Chen Rui rushed to the palace, then he was summoned by Shea into the council hall for a secret meeting. He only returned late at night.
When he returned, there was a figure at the door of the house who seemed to be waiting for him. It was not Athena or Kia, but Roman.
“Leader, that…” Roman looked hesitant. It was completely different from the usual cheeky rascal.
Chen Rui wiped his eyes. I am not mistaken, it is indeed Roman. This guy usually can speak everything. When did he become so reserved?
“Hey, you fellow, just tell me if you have anything. Don’t put up a front.”
Roman’s eyes were a little guilty, “I’m sorry, actually I…”
Chen Rui saw him hesitating for a long time, then asked, “Did you hook up with some widow and was discovered by Delia, and you want me to intercede?”
“That… It’s not this matter. Bah! There is no such thing!” Roman gave himself a slap, and he spoke a lot more directly, “I got a good thing… Starting from tomorrow, I will train for a period of time behind the closed doors to advance to the real Demon Emperor level.”
“Really?” Chen Rui was surprised, “Good guy, you’re about to advance to the Demon Emperor silently! Is there anything you want me to help with? Go to the Trevante underground cave again?”
“No!” Roman shook his head, and he suddenly showed his usual smile, “It’s just… Hehe, leader, I shall apologize to you first. Remember you said before, if you live a life of crime, sooner or later you’ll pay for it. “
Chen Rui was clueless after listening to him. Roman had already changed the subject, “By the way, if my training is successful this time, it will not only be an advancement of the big realm, but also a high probability of surpassing a small realm and go directly to the intermediate stage or peak stage of the Demon Emperor. Leader, you should be careful by then. Hehe, I may even surpass you if you don’t work hard.”
Chen Rui smiled slightly, “Really? Even the peak stage of the Demon Emperor iss nothing great. It’s just like the grasshopper after autumn that won’t last long.”
“The Demon Realm does not have distinct 4 seasons like the human world. The Demon Realm’s grasshopper can actually eat people.” In Roman’s sinister laugh, the power of [Flash] erupted, and he had disappeared. In the afternoon the next day, the Dark Moon Estate welcomed a group of guests from the north. They were led by Sicali, one of the 4 lords of the Fallen Angel Empire.
Shea was not arrogant because the Dark Moon became the strongest power in the Fallen Angel Empire. She still led a team outside the city to welcome them in accordance with the highest etiquette for the equal lords.
Sicali was the Lucifer Royal Family member. He appeared to be in his twenties with blonde hair and a long robe. He seemed well-mannered and extraordinarily handsome. He was also surrounded by a gorgeously dressed girl and a fierce mutated hellhound.
“Princess Royal Highness, we meet again.” Sicali bowed slightly. There were not too many courtesy or compliments, but a familiar and intimate tone like an old friend who had met and chatted all day long.
Shea bowed back, “Welcome to the Dark Moon, Lord Sicali, Ms. Palando.”
Palando was Sicali’s sister. Without paying attention to Shea, she turned her gaze to Alice who was next to Shea, “Isn’t this my good friend, Princess Alice? Uh… you seem to be dressed a little bit more decently than the last time.”
In the past few years, Shea had visited the White Feather Estate for more than once. Due to the distress of the Dark Moon at the time, Shea mostly sought assistance. Therefore, apart from Sicali who was personally friendly or had some intention to Shea, many people treated her with an attitude of contempt. Among them, Sicali’s sister, Palando, was one of the representatives.
Shea tried her best to maintain the Dark Moon Estate in that situation before, but it was really not easy.
Alice was made fun of more than once when followed her sister to the White Feather Estate. Especially this Palando, who made things difficult and ridiculed her. She was simply the enemy of the little loli.
“This material looks a bit high quality, but the patterns are really ugly. Also, the crappy bracelet… Tsk tsk, your taste is still so bad.”
The little loli had been tolerating because of her sister’s orders back then. With the strength of the Dark Moon now, there was no need to endure it from any estate. Not to mention that this was the little loli’s favorite clothes and jewelry. Just as she was about to retort, a voice sounded from behind Palando, “The craftsmanship of the bracelet is almost perfect, and the magic circle pattern of the skirt is unfathomable. May I know which senior master made it?”
The speaker was an old man with white beard and hair. Although his appearance was old, he felt full of energy. One could see that he was an extraordinary person at a glance.
If someone from the Dark Moon said this, Palando would definitely dismiss it. However, this comment came from the old man next to her, so Palando couldn’t help being surprised, “Master Tetenis! Did you see it correctly? This kind of clothes and jewelry are actually…”
This name surprised Shea: Master Tetenis?
