Chapter 23

1

"Don't be so nervous!"

When Elena and the others met in the courtyard, their faces were full of vigilance, all written on their faces. Hanya's "Cracked Cloud" was held in her hand, but the sword remained in its sheath, with no sign of killing intent. Although Elena seemed calm, upon closer inspection, she was also paying attention to the guards and the intersection.

If it is decided to go to war, Hanya and Elena would be the vanguard, so they must be prepared to buy some time for their companions.

"Master!" The first one who couldn't help but throw herself at me was surprisingly Nofice. Is this the kind of gentle girl I desire in my heart? I have become even unclear about what type of girl I prefer.

Nofice clung to me like a koala, still carrying the familiar scent of sleeping beside me every day. Perhaps I had grown used to her presence, as I didn't notice her when I woke up, and felt a little disappointed.

The others were not as carefree as Nofice, but I remained unscathed before them, proving that my efforts just now were successful. It demonstrated that I could hear their voices and that the Duke had not done anything to me.

"Where is Duke?" Elena asked, standing beside me.

"My father has let me go, so don't worry anymore."

Clearly stating the truth would prevent anyone from worrying because of this. I understand the concerns they have, and I can feel their joy.

Since Elena saw me from the beginning, she noticed that Zi Sirou had always been following behind me obediently. Walking in front of the subject as per the etiquette of the imperial aristocracy – the sovereign before the subjects, the husband before the wife. Protocol still mattered in the Duke's residence. According to the etiquette of the sovereign and subject, Zi Sirou should be in front, followed by Qin Yang. But Zi Sirou clearly did not follow the etiquette of the sovereign and subject. With her serious expression and impeccable manners, anyone unaware would assume she was accompanying her husband out as a guest.

It's not just Elena who can see this, but only Elena cares about it. Li Liu is her sister, and Xiao Qiong, Xiao Yao, their positions mean they can't criticize Zi Sirou. Only someone like Elena, a lady from The Divine Realm's aristocracy, can confront her.

It is often said that silence is more powerful than words. The war of words can be high-level or superficial, but it can't compare to a single action that is more provocative.

Elena casually took my arm and leaned on me.

"Elena, is this kind of behavior suitable for your status?" Zi Sirou narrowed her eyes with immense hostility that was impossible to conceal.

The guards and servants in the courtyard were all watching. It was not good for a noble young lady to do such actions, but Elena seemed indifferent.

"Sister!" Li Liu greeted Zi Sirou with indifference.

Zi Sirou made a hand gesture, asking Li Liu to step back.

Zi Sirou didn't back down at all, as the two of them were used to quarreling.

"Qin Yang, my mother-in-law wants us to get married soon. What are you planning?"

"Marriage?" Bringing this up now, it's like declaring war to the entire world.

"Mother-in-law?" Elena looked at me with suspicion, indicating that she didn't know who my mother-in-law was.

I whispered in Elena's ear, "The 'mother-in-law' is my mother. That day, she didn't die, she was just resurrected by your uncle using forbidden techniques."

Even if it wasn't spoken loudly, it was not good to talk about forbidden techniques in public. The saying goes: "Many people and big mouths are not a good thing."

Elena remembered that her second uncle took her out that day, so she couldn't understand who "your uncle" was in my words.

"My mother didn't die, so my guilt was reduced, and my father didn't plan to do anything to me. It was all just my own overthinking."

"How could this be! My uncle didn't say anything to me either."

"Qin Yang!"

Seeing us whispering, Zi Sirou felt like we were disrespecting her and became really angry. She ignored the etiquette and shouted my name.

"Cough cough! We'll discuss this matter later." By using an authoritative tone, I showed that there was no room for argument, to prevent Zi Sirou from continuing to speak.

"But...""Hush!" Zi Sirou put her hand in front of her mouth and said, "I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back in the evening."

After that, Elena and I went back to the original arena hotel. First, I wanted to see how Wenxin was doing. She had been tortured by that damn cursed dagger for so long, she should still be resting.

Back in the original room, Qingqing was lying beside Wenxin, keeping her company. The two little girls were peacefully asleep. It was already getting dark, and after a day of exhaustion, it was enough.

Everyone else had gone back to their rooms to rest, only I stayed in Wenxin's room.

It had been half a day since Wenxin had been freed from the curse and poison, and I had only come to see her now. I wasn't fulfilling my responsibilities as a brother. But Tong Fei had sacrificed his life, and that counted for something for Wenxin.

I touched Wenxin's forehead. No cold sweat, no fever. It seemed like there were no lingering effects, but the effects might only show up in the long run. I hope there won't be any. That is the best wish of a brother.

Having confirmed that Wenxin was fine, I felt relieved. When I was about to leave the room, I heard noises in the corridor.

"What's your name?" From the tone of voice, it was Elena. She must be asking the girl in the pleated skirt. Among all the people there, she was the only one who needed to ask for a name.

"Ying!" The girl in the pleated skirt replied with just one word.

"What's your last name?"

"Bai!"

"Bai Ying? There have already been enough Dragon Spirit Contractees suddenly appearing by Qin Yang's side. I'm not very surprised by your appearance, but I know all of them, except for you."

I considered whether I should go out and eavesdrop. It could be a good way for a boy to understand a girl's thoughts.

"I don't think it's necessary. Everyone only cares about Qin Yang. Having that in common is enough."

