Above the ocean, it sparkled.
In the vast, azure sea, on the beautiful water flickering like a dream, two people strolled leisurely as if in a courtyard, walking on the ocean as if on solid ground. They moved forward steadily atop the waves.
Bardi wore a white trench coat, his expression indifferent as he walked across the sea, as if a god had descended.
Diana, dressed in a professional secretary outfit, her graceful figure accentuated, walked across the ocean with a unique elegance.
"I admit, the humans under your rule do live well. They're happy, and clearly different from the rest," she said.
"I agree with your actions to unify the world, completely end war, and bring peace to humanity."
"However, I will strictly monitor the conduct of your subordinates. I will not allow them to harm humans again or treat them like beasts."
Diana's tone was solemn and serious.
"Throughout history, autocratic monarchies have often fallen due to the corruption of the upper class, which led to the people's suffering and war."
After visiting Huaxiang Market, she had once again followed Bardi through several cities within the Barmulodi Empire. Without exception, compared to the outside world, this place truly resembled a paradise—it was beyond belief.
The Barmulodi Empire was not as cruel as Hal and Victor had claimed. In fact, it was quite humane. No other nation had achieved this. Her understanding had once again been overturned.
She wasn't foolish. She had her own eyes, her own thoughts.
When something couldn't be stopped, she would seek the best path.
To become an overseer, monitoring Barmulodi's subordinates—or even Bardi himself—to ensure humanity was never harmed again.
Bardi was thoughtful, his gaze fixed on the vast ocean ahead.
What she said might be true. The Amazons had protected humanity since ancient times. It was indeed their duty to fully integrate into his empire.
Diana had given him a good idea.
"Yes. You may reclaim the Amazons of Themyscira to serve under me," Bardi ordered.
Diana fell silent. The world had fallen. Themyscira was in a delicate position. She could not remain unaffected. The only thing she could do now was to save as many Amazons as possible.
Before stepping onto the ocean, she had already communicated with her mother via video. This was the best way to reduce opposition and avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
"Yes. My Themyscira will become part of your military force."
After a few seconds of hesitation, Diana made her decision for the direction of the Amazon warriors.
Themyscira was itself an autocratic nation. As long as their beliefs were managed properly, she could gradually gain control over the Amazons.
She had already discussed a set of countermeasures with her mother. The upper echelons of Themyscira had also unified their stance with her.
The goal was to ensure the most Amazons could survive.
"As for... my mother wants me to marry you..."
For once, Diana looked a little embarrassed. Her gaze was complex as she looked at Bardi.
Under the sunlight, Bardi's strong features were illuminated—chiseled, with a high nose bridge and broad forehead. His indifferent eyes exuded undeniable majesty and dominance. His skin was luminous. At any moment, he looked like a divine being descended from above—eye-catching and compelling.
There was no doubt, Bardi was superior to any other man.
His actions, his conduct, inside and out, would pique any woman's curiosity.
Especially Diana, a strong woman herself. Opposites attracted—and they shared many traits.
"No need," Bardi said calmly.
Diana was undoubtedly beautiful, but he wasn't a man who chased beauty or lust. It was impossible for Diana to so openly marry him, declare it to the world, and become queen of the Barmulodi Empire.
Then what would that make Pamela, Raven, Jenny, and Faora?
Bardi held the concept of family in high regard.
At the very least, he would never allow Diana into his family.
Because Diana still had the Amazon people on her mind. She could not devote herself entirely to him.
"No. I want to be your wife."
The moment Bardi refused, Diana replied firmly, without hesitation.
She had thought deeply about it. She had discussed it with her mother and formed her own conclusions.
Bardi had shown her the cruelty of humankind, but also its beauty and warmth.
There was both good and evil.
Becoming Bardi's wife—after he unified the world—would give her a position that could protect humanity from being harmed by powerful Kryptonian soldiers within the Barmulodi Legion.
It might not seem necessary now, but once the wars ended and long-term power struggles began, corruption would inevitably take root. That sort of decay needed to be addressed early and guided from the beginning.
"Only by becoming your wife can I justifiably supervise and protect human rights, ensuring your subordinates don't fall into corruption and harm humanity due to prolonged power."
Although her face was resolute, a faint blush spread across her cheeks. Still, her eyes were filled with determination. She was resolute in becoming Bardi's wife.
There were some vague feelings stirring in her heart that even she couldn't fully explain, making it difficult for her to speak clearly.
Bardi stopped atop the ocean and looked at Diana with subtle eyes. Her skin was smooth and radiant. When he had first captured her and removed her armor, he had unintentionally touched her. That feeling had been difficult to forget, like a treasured antique worth protecting at all costs.
Now, in a secretary outfit, her long legs were wrapped in a form-fitting black skirt. Her white blouse shimmered against her skin. Her chest was full.
There was an unusual allure to her.
"A lover will serve the same purpose," Bardi said.
His fingers suddenly slid across her face. Diana, the goddess, had a stunning face and captivating beauty.
His fingertips were delicate and smooth. They brushed against her gently trembling cheeks.
To make her his lover.
That would be a different role from Raven or Pamela.
To put it plainly, she would be the fourth.
Of course, Bardi's subordinates would simply view her as His Majesty's woman. There would be no other difference.
But only Bardi knew—if it ever came down to choosing between Raven and Diana, he would sacrifice Diana to save Raven.
In his heart, everything had its weight. He clearly distinguished one from another.
Diana let out a soft breath. She had no objections. As long as she could protect as many Amazons as possible and safeguard humanity's future, that was enough.
Bardi's fingers caressing her face made her feel slightly ticklish. Her eyes trembled and grew a little dazed.
Diana breathed softly, her lips slightly parted. Her gaze was filled with satisfaction.
Naturally, the atmosphere turned somewhat ambiguous and sentimental.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, beneath the warm sun and blazing light, above the shimmering ocean, the beautiful and vast scene spread a charming ambiance.
However, Bardi had no interest in continuing.
There were more important matters at hand.
Snap.
Bardi suddenly snapped his fingers beside Diana's face and ear, snapping her out of it.
In that instant, beneath their feet, in the ocean—
A shadowy behemoth began to rise from the deep sea.
"Themyscira, the Amazons—how many can be saved, depends on you."
(To be continued.)
***
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