svetikya Page 33
Page 33
"So, Lord Zhuang Sen, may I have your blood?"
Mira was very anxious. She hadn't been able to drink Zhuang Sen's blood for a week, and she felt like ants were crawling all over her body!
Zhuang Sen had no intention of delaying payment: "Of course, but we can't do it here, can we?"
Mira immediately turned around: "Then let's go back. Anyway, there's nothing to worry about here. It's a deal, 300 milliliters."
"I won't break the contract." Zhuang Sen picked up the somewhat tired Nia. "But Mira, don't go crazy again."
Suddenly having her past exposed, Mira was somewhat taken aback and quickened her pace, but also felt more anxious. Mainly, she lacked confidence that she could control herself and not act like she had last time.
No, this time she must control herself! Just a tiny bit, just a sip, to taste it. The rest will be saved for research to see what's going on with Zhuang Sen's blood! She can do it, no problem!
……
In the restaurant, Zhuang Sen used [Healing] to wipe the wound on his palm and placed the silver cup filled with blood in front of Mira.
As soon as Zhuang Sen started to leave school, Mira, who had already begun to tremble, swallowed hard and nervously picked up the silver cup.
Just one sip, just a little bit!
She silently chanted, and with immense willpower, slowly brought the silver cup to her lips, controlling the angle so that only a small amount of blood rolled down and landed on her tongue. The perfect and pleasurable sensation, which made her soul transcend, instantly overwhelmed her, turning her fair and delicate face pink. Her elegant aura was replaced by fervor, her eyes widened, and her body trembled.
But she did it; she didn't go crazy!
Under Zhuang Sen's gaze, Mira felt that she had made progress.
Just then, the green-clad girl pushed open the door and entered the dining room: "Lord Zhuang Sen, the seed you asked me to plant has... huh?"
The instant Zhuang Sen looked toward Hana at the sound, Mira, who had just emptied her silver cup, immediately pounced on her.
……
The white light of "purification" slowly disappeared, and Miss Mira, who had been pinned to the table by Zhuang Sen, regained her senses. Her face was flushed, and it was hard to tell whether it was from embarrassment or excitement, but at this moment, it was probably more from embarrassment.
Zhuang Sen pondered for a moment, then released Mira's head and hand: "Looks like you need a new job again, Mira."
Miss Mira was feeling unwell and didn't want to talk.
Zhuang Sen smiled, deciding not to provoke her further, and turned to Hana: "Hana, what happened to the Divine Seed?"
Hannah withdrew her gaze from Mira and the silver cup in her hand, and replied happily, "Your seed has sprouted. I think you would like to see it?"
"So fast?" Zhuang Sen was surprised but also pleased. He reached out and patted Hannah's head. "You did very well, Miss Hannah."
Hana excitedly rubbed against Zhuang Sen's palm. The warmth gave her a little courage, and she cautiously asked, "Um, Mr. Zhuang Sen, what's wrong with Miss Mira?"
"Just a side effect of the research." Zhuang Sen paused, then added, "Well, it seems there's something wrong with my blood, which caused this situation."
Hana was somewhat disappointed by the first half of the perfunctory reply, but immediately cheered up upon hearing the second half, as if Zhuang Sen was deliberately using rhetoric to manipulate her emotions. Although Zhuang Sen only gave a perfunctory answer and then felt there was no need to be so wary of his monster girl—hmm, that seems to be the gist of it?
In short, Hannah astutely concluded from the silver cup and the wetness at the corner of Mira's mouth: "Lord Johnson, was Miss Mira just drinking your blood?"
"Yes, but that was just for research purposes."
Studying Mira is also research.
Hannah's lips twitched, as if she wanted to voice her inner desire. She also wanted Zhuang Sen's fluids—a primal craving that erupted after discovering that someone was drinking Zhuang Sen's blood. But like other desires, it was defeated by Hannah's social anxiety and inferiority complex. She glanced enviously at Mira, but their eyes met unexpectedly, causing Mira to immediately shrink back like a startled rabbit.
