"Did you not remember? This question is so simple. Think carefully. Why does ordinary water turn into cool ice?" Though Yun Yi was somewhat frustrated, he patiently guided Princess Xiyue, knowing that rushing her would only make things worse. Hmm… What did that book say? Never provoke a child’s rebellious instincts…

  "Because the temperature is too low, so the water turns into ice!"

  "Very good! Now, do you know at what temperature water turns into ice?"

  "Meow, is it zero degrees?"

  "Absolutely correct! Alright, next question. Let’s make this one a bit harder…"

  "Meow, Yun Yi, don’t bully me."

  "Who’s bullying you? These are all from the materials I sent you… Hmm, let’s go with this one. Can you explain the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids?"

  "Not too hard. Crystalline solids are divided into single crystals and polycrystals. Single crystals have fixed melting points and anisotropic properties, while polycrystals also have fixed melting points but are isotropic. Amorphous solids, unlike crystalline ones, don’t have fixed melting points, and some are isotropic! Meow, am I right?"

  "Wow, you got it right! Let’s try another one. This time, I’ll make it super difficult…"

  An hour later, Yun Yi was sweating profusely as he frantically searched through the cute little computer, hoping to find a question that would stump Princess Xiyue. Meanwhile, the little girl sat on her chair, swinging her legs, her delicate face brimming with pride.

  Suddenly, Yun Yi had an epiphany.

  "This can’t be! Have you studied these things before?"

  "Meow, no. Mommy never taught Xiyue these things. Yun Yi, a lot of what you had me learn was new to me. What’s ice?"

  Ice… Yun Yi froze, realizing that the little girl had grown up on the base and had never had the chance to experience such things. Even if the queen had taught her some things, it couldn’t have been this comprehensive. The materials Yun Yi had downloaded covered almost the entire elementary school curriculum.

  Poor Princess Xiyue, having grown up without ever seeing ice.

  "Meow, Yun Yi. I noticed something strange," Xiyue said, resting her chin on her hands as if deep in thought.

  "Oh? What is it?"

  "It’s like…" The little girl swung her legs and tilted her head. "I think I’ve gotten smarter."

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Yun Yi was momentarily stunned. What did she mean by that?

  Xiyue seemed a bit confused as she continued, "When Mommy used to teach me things, I felt like I was really slow and it took me a long time to remember. But now, with the things you gave me, I only need to look at them once or twice…"

  Could it be… could it be…

  Hearing Xiyue’s words, Yun Yi was shocked, immediately recalling something that had happened to him before.

  He reached up and touched the necklace around his neck. He completely understood what Xiyue was describing—it was exactly how he felt when he was learning.

  But why was this happening?

  This was supposed to be his secret alone. Why did Xiyue now possess this ability?

  "Xi… Xiyue…" Yun Yi stammered, his voice trembling with excitement. "Besides feeling smarter, have you noticed anything else? Like… your running speed? Or the strength in your hands?"

  "Meow?" Xiyue looked at Yun Yi in confusion. "I think there’s been some change, but it’s fine. Mommy said if I get stronger, it means I’m growing up. I know that!"

  It was true. Xiyue had indeed been affected by the necklace.

  Since leaving the base, the two of them had been practically inseparable. If Xiyue continued to live in such close proximity to him, would she eventually become as extraordinary as he was?

  Yun Yi felt a strange sensation, as if a precious treasure that had once been his alone was now being shared with someone else.

  "Meow, Yun Yi, it’s time to take me shopping!"

  Xiyue jumped down from her chair and tugged at Yun Yi’s sleeve, pouting.

  "Shopping…" Yun Yi snapped out of his daze.

  Awakening, Yun Yi couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Princess Xiyue was his closest companion, practically his only family in this world. If she gained some extraordinary abilities, what harm could it do?

  Yun Yi didn’t consider himself a selfish person, especially since this didn’t affect him negatively. In fact, the stronger Xiyue became, the easier it would be for him to take care of her.

  Besides, someday, when Xiyue left to seek her own happiness, her abilities would gradually fade. Though she would still be more capable than the average person, she would likely attribute it to her natural talent.

  Having thought it through, Yun Yi laughed and patted Xiyue’s head. "Alright, Xiyue, you’re so smart to have learned all this in such a short time. I’ll take you shopping, but you have to promise me one thing! If you don’t agree, I won’t take you out to play."

  "Meow…" Xiyue covered her head, looking at Yun Yi unhappily.

  "You must promise me this, okay?" Yun Yi looked at Xiyue with affection, speaking softly.

  Xiyue nodded. "Yun Yi, I understand. Tell me, I’ll definitely agree."

  "You must never let anyone other than me know that you’ve recently become smarter, no matter how close or kind they are to you. Okay?"

  Seeing Yun Yi’s serious expression, Xiyue, though still a bit confused, knew he had her best interests at heart. Plus, with the queen’s teachings, she readily agreed. "Okay, I understand! If anyone asks, I’ll say I’ve always been this smart, right?"

  Relieved, Yun Yi picked up Xiyue and spun her around, laughing. "Let’s go shopping. You wanted to know what ice is, right? Easy, just eat some ice cream and you’ll understand…"

  By evening, a thoroughly exhausted Yun Yi, laden with bags and carrying a drowsy Xiyue on his back, returned to the hotel.

  After tucking Xiyue into bed and covering her with a blanket, Yun Yi stretched his sore arms and couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Am I just reaping what I sowed?

  Out of habit, he opened his computer and checked the mysterious mailbox. Immediately, an unread letter caught his attention, and he eagerly opened the message from the Shilfanst Empire.

  "Yun Yi, I regret to inform you that I cannot fulfill my previous promise. On the 10th of next month, my brother, the current heir to the Shilfanst Empire, will travel to the Iserlahn Confederation to announce his engagement to President Zagu’s granddaughter. At the same time, President Zagu will declare the establishment of the Iserlahn Empire…"