Chapter 364
Chapter 365 His Selfless Bargain
Something shifted slowly above her.
The blanket over her head was pulled back tentatively, revealing a round, fluffy head.
A damp nose nuzzled forward, sniffing her, then rubbed against her face.
At the sight of this giant panda, half of Lyra’s anger and restlessness melted away.
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No matter how upset you were, it was hard to stay mad around such an adorable creature.
She threw the covers fully aside, wrapped her arms around the huge fuzzy beast, and held it tight against herself, rubbing her cheek over its fur while her spirits stayed low.
Caught off guard by the sudden pull, the panda let out a soft, surprised huff.
Lyra paid it no mind, pressing her cheek against the panda’s chubby face.
When she turned her eyes, she spotted Hadrien sitting on the bedside, watching her.
Nael leaned in the doorway, a faint smile in his eyes as he watched her interact with the spirit animal.
“Feeling any better p>
At Nael’s question, Lyra let go of the panda, propped herself further upright, and hugged the big creature like a stuffed toy.
She looked toward Hadrien with complicated emotions in her
gaze.
Hadrien guessed his own person was the source of her unhappiness.
He brushed stray strands of hair from Lyra’s cheek and spoke in a steady tone.
“It’s alright. I can take anything, as long as you are okay p>
Those words filled Lyra with warmth, yet also deep shame and guilt.
Seeing her press her lips together in silence, Hadrien went on.
“If you don’t want to talk about it, can you let Nael tell me p>
Lyra’s eyes shot straight over to Nael. He lifted his wrist slightly toward her.
“My father filled me in just now p>
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Chapter 365 His Selfless Bargain
Lyra’s chest tightened. She nodded slowly.
Hadrien shifted his gaze from her over toward Nael.
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Once he heard the whole story, Hadrien stayed remarkably calm.
He stroked the top of Lyra’s head.
“So that is what this is about.
“Are you scared I will get hurt out on the battlefield p>
Lyra nodded, then shook her head.
It was more than that.
Beneath Hadrien’s questioning look, she started typing.
“I also think the way Core Prime treats you is cruel and infuriating p>
They summoned him whenever they needed something done, and cast him aside the second he was no longer useful.
For minor offenses, they would lock him away for decades.
When they required his strength, they ignored his own wishes and used him like a tool.
Yet Lyra thought about herself.
Those people traded with other people’s lives. She traded with other people’s affection.
Without even realizing it, she had become the very kind of person she once hated.
“They are cold–hearted, driven only by self–interest,” Nael remarked quietly.
He had never cared for Core Prime’s political circles, and he felt genuine indignation on Hadrien’s behalf.
Lyra lifted her gaze in a daze, half–convinced Nael was including her in that statement.
When she glanced his way, Nael was staring out the window, lost in thoughts of someone unknown.
Hadrien listened quietly, remaining composed and unruffled.
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Chapter 365 His Selfless Bargain
All at once he spoke. “In that case, why not use this situation to go after what you want p>
Lyra froze, staring blankly at him, not quite grasping his meaning.
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Hadrien tucked the blanket around her shoulders, his gaze gentle. “You have always wanted Felix and the others released, haven’t you?
“Now you won’t need to strike deals or make exchanges with anyone else p>
He meant for her to leverage this moment to push for the things Lyra desired.
When the realization sank in, Lyra looked into Hadrien’s peaceful eyes and felt her throat burn.
The officials from Core Prime had only given her one single day.
Lyra had hoped to spend that time staying close to Hadrien, purging as much of his contamination as she possibly could.
But Hadrien pushed her forward.
“This is your window. You have to lay out your terms to the prime minister and the rest of them.
“If you let this chance slip, Felix and the others could rot inside Oversight Council custody for who knows how long p>
Her friends on one side, the man she loved on the other. Lyra was torn both ways.
Hadrien soothed her. “Do not worry. I will make certain I come through this unharmed p>
His silver–grey eyes glinted, like sunlight reflecting across frost, dazzling to look at.
He brushed his palm softly over Lyra’s cheek.
“Someday I still intend for us to live somewhere quiet, safe, and happy. I will handle all the cooking. You will get to enjoy yourself, playing with your friends and all the spirit animals.
“Will that be alright p>
Heavy–hearted, Lyra nodded.
Hadrien gave a soft smile, drew her toward him, and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
He slipped her shoes on, then picked her up the exact same way he had carried her home, and brought her back out to Red Castle.
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Chapter 365 His Selfless Bargain
Hadrien stood outside and waved at the hesitant Lyra.
“Go on p>
Lyra glanced back.
He was willing to let Lyra use him as a stepping–stone to accomplish what she wanted.
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Tears pricked at her eyes. Not wanting him to see, she turned her back to him right away.
Even Nael was struck by the breadth of his character.
“Now I finally understand why she chose only you from the very start p>
Hadrien watched the direction Lyra had departed.
“It is what a personal guard ought to do p>
In the next breath, he shifted tone and looked over at Nael. “What about you p>
Nael blinked in surprise, then laughed at this sudden probe.
“I am merely astonished by your approach. Our circumstances would differ, so naturally our choices would differ too p>
Hadrien pressed further. “What would you have done p>
Nael smiled, still gazing toward where Lyra had vanished.
“If I had my way, I would hand her every good thing on a silver platter, so she would never have to agonize over matters like these ever again p>
Satisfied with that answer, Hadrien gave a short nod.
“So you hesitated because you were worried about the purification arrangements, Ms. Kaelin?” the prime minister said, watching Lyra with an affable grin.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.