The bad value system is measuring values.

Chapter 73 On the Verge of Collapse

The ancient magic mirror whispered softly, "Oh, it is Your Majesty the Queen. It is my honor to meet you."

Spartz: "Magic Mirror, you have a way to see other people's images. Help the Queen, she is very worried about her father."

Magic Mirror: "Oh, my little master, I understand. So, Your Majesty, you wish to visit your father through me?"

Qiao Xiao parted her lips slightly: "Yes, can you do it?"

The Magic Mirror: "Of course, I am the all-powerful and all-knowing Magic Mirror!" As soon as it finished speaking, a strange scene unfolded on its own—the figure of a person slowly emerged in the mirror.

"That's Father!" Qiao Xiao exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy, as if she had been overwhelmed with excitement after a long drought.

Schertz stood quietly beside her, witnessing this scene, his heart filled with indescribable joy and tenderness.

The old king looked remarkably energetic in the mirror, unlike the frail and listless appearance that was rumored to exist.

This may be because his youngest daughter, Fali, became Queen of Sotoa, bringing unprecedented prosperity and peace to both countries.

"Time is precious, Your Majesty. Please cherish this rare moment," the magic mirror reminded her at the opportune moment.

Qiao Xiao's eyes glistened with tears of gratitude, the tears like dewdrops on flower petals in the morning, adding a touch of fragility and charm to her exquisite face.

She was moved to tears and said, "Thank you so much."

Upon seeing this, Spoelstra felt an urge to step forward and offer her all the support he could.

However, he was filled with contradictions and struggles, unsure of what role or method to use to comfort the "Queen".

Just then, a clear and firm voice rang in his heart: "That is your mother, you have the right to comfort her."

Then, Spitz slowly stepped forward, his movements gentle, as if afraid of disturbing her, and gently reached out to touch her shoulder, wanting to comfort her.

His eyes were filled with concern and tenderness as he cautiously asked, "Mother..."

Qiao Xiao raised her head, tears welling up in her eyes, her voice slightly choked: "It's alright, Shi Bozi. As long as I see my father safe and sound, I'm content. Let's go back."

After saying that, she tried her best to control her emotions and not let more tears fall.

The two silently left the dark room, leaving behind a profound silence.

In the pitch-black room, the magic mirror emitted a faint light, seemingly talking to itself: "Oh dear, my prince, you've fallen for your own mother! This is no good omen, it's terrible, very terrible!"

It muttered worriedly, a sense of unease rising in its heart.

If this sentiment continues, it could very well affect the continuation of bloodlines, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Meanwhile, Qiao Xiao sat on Shi Bozi's bed, the soft and comfortable mattress making her feel extremely comfortable.

A feeling of fatigue gradually crept in, as if my whole body was enveloped in warmth.

Although she knew she was in a strange world, she felt a strange sense of peace.

Whether or not she was truly saddened, her tears were real, and now, she just wants to rest and temporarily forget all her troubles and worries.

Qiao Xiao's voice carried a hint of weariness that was barely perceptible. She said softly, "I really feel so tired, Spitz. I think I should go to my own bed and get a good night's sleep."

Upon hearing this, Spohr immediately stepped forward and whispered gently in her ear, "Please rest assured, Mother, I will stay by your side tonight until you drift peacefully into sleep."

He stood quietly by the bed, his gaze fixed intently on Qiao Xiao's peaceful sleeping face in the moonlight.

Her face appeared exceptionally soft in the moonlight, like a work of art sculpted by the moonlight, radiating a faint glow.

Qiao Xiao's hair, like fine black silk, was gently spread out on the pillow.

Schertz's gaze was gentle, and he moved slowly as he sat down, careful not to wake her.

"So beautiful, Mother."

"How beautiful, my mother."

……

He repeated the same words in a low voice. Gradually, his voice grew softer and softer until he himself was immersed in this tranquility and beauty.

"Fari, you are truly the most beautiful person in the world."

His eyes were glazed over, his consciousness was somewhat hazy, and he imagined that he was dreaming, and everything around him became unreal. He couldn't remember what he said.