Amongst the mechanic master in the Demon Realm, in addition to the metal and leather duo-specialized Master Nate who used the rule in the masters’ competition to obtain the top title, the 3 masters were the ones who were truly recognized as the best in individual categories.
The master of metal was Master Anderson of the Dark Shadow Empire; master of leather was the former Master Fonsaq of the Bloody Empire who was now Skye; and master of jewelry items was the stateless free man, Master Tetenis, in front of them. Even Xingxing, an arrogant senior master, was also convinced when he mentioned Master Tetenis.
The whereabouts of Master Tetenis is so elusive. I didn’t expect that he would be in White Feather Estate!
As soon as this comment came out, no one else dared to question at all. Palando felt like being slapped in the face, and she was speechless for a while. There was a bit more jealousy in her eyes when she looked at Alice. The skirt and the bracelet were also extra unique, chic and noble. These are actually 2 pieces of legendary grade top equipment. They are so unique and beautiful!
The little loli’s eyes were bright. Palando’s expression made her feel proud. Both of the items were designed by Kia and made by Chen Rui. At the beginning, he only told me that there is a little magical protection, but I didn’t expect that they are legendary grade equipment!
Brother is so kind!
Shea spoke, “I have heard the master’s famous name for a long time…”
“I just stopped by the Dark Moon to visit a friend.” Tetenis directly interrupted what Shea wanted to say, “Who can tell me where is Master Xingxing’s Cloak Magic Shop?”
Chen Rui learned from the [Analytical Eyes] that this Tetenis was a mutated great demon. His strength actually reached the peak stage of the Demon Emperor. He couldn’t help but be surprised secretly. As the saying goes, anyone will know something you don’t. Generally, those who focused on alchemy had no time or interest to train. Even a Great Demon King like Nate was rare, let alone Tetenis, who was only one step away from the Demon Overlord.
It seemed that Tetenis was Xingxing’s old friend and he had no direct relationship with the White Feather Estate. They just happened to come here together when they met on the way. He should not be malicious toward the Dark Moon.
Shea obviously noticed this. She nodded, “Well, I will send someone to send master there.”
Tetenis nodded, and he followed Shea’s designated guard away.
“What’s so great. It’s just an old-fashioned nouveau riche.” Although Palando seemed to be talking about Master Tetenis, her eyes kept looking at the little loli disdainfully.
The little loli heard her, and her eyes rolled, “It’s really nothing great. The real nobles do not need flashy luxury and vanity, but they need noble qualities of being brave, upright, not afraid of hardships and dangers, courageous to take responsibility, and sacrificing life for faith. Those indulging in luxurious and prominent costumes or some meaningless balls or banquets all day are the real shameful nouveau riche.”
These words made Palando’s eyes green, but she couldn’t find words to refute. Even Shea and Chen Rui looked at Alice with admiration. When did she learn this principle?
When the little loli noticed the surprise of her sister and Chen Rui, she raised her head triumphantly. In fact, she learned these words in Town Leia when was debating with Celine. She just copied it, but she choked Palando to be speechless.
Sicali narrowed his eyes, “Palando, why are you so rude! Hurry up and apologize to Princess Alice!”
Palando had an arrogant temperament. She was used to poking fun at Alice and being superior in the past. Not only was she speechless by the other party’s sarcasm, but she also had to apologize, so her face suddenly turned pale.
Shea spoke up, “It’s just some small chatter between the girls to enhance the relationship. Why so serious? I have prepared the best room in the royal inn. Please come with me to take a rest. After the dinner, there is a ball dedicated to welcoming the White Feather Estate.”
Sicali smiled slightly, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“It’s just a countryside that held an auction before. How classy can it be?” Palando murmured.
Soon after entering the city, Palando was dazzled. The flat and wide roads, the tall and majestic buildings, all kinds of shops, and the endless stream of pedestrians. This “countryside” was almost comparable to the capital. It was not what the White Feather Estate could compare with at all.
