The Heavenly Martial Empress Returns Chapter 299: Planning

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“That’s a good idea,” Peperina said. “A refuge for them on Earth… or perhaps in Floor 1? I know Earth is fine too, but Floor 1 might be better for them. People there are used to the Lizardmen and other reptilian species, like Kobolds, so they wouldn’t be seen as… um, well, they wouldn’t stand out.”

“All excellent ideas,” I nodded. “I think moving them to Floor 1 would be fine, but maybe even Floor 2? Floor 1 is still too populated and full to the brim with abusive players… Perhaps making a peaceful settlement within a forest on Floor 2 would be nicer. Players tend to only visit that place briefly, and there are a lot of open, unpopulated areas.”

“It would certainly be a more peaceful place for them…” Mursha nodded. “I wouldn’t oppose that. And we’ve also got Reptile people—they’re another species of Beast people. They would simply have to address themselves as a tribe of Reptilians, and the other tribes wouldn’t be suspicious… And either way, they’ll be under the protection of the new god.”

“Hm, yes, Floor 2 is a nice place. My tribe could happily help them get used to it if we ask them nicely,” said Urbosa.

“The issue is whether the Saurians cooperate and are nice… If they act cocky and stuff, it might get hard. Furthermore, they don’t speak the common tongue but a weird one the others wouldn’t understand well,” Merkite said.

“Valid points,” I nodded. “I think I can simply inject knowledge about the common tongue into their brains with the help of Redeye and Bloodclaw. Their Psychic Powers can do that with some of my help. You don’t mind?”

“Of course I do not, my dear,” Bloodclaw said, her tail wrapped around my leg. “I will guide my people to a better temporary place while we figure out a way to open a portal back home… And even then, they’ve already branded us as traitors, so it could get troublesome.”

“…They certainly did. All those soldiers will now be blamed for what you did, Bloodclaw,” Redeye said, standing with us. “Do you know how much you ruined everything?”

“Hmph, and you think allying with those tyrants was a good idea, idiot?” Bloodclaw hissed at her angrily, baring her sharp teeth. “That Djet bastard quite literally attacked you anyway. He was a complete psychopath!”

“Aren’t you one as well, anyway?” Redeye rolled her eyes.

“E-Eh? I am not! I am… I was, maybe? But not anymore. I’m walking a new path with my love, and I even have children. I can’t act like I used to…” Bloodclaw grew flustered after being called out.

“Redeye, please mind your manners when speaking to Bloodclaw,” I said. “I won’t tolerate you berating or insulting her, understood?”

“Eek! Yes…! I am deeply sorry, lady goddess!” Redeye muttered, looking desperate.

As I defended my cute Bloodclaw, she smiled back at me with enamored eyes.

“Thank you for defending me…” She hugged my arm and rubbed her face against me. “I love you…”

She was very expressive and lovely… I wonder if all Saurian ladies are this way. Well, I don’t mind. I love expressive and lovely ladies.

“Don’t worry. We’re together now, after all.” I caressed her slim head and her fluffy feathers.

“Well, look at you two, all lovey-dovey, huh?” Urbosa wondered, smiling lightly.

“A-Ah! I apologize… Was that too much? I should respect the wives who came before…” Bloodclaw panicked, lowering her head.

“There’s no such hierarchy—relax! My sister was just teasing you, Bloodclaw! Hahah!” Merkite laughed. “We don’t mind more partners, as long as they’re people Bing Xue trusts…”

“However, we’ve only known you for a day…” Mursha said. “We’d like to get to know you better before we can trust you more.”

“Eh? Girls, you…” I muttered. “Didn’t I know you for a day before we started a relationship, Mursha? Urbosa and Merkite were practically the same…”

“A-Ah… Right…” Urbosa grew flustered.

“Heheh…” Merkite scratched her head.

“…!” Mursha realized she’d been a bit hypocritical. “You’re… not wrong. Ah, sorry, Bloodclaw. I was being a hypocrite.”

“Oh no, it’s alright!” Bloodclaw smiled. “It seems our wife has quite the liking for ladies who are direct like us, right? It’s better to just aim for what we want instead of waiting days, weeks, months… years…” She glared at Yanisse, Merneith, and Peperina, as if teasing them, making them feel a little awkward.

I grabbed her tail tightly, snapping her back to her usual, humble self.

“Bloodclaw, remember to keep harmony with my family,” I sighed.

“Yes… Sorry, sorry,” she apologized, though she still shot the three a smug smile…

I guess it’s in her nature. I should apologize to them later.

“Anyway, there’s a lot to do. For now, we’ll leave the Saurians in the settlement. We’ll just take a day to explore the other planets, then get back to Mars, then to Earth. Thereafter, we’ll move to the Tower, bring them to Floor 2, and head to Floor 3 and beyond,” I said, nodding.

There are also other plans I’ll handle on the side—like investigating and trying to assimilate Wonder and continuing to study the DNA of the Solarians, Galaxy Man’s race of superpowered, human-like aliens.

There are other things I’m doing too—gaining more Enlightenment in the Daos, acquiring Skills, and there’s that Mask Belze is making for me… Perhaps I’ll also check on the heroes—both the superheroes and the rangers—and see how they’re doing.

And of course, how could I forget about my mother and my sister?

So, lots to do! Though it’s nowhere near as much as when I was in Murim, and it’s much more fun too.

“So your name’s Pomelo? That’s a cute name, like the fruit?” I heard Hekita talking with the princess.

“Heheh, that’s right,” Pomelo smiled gently. “I was a bit embarrassed at first, but I think I’ve grown to love it… It’s the name my people gave me, back home…”

“Are you sad?” Athena noticed Pomelo was mostly pretending to smile.

“Eh? Ah, of course not! Hahah, what makes you think that…” Pomelo giggled. “I just… maybe I’m worried about them. A lot happened, but… that’s not really any of your business, right? You shouldn’t worry.”

“No, tell us more!” Orion said.

“Maybe we can find a way to get there eventually!” Athena smiled.

“Sounds like a cool place!” Kalana said.

“Um, you said there were big floating blocks, right? And big dinosaurs? Sounds interesting then!” Rainbow Eyes giggled.

“Oh my, you’re all so adorable and kind…” she said.

I guess the children helped her feel a bit better about everything. That’s good.

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