Chapter 67: 066 ‘Demon King Mansion
In the garden filled with birdsong and fragrance, Shane and Lasha stood facing each other, one radiating an aura of aggression, the other maintaining a calmness that was so exceptional it made the atmosphere oppressive.
Shane attempted to determine the truth behind Lasha’s words through her demeanor.
After all, Shane was not naïve enough to take the words of a stranger at face value.
However, Lasha’s behavior was too calm, showing no emotional fluctuation whatsoever and remaining indifferent under the oppressive force of Shane’s aura.
Although she exuded no sense of power and seemed just like an ordinary Maid compared to Laischa, who was imbued with an incredible aura, it was highly unusual for someone like her to maintain such composure under Shane’s explosive temper; even Laischa probably couldn’t have managed it, let alone a Maid with no sense of power.
Was she truly Laischa’s twin sister?
If so, why would the twin sister of the free-spirited Lady assume the identity of her Maid?
(I can’t make sense of it.)
Shane kept sizing up Lasha until she confirmed that no matter what, she could not fathom her thoughts, and finally gave up.
At that moment, Shane considered for a while, then slowly began to retract her Magic Power.
“Skill acquired—[Oppression]—do you wish to learn it?”
In such circumstances, a new skill had been obtained by Shane.
Shane glanced at it and discovered that it was an active skill that could apply both mental and physical Oppression to all targets within a certain range by releasing Magic Power or one’s own imposing aura.
Perhaps Shane acquired this skill directly because she had taken such actions?
Shane thought and decided to learn the skill for the time being.
“Don’t let me find out you were just joking.”
Leaving these words for Lasha, Shane picked up her pace once more.
However, this time, Shane was not preparing to enter the mansion, but stepped out of the garden and left directly.
“May I ask where you are going?”
Lasha, watching Shane do this, asked calmly.
Shane, however, paid no attention to her and stepped straight out of the garden.
“I knew it, you’re the type to play your cards in an unconventional way.”
With a voice that sounded somewhat resigned, the space around Shane distorted, and the scenery began to change.
Shane only saw a blur before her eyes, and soon after, she was in a luxurious reception room.
Lasha, who had been transported along with Shane, bowed to the owner of the reception room.
“You have worked hard, Lasha.”
The girl sitting at a reception table, identical in both form and appearance to Lasha but dressed in a formal gown, smiled at Lasha and then turned to Shane.
“I mean, since you’re here, why are you in such a hurry to leave?”
Laischa rolled her eyes at Shane.
In response, Shane felt almost no fluctuation in her emotions.
“The Lady is fragile and precious, and also has quite the temper—choosing whom she wants to see and rejecting those she doesn’t concern herself with. It’s truly majestic. Someone like me, a lowly Newbie Adventurer, shouldn’t overstep, so it’s better to leave promptly, don’t you think?”
Shane’s words were clearly edged with sarcasm.
“It was just about sending those friends of yours back, and yet you walked out. You were the one who knocked, after all; who’s really the temperamental one here?” Laischa said with a teasing smirk. “If it weren’t for you, they couldn’t even have broken the Barrier outside and wouldn’t have been able to set foot in here. Seeing my Huaming Pavilion should already be considered a gain, right?”
“Is that so?” Shane replied, her voice still laced with sarcasm. “Are we supposed to feel honored?”
“Of course,” Laischa said with an air of matter-of-fact, smiling meaningfully at Shane. “Do you know what this Huaming Pavilion used to be called?”
Shane furrowed her brow.
Seeing this, Laischa smiled and revealed:
“In the past, this place was known as the Demon King Mansion.”
At those words, Shane’s eyes flickered slightly.
“Yes, this place used to be an official residence utilized by the Demon King. It only became known as Huaming Pavilion after I stole it,”
Laischa revealed, smiling in a way that shocked everyone.
“You stole the Demon King’s official residence?”
Even Shane was rendered speechless by this statement.
“It was just on my way,” Laischa replied nonchalantly, not elaborating further, only gesturing toward the seat in front of her, “Sit down, will you? It’s not every day you come by, so the least I can do is offer you a cup of tea, how about it?”
Shane didn’t move, simply rolling his eyes around.
Seeing this, Laischa’s expression became wary.
“Please, do not do anything neurotic again. I’m begging you; it’s really testing my spirit and heart,” Laischa nearly ground her teeth, continuing, “Don’t you want to know why those from the Old Demon Clan Faction are looking for me? You and those girls must have had a purpose in coming here too, right? Talking with me shouldn’t be a bad thing, should it?”
The series of questions clearly conveyed how exasperated Laischa was with Shane’s unpredictable actions.
Shane rolled his eyes, then, somewhat reluctantly, moved forward and sat down across from Laischa.
No sooner had Shane sat down than Lasha, who had been standing by silently, appeared beside him with a tray holding tea sets without anyone noticing when she had moved.
“Please, enjoy your tea.”
With a voice much calmer and cooler than that of a typical maid, Lasha spoke softly while lightly placing the steaming, fragrant cup of tea in front of Shane.
This time, Shane made no other move.
Protected by the skill “Abnormal State Resistance,” Shane had no fear of being poisoned in his tea.
Therefore, Shane took the teacup and took a sip of the tempting tea.
In an instant, the delicious taste spread within his mouth.
“This is really good…”
Shane couldn’t help but express his surprise, murmuring the thought aloud without realizing it.
“Isn’t it?” Laischa immediately responded as if she had been complimented, joyfully saying, “The tea that Lasha brews is considered the finest in the Three Realms.”
Laischa seemed to take pride in this fact.
“You flatter me, Lady,”
Lasha returned with a plain remark.
“I’m merely stating the truth.”
Laischa, on that account, showed a strange stubbornness.
Shane understood Laischa’s pride.
The tea indeed tasted delicious and fragrant, almost as fine as the one Shane had previously enjoyed at Nien’s place.
Being able to serve something on par with the tea used by the Goddess to entertain guests, it was understandable to show off a little.
Unfortunately, Shane wasn’t really here for tea.
“Let’s cut to the chase.” Without any courtesy, Shane directly addressed Laischa, “The person the Old Demon Clan Faction is looking for… it’s you, isn’t it?”
In response to this statement, Laischa simply smiled, her silence speaking volumes.
It was a confirmation.
For the portrait carried by Killian was of Laischa.
That’s why Shane, who had fought with Laischa, was said to have remnants of her magic power.
That’s why Killian followed this magic power to find Shane and interrogate him.
It made sense that Tielle would have a lead.
When down in the Mangar Mountain Range, Laischa had given Shane her address.
The invitation containing the address was buried by Shane but was picked up by Tielle, who had seen everything.
And so, they were all able to find this place.