Free Web NovelChapter 437: Chapter 47: It’s Duke Qinghui’s Cup Now
Elite units like the Royal Court Legion, Stringed Swordsmen, and Yonglan Knights were rarely seen here. Instead, it was a place of endless skirmishes and brutal combat between conventional troops.
It seemed both sides had tacitly agreed to use this place as a training ground—until the arrival of the Wind Law Queen, who had come to lead her forces in person.
Westheid wasn’t comfortable letting her charge into the Demon Realm, yet it would be difficult for her to earn military accolades by simply defending the City in the Lake. This region, therefore, became the most suitable place for her to grind experience.
It was self-evident what would happen when a Tuner who wielded the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies joined the fray.
Ailorus had only to clumsily mobilize the power of the Thousand Laws Ceremony for an endless, overwhelming torrent of Techniques to pour down wherever she looked. Thunderbolts, gouts of flame and frost, shockwave storms—she could summon them all with ease.
She had no need to understand the fundamental nature of these Techniques. The Elf Lolita only needed to pray and guide, and the Thousand Laws Ceremony would naturally answer her call.
The entire Land of Rhythm would bend to her will, manifesting her every thought.
This was unprecedented. After all, not long ago, Ailorus had been a young girl who hadn’t even reached the Exemplar Tier. Now, setting aside how quickly her Tier had risen, her display of power was definitely at the Legendary Celestial Rank... No, it was even higher.
’The entire Land of Rhythm... As expected of a Domain refined by Emperor Qianlu.’
"It’s almost as if her words have become law."
Westheid watched for a long time, and seeing Ailorus so freely command the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing.
But he couldn’t just rush over to Ailorus’s side and unleash the Wind of Origin with her, wreaking havoc on the enemy.
Only a few people close to him knew that he could also share in the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies. The Royal Court Elves were so relieved to see reinforcements from the Qinghui Territory not just because of the political marriage—the effects of which were still unclear—but more so because of their trust in the King of Wind Law.
But if Westheid could also master the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies, the Elves’ entire worldview would shatter, inevitably followed by a profound sense of insecurity and discord.
’Never in the history of the Royal Court had two individuals compatible with the Ten Thousand Wind Melodies appeared at the same time. Could it be that Duke Qinghui is also one of Emperor Qianlu’s Divine Chosen?’
’I’ve already received the title King of Yonglan,’ Westheid thought. ’Taking on the role of master of the Realm of Order as well would be too much. The most valuable prize in the Thousand Laws Royal Court is the Thousand Laws Ceremony. As long as I can get my hands on that, I don’t need to worry about the throne.’
Besides, marrying Ailorus was no different from becoming king himself.
’The Queen’s husband is also a king!’
So, while Ailorus was happily racking up achievements, Westheid quietly slipped away. Using a back door left for him by Anise, the Master of Greedy Banquet, he arrived in Serralis in the blink of an eye.
This major secondary capital, located south of the Royal Court, hadn’t changed much since his last visit. By which Westheid meant, a banquet was still in full swing.
Although the scale and intensity were much reduced compared to last time, a party was most definitely underway. It was just as Anise had said: the grand feast she began would never end.
"So this is the domain of the Demon allied with West?"
Reiya, who had accompanied him, looked around and said,
"It’s just as you said. There’s no evil aura. The Celestial God’s Shadow doesn’t seem to be the monster the rumors make her out to be."
"If you had to rate their friendliness, the master of this place is undoubtedly the most amicable toward mortals."
Westheid made his way to the High Court with practiced ease and immediately spotted Hecate. The red-haired Miss Witch had been drinking by herself in a lonely corner, but her eyes lit up the moment she saw Westheid, and she quickly hurried over.
"Duke Qinghui!"
With two peerless Powerhouses who were also his intimate lovers by Westheid’s side, Hecate didn’t throw herself directly into his arms. Instead, she greeted him with a discreet kiss on the cheek. As for the furtive little peck she snuck in, that was something best overlooked.
"Are you here to collect the latest Techniques? Elaine and the others had a breakthrough just yesterday."