Lord Zhuang Sen's hands are still the warmest~
She squinted her eyes and earnestly enjoyed today's extra touch.
Mira stared intently at the scene, a strange impulse rising within her, making her want to kneel before Johnson like Hana, letting him caress her. But this impulse wasn't as strong as her thirst for blood; it was more like some kind of byproduct. Mira easily suppressed it, and a sense of crisis arose within her.
She had only drunk his blood twice, yet she had developed such an impulse towards Zhuang Sen, this "stranger." If she continued to drink his blood, wouldn't that mean... In other words, were the women around Zhuang Sen controlled by his blood?
Like this Miss Hannah, she's clearly an introverted lady, so why is she so... shameless in front of Zhuang Sen!
Reason gradually prevailed, and Miss Mira decided to run away. That's right, as long as she got away from Zhuang Sen, she wouldn't have to worry about being subtly controlled or losing her composure again. The only price was... never being able to drink such delicious blood again!
Well, it's too late.
Mira sadly realized that she seemed to have become completely dependent on Zhuang Sen's blood. The thought of never being able to taste that delicious liquid again made her feel like ants were crawling all over her body, and her mind was trembling! Just a week ago, she didn't have these symptoms; she had only drunk it a second time…
Mira's inner turmoil remained unseen. Even though Zhuang Sen was observing her closely, he only saw her deep in thought. Her elegant and calm demeanor made it seem as if she was analyzing Zhuang Sen's blood... Hmm, that doesn't seem wrong either?
In short, Zhuang Sen felt that it wasn't the right time for Mira to awaken, so what kind of work should she be doing?
Just as Zhuang Sen was troubled, Mira spoke up: "Lord Zhuang Sen, I would like to study the blood of the other bloodline members under your command... perhaps we can analyze the problem with your blood from another angle."
It sounds like an excuse a vampire made up to get blood...
Although that's what he thought, Zhuang Sen had already tested it with Mira. She only had an abnormal reaction to Zhuang Sen's blood. She didn't have any urge to drink the blood of Nia, Mira, or even randomly drawn ordinary people, just like she used to.
I just don't know if things will change after awakening.
Zhuang Sen pondered for a moment, then nodded: "No problem, I hope you can achieve some results in your research."
Mira glanced at Hana, who was still actively rubbing against Zhuang Sen's hand, and suddenly felt a competitive urge. She slightly raised her chin and said, "I am the youngest tower master in the Thousand Towers Kingdom!"
“Alright, then I’ll trouble you.” Zhuang Sen shrugged in agreement, then pulled Hana up. “As for me, I need to go check on my seeds first.”
Chapter 77: The Sacred Scale Fruit Tree
Hana's land is located within Thorn Manor, right next to the main building. It was originally the pleasure quarters of that fat man, Neil Leon, a flower field with a gazebo, irrigation canals, a swimming pool, and a separate wall. However, since Hana arrived, all those flowers, which were only pretty but useless, have been cleared out and replaced with various seasonal potion ingredients, leaving it looking rather bare.
In the middle of this barren land, a tender white "sapling," only about thirty centimeters tall, stands tall, emitting a faint white glow under the sunlight, making it quite eye-catching.
Looking at the white tree, Dantalian felt a sense of familiarity, as if she had met a fellow countryman in a foreign land, and there was a natural affinity between them: "Is this the true form of the Sacred Seed? A tree?"
Now, Zhuang Sen, who is of rankless angelic blood, has the same feeling, but in addition, the system has also provided more detailed information.
【Sacred Scale Fruit Tree - Seedling Stage: A sacred-attribute tree-like plant, three years old. After maturity, it can be used as an anchor for sacred-type monster girl nests. The fruit provides a trace amount of sacred energy and has medicinal value.】
[Current Status: Anawa is undergoing labor induction, with excessive nutrition]
Although there was a lot of information in this description, and it was the main ingredient of the [Holy Potion], Zhuang Sen did not get lost in it. Instead, he quickly looked at Hana, who looked as cute as a little hamster, with a cautious yet expectant expression.
