Chapter 435: Chapter 46: Anyone Who Likes West Can’t Be a Bad Person (Part 2)
’Wouldn’t that be better?! Younger is good, even younger is better!’
The depravity of some nobles made even Westheid shake his head. Duke Qinghui was merely lecherous, not a true pervert.
Thus, Ailorus wasn’t entirely satisfied with her fiancé’s answer. After all, she knew how forcefully Westheid "piledrove" his confidantes, yet he couldn’t even muster a physiological reaction to her. It was hard for her to believe that he liked her all that much.
The Mortal World had no place for platonic love. To love someone meant the fusion of spirit and flesh. It meant vicious discipline! And possession! Anything less was an insufficient expression of affection!
The more the Wind Law Queen thought about it, the angrier she became. She puffed out her cheeks, crossed her arms, and let out a series of huffs.
Westheid had no choice but to embrace the Elf Lolita’s tender, fragrant, and soft little body, coaxing her gently.
Yolanda and Mephit showed no reaction to the scene. Since they weren’t involved, they could just pretend not to see their Monarch’s predicament. Luyetan from Yuanxi Palace, however, found the scene utterly delightful, letting out a "PFFT" of laughter as she sipped her tea.
’To think the same terrible man who was like a merciless beast when he ravaged me could be pulled into such a state.’
Westheid was one to hold a grudge. He had noticed Luyetan’s mocking gaze, and he would surely find a chance later to make that wench reveal an even more pathetic side.
But the most critical person was still Reiya. As the first lover to establish a relationship with Westheid and the "capable wife and helpmate" who had aided him the most, Reiya’s intense personality had always put a lot of pressure on Westheid.
Her affection was just too heavy, sometimes suffocating him to the point he couldn’t breathe. He’d rather she be like Mivana—a ruthless woman who would drain him dry was far better than someone who made such heavy, emotionally-charged statements.
At this moment, Reiya said nothing. She simply sat upright in her chair, her posture perfect, and stared at Westheid without blinking.
Suddenly, the Silver-haired Princess spoke.
"West... now that the hidden dangers in the rear of the Royal Court have been resolved, we should head to the front lines. We’ve been here for so long; it’s time to get down to business and completely quell the unrest in the Land of Rhythm."
’That’s my Reiya!’
Westheid sighed in relief at her words. The White-haired Dragon Lady’s statement had undoubtedly rescued him from this Chaotic Scene. As long as he went to the front lines, he could temporarily avoid having to placate Ailorus. Although, to advance his Ten Thousand Wind Melodies, he still needed to team up with Ailorus, the matter wasn’t urgent.
He could deal with a disaster like the Demon’s Frenzy Banquet first and then slowly explore the secrets of the Thousand Laws Ceremony. Was he really incapable of defeating a Great Demon without the full support of the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies? He thought not.
And so, Duke Qinghui cleared his throat and said,
"I’m sorry, Xiao Ai. We have indeed stayed in the Central Royal Court for quite some time. The defensive line was previously managed by Eilvette. Since he has been executed, we need to fill that vacancy. It just so happens that new reinforcements have arrived, giving us a fighting chance against the united Demons. A new campaign can begin."
Usually, after he said that, Ailorus would have to agree, no matter how disappointed she was. The Little Queen was quite sensible; she only showed her willful side in front of Westheid.
However, to Westheid’s surprise, Ailorus first nodded, then shook her head.
"That’s fine, because I plan to lead the army in person and go to the front lines with Brother West."
Westheid was stunned for a moment. "Huh?!!"
Faticia reflexively tried to dissuade her. "Your Majesty, please don’t be rash! It’s truly inappropriate for you to participate in battle right now!"
Generally speaking, it wasn’t a big deal for the ruler of a Realm of Order to lead an expedition in person. After all, in this Extraordinary World, even if a realm’s ruler wasn’t the strongest in the world, they were definitely a top-tier Powerhouse. Self-preservation was certainly not an issue.
But even so, it was extremely rare for an Emperor to personally guard the nation’s gate. Once a Realm of Order was stable, its ruler only needed to maintain the status quo. There were very few occasions that required them to lead an army personally.