"I'm only here for Xiao Bai."

"Huh?"

After a moment of silence, I almost thought they had left, but I was determined to know Elena's thoughts, what she really meant.

"Hanya and I actually have clear thoughts. We are here for Bai Qin Yang, not the darkness. We're not trying to change, not becoming Demon Dragons, just Xiao Bai."

"But you..."

"It seems like you don't dislike the darkness? I remember what I said. What I have been waiting for is the light, so I am willing to stay by the side of darkness. You are probably just here for Dark Qin Yang, right?"

"Sigh... It's undeniable."

"Do you know? I believe that one day, the light and darkness will separate, they will never be together again, coexisting light and darkness. I truly don't believe it. After that day, you and I will be heirs of different palaces."

"I don't understand what you mean."

"The text on the contract, do you understand it?" I secretly opened a crack in the door. The light coming through the crack showed Elena pulling open her collar and pointing to the text on the Dragon Spirit Contract on her left chest.

"I've never seen this kind of text." Bai Ying was not being modest, she really didn't understand. Among the seven of them, apart from Elena, there might not be anyone else who could understand.

"'Later, the bearer of the queen, will interna..." This is Dragon text, a writing system exclusive to the internal communication of the Dragon Clan. Even scholars who have been studying ancient Dragon Clan relics for a long time only understand the surface. But I've seen your contract text, it's the same, 'later' will appear on the first girl who successfully signs the contract."

"Such a difficult text, do you really understand it?"

"Do you doubt a Dragon's understanding of Dragon text?" Elena raised her hands, a serious and undeniable expression. Bai Ying could not not believe it. Elena really could read this text, because she was originally a member of the Dragon Clan, and one does not make jokes about a Dragon Clan's own writing system.

Bai Ying seemed to be a bit unbelieving. She had always considered herself just like everyone else, never thought she was any different, and never considered the meaning of that strange contract text.

"Do they know the meaning of the contract text?"

"The text on the contracts of the others is 'Queen, serving the ruler, sharing the burden to alleviate worries.' Even if the contract is the second style, it won't change. But I don't need to tell them."

In fact, Elena also knew that the original text on Qiong's back was "Fleeing queen, criminal, exile as punishment."

"Why did you tell me then, let me be kept in the dark with everyone else? Isn't that better?""I want to know whether you choose to follow the white or the black?"

Bai Ying lowered her head and pondered for a moment before replying, "Though I don't believe there will come such a day, if it does, I will choose black, Qin Yang. He has always been there by my side, listening to my stories. He is not white."

Bai Ying's small counterattack against Elena was also countering the noble Miss Elena's presence in The Divine Realm. From Elena's perspective, Bai Ying's aura appeared more masculine.

"Very well, since we have different opinions, why don't we play a game?" Elena smiled slightly, but there was a hint of unease in her smile.

"What kind of game?"

"A game of dividing the harem! Since we are both consorts, like the two colors on a chessboard, let's find our soldiers, knights, war chariots, and wizards, and set up the chessboard for the kings of both sides!"

Elena actually had this idea. What a difficult girl to understand. Bai Ying should also be amazed by how talented she was and how well she planned for him. Moreover, when she leaned against me just now, I didn't even notice how much she could control her thoughts.

"Do you really think this is a good idea?"

"It's not about whether it's good or not, it's about the most reasonable plan." Elena exclaimed angrily. Bai Ying had no choice but to participate in this game, even if he didn't, Elena would proceed with the plan anyway. Though he didn't believe there would come such a day, what if it did? What if one day, even though he had Bai by his side, it would still be disadvantageous for him.

Considering Qin Yang, Bai Ying ultimately agreed and arbitrarily divided my harem into two factions, East Consort - Bai Ying, and West Consort - Elena. However, nobody bothered to ask for my opinion. They seemed to have no intention of telling me. In the past, I would have slammed the door and cursed if this happened. But now, I suddenly felt that this game was quite interesting. I quietly observed as a bystander to see how they would play this game.

In fact, Elena hadn't thought that the position of consort was changeable.

2

As the sound of footsteps gradually faded from the corridor, there seemed to be nowhere to go now. Everyone had returned to their respective homes. I could also walk out freely. On my way back to my room, I couldn't help but sigh. "Bai Ying" turned out to have the same aura as Elena and was a tall and beautiful lady. She was quite a nice girl.

"Hmm!" As soon as I entered the room, I heard a soft exclamation.

Qin Yin had just put on her clothes and immediately hid under the blanket when she saw me.

"Why do you keep startling like that? If a man acts like you, girls will call him a scaredy-cat. You're not like the old me anymore. You're a high-level Magic User."

"You...you...aren't you a Demon Dragon now? You can't share a room with a human, can you?" Qin Yin cautiously revealed her big eyes. When she saw that I had taken off my shirt and was half-naked, her face turned red.

"Classmate, not everyone is the same. I am still me. Just assume it like that. We still have to stay in school, don't make things too complicated. You know that I don't like trouble."

I sat on the edge of Qin Yin's bed and smiled foolishly, lightly touching the ends of her hair on her forehead with my left hand.

Qin Yin was familiar with this smile. I would smile like this to her every day after school in the student dormitory. It eliminated some unnecessary thoughts in her mind. I was still the same as before, and my attitude towards her didn't change just because I gained the memories of a Demon Dragon.

"Ying, I want to participate in the competition for the inheritor."