When La Folia regained her senses, her mind buzzed uncontrollably. She couldn't help but laugh bitterly:
"Mother!"
"Do you realise what you're suggesting?"
Asking her to pursue her close friend's boyfriend - was this something a real mother would propose?
Polifonia silenced Lucas with a glance when he tried to interject, then turned back to her daughter with an amused expression:
"Why, La Folia? Haven't you always proudly proclaimed yourself a staunch advocate of polygamy?"
"Given your temperament and personality, I'm rather surprised you haven't considered offering yourself as part of the bargain."
"Could it be you don't think you can compete with that Lacus Clyne, the Supreme Chairwoman?"
"Of course not..." La Folia reflexively denied.
While she acknowledged Lacus's formidable skills, she remained confident in her own abilities.
Whether it was background, abilities, or appearance, she and Lacus had always been evenly matched.
The word "fear" had never once appeared in La Folia's mind.
Yet now, for some inexplicable reason, La Folia couldn't articulate why.
After all, setting aside all other factors, given her personality, she should have immediately considered bypassing the SDS to contact the Class holder after the meeting concluded.
Yet strangely, she'd been unconsciously avoiding that line of thought.
Realising this, La Folia quickly explained:
"I'm simply uncertain about the Class holder's true identity... After all, protecting important assets is practically mandatory training for every faction leader."
Hearing this explanation, Polifonia looked slightly surprised:
"It seems you truly consider that Supreme Chairwoman a friend."
Not wanting to interfere out of friendship, this was the answer Polifonia deduced based on her understanding of her daughter.
"Friend..."
La Folia's expression became slightly strained. She took a deep breath and composed herself:
"That might be part of it, but there are more significant reasons."
Polifonia glanced at La Folia and probed:
"You don't fancy men of Director Luo's type?"
"It's not entirely about personal preference."
La Folia was visibly struggling to remain calm now:
"My intuition tells me he shares my personality type."
"Someone who can't trust others - a natural loner."
"I instinctively sensed that gaining Luo Shu's trust would be life's most difficult challenge, so I chose to abandon the attempt outright."
"And Lacus only played a minor role in this decision."
"A natural loner?" Polifonia seemed genuinely surprised. "I never expected such an assessment from you."
As a mother, Polifonia understood La Folia's mate selection criteria well.
It had to be someone who appeared easy to handle and control, yet capable in crucial moments, while also benefiting the Aldegia Kingdom.
The Rihavein family's standards for royal consorts were largely similar, so this didn't surprise Polifonia too much.
Her suggestion about seduction was merely to gauge La Folia's true understanding of Luo Shu.
But now, having received this answer, Polifonia found herself in a dilemma.
Natural loners either trusted easily or, like La Folia, couldn't believe anyone without solid foundations.
If Luo Shu was the latter, it meant his Demigod inheritance must contain safeguards for those he trusted.
This actually worked against the Aldegia Kingdom's interests.
An inheritance they absolutely needed, yet one that inevitably contained vulnerabilities.
Even Polifonia found this balance difficult to manage.
"La Folia, what's your plan after agreeing to the deal?"
"Or rather, who do you intend to give this inheritance to?"
This question made La Folia's scalp prickle.
Facing a Demigod Rank inheritance, the recipient must be someone utterly loyal to the royal family.
Given La Folia's personality, it would naturally be most convenient for her to take part personally.
But for the kingdom, the cost of using the crown princess as a test subject was far too high.
Therefore, La Folia absolutely could not serve as the first inheritor.
Excluding La Folia, political considerations also ruled out her two younger sisters to prevent internal strife over succession rights.
Similarly, the older generation—former kings and queens—were too advanced in age to be suitable for Class inheritance. After all, granting the inheritance to the elderly would be a waste, as their advanced years would prevent them from growing stronger in power.
If calculated this way, it seemed the only candidates were among the queen's peers...
But those two royal uncles of hers...
After much deliberation, La Folia finally sighed and said:
"Mother, I intend for Justina to receive this inheritance."
Hearing this, Polifonia deeply furrowed her brows:
"The Kataya family?"
Justina Kataya, eldest daughter of the Kataya branch family of the Rihavein lineage that had served the royal family for generations, and a knight to La Folia's mother.
Her loyalty was unquestionable, and while her abilities were merely passable, her youth was an advantage. Moreover, as the crown princess's knight, it would be convenient for La Folia to observe the inheritance's effects up close.
Though being from a branch family carried the risk of overthrowing the monarchy, if handled discreetly and the inheritance's effects were quickly verified while the royal family secured more inheritances, it might be acceptable.
Most importantly... There truly were no suitable candidates among the direct royal line...
With this thought, Polifonia sighed softly before saying:
"Proceed as you suggest. But remember to maintain countermeasures at all times."
"Understood, Mother."
No sooner had La Folia spoken than a chime sounded from her pocket.
Startled, she quickly excused herself to her parents and retrieved a specially designed mobile phone to check the notification.
After reading the message, her expression turned peculiar:
"Mother, it appears a more suitable candidate for the inheritance has emerged."
"Hmm?" Polifonia looked surprised, then noticed La Folia gazing at her with an inscrutable expression.
Though puzzled, the queen inquired:
"Has something concerning me occurred? And it involves this supposed inheritance candidate?"
La Folia then said quietly:
"My informant in the SDS reported they've confirmed the existence of an Aldegian princess living abroad."
At these words, both Polifonia and Lucas's complexions changed instantly.
Abruptly, Lucas - despite his rugged appearance - emitted a shrill, duck-like cry:
"Wife, you know me! An illegitimate daughter of mine couldn't possibly carry Rihavein royal blood!"