Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start?

Owen nodded in agreement. "The dark elf territory is relatively close to Emerald Dreamscape. If we can establish an intelligence network there, it will certainly work to our advantage."

"Moreover, I recall that the boarmen live near the dark elf lands. Perhaps we can use the Water of Life to broker a partnership with them."

Realizing that direct confrontation with Emerald Dreamscape was impossible, Owen began to devise alternative strategies.

In the original storyline, the boarmen near the dark elf territory were a uniquely powerful and savage race. Even Emerald Dreamscape seldom ventured into their lands lightly.

Their weakness was a near-irresistible attraction to anything rich in life essence. Trading the Water of Life for their cooperation could allow Shadow Clan to operate freely within their territory.

Leslie nodded slightly.

"By using the dark elf and boarmen territories as our base, we can establish an intelligence network encircling Emerald Dreamscape. Gradually infiltrating deeper, we should uncover detailed information about its inner workings in no time."

Owen's eyes narrowed. "With those two races as our core, we can maintain flexibility—able to advance or retreat as needed, always within our control."

Watching Owen analyze the situation and plan their next moves, Leslie found herself captivated. At that moment, he seemed to radiate a golden light, his determination and intellect deeply alluring.

For a fleeting moment, she was reminded of their early days, when they had plotted together to establish Azure Kingdom.

Back then, they had meticulously planned their every move, ultimately securing a decisive victory.

Nearby, the elf queen was taken aback by how much this couple seemed to know about the Sanctuaries. Her surprise quickly gave way to amusement, and a sly smile curved her lips.

"Master Owen, your plan is indeed quite solid, but the results might not be as significant as you hope. Instead, you might achieve better results by making yourself the bait to seduce Ysera."

"She's an ambitious empress and the daughter of the God of Mischief. She undoubtedly knows about the emergence of supreme bloodlines after Epoch's End."

"If you could win over Ysera herself, Emerald Dreamscape would fall into your hands without the need for all this trouble."

"Her strongest followers would undoubtedly swear allegiance to you as well."

"It's a strategy that could pay off a hundredfold. I think it's worth trying!"

The elf queen's sly smile deepened as she finished her suggestion.

Leslie glanced at her but didn't stop her from speaking.

Although the elf queen's tone was laced with mockery and provocation, her suggestion wasn't entirely without merit.

If anyone else were the subject of this plan, Leslie would have implemented it without hesitation.

But the thought of her husband, Owen, being the one to play this role was absolutely unacceptable to her.

When Owen remained silent and instead turned to look at her, Leslie blinked in surprise and fixed her gaze on him.

"You're seriously considering going along with this maid's plan?" she asked, her tone grave.

Owen was her husband. The idea of her husband seducing another woman was something no sane person would ever agree to.

Seeing Leslie's serious expression, Owen smiled and gently took her hand, speaking earnestly.

"Yes, if we can win over Ysera, it would greatly benefit us."

Hearing his reply, Leslie's expression immediately darkened.

"No! You're my husband. You belong to me and me alone!"

Then, with her face flushed, she declared, "If it has to be done, I'll do it myself!"

Owen couldn't help but laugh at her reaction.

"Honestly, I thought from the start that you'd be the better candidate for this."

In the original storyline, Ysera had been deeply infatuated with Leslie, practically worshipping her.

On the other hand, Ysera had a well-documented disdain for men. If Owen were to approach her, it would likely backfire.

But Leslie? Leslie had a much better chance of succeeding.

Leslie stared at Owen in disbelief, wondering if she had heard him wrong.

Was Owen really suggesting that she seduce Ysera?

"We're discussing serious matters here—this is no time for jokes," Leslie said firmly.

"Our situation may not be ideal, but I won't let you use yourself as bait. We can come up with another plan!"

Owen looked into her eyes, finding her flustered reaction unexpectedly endearing. Smiling, he lightly pinched her nose.

"I'm serious. Ysera is yours to handle."

Leslie hesitated, searching his expression for any sign of humor. When she found none, she sighed, a hint of reluctance in her tone.

"Fine. I'll deal with Ysera myself."

The elf queen stood nearby, dumbfounded as she watched the exchange between the two.

Were they insane?

Ysera wasn't just any empress—she was one of the most powerful figures in the Sanctuaries.

Sending Leslie to seduce her? This had to be a joke.

If anyone else heard about this plan, they would surely think this couple had lost their minds.

"Wait, wait, wait! Are you sure about this? Making such a hasty decision could leave you with no room for regret later!"

The elf queen, who rarely showed concern for anyone but herself, couldn't stay silent.

Ysera possessed a unique dragon bloodline, making her one of the most formidable figures in the Sanctuaries in terms of background, strength, and beauty.

The idea of Leslie seducing her seemed utterly ludicrous.

Not only would it likely fail, but it could also provoke Ysera's wrath, leading to catastrophic consequences.

"Ysera is a woman! You're not even on the same wavelength!"

Desperate to get her point across, the elf queen repeated the fact multiple times for emphasis.

"If you really want to go through with this, let Owen handle it! He's the only one who stands a chance!"

But Leslie responded coolly, "So what if she's a woman?"

To Leslie, gender was irrelevant. Aside from Owen, everyone else was merely a tool, whether male or female.

The elf queen stared at her, puzzled, and muttered, "Are you planning to disguise yourself as a man? You don't even look the part of a dashing gentleman."

"Besides, Ysera values strength and talent over appearances. She's a pragmatic and fearsome individual."

The elf queen's understanding of Ysera suggested that she wouldn't be swayed by superficial charm.

Leslie didn't bother responding, but Owen chuckled. "She doesn't need to disguise herself. She's perfect as she is."

Owen cast a meaningful glance at Leslie.

Given Ysera's strength, any disguise would be futile.

Most importantly, Ysera's admiration for Leslie wasn't rooted in appearances.

Not bothering to disguise herself and directly confronting Ysera?

Had they lost their minds?

The elf queen looked between Owen and Leslie, utterly bewildered by their decisions and rationale.

Leslie seducing Ysera? Were they trying to start some sort of romantic chaos?

This plan was far too bold and ahead of its time!