CHAPTER 188:Huby’s Question

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Shen He sat silently in the villa provided by the company, watching the video that had just been broadcast worldwide.

It was, at its core, a carefully crafted public relations statement: a declaration of Attilan's intentions, their culture, and the will of their king to align with Earth. The speech attempted to portray Attilan as a beacon of peaceful coexistence, striving for mutual understanding with humankind.

The impact wasn't entirely absent—but it wasn't impressive either.

After finishing the video, Shen He browsed through several major online platforms, reading through waves of public comments and discussions.

As he expected, the reaction was lukewarm at best. While a few expressed hope, the majority were suspicious. The sudden emergence of an entire kingdom of Inhumans—beings with superhuman abilities—sparked a predictable storm of fear, conspiracy theories, and distrust. Many questioned their origin, their claim to the Moon, and their sudden desire to "return" to Earth. For much of the public, this wasn't a handful of enhanced heroes they could tolerate—it was an entire race.

Shen He wasn't sure if there were hidden PR strategies behind the declaration, but one thing was certain: Inhumans still had a long and painful road ahead if they truly wanted to integrate with Earth society.

Still, he didn't plan to intervene directly.

In this situation, Chaldea's role wasn't to side openly with Attilan or force the Earth's populace to accept them. Rather, they needed to act as a bridge—promoting peace, understanding, and tolerance without being authoritarian about it. Anything more aggressive would likely backfire.

After all, conspiracy theories never really died down in human history. They evolved and adapted, much like viruses.

But beneath the surface of politics and PR, another issue loomed—the alien war.

"In three days, the Chitauri have only launched a few minor skirmishes," Shen He muttered from where he sat on the bed, surrounded by his inner circle of followers.

Chaldea's internal strategy meetings were always informal. Everyone picked their own spot to sit, relax, and chat. Even Violet and Huby were snacking on desserts made by Nakiri Erina.

Though... could Huby even taste human food?

"They're probably still testing the waters," Lelouch suggested, drawing Shen He's gaze. "They're collecting data on our military response—measuring strength, tactics, and reactions. We know very little about the Chitauri. If they're using Earth as a proxy battlefield, we may need to interrogate someone who knows their playbook... maybe Loki."

"The Chitauri aren't what worry me," Shen He replied, eyes narrowing. "It's who they might call for help that concerns me."

Back when both Odin and the Ancient One were alive, even Thanos dared not appear in person. Yet, as the cosmic emperor pulling strings from the shadows, he never needed to.

What Shen He feared more were the other universal powers—like the Kree Empire, the original creators of the Inhumans.

Remnants of Kree technology—and even Kree corpses—still littered Earth's hidden corners.

"If they do send reinforcements, we'll be ready," Lelouch said confidently. "The Gate of Time and Space is under our control. If things go south, we can use the Tesseract to open a direct route to Asgard. But more importantly, this crisis is a rare opportunity. With the current chaos, we can accomplish things that normally wouldn't be possible."

He was right. The key in any game was to focus on the broader picture and long-term goals.

Lelouch was always one step ahead, viewing events as a strategist more than a participant.

"What exactly are you talking about?" Shen He asked, still piecing it together.

Across the room, Qi Mu Nanxiong nodded slightly, already deciphering Lelouch's thoughts.

"Virtual reality," Lelouch answered.

A flash of clarity struck Shen He.

"We've worked hard to set the stage for this moment. As long as the alien threat remains, we hold the ultimate trump card. The only question is—how do we play it?" Lelouch continued. "We could use it to gain Attilan's peaceful integration, or to elevate Chaldea's global prestige. But those are temporary wins. Virtual reality... that's timeless."

Timeless... Shen He blinked. It was a good point, albeit phrased with Lelouch's usual flair for the dramatic.

He understood now.

A well-built virtual world was more than a technological marvel—it was a foundation for control, influence, and evolution. It represented a new world order.

Under normal circumstances, the powers that be would never allow such a tool to fall into foreign hands. Tony Stark had gone to great lengths to keep the virtual reality helmet's capabilities restricted for that very reason.

But now the world was different.

If Chaldea could use the alien threat to launch a virtual realm of their own—a new world under their control—they could bypass traditional politics entirely. No need to challenge the World Council through brute force.

In a virtual space, Chaldea could generate wealth, power, and narrative authority—all without bloodshed.

"It's worth a shot," Shen He said, his decision firm.

He still remembered how the World Council forced him to grovel before the cameras last time, suppressing Chaldea through public pressure and misinformation. That frustration still burned inside him.

And now, Chaldea had grown—exponentially.

He had to ask himself: What is Chaldea truly becoming?

Initially, it was just a defensive force, created after Hydra ambushed him and Violet. A simple need for protection.

Like any man trying to build a stable home for his family.

But success changed things. As more people joined, new responsibilities emerged. New objectives. Bigger dreams.

"Does great power really demand great responsibility?" he wondered aloud, then scoffed quietly.

"Master?" Jeanne's voice was gentle beside him.

"I'm fine," Shen He smiled at his wife. "Just thinking."

