Chapter 25: The Price of Loyalty and the Birth of a Queen

Seeing Larry sitting so primly, with a proper, almost rigid posture, Meixia let out a soft laugh.

“You’re still just like when we first met, Larry.”

“Well, it is a lady’s room. It would be rude to wander about.”

Larry offered a perfectly standard reply. While such a gesture would certainly win favor with any unfamiliar woman, it only disheartened Meixia.

Despite having become partners with Larry since their first encounter, he maintained a strict distance in their personal relationship, never overstepping.

Larry’s behavior had once led Meixia and the others to question their own allure.

However, Meixia felt that she had finally uncovered the ‘truth’ recently.

It turned out Larry already had a fiancée, and that detestable Reiyav simply hadn’t mentioned it. Larry was merely using his actions to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to his fiancée.

Understanding this ‘truth’ brought an inexplicable pang of sadness to Meixia’s heart. She wasn’t the kind of woman to interfere when she knew someone’s heart already belonged to another. If Ellis were some detestable harridan, it might be different, but after their time together, Meixia felt that heaven had truly given birth to siblings with personalities as different as heaven and earth. Ellis’s current conduct left her utterly faultless.

Meixia opened her mouth, then finally mustered the courage to ask, “Did you truly never feel anything for me or for them?”

Larry paused for a moment, then, after a long period of contemplation, he replied earnestly, “To say I felt nothing would be a lie. You are all unparalleled beauties in this world. Purely based on appearance and charm, I did experience a flicker of attraction, but that was merely a man’s physiological response—a desire for possession. What I seek is more than just that; I desire a soul that is truly kindred to mine.”

Meixia couldn’t help but ask, “Could you tell me what your ideal partner looks like, Larry?”

Larry pondered for a moment before responding, “Their appearance should be at least refined, their personality open-minded and optimistic, with shared interests that align with mine. They shouldn’t throw petty tantrums or force me to do things I dislike. They should be universally skilled in housework, not a yandere, and respectful of parents. Hmm, it would be best if we were well-matched in social standing, and both sets of parents were pleased. It’s not about looking down on anyone, but it would reduce many unnecessary troubles. Moreover, if our ways of thinking are highly consistent, everyday conflicts would be rare and easy to resolve… That’s it, not too much.”

Larry’s demands were utterly perfect—so perfect that Meixia realized she simply couldn’t meet his standards. Her appearance and personality might align, but shared interests… she and Larry truly had no common topics in their daily lives. She loved weapons and martial arts, two things Larry had little interest in. Universally skilled in housework… she was utterly clueless in that department.

“Of course, what I’ve described is the most ideal scenario. I don’t expect to have everything, but at least all the standards before ‘well-matched in social standing’ must be met.”

Larry’s standards were clearly for a dream lover.

Meixia sighed with emotion, “I finally understand why you’re so smitten with Ellis. It turns out she’s the only one who truly fits your ideal partner.”

“Eh?”

Larry couldn’t fathom why Ellis was brought into the conversation. While they had indeed feigned being engaged, it was merely an act to help Larry escape a difficult situation. His previous lecherous remarks and teasing were more akin to joking with a close friend. He had never truly considered whether Ellis was a suitable romantic prospect for him.

But with Meixia’s suggestion… Larry unconsciously fell into deep thought.

Meanwhile, Ellis was completely oblivious to the fact that someone’s thoughts were gradually taking a twisted turn.

She, clad only in a bath towel, slowly approached the room Bruno had told her about. Bruno’s guard captain was waiting outside.

He watched Ellis’s graceful approach; her current demeanor was undeniably captivating.

The bath towel wrapped her body snugly, yet as she walked, its gentle sway revealed glimpses of her jade-like white thighs beneath and her exposed, snow-white shoulders.

The guard captain’s mouth went dry, but he forced himself to remain composed, theatrically threatening, “If I discover you have any ill intentions towards His Highness…”

“Could you move aside? I need to go in. I’m getting quite cold dressed like this.”

