully before leaving the room.

Thirty minutes later, a small shuttle-shaped spaceship shot out of the castle like an arrow released from a bow. After twisting a few times in space, it vanished without a trace.

Inside the cabin, Miss Veli had a complex expression. She gazed quietly at the vast starry sky outside the window, murmuring to herself, “Baker… are you really just lucky?”