**Chapter 119: Rumors Are Cheap**
“No way.” Veyric’s reaction was immediate and fervent, his voice rising above the low hum of chatter. He was quick to heap praise on Issac, his enthusiasm palpable. “What are you even thinking? The Empress is simply stunning—like, drop-dead gorgeous. Men think she’s beautiful, but women? They’re in awe of her beauty.”
He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement, as he continued, “You know, plastic surgery clinics released statistics ages ago that show the Empress’s facial structure is the gold standard. In the past decade, out of every hundred people who sought minor cosmetic enhancements, over sixty of them requested to replicate her features. Can you believe that?”
Veyric’s fervent words hung in the air, and he gestured animatedly, trying to emphasize his point. “And let’s not forget about age. Look at our instructor—so youthful! Meanwhile, the Empress’s brother is supposed to be the same age as the Emperor, and he fought against the Swarmborn. His health should be in tatters, yet he looks so vibrant and full of life!”
Sylvara, leaning against the ship’s wall, raised her eyelids and cast a sidelong glance at Veyric. This guy is no fool, she mused.
He knows everything there is to know about Centria. Either he’s some ultra-wealthy nth-generation kid or the offspring of a high-ranking official.
And there’s no way he could have met the Emperor’s brother-in-law; his home is too close to the royal guard camp. He must have crossed paths with Blake instead.
At that moment, Lara, the first-year chief from the Healing Department, chimed in, her tone serious. “Our instructor is indeed youthful. It doesn’t align with General Kenobia’s official age at all. Plus, the mental energy he exudes is vibrant and powerful.”
“General Kenobia stepped down due to Swarmborn poison,” she continued, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “The only reason he was even allowed to command the Emperor’s royal guard on Centria was that the Emperor wanted to protect the Empress. But you might not be aware of this…”
The others leaned in, curiosity piqued. “What is it?” they asked in unison, their eyes wide with anticipation.
Lara glanced around, ensuring no one else was listening, and whispered, “I’ve heard that the royal guard is actually managed by the Emperor himself. Our so-called High General has been in declining health for quite some time.”
“No way.” Sylvara, intrigued, saved the information she had just researched and joined the conversation. “Where did you hear that?”
Veyric’s surprise mirrored hers. “Yeah, I’ve never heard anything like that before. Where did you get this intel?”
Lara shot them a look of disdain, her eyes narrowing. “You people from remote worlds and those pathetic waste planets wouldn’t have access to the kind of first-hand confidential information that I do.”
Sylvara and Veyric exchanged a knowing glance, perfectly in sync, and began to flatter her. “You’re absolutely right. Please, do continue.”
Lara seemed to relish their attention and continued, “General Kenobia used to be quite active on Starnet. He would post updates a few times a year. But now? Nothing. It’s been years since he last posted.”
“My family says that when the Emperor took him to the Fourth Civilization to treat the Swarmborn poison, it was never completely cured. They just told the public it was for the sake of his image.”


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