Then he turned back to Lelouch. "You're right—this is the perfect moment to expand our virtual reality initiatives. But we need concrete plans. If we misstep and provoke the wrong people, it could all backfire."

"All they want is profit," Lelouch replied smoothly. "And that's the easiest motive to negotiate with."

That was the true headache when dealing with the World Council—there was no single leader, no face. Just a tangle of competing interests—disembodied, self-replicating constructs of the old order.

To dismantle them fully would require tearing down the entire global structure.

But that would bring war. Death. Something neither Shen He nor his companions wanted.

Lelouch thought of his sister. Sacrificing morality for strength... it wasn't always worth it.

"We can take our time planning," Shen He said suddenly, shifting the mood. "Feels like only the two of us are talking anyway."

Indeed, the rest of the followers had gone quiet, more interested in sweets than strategy.

"I'm not sure how to deal with your sisters," Shen He added, turning to Lelouch. "They've been staying in the castle for a while now, and honestly... I'm scared to see them."

He looked defeated.

Euphemia was easier to handle—sweet, gentle, and easy to trick. But Nunnally was different. Every time they met, she'd look at him with those innocent, probing eyes full of concern and suspicion. She always asked about Lelouch. And Shen He just couldn't bring himself to deceive her.

"She just needs time," Lelouch said coldly, then glanced sideways. "Speaking of which, I need a favor. There's someone else I need you to look after. A girl. Thirteen years old."

"..."

Shen He froze as Jeanne's eyes flickered with suspicion.

Even Violet looked up from her cake.

Why emphasize the age like that?

"…Is it Jiang Lihua?" Shen He finally asked.

"You're sharp as ever, Master," Lelouch replied with a grin. "I'm planning a strategy similar to Cao Cao's—holding the emperor to command the warlords. Once we release the video showing that the world's 'emperor' is missing, it will shake the political structure of the Chinese Federation."

With the situation in Area 11 under control, Lelouch had to aim higher. His next target was the Chinese Federation—the largest untapped power bloc.

"Say no more. I'll take care of it," Shen He said casually.

In truth, he was a little excited. He'd always liked that silver-haired, red-eyed little emperor from the anime.

Joan watched her master, her expression a bit conflicted.

She knew what he was thinking. He definitely had a soft spot for young girls...

"I'll be heading out now," Lelouch stood up and gave a parting wave to the others before requesting to return.

As his figure faded, Shen He sighed.

"We really don't have enough strategic advisors. With how big Chaldea's grown, it's hard to handle everything alone."

He rubbed his temple, his thoughts spinning.

Violet opened her mouth but said nothing.

Joan looked away, visibly distressed.

Even the normally stoic Two Rites frowned slightly.

The mood in the room turned awkward.

Realizing his mistake, Shen He smiled wryly and added, "I didn't mean to criticize any of you. You've all helped me more than I can say. I'm grateful."

Even within a family... some words should be chosen carefully.

"I don't know what other people think," Jeanne said softly as she stepped closer, her gaze turning aside shyly. "But for me, not only as your lover… but also as your follower, I will give my all. To walk alongside Master, to support you—if I had to name a wish, then protecting and guiding you would be my greatest one."

"…Thank you."

Shen He smiled gently, reaching out to draw Jeanne into his arms. This saintly maiden, for all her dignity and valor, still held a warmth that made his heart stir.

Yet despite their closeness, Jeanne squirmed uncomfortably in his embrace, her body writhing slightly as though trying to break free.

They were practically an old married couple by now—why was she still so shy about a simple hug?

Just as Shen He was wondering about her reaction, he suddenly became aware of an odd gaze resting on him. Looking up, he found Hubby staring at them with a mixture of confusion and innocent curiosity.

"…What are you looking at?" Shen He asked, even he feeling a bit awkward under that intense scrutiny.

"The master's body temperature, pulse rate, and endocrine fluctuations have all shifted," Hubby answered plainly, her tone quiet but clinical. "Indicators suggest readiness for reproductive coupling."

"…"

A long, painful silence followed before Jeanne abruptly pushed herself out of Shen He's arms. Her face was already flushed to a deep scarlet, totally out of sync with her usual noble composure.

"You can't say things like that, not in front of others!" Jeanne tried to scold with the sternness of an older sister, but her trembling voice betrayed her.

"But Hubby is two hundred and ten years old," Hubby replied innocently, as if protesting an unfair accusation.

Then, in the next moment, she leaned in and pressed her small frame lightly against Shen He's chest, observing quietly. After a few seconds, her gaze lifted blankly again.

"No response," she muttered. "I don't understand. Is it because Hubby is less attractive than Jeanne?"

"…My 'interests and hobbies' are normal," Shen He said through clenched teeth, gripping Hubby's tiny shoulders and gently pushing her back. "If you want to understand the human heart, you have to understand human common sense first. And if anyone ever tries to cross the line with you… well, they'd be lucky to survive with half their bones intact."

He was just a guy who liked cute things—soft plushies, fluffy scarves, warm tea—not some depraved freak.

Besides, Hubby's appearance was clearly that of a child, no more than eleven or twelve. Even Violet looked a bit older in comparison, despite her stunted growth.

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