"You did a great job, Hana!" Zhuang Sen waved his hand and patted Hana's head again, bringing a happy smile to the socially awkward Sunflower Girl's face once more. She herself didn't really know why, but being near Zhuang Sen and touching him gave her a sense of security and satisfaction.
On the other side, Mira instinctively moved away from the sacred Sacred Scale Fruit Tree. Watching the friendly interaction between Zhuang Sen and Hana, the impulse under her blood addiction surged again, forcing her to ask a question to divert her attention: "Lord Zhuang Sen, what kind of plant is this?"
"Just a potion ingredient," Zhuang Sen said casually, focusing his attention on Hana. "Hana, what reward do you want?"
"Huh?" Hana was taken aback, then quickly refused, "No, this is just my duty, I don't need any reward..."
She was already very happy. What if she became greedy and displeased Lord Zhuang Sen? Although she actually wanted to get closer to Lord Zhuang Sen, for example... Hana glanced at Mira, who was far away. She also wanted to be able to drink Zhuang Sen's blood, just like Mira.
It was easy to guess what the socially anxious girl was thinking. Zhuang Sen saw through her interest at a glance, so he firmly said, "No, you need it."
Zhuang Sen's decisive tone left Hana with no choice but to timidly reply, "Then, I would like to ask Lord Zhuang Sen..."
Her lips twitched several times, but under the gazes of Dantalian, Nia, and Mira, she ultimately didn't dare to say that she also wanted to drink Zhuang Sen's blood. Instead, she said, "...I would like to ask Lord Zhuang Sen to hold my hand every day from now on!"
Upon hearing this, Nia remained unfazed; the dwarf girl was simply watching the drama unfold. Dantalian and Mira, however, exchanged uneasy glances. The former's eyes sharpened instantly, as if she had caught a meowing cat stealing cream, while Mira looked on with fear and struggle, as if she saw her future self reflected in them, yet also with a sense of helplessness—it was too late; she could no longer live without Zhuang Sen's blood.
"..." Zhuang Sen was somewhat surprised, but quickly recovered and grasped Hana's nervously twisting hands. The cool sensation flowed into Zhuang Sen's palms, stirring his heart. A thought that had been lingering in his mind for the past few days became even more profound.
That is to help Hannah "get revenge." Or to put it less childishly and more pragmatically, to continue to do Hannah favors so as to gain deeper control over her.
As mentioned earlier, Hana isn't good at hiding her emotions, and Zhuang Sen had already noticed her closeness and "distance" towards him during this time. The closeness goes without saying; her daily head pats were practically muscle memory for Zhuang Sen. The distance, on the other hand, refers to how she always deliberately created emotional distance between them.
Although it came to pat its head every day, it rarely said anything affectionate, let alone complained or made any demands. It was like a highly wary young animal, ready to retreat into its den at any moment. Zhuang Sen was actually quite familiar with this state; most orphans went through a similar period, especially when they were bullied.
The "treatment" is simple: just retaliate against the bullies. If someone is willing to help, it's easy to gain their trust and favor. This is what Zhuang Sen plans to do... It sounds a bit despicable, but thankfully Zhuang Sen never claims to be a gentleman.
"Hana, what are the names of all the people who bullied you?"
"Huh?" Hana was taken aback, then shook her head repeatedly after realizing what she meant. "No, no need, it would only cause you trouble."
“Just call me Zhuang Sen from now on.” Zhuang Sen tightened his grip on Hana’s hands. “Besides, this isn’t a problem. If I don’t even stand up for my own chief gardener when he’s being bullied, how am I supposed to recruit others? A lord who can’t protect his vassals will be ridiculed. Hana, you don’t want me to be mocked as a coward or a weakling, do you?”
"Woo..."
Hana let out a cute whimper. She was speechless and unable to refute Zhuang Sen's words. However, she was still filled with fear and anxiety. To put it bluntly, she was so insecure that she did not trust Zhuang Sen's words. She did not think she was worth making Zhuang Sen offend others, and she did not want to trouble Zhuang Sen.
