The next day, the townspeople of Town Yankou received 1 good news, 1 bad news, and 1 possibly good news.
The good news was that the brutal mayor had finally died accidentally under the hands of the undead. The bad news was that because it was an ââancient battlefield, Town Yankou had been eroded by the undead breath and the strange undead power,so it became a cursed land which was no longer suitable for living.
The last news was that Princess Royal, the Lord of Dark Moon City, ordered to seal Town Yankou with a magic circle to avoid the spread of the cursed land. The original townspeople migrated collectively to the southern Town Soto, and each household was appropriately compensated. Although many people were reluctant to leave their homes, they had no choice but to leave because Town Yankou had always had âhauntedâ issues and now there was even a curse by the undead.
Mayor Sheikh must be severely punished. As Sheikh was backed by the Saiful Family, they used the undead disaster to give him a chance to âdie in the line of dutyâ in order to avoid possible internal conflicts. In fact, Chen Rui kept his promise to let Guradam handle Sheikh. He would definitely not be the subject of the [Corpse Explosion] experiment. Old Gauss immediately arranged the corresponding manpower and transport demonic beasts to come to assist after receiving Chen Ruiâs news. Old Gauss even completed the settlement work in Town Soto in advance, while Athena also brought in more guards to maintain safety and order. The migration work was carried out in an orderly manner.
According to the news from Old Gauss, Princess Royal and the others would soon return to the Dark Moon City, accompanying by Kia. When thinking of Kia, Chen Ruiâs original affection became a mental burden because Freyaâs matter had been suppressing his heart. Whatever ought to happen, will happen sooner or later. I better think of ways to console Kia.
After the townspeople completely left Town Yankou, Chen Rui and Paglio started to work on the âsealâ. In fact, they set up the Dragon Inscription and the magic circle to isolate the corresponding area of ââTown Yankou from outsiders. They repaired the original bone altar that was destroyed, helping Guradam to speed up his soul essence recovery.
As Guradamâs affairs involved the poison dragon and many secrets, it was not suitable to report Shea for the time being, so the jade ice crystal mine in Town Yankou remained sealed first. At least, it must wait until Guradamâs soul essence was fully recovered. Chen Ruiâs request for Guradam was simple. Chen Rui would not disturb him on normal days, and Chen Rui would support his experiment as much as possible without damaging the general interests of the estate and civilians. Once the corpse necromancer was needed, he must go all out.
If the undead power of the ancient battlefield could be fully utilised, then Guradam would be able to create a magnificent undead army, which was enough to match the military power of the entire Dark Moon Estate. Plus the undead power, it would definitely be a powerful secret weapon.
Chen Rui suddenly thought of a matter. I have the Tauren and the Medusa tribe of Mountain Xilang, the West road defense forces under Tim, the earth elemental army, the Cloak Gang, and the undead army of Guradam who is now my veritable subordinate. With the help of Paglio, Roman, and Delia, this strength is quite powerful even for a major estate lord. If I want to replace Shea with the absolute force advantage to become the lord of Dark Moon, it wouldnât seem hard right?
However, Chen Rui didnât want to do this kind of laborious and silly matter. He witnessed Sheaâs hard work and pressure all this while. Sometimes, the battlefield without blood was more terrifying than the real life-and-death battle. You donât even know when the âcomradesâ behind you would betray you. For example, Blue Lava Estate who called brother was an ungrateful wretch. He kept playing a good guy role, but he stabbed her behind her back.
If Chen Rui was really keen on status, he would have returned to the human world. The Golden Estate was the richest estate of the Dragon Bright Empire. As the third prince, he was the true lord who might well be able to defeat the rest of his siblings to ascend to the throne. Hiding in the dark and helping Shea to calculate and plan was the limit of what he could do now. Besides, there was something unclear between the Princess Royal and him...
After arranging a series of placement work, Chen Rui, Athena and Paglio returned to the Dark Moon City. Old Gauss told Chen Rui that Shea had returned and was waiting for him in the garden behind the palace.
Chen Rui camouflaged into a servantâs appearance and followed Old Gauss into the royal palace without obstacles. Old Gauss took him to the backyard of the inner courtyard, he then bowed and retreated.