Looking at Qiao Xiao's sleeping face, he subconsciously reached out and gently stroked her cheek, feeling her warmth and softness.

The moonlight streamed through the window and fell upon her, as if draping her in a silver veil.

Her lips were slightly upturned, as if she were having a beautiful dream.

Schertz couldn't help but be moved, and he leaned down, intending to kiss her forehead.

Just as they were about to kiss, he felt Qiao Xiao's even and steady breathing.

Schubert stopped abruptly, realizing he had crossed the line. Startled, he immediately panicked.

What am I doing?!

"This is my mother! Am I crazy?!" Spoelstra was devastated. He couldn't believe that he had developed such feelings for Qiao Xiao.

He frantically searched for something to hide himself, trying to conceal his true thoughts.

"Are you going to ruin everything, Spitz? If she knew how you felt about her, just imagine how she would treat you!"

The voice in his mind kept reminding him of the cruelty of reality.

Spoelstra tried to imagine the look of disgust in Qiao Xiao's eyes, and a pang of pain shot through his heart. "Oh no, that would be worse than being hanged!"

He couldn't bear the consequences and would rather die than face Qiao Xiao's disgust.

He had always thought that his special feelings for Qiao Xiao were simply due to a lack of maternal love, but now he clearly realized that things were far more complicated than that.

He had fallen deeply in love with Qiao Xiao, and this feeling plunged him into endless pain and struggle.

“What a foolish thing to do, Spitz. You’re still so useless. Why can’t you keep your heart racing? Why did you fall in love with the Queen?”

He pounded his head in self-reproach, clutched his hair in anguish, curled up in a corner of the room, and helplessly gazed at Qiao Xiao sleeping soundly in his bed curtains.

"Fari, what have I done?"

Spoelstra cried out in his heart, unsure how to face this forbidden love, or what the future held.

He clenched his fist tightly, his fingernails tearing at the cut he had made, and drops of blood fell to the ground, the bright red blood starkly visible on the clean floor.

At this moment, Shi Bozi could only silently stay by Qiao Xiao's side, enduring the torment in his heart alone.

He cried out in despair about his incompetence.

In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Qiao Xiao's face. She slowly opened her eyes, and in her blurry vision, Daisy's figure gradually became clearer.

Daisy's face was filled with worry, and a hint of tension showed in her eyes. She said softly, "Oh, my Queen, are you alright?"

Qiao Xiao was not fully awake yet. She rubbed her eyes, trying hard to recall what had happened last night, and then replied, "I'm fine, Daisy."

She sat up, looked around, and confirmed that she was in her dormitory room.

Qiao Xiao asked in confusion, "Have I been here the whole time?"

Daisy nodded, reminding her, "Don't you remember? The prince said you found a cure for insomnia?"

Qiao Xiao blinked, as if remembering something, and murmured to herself, "I... I think so, so the prince brought me back last night?"

Daisy continued, "I don't know who it was? Wearing a black cloak, but he gave me a letter from the prince himself, and it said all this."

Qiao Xiao frowned, a surge of curiosity welling up inside her. She quickly asked, "Where's the letter? Let me see it."

Daisy handed a letter to Qiao Xiao, who took it and read it carefully.

The letter contained nothing special, except that it replaced the magic mirror with the words "sleep method".

He also expressed his hope that Qiao Xiao would keep this secret and not let it be leaked.

"Daisy, where did the prince go?"

"I don't know, Your Majesty. She didn't come here today."

"Well, I see."

There's only one month left, which means there's only one month left before he's framed.

When the king returns, he will be sent elsewhere, preferably away from the palace.

In this way, the magic mirror will become hers alone.

Qiao Xiao stood up, preparing to go find him herself.

She wondered to herself if he would reveal any flaws that would give her an opportunity to take advantage of him.

Despite his exhaustion, Spoelstra tried to concentrate, hoping to complete three days' worth of work in one day.

The minister standing nearby couldn't bear to watch any longer and couldn't help but advise, "Your Highness, you should take a good rest. Your health won't be able to take this..."

Spartz replied expressionlessly, "I'm fine. My father will be back soon. I need to prepare in advance."

