My Celestial Ascension

"Unbelievable… To think that the Wyvern incident back in my village was connected to that notorious group of criminals… Is this some kind of coincidence?" Ava muttered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Although the Golden Skull organization wasn't directly involved in the incident, they still bore responsibility for everything that had happened in the village. It was because of them that Fedrick ordered his men to capture the Wyvern's child and bring it to the Imperial Palace.

It seemed the Golden Skull organization was deeply connected to most of the major incidents. This revelation was shocking for the Monroe sisters and the Imperial Family alike.

Emperor Philip covered his face with both hands, letting out a heavy sigh. "I can't believe they're planning something as monumental as taking over the Empire… Perhaps they even have other goals we don't know about."

"Who knows? They're just a bunch of criminals, and criminals can be unpredictable," Yuan said, chuckling softly as he leaned back against the plush sofa, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Hahhh… At this point, I don't know how to handle the situation after learning that my empire is under constant threat from the Golden Skull organization…" Emperor Philip said, his voice filled with defeat.

"Don't worry, dear. Everything will be fine as long as we stay cautious," Empress Selena said, trying to comfort her husband with a concerned look.

"That's right," Concubine Priscilla added, placing a reassuring hand on his chest. "And besides, we have Valeria with us now. With her in the capital, it's highly unlikely that the Golden Skull will stir trouble during the auction."

"Well, I don't know what they're planning at the moment, but they'll pay for messing with my family," Valeria said, her voice sharp with anger. The mere mention of the Golden Skull seemed to ignite an uncontrollable rage within her.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Anger wouldn't solve anything now—it would only create more problems. They needed to outmaneuver the enemy, not act recklessly.

Once she composed herself, Valeria's lips curled into a confident grin. "Philip, put all your effort into guarding the city and preparing for the Grand Auction in two days. I'm certain they'll show up, and when they do, I'll handle them personally."

"A-Are you sure you can handle them? They wield forbidden magic, you know? It's impossible to fight against them… They're far too powerful," Emperor Philip said, his voice trembling as fear took hold. He was acutely aware of how dangerous forbidden magic could be.

Valeria turned to her brother with a look of disdain. Her fury flared instantly as she shouted, "Stop being so pathetic and spineless, Philip! Aren't you an Emperor? Is this how an Emperor should act? Don't you dare show me this cowardly side of you!"

Her voice was cold and cutting. "I hate that look on your face—it's repulsive!"

Selena sighed, clearly displeased by her husband's display of weakness. "But Valeria, are you truly certain you can handle them? Forbidden magic is extremely dangerous. It's considered taboo for a reason. Confronting them head-on may not be wise."

Valeria shook her head firmly and said, "No matter how powerful their magic is, they're still nothing before me—before *us*. We can defeat any of their members with ease. Let them come. We'll make sure they pay for everything they've done."

Yuan and his wives exchanged knowing smiles, admiring Valeria's determination. Each of them was ready to lend their strength if needed.

'The Golden Skull organization has no idea what kind of trouble they've gotten themselves into by provoking Valeria,' Yuan thought, smiling softly. 'Well, this will be fun. I also have a personal score to settle with them. Though I hope I won't need to intervene.'

"Brother-in-law Philip, trust your sister," Yuan said confidently. "She's no longer the same person she was before, and besides, we're here to assist her if needed. But honestly, I doubt she'll require our help."

Valeria's expression softened, and she smiled warmly at Yuan. "Thank you, Yuan. But I want to handle this myself. Unless it's absolutely necessary, I don't want you or your wives stepping in. This is something I must do."

Yuan nodded with understanding. "If that's your wish, we'll honor it. After all, this is a matter concerning your family. We won't interfere unless you call for us."

"Thank you for respecting my wishes," Valeria said, her smile filled with gratitude.

Meanwhile, Emperor Philip, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally exhaled a long, tired sigh. Once the interrogation with Agatha had concluded, he ordered the soldiers to escort her back to her quarters.

"Confine her to her room," he instructed. "She is not to leave until further notice."

"We understand, Your Highness," the soldiers responded, bowing before leading Agatha away.

As the doors closed behind them, Philip leaned back into the sofa, his exhaustion evident. "I don't know what to do about Agatha anymore. Even though she was forced into this situation, I cannot forgive such betrayal of the family."

He hesitated, then added with a pained voice, "But more than her, it's Fedrick who has disappointed me the most. To think he would conspire to seize the throne, betraying us for a Wyvern and leaking palace secrets to the Golden Skull…" He sighed again, the weight of his son's treachery evident in his expression.

