CHAPTER 322: CHAPTER 163: WHEELS LAID FLAT! THE PSEUDO EMPEROR MUST DIE! (9,000 WORDS)

The generals following Duncan appeared thoughtful, realizing that Anya’s status was unshakeable, regardless of whether she had offspring.

Oathkeeper Duncan wouldn’t diminish his affection for Anya over something like this, for Anya stood proudly among women based on her merits.

Anya was flushed with excitement, her delicate body trembling slightly in response to the surrounding crowd’s cheers.

She absolutely loved such scenes!

Duncan always managed to provide her with everything she desired, even not minding sharing the king’s glory with her.

In such a setting, Crow Queen Triss never competed; she disliked appearing before the masses. Yet no matter how many times Anya showed herself in front of everyone, she still had to bow her head before the Crow Queen.

No one could shake Crow Queen Triss, not even Anya, who had to humbly submit.

Empress Lysiniya gazed at the scene in contemplation.

Unconsciously falling half a step behind, she motioned to her two daughters beside her, joining them in following Duncan and Anya, as a gesture of staying under someone else’s roof. Anya needed to prove something; she would not contend because the timing was still not right.

However, should Princess Praxidica be chosen to ascend, she’d have to help her daughter compete a bit at least, to ensure they, the mother and daughters, wouldn’t be entirely overshadowed by Anya, consequently suffering neglect and disdain.

Now that the Western Goths had suffered a crushing defeat, Duncan had fully grasped Europe’s hegemony.

The Eastern Empire was severely weakened by the Huns, and the Hunnic Empire was in disarray. The Western Goths were Europe’s overlords, and defeating them meant the hegemony shifted to the Britain Kingdom.

Their next step was to invade the Italian peninsula, directly overthrow the Pseudo Emperor, and reclaim the empire’s supreme power.

Yet, no one cared about the Pseudo Emperor’s army, for the imperial army was increasingly inclined to support Duncan after consecutive upheavals; with Aetius and Valentinian III dying abruptly one after the other, Maximus and the Imperial Senate had no military achievements, unable to control the troops at the grassroots level.

If parachuting an officer could command the army, ancient imperial power would be unshakable.

Once war broke out, many within the imperial army would defect.

Inside the governor’s residence.

Duncan spread his arms as the maid beside him removed his armor, while Anya looked at him with a playful, smug expression, as if having prepared a surprise.

At this moment, a maid approached quietly, whispering in Anya’s ear, "Empress Lysiniya requests to see the Governor."

Anya narrowed her eyes slightly upon hearing, and said casually, "The Governor needs rest."

"Send her away."

Anya didn’t pay much attention to the two young princesses, but she was quite wary of Empress Lysiniya, who still had some skills.

Return from the battlefield.

Several young, beautiful maids prepared hot water, and Duncan soaked himself comfortably in it, mist enveloping the surroundings and rendering everything hazy. It wasn’t as good as Bath, lacking top-notch hot springs, with the bathhouse only temporarily built in Roman tradition.

A splash of water resounded.

Duncan heard several light footsteps but didn’t mind, as Anya sometimes arranged little surprises for entertainment. Having led cavalry across thousands of miles recently, he wanted to unwind his mind.

Soon, Anya’s charming figure entered the bath, lying beside him, hugging one of his strong arms.

Embraced by warmth and softness, Duncan felt entirely relaxed, lazily lifting her ample hip with one hand.

Anya loved horse riding, with a particular passion for galloping on horseback.

Today seemed different, though, as Duncan heard water approaching from both sides, then limbs clung to his thighs, with supple skin brushing against his, prompting a soft sigh of comfort.

Anya always found ways to surprise him; indeed, Aphrodite’s esoteric approach played quite the trick, explaining why numerous indulgent, depraved tyrants appeared in the early empire.

Indulgence aside.

Aphrodite’s esoteric Buddhism had to be severely suppressed, leaving no trace. Duncan had the willpower to not indulge, but future emperors weren’t guaranteed to do the same. Duncan’s mindset had shifted towards that of an emperor, allowing himself enjoyment due to confidence in self-restraint. Yet, such existence penetrating the court would severely damage the empire’s lifeline.

Post-Anya, Aphrodite’s esoteric Buddhism would have no further existence.

Love was one thing; it had to be separated.

The bath’s water rippled slightly, as Duncan sensed a warm embrace. Opening his eyes slightly, he glanced at the misty pool, surprised. Turning to Anya, he met her meaningful smile and closed his eyes again.

Anya lay atop Duncan, her fingers tracing his firm chest, whispering tenderly, "Severus is nearly maddened."

"He’s gone to Avalon Holy Sanctuary seeking help from the Guardian Fairies."

Speaking like a fairy, Anya said pitifully, "I dare not hog all the glory now."

"Your Majesty."

"You should spread the rain evenly."

Anya was under a lot of pressure, with her belly not cooperating, leaving her no choice but submission. As long as she had Duncan’s affection, she would adjust everything herself, even arranging candidates voluntarily.