"Xianoya, did you have a nightmare?"
Chu Yan pressed John into the body of the slime creature, effectively immobilizing him, before returning to the bedroom.
The slime creature in the affluent district was subdued; John would not perish immediately but would instead endure continuous corrosive injuries.
Meanwhile, Chu Yan had interrogated several henchmen, uncovering the true reason for their visit to Xianoya.
—To save on the costs of hiring adventurers, while John sought to establish his authority.
Once Xianoya cleared the magical creature's lair, the credit would undoubtedly be attributed to John, an event significant for a noble heir to bolster his reputation.
Reflecting on the brief words Xianoya shared during their first encounter, and the emotions he sensed emanating from her shapely figure... injustice, anger, resentment, helplessness, self-mockery.
Chu Yan could somewhat fathom Xianoya's past in her hometown.
Fortunately, the laws of this world were relatively lenient towards non-extreme taboo practitioners, merely exiling them to the borders rather than employing the violent means of the Sanctum to eradicate them.
Otherwise, he would never have had the chance to meet her.
Yet, regardless of circumstances, that woman, who had never wielded her power for evil, was met with the absurdity of betrayal after dedicating herself to the peace of her homeland.
Having briefly regained consciousness, Xianoya grasped the current state of affairs.
She accepted the warm water offered by Chu Yan, took a sip, and said:
"I suppose it was a nightmare. They said that the Capital of Supreme Joy could suppress the influence of black magic... When I was just awakened, I thought the nightmare had escaped from my mind."
In her dream, the scene of John handing her the "ancestral magic" replayed repeatedly—such a precious heirloom-level magic, surely this signified her acceptance as part of the family?
The subsequent vision was of John reporting to the agents of the Sanctum, revealing his true nature in a most vivid manner.
Such dreadful dreams accompanied Xianoya every time she slept on the journey to the Dead Sea border.
Just moments ago, upon opening her eyes, John's grotesque face had appeared before her.
Xianoya almost believed she had not truly awakened or that her method of rising was incorrect, but thankfully, Chu Yan had delivered a mighty blow that sent him crashing through the window.
"What do you plan to do now?"
As Xianoya prepared to respond to Chu Yan's question, he interrupted her, hastily stating:
"Let me clarify, regardless of your thoughts, as the lord, I will not permit your departure; it would greatly affect my trial results!
Moreover, John is in league with Baron Pig, and I have yet to receive any payment."
Are you implying that... if you had received the payment, you might reconsider?
Xianoya felt dejected, her heavy thoughts weighing down her lips to the point where she could not even manage a bitter smile; yet she never revealed her emotions to anyone.
At that moment, she merely remarked:
"So, you only wanted me to express my thoughts, but it was merely for show, not for consideration?"
Chu Yan sat at the edge of the bed, gazing at the gaping hole in the window, and said:
"If you intend to refuse those coming from your hometown and remain in the lord's castle, then our opinions align, and I could consider your desires.
But if you were to foolishly attempt an escape, I would have to dissuade you quite thoroughly."
Xianoya blinked, her weary yet striking face betraying no emotion as she asked:
"And how would you dissuade me?"
"I would advise you to resign yourself to fate!
Arriving at the Dead Sea border means that everything from the outside world is no longer your concern—your past grievances, frustrations, and sorrows, your hometown, your responsibilities, and nightmares are all severed beyond that point.
Here, you need only focus on the singular goal of 'finding your own happiness'."
The strikingly beautiful knight rose from her bed, shedding her nightgown to don her knight's armor. As she turned away, her exquisite waist and curvaceous figure were momentarily revealed, the alluring sight quickly concealed beneath the armor.
As Xianoya adjusted the details of her attire in front of the mirror, she remarked:
"My lord, your words imply that I am a pitiable creature, incapable of letting go of the past, bound by my former experiences."
Chu Yan, indulged by the sight, was uncertain if he had drooled, so he discreetly wiped his mouth before adopting a more serious demeanor and replied:
"Let me rephrase that.