After saying that, he lowered his head again, focused on the thick stack of parchment scrolls in his hand, and picked up a brush to write carefully.

The minister was deeply worried as he watched Shi Bozi working so hard, but dared not say anything more.

After all, the prince's decision was not to be disobeyed; he was, at the very least, the next heir to the kingdom.

Just then, Qiao Xiao walked into the study.

The minister immediately bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing the title "Queen," Spoelstra paused for a moment, then slowly raised her head, her gaze falling on Qiao Xiao.

He asked in a low voice, "What brings you here?"

Qiao Xiao looked at the minister in front of her and said in an unquestionable tone, "You may leave now."

The minister quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Then he turned and left, but he couldn't help but look back at Spartz and whispered to Qiao Xiao, "Your Majesty, the prince is working too hard. You should try to persuade him!"

After saying this, the minister hurriedly left the study.

Qiao Xiao nodded slightly to indicate that she understood. After watching the minister leave, she turned and walked towards Shi Bozi.

At this moment, Spitz had already stood up and stepped forward to greet her.

"Mother, please sit down." Spohr thoughtfully pulled out his chair for Qiao Xiao to sit down.

Qiao Xiao glanced at the mountain of documents and asked worriedly, "Are all of these things you need to deal with today?"

Sipoz answered without hesitation, “Yes, Mother, I neglected some state affairs before, so now I must work harder. The territory that Father worked so hard to build must not be destroyed in my hands.”

Qiao Xiao asked softly, "Then what about your knight selection?"

Upon hearing this question, Shi Bozi's eyes darted away, as if she didn't dare to meet Qiao Xiao's gaze.

Her eyes were so pure that you could immediately read her thoughts, her heart full of care and affection.

The authenticity of that look shattered his foolish idea once again.

Schubert pretended to be indifferent, displaying a relaxed demeanor, and said, "You must know, Mother, I am a prince, and I must prioritize the affairs of the nation."

Qiao Xiao deliberately changed her tone, looked at him sternly, and a hint of dissatisfaction and disappointment flashed in her eyes.

Her voice was low and serious, with a reproachful tone: "Then I'm very disappointed in you, Spitz!"

Schertz was startled by Qiao Xiao's sudden change of expression, his eyes filled with doubt and unease.

He hurriedly asked, "Did I do something wrong, Mother? Please tell me, what made you so angry?"

His eyes revealed sincerity and worry, and he adopted a humble posture, instinctively kneeling on one knee.

Qiao Xiao did not answer his question, but instead ignored his words and actions.

She sighed helplessly, got up to leave, and said as she walked away, "Since that's the case, then let's cancel the duel. I won't train with you anymore."

Schertz was completely taken aback by Qiao Xiao's reaction. He was stunned and watched her walk away.

He panicked and quickly grabbed Qiao Xiao's wrist, urgently calling out, "Don't go!"

Qiao Xiao stopped and turned around, her eyes still filled with indifference and disappointment.

Shepherd gripped her hand tightly, stood up, and said anxiously, "Mother! Mother! What's wrong? What mistake have I made? I will definitely correct it. Please don't be so cold to me."

His voice was filled with pleading.

Qiao Xiao forcefully pulled her hand back, her face resolute and indifferent, and replied, "No, Shi Boz, I think I overestimated our relationship. From now on, let's remain strangers."

After saying that, she turned and left without hesitation, without giving Spartz any look.

Shi Bozi stood there, watching Qiao Xiao's departing figure, tears welling up in her eyes.

Why is this happening to me, Mother? Why are you being so cruel to me? Does she already know how I feel about her?

Schertz kept questioning himself, while also feeling a deep sense of fear.

Suddenly, Sporz's body began to tremble, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, as if all the strength in his body had been drained away.

Having just endured a night of struggle and pain, he was now abandoned by his loved one, pushing him to the brink of collapse.

He was feeling dizzy, unable to distinguish between a dream and reality. If it was a dream, he needed to wake up quickly; he simply couldn't hold on any longer.

She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down, but her thoughts became increasingly chaotic.

He felt his breathing become rapid and his heart beat faster and faster.