Counterattack [Interstellar] - Chapter 19

“My dear…” Madam Jenny kissed Alan on both cheeks, shaking her head as she sighed. “Your speech at the opening ceremony was a massive success. Prince Adair and I have watched it many times over. Good boy, I am so proud of you.”

Alan laughed in spite of himself. There had been no live broadcast during the ceremony, but some interested party had secretly recorded his speech and uploaded it to the net without any editing, causing an immediate sensation.

The speech was not long—including Pei Yao’s brief opening remarks, it barely lasted ten minutes—but those short ten minutes were enough to change the minds of many who had previously looked down on the new Guide Academy.

“People used to be skeptical; they thought this was just another political show by the Royal Family, and that once the previous scandal died down, the new academy would quietly vanish while everything returned to the status quo. But you’ve shown them the Royal Family’s full sincerity,” Madam Jenny praised repeatedly. “That courage to stake everything on a single throw, knowing failure is a possibility… it is truly soul-shaking. As far as I know, you didn’t hire any publicists, yet the public opinion online is almost entirely in your favor. It’s a rare feat, Alan… you’ve won the satisfaction of almost everyone.”

Alan lowered his head with a smile. “Everyone?”

Madam Jenny turned toward a resentful-looking Austin and smiled, raising an eyebrow. “Almost everyone. Your Majesty, won’t you offer your younger son a few words of praise? Because of him, the Royal Family has won unprecedented love from the people.”

Hearing this, Austin continued to sign documents while saying coldly, “Upholding the dignity of the Royal Family is the duty of every royal member. What is there to praise?”

Madam Jenny countered sharply, “True, doing one’s duty doesn’t deserve praise. But what about behaviors that damage the interests of the Royal Family? I don’t seem to have seen you hand out the proper punishments to certain individuals either.”

Austin narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Jenny… what Anthony needs right now is positive coverage. I think you understand that better than I do.”

“He reaped what he sowed; does he still want people to pity him?” Madam Jenny had no intention of actually provoking Austin and ended the topic there. She turned back to Alan with a doting look. “Prince Adair’s little niece has been completely brainwashed by you. She started organizing activities to support the liberation of Guides at her Maria Women’s Academy, and it caused quite a stir—it even made the newspapers. When she saw me yesterday, she even asked about you with a red face.”

Madam Jenny lowered her voice slightly and smiled. “She asked if you had a girlfriend—or a boyfriend.”

Pei Yao, who was standing to the side, stiffened and couldn’t help but turn to look at Alan. Alan laughed and asked, “And how did you answer?”

Madam Jenny gave a cunning smile. “I kept my answer rather vague… I like the girl quite a bit, but I won’t interfere in such matters. It’s fine as long as you like them yourself…” She paused and laughed. “Do you know how many fine ladies among the nobility have already fallen for you? If you like someone, you can go ahead and pursue them. If you’re shy, you can tell me first; I’m always willing to relay your affections to the ladies.”

Austin hadn’t intended to speak further, but hearing this, he couldn’t resist putting down his pen. “Jenny, do not meddle in other people’s business.”

“Alan is my nephew; how can you say I am meddling? Your Majesty… if you hadn’t insisted that Alan must visit your palace first upon his return to the Capital Star, I wouldn’t be here at all. I didn’t come to visit you; can you please ignore me too?” Madam Jenny had had enough of Austin’s constant interruptions and said irritably, “Focus on reviewing your documents, will you?!”

When it came to arguing, Austin had never once defeated Madam Jenny. Not wanting to make a fool of himself in front of the staff, he could only lower his head and continue working.

Alan couldn’t help but chuckle softly, whispering, “You’re likely the only one in the entire Empire who dares to speak to His Majesty like that.”

Madam Jenny raised an eyebrow, took Alan’s hand, and continued, “What I said was just a suggestion; everything depends on your own mood. However… you truly do need the support of a powerful family right now. It’s a win-win situation, so why not? Don’t be like His Majesty, insisting on waiting until becoming Emperor to get married. By then, one might be able to marry whoever they like most, but they’ll never be able to have a proper romance like they could in their youth. Don’t you agree, Major General?”

Pei Yao had been lost in thought. Hearing this, he nodded. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Don’t just placate me, Major General,” Madam Jenny winked. “You’re not a child anymore either; you can start considering marriage… although Alan has stolen a lot of your spotlight, you are also very popular right now. Do you need me to pull some strings for you?”

Pei Yao said hurriedly, “No, thank you very much.”

Madam Jenny shrugged in regret. “Well… if you ever want to settle down, please let me know.” She turned back to Alan and smiled. “Yours is more urgent… when are you going back to the school?”

“I can leave after reporting the situation to His Majesty, but Pei Yao needs to have his files transferred to my side, which might take a bit of effort,” Alan said with a smile. “If you miss me, I can stay here for a few more days.”

Madam Jenny gave a satisfied smile. “Of course I want you to spend more time with me, but that’s not the main point… the day after tomorrow is Prince Adair’s birthday. We are hosting a small ball at the Summer Palace. Will you come?”

Before Alan could speak, Madam Jenny added, “Listen to me… Prince Adair himself doesn’t care about birthdays and we haven’t held big celebrations in previous years. But this year is different; I need an opportunity to invite all the famous socialites. Many good girls will be there that day. Come dance with them and get to know more people, alright?”

“Or…” Madam Jenny suppressed a laugh. “Do I need to invite more cute boys? You were too young before for me to ask, but who exactly do you like…”

Alan gave a helpless smile. “Men. I like men.”

Madam Jenny gave a knowing smile and nodded. “Understood. Rest assured, your aunt will find many boys with good personalities, good tempers, and even better looks for you.”

Austin truly couldn’t listen any longer and raised his head again. Madam Jenny instantly turned and gave him a stern glare. Austin opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing and returned to his work.

Madam Jenny’s expression shifted instantly back to a doting smile for Alan. “Well? Come play for a day, just consider it a way to relax.”

Alan pursed his lips and suddenly turned to look at Pei Yao. “Is it alright if we go back one day late?”

Madam Jenny laughed. “You can just make the decision yourself… Major General, persuade your Prince. He finally returned to the Capital Star, yet he stays holed up in that school every day… when will I ever get to see our future Princess Consort?”

For no reason at all, Pei Yao felt a tightness in his chest. After a pause, he nodded. “It is fine to go back one day late, Your Highness.”

Alan narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice, “It might delay our work, wouldn’t it?”

Pei Yao’s voice felt slightly parched. “I can go back early and handle the work on your behalf.”

Madam Jenny smiled. “That’s right, the Major General is here. With him covering for you, you should just stay on the Capital Star for a while. If you truly meet someone you like, you need to spend more time together to get to know each other.”

Alan stared fixedly at Pei Yao, repeating, “Major General, are you sure?”

Pei Yao closed his eyes and offered a respectful military salute. “I will handle everything for you. Please… please enjoy Madam Jenny’s ball to your heart’s content.”

Alan said nothing. After a long while, he turned to Madam Jenny and smiled. “Very well. Please be sure to invite some cheerful boys. I hate people who say one thing but mean another; don’t introduce me to anyone like that. I like those who aren’t shy and are graceful and poised.”

Pei Yao suddenly felt his face burning, as if he had been dragged out into broad daylight and slapped across the face repeatedly.