"As both my servant and husband, only you can do this."
The moment Elizabeth finished speaking, she closed her eyes. Among the storm of feelings inside her, there burned a unique emotion of anticipation, one so intense it bordered on desperation.
Jun Hao understood that in this situation, hesitation was no longer an option. Any playful teasing right now would cross the line from harmless to hurtful.
He stepped forward, leaning down as he extended his arms and pulled her small frame firmly into his embrace.
Elizabeth's body shook initially, but within moments, she softened completely like melting ice.
Jun Hao said nothing. He simply held her, feeling the smooth, water-like softness of her form and catching the faint yet refined fragrance that surrounded her.
Around them, the maids and the other Royal Navy members held their breath. Their expressions were filled with genuine relief and emotion.
'Yes, Your Majesty! Exactly like that! Show Master every bit of your longing and affection without holding back. This is the real you, the most endearing version!' they all thought in near-perfect unison.
"Elizabeth, I'm truly happy to see this side of you," Jun Hao murmured gently, drawing a relieved sigh from Elizabeth.
"Hmph, idiot... Big idiot servant... Did you really think I, the Queen, felt differently?"
Her voice came out muffled; it carried no real anger, only the tone of someone seeking affection.
"How heartless. Why did it take you so long to arrive?"
He desperately wanted to say that transmigration wasn't exactly something within his control, but Jun Hao simply smiled with a hint of sadness while running his fingers through Elizabeth's golden hair, offering comfort instead.
"You're right. I apologize."
"Hmph..." Elizabeth sniffled quietly. "What's the use of just saying sorry..."
"Then what does Her Majesty the Queen suggest?" Jun Hao asked helplessly. "How about I cook something for you? Maybe a few Dragon Empery or Sardegna dishes. Don't look at me like that. I'm actually quite good at cooking."
"Really..."
At Jun Hao's words, Elizabeth's excitement nearly made her accept on the spot.
The thought of her Commander personally preparing a meal for her was, without question, highly appealing compensation.
But after a moment's consideration, she realized she was giving in too easily, so Elizabeth quickly changed her stance.
"Ahem... That doesn't interest me at all!"
Jun Hao scratched his head and asked, "What if you let me help with some of your Royal internal affairs instead?"
"Shouldn't you already be doing that as both my servant and husband?"
"Fair enough..."
Jun Hao let out a helpless smile.
"So how exactly would Her Majesty the Queen like to punish me?"
Silence filled the space between them for a moment. Then came a voice barely louder than a whisper.
"I order you to visit me often from now on. You're forbidden from forgetting me for even a single moment!"
Jun Hao answered seriously.
"I won't forget. Not even a little."
"That's more like it~"
Finally satisfied, Elizabeth stayed in his arms for a bit longer before reluctantly stepping away. Her usual tsundere attitude quickly returned.
"Very well, servant! I've granted your wish! Show proper appreciation for this kindness!"
Jun Hao observed her endearing attempt at maintaining composure and offered a small, cooperative bow.
"Yes, thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty the Queen. This is without doubt the greatest privilege of my existence as your servant."
"As... as it should be!" Elizabeth averted her gaze, looking slightly flustered. "This is special consideration only because of your recent arrival! It won't happen again! Or at the very least, next time you'll wait until my schedule permits!"
"Of course, whatever Her Majesty the Queen commands."
Jun Hao nodded with amusement. Right then, his stomach produced another indelicate growl. He pressed a hand against it, embarrassment crossing his features.
"Speaking of which, when does the Royal Dormitory's dining hall typically serve meals? I'm honestly starving here."
Upon hearing this, Elizabeth spun around, her full queenly presence radiating outward.
"Did you all hear that! My husband is hungry! Why are you just standing around!? Hurry and prepare food! Make it the most lavish! The most delicious! Go now!"
The moment the word 'husband' left her lips, all the maids smiled with visible relief. To them, Elizabeth's display today had already exceeded all expectations.
"What... what are you waiting for! Didn't you hear my order!"
Her sharp words finally snapped everyone back to attention.
"Yes! Your Majesty! Master, please come with us!"
Belfast approached with a warm smile and offered Elizabeth a respectful bow.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, we shall prepare the most exquisite banquet for Master."
Then she turned toward Jun Hao, gesturing gracefully for him to follow.
Jun Hao gave a nod and moved to step forward, but paused when he realized that aside from Belfast and the Royal Maid Corps, Elizabeth and the rest showed no signs of joining them.
He tilted his head with curiosity.
"Aren't you coming along to eat? It's much livelier with everyone together."
Elizabeth gently shook her head. The shyness she showed earlier had disappeared, replaced by the calm composure expected of a queen.
"Servant, we of the Royal Navy still have internal matters that require immediate attention."
"Internal matters? What kind? Is it serious? Do you need my help?" Jun Hao asked with concern.
"There's no need, and you're not permitted to."
Elizabeth shook her head firmly, offering no room for argument.
"As my husband, your only duty is to relax and enjoy your time in the Royal Dormitory. Leave everything else to us."
Recognizing her determination, Jun Hao chose not to insist.
"Alright, I get it."
He extended his hand once more, gently running his fingers through Elizabeth's silky blonde hair.
"Just make sure you eat as well. Food doesn't taste nearly as good when it gets cold."
"I'm aware! Stop being such a nag, servant!"
Despite her grumbling, the faintest smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Now then, Master, shall we proceed?"
Belfast once again made a polite guiding gesture.
Jun Hao nodded, gave Elizabeth one last look, and then turned away. Led by Belfast, he walked toward the magnificent Royal dining hall.
Only after Jun Hao's figure completely disappeared around the corner did Elizabeth withdraw her gaze. She turned to face the remaining core members of the Royal Navy.
"Everyone."
Though her voice remained measured, it carried effortlessly to all present.
"My husband has been settled. The time has come to convene the Royal Supreme Council. All of you, to the meeting room."
After speaking, she raised her hand slightly. A scepter instantly materialized in her grasp, while her outfit shifted into the formal dress she usually wore for official matters.
Without another word, Elizabeth took the lead and walked toward the nearby Royal meeting room.
Whether it was the Illustrious sisters, Warspite, Hood, or the other members of the Royal Navy's combat forces, none of them showed the slightest hint of casualness on their faces.
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Novels Available:
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