Westheid was, of course, happy to accept Luyetan’s invitation.
"Is this about repaying my debt? In that case, I absolutely must join you."
Luyetan gestured with open arms. "Let’s go up this way. The lower level is for administrative work, while the upper floor is my private court. We can discuss official matters and play so cards at the sa ti."
"I’m going with you."
Reiya said, clinging to her lover’s arm.
"Since you’re so close to Westheid, you’re naturally welco to join. After all, we’re discussing official business, not so sordid affair. Even if it is a secret, for people like you... it shouldn’t be much of one, right?"
Seeing the White-haired Dragon Lady’s defensive expression, Luyetan’s tone suddenly beca more intimate. This was clearly intentional. Even when facing a noble and powerful Imperial Princess, the Yuanxi Lord still maintained a teasing, provocative attitude.
That’s just how those with mixed Enchanter blood are. It wasn’t always apparent, but under Westheid’s influence, she couldn’t restrain her Succubus instincts at all.
Thus, Westheid and his companions accompanied Luyetan to the upper levels of the High Court. The palace of the Yuanxi Lord was indeed breathtakingly exquisite. Then again, Elven-style architecture was always like this, featuring special floor tiles and walls that perfectly regulated temperature and light, with magnificent handicrafts and murals everywhere. Even the hedonistic Pure Holy Spirit didn’t have such luxury in her own bedchambers.
In front of the spacious room, Luyetan kicked off her sandals. Her fair, gem-like feet landed on the carpet, and her elegant, charming deanor was replaced by the skipping gait of a lively young girl.
Luyetan arrived at a round table on the carpet and instructed her servants to bring refreshnts and a deck of cards.
Westheid and Reiya then took their seats at the table.
"Duke Qinghui... we’ve known each other for several years now. In that ti, you’ve managed to achieve things I wouldn’t have even dared to imagine."
Luyetan swept her long, dark brown hair back over her shoulder, a few strands catching on the tips of her pointed ears. Her golden eyes, shimring like ripples on water, were fixed on Westheid.
’There’s no denying the power of the Yuanxi Lord’s Enchanter Bloodline,’ he thought. Even though she was dressed modestly, an innate, seductive charm still emanated from her very being.
Luyetan propped her chin on the back of her hand. "I found you interesting from the mont we t, but back then, I thought at most you might manage to return to your holand and restore the Purity Forest. But over the years, just hearing about your accomplishnts... it’s all been so fantastical it’s hard to believe."
The Yuanxi Lord pointed toward the lakeside view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"A few thousand years ago, bards would have sung legends of your deeds unendingly upon their arks."
"Actually, they already do."
Westheid, ever the pragmatist, replied, "We’re a bit past that, aren’t we? Why use traditional propaganda when I can just bombard the dia directly?"
Luyetan rolled her eyes. "...Well, you’ve certainly made rapid progress, that’s for sure."
"Because I was desperate to."
Duke Qinghui took Reiya’s hand.
"If Her Highness Reiya hadn’t helped back then, I might still be a destitute young master stuck in the Imperial Capital. Of course, being a playboy wouldn’t have been all that bad, but becoming the Master of Qinghui, the King of Knights... that opened up a much wider world for ."
Westheid no longer had any weaknesses Luyetan could exploit, nor did he need anything from her. There was no need to play the neutral party. Since the White-haired Dragon Lady was displeased with Luyetan, he might as well clearly show his bias toward Reiya.
’As I always say,’ he thought, ’I know who my friends are!’
This small gesture pleased Reiya imnsely, and she lifted her chin proudly.
"Yuanxi Palace, you can drop the pretense. Just get to the point."
Reiya said coolly.
"...You’re only going to thank Her Highness Reiya? Did I not offer any help? You’ll break my heart."
Luyetan adopted a pitiable, lovelorn expression, clutching her chest as if wounded.
Westheid, however, stepped in to ease the tension, waving his hand dismissively.
"Of course you deserve credit for my achievents. Without the aid of Yuanxi Palace, I never could have reclaid my holand so quickly."
"It was a great kindness, one I have etched into my mory and would never dare forget. Now is the ti for to repay it."
Luyetan lowered her gaze.
"Repay... As for repaying a debt, there’s really no need. That aid was nothing, really. In fact, Yuanxi Territory now depends on your trade routes just to get by. Without them, our prosperity wouldn’t last much longer."
"It’s only right. If I can’t even protect the security of my allies, what right do I have to make grand claims?"
Westheid said humbly.
"Heh... But let’s forget about resources. There is sothing else I’ve been preoccupied with, Duke Qinghui. A personal favor I hope you still rember... and I hope you know how to solve my... chronic affliction."
Luyetan extended a finger and began tracing patterns on her own arm. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying an unconcealable sense of anticipation.
"Of course I do. You’re talking about the Enchanter Bloodline within you, are you not?"
Westheid said with a nod.
"The Enchanter Bloodline... can it truly be eradicated?"
The charming and dignified Yuanxi Lord looked the man right in the eye, her beautiful, delicate face etched with unprecedented gravity.
In the past, her deanor had always been devil-may-care, but her current expression showed just how much this truly ant to her.
But that was only to be expected. The Enchanter Bloodline had been a plague upon the Yuanxi Clan for generations, and every Lord had felt helpless against it.
User Comments
0 comments from readers