’You don’t really think the Emperor personally guarding the nation’s gate is a good thing, do you?’
"I need to become stronger. Just studying the Thousand Laws Ceremony at the nodes is no longer enough. Only by experimenting personally and accumulating battle merits can I swiftly advance and grow."
Ailorus hopped down from Westheid’s lap, patted her dress to smooth out the wrinkles, and lifted her head. She looked at the Silver-haired Dragon Lady and the others without a hint of weakness and said slowly,
"I don’t intend to stay in the rear any longer. I want to fight alongside Brother West. This is also my duty as his fiancée, is it not?"
The Elf Lolita was definitely worthy of the description "brilliantly clever." After realizing the deep emotional bonds Westheid shared with his lovers, although she didn’t say it aloud, she knew she probably had the shallowest connection with him.
This gave Ailorus a strong sense of crisis. A political marriage contract gave her no advantage at all. The Elf Lolita had to put in more effort. And since Westheid never hid his nature and preferences, Ailorus easily figured out what the man liked.
’Coincidentally, I also need to advance as soon as possible. I must use the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies to manipulate the flow of time and force my growth from this childish form to adulthood... no, even a young maiden’s form would be fine. Otherwise, I can’t even begin to compete.’
Ailorus had full confidence in herself. ’Once my mature form launches its offensive, everything will turn out great!’
Reiya gave Ailorus an extra glance, meeting the Wind Law Queen’s sacred, cyan eyes for a moment before the corner of her lips curved into a noncommittal smile.
"As long as West agrees."
’They’re all such good girls, never making things difficult for me,’ Westheid thought. If Ailorus had used her status as his fiancée and the Wind Law Queen to act spoiled and arrogant, then he would have been in a real bind. He would have been forced to give her the cold shoulder or even feign a break-up.
Even if Reiya and Mivana could understand his predicament, they would never forgive an Ailorus who dared to act that way. If his harem wasn’t peaceful, Westheid would have a huge headache.
This damn Chaotic Scene. Westheid would rather go fight a Demon for five or six hundred rounds than deal with the girls’ scheming and infighting!
Westheid saw Ailorus’s gaze turn back to him. He pondered for a moment before saying,
"You can come, but you have to promise me one thing. You can’t stray too far from the Barrier covered by the Thousand Laws Ceremony, and you especially cannot participate in direct combat with the Demons. Other than that, there won’t be much danger."
In truth, Duke Qinghui rather hoped Ailorus would come along. Any progress the Wind Law Queen made in honing her Tuning Ability would be directly reflected back onto him!
"Okay! Then it’s a deal!"
Ailorus jumped up happily and planted a kiss on Westheid’s forehead.
Afterward, the Wind Law Queen, accompanied by the new Grand Law Officer Faticia, excitedly went to prepare for her personal expedition.
Westheid left soon after. He needed to notify the troops stationed at the Central Royal Court in advance so they could set out as soon as possible.
Reiya walked by the man’s side, stroking her chin.
"An interesting little girl. From my initial impression, I thought she would be more willful."
"Mm... What are your thoughts? I mean, what do you think of Ailorus?"
Westheid asked, more concerned with Reiya’s opinion. As for Mivana... he wasn’t as worried about her. The Wolf-eared Maiden was probably still feeling smug that her partner had added an Elf Queen to his collection.
Hearing his question, Reiya took Westheid’s hand and said faintly,
"...Anyone who likes West can’t be a bad person. If she can truly become a help to West, I will see her as a comrade. As for whether I can grow to like this comrade..."
The Silver-haired Princess glanced at Mivana, who was clinging to the man’s other arm, and said,
"That will depend on how we get along in the future."
’Ah, Reiya, you’re truly wonderful.’
Gazing at the White-haired Dragon Lady’s stunningly beautiful and delicate face, Westheid couldn’t help but marvel in his heart.
’As expected of the one I first fell in love with and admired. Her magnanimity is simply immense.’
Reiya squeezed her lover’s hand a little tighter.
"Because our lives are bound together, and we will watch over each other for all eternity. For the sake of your ideals, West, no matter what choice you make, I will always be on your side."
’...It would just be even better if her statements weren’t quite so heavy.’