But she didn't dare refuse Zhuang Sen, so she could only look at him with teary eyes, making it seem as if Zhuang Sen was bullying her. This was different from what Zhuang Sen had imagined; back then, he would grab bricks and sacks and get to work.
Just as Zhuang Sen was taken aback, the professional avenger, the holy nun, descended like an angel and resolved the awkward situation: "Miss Hannah, Lord Zhuang Sen is the chosen one of our great goddesses of vengeance. Righteous revenge is his duty, so there is no need to worry."
Nia added, "Besides, those who bully Miss Hannah aren't enough of a problem for you, dear, especially since Baron Flor is one of them."
Hannah quickly shook her head: "No, Father just doesn't have much time to care about these little things, he didn't mean to mistreat me..."
Baron Flor wouldn't go so far as to target one of his ordinary daughters, but he also didn't have time to care if such a daughter was being bullied by her siblings.
"So there was some unintentional mistreatment?" Zhuang Sen interjected. "I see. It seems the price we paid for Baron Flor's plate armor was too low."
"Lord Zhuang Sen..." Hana was about to cry.
But deep down, it was impossible not to feel moved. Mira, who had been observing coldly, couldn't help but become wary, thinking to herself, "Zhuang Sen, what a dangerous man..."
Of course, Miss Mira felt absolutely no envy or jealousy whatsoever!
The author says:
Author's note: I've been diagnosed with tenosynovitis. Hopefully, I'll recover before I run out of manuscripts.
Chapter 78: Bandit Harassment
Although the mission was to avenge Hannah, they certainly weren't going to the Flor family's territory immediately. Otherwise, by the time Johnson and the others returned, they might only find the blacksmith shop reduced to ashes by the Church of War. Besides, Hannah herself didn't seem to have recovered from the ordeal yet, and taking her there now might cause trouble if she chickened out and didn't dare to fight.
As for how to change her mindset, Zhuang Sen had already figured it out. If he wasn't mistaken, Ange or the War Church's new tactics should already be on their way...
in the afternoon.
A disheveled merchant was led into the main building's reception room by the vengeful female warrior. His yellow embroidered silk coat was torn in several places, revealing dripping blood. This once luxurious garment, which might have cost several gold coins, had been reduced to rags, and the gleaming wounds explained the reason.
"You mean that at the crossroads after you passed those three walls, you were robbed by more than thirty bandits, all twelve guards you hired were killed, and the four sets of plate armor, twenty fine steel longswords, and ten steel axes you bought from me were also stolen?"
"My lord, Chosen One! I'm telling the truth! The corpses of those mercenaries are still at the crossroads!"
Seeing the merchant crawling on the ground, wailing and crying with snot and tears streaming down his face, and trying to throw himself at his own leg, Zhuang Sen quickly stopped him: "I'm not questioning you, I'm just wondering when such a large number of bandits appeared, and I remember that intersection was within Strau's control area, not far from her walled pass, and she didn't send any troops to support us?"
The merchant remained silent, and even his weeping subsided; he was clearly a shrewd man.
Of course, Leon Territory cannot be said to be without bandits and robbers, but bandits and robbers are not like those in games, who have full sets of armor and exquisite weapons, and who have a tight organization and a large number of members—those are generally called enemy forces.
Zhuang Sen remembered that although the merchant's guards were not all heavily armored, they were all wearing leather armor and helmets, and their weapons included long spears, shields, short bows, and battle axes. The leader was an old soldier wearing a full set of scale armor and using a two-handed battle axe. Such a skilled mercenary could at most suffer some losses against thirty bandits, and it was impossible for them to be completely wiped out, unless those bandits were more elite and better equipped than them.
So either the merchant was stupid enough to fabricate a lie that would be easily exposed to Zhuang Sen, or those bandits had another identity.
“They’re from the Church of War, aren’t they?” Dantalian, standing to Zhuang Sen’s left, spoke up, her eyes turning cold. “Attacking innocent merchants, what a despicable tactic.”
"In their eyes, they might even think this merchant is a traitor..." Zhuang Sen smiled at the trembling merchant. "Sir, I sympathize with your plight. How about this, I can sell you the same quantity of goods at half price as a token of my sympathy for your situation..."