Shea was still in her typical long white dress. Looking at this unfamiliar Great Demon, she was a little surprised at first, but she immediately revealed a knowing look, âThis is the Demon Realmâs genius mechanical master? The grand masterâs teachings actually have such a wonderful transformation skill.â
âThis is not the masterâs face...â
Chen Rui did not explain the grand masterâs inheritance. His original intention was to use this excuse. Now that Shea took the initiative to assume so, he naturally saved a lot of effort. His face changed again to the appearance of the âmasterâ, âThis is the one. However, the whereabouts of this master is unknown now. He has most probably encountered an accident.â
Shea nodded and did not dwell further about this. She also did not mention the topic like the Demon Realmâs genius master; she directly said, âThis time I went to visit Bailing Estate, Lord Sical gave me a lavish gift before leaving. There are a lot of luxury goods such as unique decorative crystals, colorful feathers, top-grade silk clothing and so on. Plus, thereâs a group of goblin and minotaur artisans who are good at construction, saying that they want to help Dark Moon to repair the dilapidated palace.â
Chen Rui shook his head, âThis lavish gift is more like a gift to Princess Royal than the Dark Moon Estate. The luxury goods will not alleviate Dark Moonâs current food shortage. Instead, those artisans will increase the Dark Moonâs already-tight food load. Of course, if Dark Moon is just suffering on the surface... I suspect that Sicalâs move has a testing intent to find out the real bottom line of Dark Moon. Perhaps there is capitalâs permission or pressure behind it.â
The so-called friendship in politics was mostly based on the interest and purpose. It was very likely that at some point when the interest changes or the goal was not achieved, it would not be surprising to fall out and become enemies.
There were very few people like General George who almost persistently supported Shea, who was a weak force, because of a kindness and righteousness. In fact, Chen Rui knew that even his father-in-law was tempted before, so General George only requested to help Shea once without forcing Chen Rui and Athena to be permanently stationed at this precarious place.
The strongest would rule; this was the simplest and highest rule. People could not pin hope on others; they could only rely on themselves.
This was true for individuals as well as the entire estate.
âYouâre right.â Shea nodded, âBy the way, Sical seems to be interested in Kia whom I brought along.â
Chen Rui frowned. His impression of Sical became even worse. Shea said, âI should have given Kia as a return gift to Sical, but I was afraid that when a genius master returned, he would secretly complain when he didnât see his maid. So, I sent a set of gifts from the Princess Retail Store to Lord Sical instead.â
The last time Shea told Chen Rui that when she intended to send Kia to the Custer Family because of Diorâs interest in her, Shea noticed Chen Ruiâs hidden discomfort. Naturally, she would not repeat the same mistake this time.
âIâm almost clear about Kiaâs affairs.â Chen Rui sighed lightly, âShe should not be a threat now. The Demon Restrictive Ring can also be removed.â
âShe is your maid, so itâs up to you to decide.â Sheaâs tone was indifferent.
Chen Rui did not continue on this issue, saying, âThis time I obtained the transformation technique of the grand master. The key plan of that step has been perfected. In the current situation, it must be implemented as soon as possible. I intend to go by myself.â
Shea sighed, âAs the lord and also the biggest beneficiary of this plan, I donât want to say anything hypocritical. But... since Mountain Xilang, you have been taking risks personally. This is obviously not what a sage should do. â
âI never said that Iâm a sage. Iâm also afraid of death, but this is the most critical part of our overall plan. No one other than me is qualified for this role. Plus... I have made up my mind.â Chen Ruiâs tone was undoubtedly determined as if he was the lord, but this near-resolute determination did not disgust Shea. Instead, the coldness in her purple eyes began to melt.
âBy the way, I remember... When we met last time, Princess Royal Highness seemed to promise me that you will agree to my little request when I return from solving the problem of the Shadow Empireâs Custer Family?â Chen Rui saw that the atmosphere seemed to be a little awkward, so his tone changed, and his gaze became playful.