Lady Xianoya, the charges laid against you by outsiders are, in my view, utterly insignificant. Would you care to join me as a companion?
I fear that should I fail my trial, I might be sent to the Sanctum to serve as a breeding dragon."
Xianoya did not expect to hear those words from Chu Yan again after just a few days, yet her mindset had shifted.
The previous unhesitating rejection now took her two seconds to formulate.
"I'm sorry..."
"Um?"
Chu Yan was taken aback; something felt amiss. The atmosphere was so perfectly fitting, yet she still rejected him?
While he puzzled over this, Xianoya displayed a complex expression of "conflicted yet unwilling to concede," saying:
"You simply wish to use the guise of companionship to permanently occupy the room and soft bed, don't you?
We had previously agreed that assisting you was no problem, but each time would necessitate a deduction from our shared time. Do not expect to take advantage of me or enjoy a free meal and bed."
Chu Yan chuckled helplessly, then expressed regret:
"Alas, you've seen through my cunning, must your vigilance be so heightened that you'll find yourself without friends?"
Outside, a clamor began to rise.
Chu Yan and Xianoya ventured out together to assess the situation.
Not a moment was spent lamenting John's dire predicament, as the one arriving on the scene was Mr. Pig Baron.
Although Baron Pig showed no concern for John's fate, John's current condition would undoubtedly impact Baron Pig's reputation, meaning his influence in the Dead Sea border would no longer be singular.
After his nodding approval of the transaction, it had been considered a supreme decree in the past, yet now Chu Yan could easily overturn it.
"Get John out of that slime creature at once!"
He bellowed at his subordinates, while John, languishing in the muck, clung to life.
Having been rescued, he remained delirious, muttering gratitude.
It was at this moment that Chu Yan arrived "fashionably late," questioning:
"Baron Pig, what is the meaning of this? Regardless of John's identity, he just intruded into my bedroom and assaulted me, and your intervention signifies you condone such violent behavior?"
In just a day or two, the executioner conducting the "midterm inspection" would arrive, and Baron Pig could not afford to provoke any significant conflict at this time.
Especially when it involved the notion of violent crime.
Local minor nobles not cooperating with the new lord was a trivial matter, which could simply be interpreted as a sign of the lord's weakness.
However, if the executioner were to learn that someone attempted to assassinate a dragon-blooded lord, and the evidence was irrefutable, it would spell serious trouble.
He offered a hypocritical smile, swiftly concocting a narrative:
"John informed me that the Lowilan territory is besieged by magical creatures, resulting in dire conditions for the populace, and with no means to hire powerful adventurers, he offered me a bail payment to temporarily take Xianoya away, to return her once the situation is resolved.
Out of compassion, I could not bear to let the distant populace suffer, and thus I showed him leniency; I did not anticipate John's reckless actions!"
Baron Pig ordered a few chests of treasure to be produced and placed before Chu Yan, indicating that he would handle the matter.
Simultaneously, he summoned a commoner who had been staying at the inn with John.
This commoner, a resident of the Lowilan territory, bore the face of one who had endured considerable suffering.
Upon seeing Xianoya, he knelt, pleading and weeping:
"Lady Xianoya, please return and clear the magical creature's lair for Lowilan; our crops have failed, and the count's taxes are heavy. We cannot continue living like this!"
What a spectacle!
Now they come to morally bind her, seeking to exploit Xianoya's strength for free. I myself have yet to receive any compensation from them; what right do they have to demand assistance?
These people only began to feign pity now that the costs of hiring adventurers had become a burden on their taxes. Had they been willing to speak a few truthful words on Xianoya's behalf before the Sanctum, instead of anxiously aligning themselves, they might have gained some compassion.
Among the common folk and the Lowilan family, some may not have spoken ill of Xianoya but chose to remain indifferent, protecting their own interests.
But what relevance does that hold for Xianoya now?