The guard captain’s words were cut short. Ellis’s arrogance and disdain infuriated him, but since she was Bruno’s chosen companion for the night, he was helpless. He could only bury his humiliation deep within his heart.

Hmph, just wait until the Prince tires of you, woman!

Ellis ignored the hateful gaze of the attendant beside her and swaggered inside.

“Beauty, you’re here!”

Inside the room, Bruno had already changed into loose pajamas. He had even deliberately taken a few pills beneficial for body and mind, preparing to ‘exchange feelings’ with Ellis shortly.

As he saw Ellis’s figure approaching, he felt a fiery passion ignite throughout his entire body.

He naturally assumed that Ellis was completely naked beneath the bath towel.

Indeed, most people who had seen Ellis walk by shared the same assumption.

Ellis smiled alluringly. “Don’t be so impatient.”

With that, Ellis tossed aside the bath towel. Bruno looked on with eager anticipation, but instead of the nosebleed-inducing sight he expected, he discovered… a tight-fitting suit?

Although this entirely black, seemingly latex-like outfit revealed a fair amount, it perfectly covered all the necessary points.

Moreover, unlike beach swimwear, this outfit on Ellis didn’t exude sensuality. Instead, it gave off a sense of… dominance?

It was an indescribable feeling, nonetheless.

“Wait a moment.”

Saying this, Ellis pulled a small, pointed dome-shaped tower from thin air and placed it on the ground.

Bruno couldn’t help but ask, “What is this?”

“It’s a barrier emitter to block sound. This way, no matter what we do in here, no one outside will notice.”

Bruno had a bad feeling about this. The woman before him did not seem to be here to serve him.

Sure enough, Ellis began to pull out one item after another from thin air.

There was a long whip, silver needles of various lengths, a gag, candles, and even a pair of fire tongs radiating scorching heat, with their tips glowing fiery red… Bruno saw things he knew and things he didn’t, a whole pile laid out before them.

Ellis clapped her hands. “I feel like I brought too much. Given your situation, you probably won’t need all of this to confess everything.”

Alright, now Bruno was certain Ellis was absolutely not here to serve him.

Terrified, he tried to bolt for the door, but Ellis effortlessly grabbed him and tossed him onto the bed.

“Hahaha! Boy, rejoice, give thanks, and feel honored! It is only at the suggestion of the great Lord Mitchell that Lord Ellis has decided to let you enjoy yourself!”

To Bruno’s utter horror, he saw a pitch-black object, like a fire poker that had been left in a bonfire for countless days, fly before him, emitting demonic laughter and words.

‘Was he having a nightmare!’

Ellis looked at the pile of items before her with a speechless expression. “No normal person would think these are good things, right? Oh, right, teach me how to use them. I’ve seen things like those books in my previous life, but I’ve never actually used them.”

Mitchell seemed aware that there were worlds beyond this one, and had long seen through Ellis and the others, knowing their souls did not belong to this realm. Thus, mentioning her ‘previous life’ to Mitchell was of no consequence.

“It’s fine, my dear Young Miss! I am truly honored to personally train a queen! You must promise me that you’ll let me enjoy these later! Not just these, but all my treasured possessions!”

Ellis silently glanced at the tools beside her. These were all taken from Mitchell’s private space, and it claimed they weren’t even one percent of its private collection.

Thinking of this, Ellis remained silent for a while before saying with great reluctance, “I’ll try my best…”

“Oh oh oh oh! Celebrate the birth of Queen Ellis! Oh oh oh!”

Ellis still couldn’t comprehend Mitchell’s excitement in the slightest, and hoped she would never have to understand it in the future.

She could only sigh with emotion, ‘Is this what an Archdemon Lord is like? Truly knows how to have fun.’

“Miss! My Lady, please let me go! I beg you, let me go!”

On the other side, Bruno was clinging to Ellis’s leg, crying uncontrollably. The boy was utterly terrified.

But getting snot and tears all over her was just disgusting, wasn’t it?

Ellis mercilessly kicked him onto the bed, a wicked smile curving her lips. “Call me Queen!”