The Witches of the Ring of Clear Skies had scarcely returned home since their last visit. Anise had kept them here to continue the revelry, and Westheid was happy to have his own people at his Demon ally’s side.
More importantly, Anise had promised Westheid she would work with the Witches to research anti-Demon Techniques. This was crucial. In his previous battles against the Celestial God’s Shadow, Westheid had relied on surprise Techniques to land a heavy blow each time—a classic first-encounter kill that could only be used once.
Fortunately, his fights against Demons had all been decisive, with no need for drawn-out engagements.
"That’s part of the reason I’m here, but first, I’d like to see Lady Anise."
"Her Ladyship... You won’t need me to lead the way, Duke Qinghui. As long as she isn’t fighting on the front lines, she’s guaranteed to be at the banquet, in the most conspicuous spot."
Westheid figured as much. He continued onward, passing through the next grand hall, where he saw Anise. She was lounging most ungracefully on her side upon a soft, wide throne. Her magnificent gown, which seemed to hold a starry night sky within its fabric, failed to conceal her dazzlingly fair and delicate skin. Her right hand, clad in a black leather glove, continuously swirled a pink liquid in a tall wine glass.
Her other hand, however, had a hold on Witches like Elaine and Ailu’er, who struggled to break free and could only accept one cup of fine wine after another from the Demon Maiden.
This incredibly captivating and gorgeous Enchanting Demon was like a monarch lost to debauchery, exuding an unbelievable aura of licentiousness.
’Well, she *is* one, isn’t she? Never mind, then.’
"Hey, Westheid!"
Upon seeing Westheid and his companions, Anise finally sat up straight. A satisfied smile graced her indescribably bewitching face as she patted her smooth, pale thigh and said,
"Even here in my court, I’ve heard what happened at the Elf Royal Court... Well done! Very well done indeed! Come! Drink with me!"
Westheid stepped forward, took the glass from Anise’s hand, and smiled.
"It was just as we agreed. With you applying pressure, I was able to seize control of the Royal Court."
Anise nodded. "In that case, did the Elf Queen become your little plaything?"
"Guh..."
Westheid nearly spat out his wine.
’How can you say something so vulgar?!’
"What’s wrong? From what I hear, isn’t that exactly what you’ve been doing in the Elf Royal Court? Corrupting those proud, aloof Elves, turning them into pathetic bitches drowning in desire. Isn’t it wonderful?"
Westheid asked, "You have a problem with the Elf Royal Family?"
"Oh, how could I possibly have a problem with them?"
Anise said with a sarcastic smile,
"After all, they are the most beautiful, flawless, and pure Elf Royal Family, the very spirit of the Land of Thousand Lakes. A lowly, vulgar Enchanter like me wouldn’t dare presume to comment."
’Why is she being so passive-aggressive?’
In his dealings with Anise, Westheid had learned that she truly disliked the Elf Royal Family. As for why, he had a few guesses.
’Emperor Qianlu... She really does hate her own heritage, doesn’t she?’
Before Westheid could voice his suspicions, Anise sneered.
"The race my father so adored... in the end, aren’t they just like any other mortals? Trapped in the same vortex of conspiracy and internal strife. Not so beautiful after all, are they."
Westheid sighed. "I think they’re still far better than the other races."
After his recent experiences and battles, Duke Qinghui had come to understand what a pandemonium the Land of Thousand Lakes had been in ancient times. Flame Demon Bone Demons, Spirit Monster Insect Beasts, and one bizarre monstrosity after another. There was an endless succession of bloody, violent, and shamelessly absurd traditions, including the practice of leading beasts to devour people.
Compared to the other races of the Land of Thousand Lakes, the Elf Race—with their love of art, unique aesthetics, and high Charm—was, without a doubt, in a league of its own.
’If I were Emperor Qianlu, I’d have chosen the Elves as my favored race too!’
’Thousand Laws! You did a good job! A damn good job!’
’If the Land of Rhythm were still filled with those monstrosities, my... racial sensibilities would be offended. I don’t even want to think about how much slaughter I’d have to commit.’