"Return to your lives; let your count's heir deal with all of this."
Xianoya addressed the commoner, her tone one of calm indifference, having somewhat released her past ties to the world outside the Dead Sea border.
"But, Lady Xianoya, the taxes imposed on us commoners are too burdensome. We have barely enough provisions to survive the winter; life has become unbearable!"
The commoner continued to lament, inching closer on his knees, hoping for mercy from the knight.
Xianoya wished to say something further, but Chu Yan halted her with a look, signaling: I will handle this.
He then stepped back a few paces, took a running start, and delivered a flying kick to John.
Just as John had begun to regain some semblance of awareness, he flew through the air like a dead dog once more.
This kick appeared heavy, though it was not as severe as it seemed.
After kicking John, Chu Yan resumed his warm-up routine, aiming his next strike at the commoner responsible for the sorrowful theatrics.
He sneered:
"If life is unbearable, then seek death; you opted for self-preservation and chose to remain a bystander; why do you wince at the taxes now?
Come on, let's see whether you can outrun the speed at which I can kick you!"
Under Chu Yan's intimidation, the commoner and John's accomplices hastily dragged John's body away, carving a long trail in the dirt as they fled.
Baron Pig prepared to depart, but Chu Yan called out to him, inquiring amicably:
"Baron Pig, did you perhaps forget to send three chests of gold? John claimed he had provided five chests to secure Xianoya's release."
Faced with this blatant attempt at extortion, Baron Pig had no choice but to swallow his pride temporarily, instructing his men to deliver the funds before begrudgingly departing.
As Chu Yan gazed at the five large treasure chests, he felt a wave of exhilaration wash over him; this was the most favorable turn of events he had experienced since being coerced by Aunt Isa!
Suddenly, Janet, clad in a cropped leather jacket, appeared. Upon seeing Chu Yan's successful extortion, she expressed surprise and amusement:
"Young lord, I initially thought you were a docile little lamb; how have you adapted so swiftly to this place?"
Chu Yan feigned innocence, shrugging:
"I believe I am merely embracing local customs, respecting the cultural nuances, and engaging with the populace, aligning myself with the nobility."
Engaging in camaraderie (in a physical sense)
...
Nightfall.
Chu Yan and Xianoya continued to share a bed, the large hole in the window remaining unpatched, allowing the frigid sea breeze to sweep in. Chu Yan shivered slightly, the thin bedclothes feeling inadequate against the cold.
Though his magical powers could maintain his body temperature, they could not provide him with the comfort needed for restful sleep.
Especially at the Dead Sea border, where the winds from the ocean were exceedingly fierce!
In this biting wind, his female companion beside him felt as warm as a furnace, occasionally emanating waves of heat that tempted Chu Yan to draw nearer.
"Xianoya, you've been asleep for a day; since you can't rest well, why not patch up the window?"
This knight possessed impressive domestic skills, having cared for herself for many years without assistance.
Yet Xianoya remained unsympathetic:
"Let the accounts be clear; your bed's usage period is reduced by one day."
So ruthless?
Chu Yan no longer held hopes that the window would be repaired. Resigned to the situation, he nestled closer to Xianoya, his arm brushing against her silky skin.
"... Then I choose to lean against you for warmth."
Xianoya extended a delicate, ivory finger, drawing the character "正" on Chu Yan's cheek, stating:
"This also requires accounting; reduce by one day."
Though Chu Yan had already devised a plan, envisioning the day of his escape coinciding perfectly with the end of the trial, now, with Xianoya's method of record-keeping, he feared he would soon find himself sleeping on the floor.
"Then let's reduce it by just one day!"
Chu Yan reluctantly accepted this arrangement, then embraced the knight's graceful form within the bedding.
The warmth, accompanied by her fragrance, swiftly dispelled the chill, the alluring contours of her body pressing against his, leaving a profound impact from her figure.
It felt as if he were gaining far more than he was losing!