"Sir, this..." The merchant anxiously tried to interject, but as Zhuang Sen's eyes turned cold, he immediately shut his mouth.
“I know what you want to say, sir. You’re just worried that those bandits will come again. Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll send thirty warriors to escort you to Starry Night City, but only this once. And I hope you can tell other people about this. Don’t worry, just tell me the version you just told me.”
The merchant nodded tremblingly: "Your command, sir."
"Go down." Zhuang Sen waved his hand and nodded to the vengeful female warrior who had brought him there.
After they all left, Dantalian shook her head and sat on the armrest of Zhuang Sen's chair. Her broad, full hips and voluptuous waist stretched out seductive curves with the movement. She put her right arm around Zhuang Sen's shoulder and pulled him close to her, saying disdainfully, "The guys from the Church of War really have no shame. They even resort to tricks like pretending to be bandits."
Zhuang Sen leaned against the plump, alluring flesh with a smug look, his small, not-so-clean hand touching the fragrant, plump buttocks in front of him: "Why not use it if it's so useful? Besides, they might not all be from the church. Maybe they're subordinates of my brothers and sisters. Didn't Bishop Rosa write to say that the War Church has allied with them?"
Dantalian, aroused by the touch, slowly slid her right hand down from Zhuang Sen's shoulder, but she hadn't forgotten the important matter: "So what do we do next? We can't send avenging warrior to escort every caravan, can we? We don't have that many people."
"Then let all the caravans set off together and accept the unified protection of the Vengeful Warriors," Zhuang Sen said casually. "Whether it's the Church of War or the Anti-Zhuang Sen Alliance, no matter what name they pretend to be, they can't actually kill all our customers. Or rather, they can't even deal with our most important customers by bandits. The Falau Merchant Guild has more than thirty guards. They wouldn't be stupid enough to send bloodline members to be bandits, would they?"
Any bloodline member, even a first-level one, can become a glorious noble knight and live a life far better than robbery, as long as they are willing to swear allegiance. Therefore, if a bloodline member is found as a bandit, it is tantamount to declaring that they are not bandits. Furthermore, the abilities of bloodline members are generally very distinctive, making it easy to identify them. It can be said that unless the Church of War wants to completely lose face, they will not send them out.
Well, especially considering the possibility of being surrounded and killed, Zhuang Sen has four bloodline users on the surface. Unless they send someone who has undergone a second awakening, but the Church of Vengeance is not without second awakenings.
If they continue to escalate the situation—why don't they just eliminate the problem altogether?
Burning down Zhuang Sen's blacksmith shop and killing or kidnapping his blacksmiths would be much easier and faster than harassing merchants, wouldn't it? Plus, it would avoid damaging his reputation and might even increase his deterrent effect.
Dantalian also changed her mind, pinching Da Zhuangsen as she said, "So, they were just deliberately harassing us?"
"Hmm, on one hand, they're harassing our customers, and on the other hand, they probably want us to think that their methods are limited to this, so we'll lower our guard." Zhuang Sen's hand slipped inside the nun's habit, stroking the smooth black stockings.
"What if they really only intend to use this method? After all, the impact is still quite significant." Dantalian narrowed her eyes, adjusted her posture, and placed her long legs between Zhuang Sen's legs, her large breasts swaying close to Zhuang Sen's face.
“If my mother weren’t Lia Farau and my father weren’t Count Cross, then perhaps it would be possible, but now that they want to stop me from taking away their arms business, they have to quickly launch better or at least the same products before I sell enough goods. So I think they’ll be serious soon. I need to be more vigilant these next few days and send a letter to Bishop Rosa to tell her about the situation here and ask her to be more vigilant as well.”
Zhuang Sen hugged Dantalian's long, full, and fleshy thighs and said seriously.
"And tonight?" Dantalian blinked.
“She definitely won’t come tonight.” Zhuang Sen moved his hands up and hugged the nun’s waist, which was still slender in proportion but had become somewhat exaggerated in size. He buried his head between her large breasts and walked upstairs.