Chapter 403: Chapter 30: Invitation from the Master of Greedy Banquet
Resting his head on Ailorus’s lap, Westheid sank into a slumber more peaceful and relaxing than any he had ever known. The Wind Law Queen had luxuriously used her Divine Power—a force mortals could only dream of—as a sleep aid, crafting the most comfortable resting experience imaginable. It was a luxury likely unprecedented and never to be seen again.
After a deep slumber that felt as if it could cleanse his very soul, Westheid awoke to the sound of a lullaby.
The first thing he saw was a pure, lovely face, wreathed in soft light and mist. A few dazzling golden braids hung down, tickling his cheek.
Though her face was exquisitely delicate and undeniably youthful, it held a sacred, motherly radiance in the faint light.
Noticing Westheid was awake, the softly singing Elf Lolita turned her cerulean eyes toward him. She tilted her head and smiled.
"Are you awake?"
"Yes, thank you. I haven’t slept that well in a very long time."
"Don’t mention it. It’s the least I could do. After all, West is fighting for the Royal Court. As the Royal Court’s King of Wind Law, I must naturally ensure our Warrior is well-rested."
Westheid sat up from Ailorus’s lap and stretched. A fresh, surging power spread through his limbs, colliding with the omnipresent musical notes of the world outside.
’This was more than just a good rest...’
Duke Qinghui froze for a moment. After a quick self-inspection, he let out a long sigh.
The Ten Thousand Wind Melodies, driven by Divinity, was of course more than a simple sleep aid. It had also bestowed upon Westheid a small measure of Emperor Qianlu’s grace. In regions where the orthodox Thousand Laws Ceremony was practiced, Westheid would now receive a permanent buff.
It was similar to the effect of In Purity—both were Talents of the Earth-bound Spirit Level. It wasn’t crucial for the current Westheid, but it was definitely useful.
’It’s not like I’m forging a new Path, anyway. An extra buff like this is always welcome.’
"Speaking of thanks... I should actually be the one thanking you..."
Ailorus murmured softly, but then she shook her head. She looked at Westheid and asked:
"West... you’re younger than me, aren’t you?"
"That’s right. Objectively speaking, you’re exactly one year older than me."
He said "objectively" because Elves had lifespans stretching for hundreds of years. Their life cycles were much longer than those of humans. Ailorus was unequivocally a youth among Elves, yet her actual age was still greater than that of many humans.
Upon learning his true age from Westheid, Ailorus looked as though she’d heard cause for celebration. The corners of her lips curved up.
"Hee hee, since coming to the Royal Court, I’ve never met a fellow Elf younger than me. But humans... Humans really are different."
Duke Qinghui caught a key piece of information in the Elf Lolita’s words and frowned.
"’Came to the Royal Court?’ Aren’t you part of the Elf Royal Family?"
"I am now. As for before... I’m not really sure myself. Does it matter to you, West?"
Ailorus stood up as well and patted down her pleated skirt. She glanced up at the sky, then placed a slender, pale finger to her lips.
"I’d be happy to talk about it, but it’s gotten very late. So let’s save it for next time! As it happens, Lord Eilvette won’t be in the Royal Court for a while. We should have plenty of time before the next military campaign."
The Wind Law Queen was clearly creating a reason for their next meeting.
"Alright. I’ll see you next time, then."
Westheid took the hint. He walked out of the courtyard with her. Outside, the queen’s attendants, who had been waiting for a long time and were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, immediately swarmed forward. After a brief exchange of words, they escorted Ailorus away.
As he watched the Wind Law Queen’s cheerful departure, Westheid heard a voice from behind him.
"Hmm... My Lord, so this is the type you prefer..."
Mephit stroked her snow-white chin, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Does this mean my usual submissive posture isn’t to your taste? Perhaps I should change my method of service."
"I’ve never known you to have such... proclivities. The thing I’ve always worried about has finally happened. Your desires have truly become a bottomless pit. Have you started venturing into unhealthy territory?"
Yolanda added in a gloomy voice from behind Westheid:
"Brother... you’re terrible..."
Duke Qinghui turned and frowned.
"I don’t see what’s so shocking about this. I’ll do as I please!"
Yolanda’s eyelids drooped. "If you put it that way, I suppose it’s true," she said sorrowfully. "There are certainly people out there with even fewer scruples than you. I’m just lamenting that my dear brother is becoming more and more of a pervert. Aside from some questionable tastes, you used to be quite normal."
The platinum-blonde girl was referring to his "kinks." Her brother was known as the King of the Wheel, and both rumor and reality painted him as a "super pile driver."
But that was the extent of it. She knew Westheid’s aesthetic and preferences were actually quite normal. At most, he enjoyed screwing people into a state of ahegao, watching them beg him for more like fawning dogs.
Compared to the many nobles who hid their filth and secretly indulged their darkest impulses, he was practically a gentleman.
’But has my upstanding brother finally grown tired of simple "pile driving"? It’s hard to say.’
"That’s enough out of you. I can ignore the others, but you? Don’t you know me at all?!"
Westheid felt compelled to defend his honor.
"To be blunt, this isn’t about my preferences. I’m just playing along with Ailorus. You both know we need to bring the Thousand Laws Royal Court into our sphere of influence. To do that, the Wind Law Queen must be brought over to our side. For that, I will stop at nothing."