After a moment of silence, Philip rose to his feet. "I have much to do," he muttered. "The Grand Auction is only two days away, and the city is swelling with visitors. I need to ensure everyone is accommodated."

The group watched him leave, understanding the burden on his shoulders. Despite the pain of familial betrayal, Philip's responsibilities as Emperor took precedence.

As the Emperor returned to his duties—overseeing the city's preparations and arranging accommodations for the ever-increasing influx of visitors—Selena and Priscilla lingered with Yuan and his wives, engaging in casual conversation.

"I believe in you, Valeria," Selena said after a moment, her voice tinged with worry. "But I can't help feeling anxious about the Golden Skull organization. They are ruthless and unpredictable. Even if we outnumber them, they won't hesitate to attack."

Valeria placed a comforting hand on Selena's shoulder and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry so much, Selena. They may seem powerful, but they've made a grave mistake by threatening this empire. I'll make sure they regret it."

"Just leave them to me, and I'll make sure they get a proper lesson," Valeria said with a confident smile. She pulled Selena into a light hug and whispered, "They have no idea they're stepping on a lion's tail—a female lion. And female lions are the ones who hunt."

Her smile turned predatory as she added in a low voice, "After messing with my family, they've become my prey… and I'll hunt them down." She licked her lips, a vicious grin spreading across her face.

A few seconds later, Yuan looked at her and asked with a teasing smile, "By the way, Valeria, when are you going to introduce us to your mother—I mean, my mother-in-law?"

"Oh! I almost forgot about Mother!" Valeria exclaimed, realization dawning on her. "Everything's been happening so fast it slipped my mind!"

Selena chuckled. "It's fine, Valeria. Why don't we go now and introduce Yuan and the others to her? I'm sure she'd be thrilled to know you've finally found yourself a husband."
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Valeria's cheeks flushed slightly, but she nodded. Yuan and his other wives looked eager to meet her mother.

Yuan's thoughts drifted briefly. *If her illness is what I think it is, I might be able to help treat her.*

Valeria, meanwhile, glanced at Yuan with a soft smile. 'I hope he can find a way to cure my mother… so she can finally leave her bed and see the world again.'

"Follow me," Selena said, standing from the sofa with excitement. "I'll take you all to the room where your mother is resting."

"Please, lead the way," Yuan replied with a nod, gesturing for her to proceed.

Some time later, they arrived at a grand room with a massive door guarded by two Imperial Knights. This was the resting place of the former Empress of the Lionheart Empire—Vanessa Lionheart.

The guards immediately stepped aside and opened the door upon recognizing Valeria. She was well-known across the empire for her fierce personality and wild nature—a woman many feared and respected.

Inside the room, a regal yet fragile-looking woman lay on a luxurious bed. Despite her age and frailty, her beauty shone through, and her resemblance to Valeria was unmistakable.

Valeria approached her mother slowly and sat beside her on the bed. Taking her mother's hand gently, tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "Mom, I'm back. How are you?"

"Valeria? Is that really you?" Vanessa's eyes fluttered open as her weak voice trembled with emotion. "You've finally returned… I've missed you so much. I'm doing fine, apart from the occasional pain at night." Her voice broke, and her eyes glistened with tears.

"Yes, Mom, it's me," Valeria replied softly. "I missed you, too." She kissed her mother's hand, her tears falling freely, but her smile was tender and warm.

"By the way, Mother-in-law," Selena began with a teasing tone, glancing briefly at Yuan before sitting on the edge of the bed, "Valeria didn't come alone this time. She brought a man with her."

Vanessa's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Oh? Did she now? Where is this lucky man? I'd like to meet him," she said, her expression curious. She never expected her tomboyish daughter, who had a disdain for most men, to bring one home.

Selena smirked and gently pulled Yuan closer to the bed. "Well, Mother-in-law, this is the young man she brought with her. And guess what? She confessed that this young man is her husband."

Vanessa's eyes widened as they settled on Yuan.

Yuan stepped forward with a respectful smile, bowing slightly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mother-in-law. I'm Yuan, Valeria's husband," he said in a warm and polite tone.

Vanessa's gaze softened as she studied him.

"Yuan… What a unique name you have, young man. And you're quite handsome, too," she remarked with a faint smile. "My daughter is lucky to have found such a fine man for herself." Her tone carried both surprise and approval.

She then introduced herself, her voice tinged with pride. "By the way, I'm Vanessa, Valeria's mother."