This kind of gaze made Sheaâs heart inexplicably a little nervous, âAbout this... we will talk about it later. Sir Sheriff, itâs late already. You can go back and rest now.â
âTalk about it later?â Chen Ruiâs eyes twitched ambiguously, and he shook his head, âThatâs too far away. Letâs talk about it... Um. Letâs talk about this important issue now. I am going to carry out one of the most dangerous tasks soon. If the lord breaks her promise, it will hurt my enthusiasm.â
âHow dare you!â Sheaâs tone became stern, seething with lethal breath, âYou dare to threaten me!â
This reaction seemed a bit too intense, but it could no longer intimidate Chen Rui. He sighed, âRoyal Highness knows the dangers of my trip, and I may not be able to come back. Canât you even fulfill my last wish? â
âStop!â Shea stared furiously at this guyâs undaunted gaze, and she finally gritted her teeth while saying, âIf you dare to have any other deranged request apart from the dance that I originally promised, it will be your last living moment now!â
Chen Rui was astonished, âWhat do you mean deranged request? Itâs just the dance... Princess Royal, could it be you were thinking...â
Shea knew that she fell in the words trap again. As she was about to blast off, she saw this guy came over and politely made an inviting gesture. At the same time, a melodious automatic music sounded and played in the back garden.
Bastard, he even set up the music already. He really came prepared!
Sheaâs gaze was about to dissect this guy, but when Chen Rui made that inviting gesture, she couldnât help extending her hand.
Forget it. Iâll take it as fulfilling my promise. As a royal member of Lucifer Royal Family, how can I break my promise?
Shea, who temporarily persuaded herself, resisted the urge to burn this guy with [Dark Flame], and let him hold her hand. When both of their hands first touched, it seemed like there was a current. The marvelous feeling at the prom emerged again. The wonderful feeling at the fingertips flowed into her heart, and her tense heart was gradually softened by this feeling. When she put her hands on his shoulders, the manâs breath was quite close. There was no such strong feeling last time when they were watched by the crowd. Today, there were only two people in this backyard garden; he and she.
The two figures danced along the beautiful melody under the moonlight.
Shea had not danced with anyone since the welcome dance for the capital people, especially this new dance of interest. Chen Ruiâs performance was more disciplined than expected, which made Shea gradually lower her guard. Using the words which Alice learned from someone, this was called the gentleman demeanour.
Unbeknown to her, the so-called gentleman was just a more patient wolf.
However, for Shea who had always been busy, it was a rare opportunity to relax. Her steps had become lighter. She had begun to enjoy this long-lost fun. She was more and more in sync with Chen Rui.
Chen Rui also enjoyed dancing with this iceberg princess, especially in such close contact. Her white jade-like skin was clearly visible, and there was a fresh fragrance faintly in his nose. In the entire Dark Moon or even the entire Demon Realm, he was the first man who was so âcloseâ to Shea, and she was âvoluntarilyâ... If the nobles in the estate saw this scene, it would be jaw-dropping for them.
âHmph!â Shea looked at the smile on Chen Ruiâs face. No matter how I see it, I feel like punching it. âWhatâs so funny?â
âIâm thinking that Princess Royal is a person who keeps her promise. She is indeed my lord.â
âBastard!â When Shea heard âMy lord,â there was a faint heat on her face.
âEven if Royal Highness wants to retaliate, Iâm afraid that it will be difficult to find me in the future.â Chen Rui quickly added another sentence to prevent her from blasting off and ruining the atmosphere, âI personally hope to keep my life so that I can come back next time to accept Princess Royalâs punishment.â
Sheaâs eyes were a bit gloomy, âActually this time... You donât have to come back.â
Chen Rui smiled slightly, âIn my perception, certain people and certain matters are more important than others.â
Shea stared at his eyes, âYou may not be able to get the return you want for your contribution. At that time, Iâm afraid it will be too late for you to regret it.â
âWhy should I regret it? I remember a phrase in a book that there are always a few encounters in life, and there are always a few silly mistakes. But the important thing is that you have once experienced, met, and been silly...â Without avoiding her gaze, Chen Rui smiled and raised the hands he was holding, âMoreover, I got my return now, right?â
Shea looked at his smile and suddenly felt her heart beating a little faster. The two of them did not speak for a while as they danced quietly in the music. Some subtle things need not necessarily be expressed in words, but both sides could feel it.
â...â, âWhy is this music repeated so many times? Your magic props, is it...â
âUh... Itâs just a longer piece of music. It should be almost over...â.
âNo! Bastard, how many dances did we do?â
âUh, I think itâs almost...â.
âItâs actually almost three hours! Damn, you should end your trick now!â
â...â
Where was Chen Rui going? What was the mission?