Free Web NovelChapter 426: Chapter 42: Change the Mindset, or Change the Person
He meant it when he said she had a bright future. The Elf Lolita was a bit too childlike for his taste right now—not quite Duke Qinghui’s type. At best, she could only be described as pure and cute.
But with her maddeningly delicate features and a powerful Charm that had even left Westheid momentarily stunned, she was definitely a high-potential investment for the future.
’She has good bones. Once she blossoms, she’ll be a real knockout!’
Ailorus’s eyes lit up. "Really? Is that what West truly thinks?"
"Absolutely!"
Westheid nodded emphatically, prompting the Elf Lolita to sigh.
"But it will take a very, very long time for me to become the way Brother West likes."
Considering the growth cycle of an Elf, it would take at least another twenty to thirty years before the Elf Lolita could even be considered a beautiful young maiden. For her to become truly mature, it would take upwards of fifty years.
’Actually, just being pretty enough to be my type isn’t enough. That would make her nothing more than a pretty face, and I’m not particularly fond of those.’
Seeing Ailorus so fixated on winning his affection, Duke Qinghui was quite moved. He began to wonder how he could indirectly hint at his ultimate "type" to her.
’I’m not a heartless man; I can’t bring myself to deceive a young girl’s feelings. But if you want to pursue me, you at least have to show me the beauty of strength!’
’That is my principle and my bottom line!’
Before Westheid could even figure out how to drop a hint, he heard Ailorus say faintly,
"If only... I could master the [Ten Thousand Wind Melodies]."
"A King of Wind Law who has mastered the complete Melody is nearly omnipotent. Accelerating my growth cycle would be a simple matter."
The purple-haired Elf beauty immediately tried to dissuade her.
"Your Majesty, that could have terrible effects on your body! Please, you mustn’t!"
Westheid was also a little taken aback. "I agree, that kind of self-destructive action doesn’t seem like a good idea."
Ailorus waved her hand. "I know, I know... I don’t plan on doing that. However, a complete [Ten Thousand Wind Melodies] should be able to intercept a fragment of spacetime and overlay it onto myself. Then, I could temporarily take on my adult form. That should be fine, right?"
"Well... that could work."
In this extremely idealistic world, the price for violating the laws of nature was considerable. Even a Celestial God’s blessing couldn’t wantonly distort life. However, outside of that, concepts like the soul, life and death, and even spacetime were surprisingly easy to influence.
’Accelerating physical growth? Not allowed!’
’Messing with spacetime? Totally fine!’
It made Westheid want to roll his eyes sometimes. Still, he ultimately accepted the Laws of this world. Everything was born from Chaos Undivided, and the maintenance of all things of Order relied on a collective, mind-based consciousness. What was there not to accept?
"If you can accomplish that with the [Ten Thousand Wind Melodies], I’ll be utterly captivated by you."
Westheid spoke from the heart. A King of Wind Law who could freely manipulate the [Thousand Laws Ceremony] would be an absolute top-tier Powerhouse in the Mortal World. If she also possessed the mentality of a true Powerhouse to match, how could he possibly not be aroused?!
"Is that so..."
With her hands behind her back, Ailorus stared intently at Westheid’s face. On that handsome face that made her heart race, she detected an unprecedented seriousness.
’These aren’t just casually spoken sweet nothings, but an incredibly sincere vow.’
’Her heart fluttered.’
The Elf Lolita smiled.
"Well then, I’ll have to work even harder... That said, I’ve already been trying my best, and my progress hasn’t been bad. But it’s still too slow, because Lord Eilvette has only granted me access to a single node. I can’t even practice properly if I want to."
The profession of King of Wind Law was, fundamentally, part of the Tuner pathway. The advancement of any Tuner required studying and familiarizing themselves with the nodes of the [Thousand Laws Ceremony]. The more one studied, and the deeper one went, the faster the advancement.
Westheid raised an eyebrow. "The Grand Law Officer’s actions are a bit like the ’Reversed Celestial Spirit,’ aren’t they? As I recall, Tuners are supposed to assist the King of Wind Law. Why is he restricting your advancement?"
’He wouldn’t pass up any opportunity to sow discord between the Little Queen and the Grand Law Officer.’
Faticia said timidly, "Lord Eilvette probably doesn’t intend that, does he? The Grand Ensemble node is currently tainted by a Demon. Even I have to be extremely careful when studying it. Your Majesty is still so young and inexperienced. As a beginner, it’s better to proceed step by step."
Ailorus remained silent. Before, she would have thought the same. Having a loyal, selfless, and capable minister to protect the Royal Court during difficult times was undoubtedly a blessing. It was best to turn a blind eye to his occasional overstepping of authority.
But now, with a reassuringly strong pillar of support like Westheid, Eilvette seemed... less important.
Duke Qinghui said bluntly, "Is that really the case? As an outsider, I wasn’t in a position to say anything before, but now I have to speak up. The Grand Law Officer’s arrogant actions have become a little too frequent. He has tried every trick in the book to obstruct Xiao Ai from obtaining the authority that is rightfully hers. As for his true intentions, I’m just as ’in the dark’ as anyone."
Westheid placed his hands on the Wind Law Queen’s shoulders and whispered in her ear:
"I believe it’s time to set things right. Political power should be returned to the throne."
"No matter what, you are the Divine Chosen, the wielder of the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies! You are the master of the Royal Court!"
Ailorus’s desire to become stronger had never been so intense. Spurred on by Westheid’s incitement and persuasion, she nodded.
"Then... let’s write a letter. Demand that Lord Eilvette open up more access. I’ve already completely mastered that node. An ordinary Tuner’s skill doesn’t even compare to mine. It’s time the [Thousand Laws Ceremony] was handed over to me."