“This is the joint chamber of commerce of the Custer Family, the top business family of the Dark Shadow Empire. It is surrounded by stores directly under the chamber of commerce which sells special products of the Demon Realm including the Dark Shadow Empire. On the other side is the Potioneer Association. Apart from the chairman, Master Aldas, there are already 4 potion masters there. Next up is the night market. At night, there are 3 times more people than now. There are various snacks, specialty goods and entertainment performances. The largest and most conspicuous store is the Princess Retail Store which was founded by Princess Alice. Now there are 4 branches in the 4 blocks of the Dark Moon. In addition, there are branches opened in the 3 major capitals of the Demon Realm and several large estates. It is currently the No. 1 brand among the Demon Realm nobles…”
It was Financial Officer Chen Rui who was in charge of eloquently explaining some of the Dark Moon’s development. Not only Palando, even Sicali was shocked. Although it was the first time he officially came to the Dark Moon, he had been to the Dark Moon several times before Shea took over as the lord.Even after Shea took over, he knew that the Dark Moon was suppressed and controlled by the capital. He did not expect it to take off in just a few years.
Seeing is believing. I heard about the rapid development of the Dark Moon before, and I thought that at best it was just barely recovering. I didn’t expect that in just a few years, it actually developes to such a degree. Even its prosperous past 400 years ago was not comparable to this! If this continues, it is only a matter of time before it surpasses the capital. Sicali looked at Chen Rui who was commenting, and he thought secretly: If the military take-off is due to the Dark Shadow Empire’s secret help and Shea’s concealment, then the economic qualitative change is planned by this powerless human!
This human has been popular and mentioned by more and more demons. He is hailed as the Demon Realm’s first minister of internal affairs. It seems that he is worthy of the title. If I can use such a person myself…
However, this idea was only fleeting. Compared with the Dark Moon, the White Feather Estate had no advantage. I heard that this human sheriff is even an admirer of Princess Royal Shea. Even after receiving the love of Athena, the daughter of the first general of the empire, he is still the same. After that, the capital has sent assassins to try to assassinate or abduct this human many times without success. There is the presence of mysterious Demon Overlord powerhouse in the Dark Moon. Furthermore, there is more than one.
Chen Rui also secretly looked at Sicali. Before the rise of the Dark Moon, the White Feather Estate was ranked second behind the Red Spirit Estate, but according to Dark Demon’s intel, the economic and military of the White Feather Estate was actually beyond the Red Spirit Estate. Sicali himself was at early stage of the Demon Emperor strength on the surface, but in fact, he concealed it with a certain secret method. His true strength had reached the peak stage of the Demon Emperor. This could not be hidden from the [Analytical Eyes].
Sicali’s scheming is not inferior to Josh. He has always been friendly to both sides. I’m afraid he is truly leaning more toward Obsidian currently. Once the Dark Moon can really show the momentum of surpassing the capital or even replacing it, Sicali will definitely be the first person who can act according to the situation to rebel.
For this kind of fence-sitter, it is necessary to properly show him toughness, and not to completely be hostile. At present, the ‘stable’ relationship has to be maintained. This was the consensus reached between Shea and him last night.
Sicali suddenly asked, “By the way, Princess Royal Highness, why didn’t I see Kia?”
Chen Rui raised his brows slightly. A murderous intent appeared in his heart. The last time Shea visited the White Feather Estate, Sicali expressed a strong “interest” in Kia who accompanied her. At that time, Shea avoided the topic because she had given Kia to Chen Rui.
Sicali had always admired Shea, but Shea’s identity was special. Even if the 2 parties were really interested in each other, Obsidian would not allow the forces of the 2 estates to unite, so this “admiration” was more of a superficial gesture. However, Kia was different. Let alone she was just an insignificant maid, even if she was the daughter of a great family, she could only make sacrifices for politics.
The reason why Sicali revisited the old matters was that on one hand, he really coveted Kia’s beauty. On the other hand, he was also testing Shea’s attitude toward the White Feather Estate.
Shea glanced at Chen Rui, “As early as a year ago, I have granted Kia to Financial Officer Chen Rui.”
Sicali was stunned for a moment, then he turned his gaze to Chen Rui. He shifted his mind, “Sir Chen Rui, I have heard of your name for a long time. Please forgive me for being rude, I have always liked Kia, I wonder if you can bear the pain to give her up? I will give sir 10 beauties as a gift of friendship.”
As a royal family lord, he asked a financial officer to transfer a mere maid. He also asked in exchange of 10 beautiful women. He even mentioned the word “friendship” with dignity. It should be the honor of the financial officer.
“Kia is already my woman.” Chen Rui’s answer made Sicali’s facial expression slightly changed. The human financial officer continued, “We humans have a saying, “Friends are like brothers, women are like clothes…”
Just as Sicali’s expression eased, the human spoke again, “But we humans have a more important saying…”
“Whoever dares to snatch my clothes, I will break his hands and feet!” The little loli was the one who intercepted triumphantly.
Even if Chen Rui was willing to give her out, Sicali wouldn’t be able to withstand Kia’s ‘power’…
