Chapter 617: Reunion After a Long Separation

Former Site of the Raifurut Residence.

The annihilation of the Raifurut family and the razing of their residence by a meteor shower had only happened last night.

Therefore, the heavily armored knights of the Imperial Knight Order still surrounded the area, not allowing anyone to enter or exit.

Magicians and officials from the Imperial Palace walked back and forth, occasionally casting magic and recording something, clearly investigating the truth behind the Raifurut family’s destruction.

Although a meteor shower had completely destroyed the place and almost wiped out the entire Raifurut family, making it difficult to investigate further, magic existed in this world, and some special types of magic could still uncover some clues.

For example, there was magic that could rewind scenes, allowing people to see past events.

For example, there was magic that could detect magic power and aura with extreme precision, picking out the culprit’s magic power from the numerous residual traces, recording it, and then using tracking magic to apprehend them.

The people from the Imperial Palace were making such preparations. It wouldn’t be long before they could pinpoint the mysterious expert’s location, even without knowing their true identity.

At least, that’s what they thought.

Unfortunately, they didn’t know that Shien possessed the Heaven’s Decree skill [Inner Awareness of Heaven’s Decree], which could evade all magic-based detection.

Therefore, even if they recorded Shien’s magic power, it would be impossible to track him.

Moreover, although Shien had left behind a large amount of residual magic power last night, he wasn’t the only one there.

Finding Shien’s magic power from among so many others wasn’t a simple task.

Even if, by some chance, the Empire did find him, as Rockto said before, they wouldn’t dare to provoke a top-tier Legendary-level expert so easily.

Of course, these considerations were irrelevant to the people here.

They only needed to carry out their assigned tasks, without thinking too much.

Under such circumstances, the people here continued their work, making the place quite lively.

However, from time to time, some conversations could be heard.

“Has His Majesty really gone mad?”

“Madness-inducing magic…”

“To be afflicted by such powerful magic that only the Pope of the Kingdom’s Temple can dispel, His Majesty is truly unlucky.”

“But this also means that someone infiltrated the Imperial Palace again and even attacked the Emperor, right?”

“Who could have such ability?”

“Is it the phantom thief from before?”

“I think it’s that mysterious expert.”

“Being infiltrated repeatedly, the Imperial Palace is no longer as impenetrable as before.”

“I heard that the nobles and high-ranking officials are going crazy, and the Imperial Palace is in chaos.”

“Not only do they need to deal with His Majesty’s situation, but the Imperial Palace is no longer safe. They must be worried about who the next victim will be.”

“Serves them right. They always order us around, sitting comfortably in the Imperial Palace, thinking that they’re untouchable. Now they’re all panicking.”

“I heard that a viscount family in the south was also silently annihilated.”

“No way?”

“What’s going on recently?”

“Why are so many things happening in the Imperial Capital?”

“I have a feeling something big is about to happen.”

“What… what should we do?”

Such conversations frequently occurred, and many people showed unease and confusion.

The Imperial Capital was indeed in turmoil, causing fear and anxiety among many.

Most nobles were also on edge, constantly worried and paying close attention to all the recent events and rumors.

The people’s hearts were wavering.

Under such circumstances, Shien, the instigator of everything, suddenly appeared here silently.

Unnoticed, he used the superb concealment of [Inner Awareness of Heaven’s Decree] to enter the Raifurut residence and came to an excavated area.

Many magicians were working here, using magic to move stones.

According to their investigation, they had discovered a vast underground space beneath the Raifurut residence.

That was where Shien buried the Raifuruts alive.

At this moment, court magicians from the Imperial Palace were using magic to excavate the area again, preparing to enter and investigate.

Shien watched this scene and closed his eyes.

The perception of [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree] spread out, and under Shien’s control, it directly penetrated underground.

Shien was also investigating this place.

After using the perception of [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree], Shien immediately made a discovery.

“It really is here.”

Shien smiled wryly, and with a step, he disappeared.

When he reappeared, he was already underground beneath the Raifurut residence.

However, Shien wasn’t in the previous underground hall, but in a hidden space.

This place was located deep underground beneath the Raifurut residence and seemed to be protected by a barrier, clearly a very important location.

But now, with the Raifurut family gone, it didn’t matter how important this place was. The barrier was useless, and even if someone touched it, no one would notice.

Shien didn’t bother destroying it, instead using teleportation to pass through it.

Upon entering, Shien was surprised.

“So this is their treasury?”

This place was filled with gold, silver, treasures, just like the warehouse he found in the High Priest’s secret base, and various precious magic tools.

This was undoubtedly the Raifurut family’s treasury.

“Holy moly.”

Shien sighed.

He should have looted this place before leaving.

Fortunately, no one had arrived yet. Otherwise, these treasures would definitely be confiscated by the Empire.

“If I ever annihilate another family, I should remember to loot the place first.”

Shien decided not to miss such an opportunity again.

As an Earl, although not as poor as before, he was still relying on Yulin to make his fortune.

In other words, his personal treasury wasn’t as full as those of these long-established nobles.

In terms of personal wealth, Shien was undoubtedly the poorest among the Earls, even inferior to some Viscounts and Barons.

If there was a chance to enrich his treasury, he naturally wouldn’t miss it.

Thinking of this, Shien couldn’t help but walk towards the treasures.

Just then…

“Swoosh!”

A black shadow suddenly appeared behind Shien, leaping up and approaching from behind.

In its hand, crimson magic power flickered on a blade, bringing a sharp sense of danger.

Undoubtedly, it was the [Magic Sword] skill.

The sudden attacker, wielding [Magic Sword], slashed mercilessly at Shien’s neck.

But just as the [Magic Sword] was about to reach Shien’s neck, he abruptly turned around, reached out, and grabbed the attacker’s arm.

The attacker’s [Magic Sword] stopped before Shien’s neck, their hand tightly grasped by Shien, unable to move.

“…!”

The attacker immediately raised their other hand.

Another blade appeared, also flickering with crimson magic power.

Seeing this, Shien wasn’t surprised but delighted.

“Alright, lass,” Shien said impatiently, “Don’t tell me you’re really planning to murder your husband?”

Hearing these words, the attacker’s blade stopped.

Even the hand grasped by Shien relaxed, and the crimson magic blade on the other blade quickly disappeared.

Silence descended.

The attacker’s appearance was revealed to Shien.

It was a petite girl wielding two blades, wearing a cloak and hood like him.

“…Is that you?”

After a long silence, a familiar, cold voice came from under the girl’s hood.

Shien stared at her.

“Who else could it be?”

Shien couldn’t help but say reproachfully.

𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Hearing this, the girl finally relaxed.

Shien released her hand.

She immediately sheathed her blades and removed her hood.

A face wearing a half-mask was revealed to Shien.

Her long purple hair was braided and hung down her back, a pleasing sight.

It was Diere.

Diere stared intently at Shien.

Shien understood and removed his hood as well.

Seeing the familiar face before her, Diere’s eyes flickered.

Soon, Diere lowered her head.

“…Why are you here?”

Diere asked softly, like a child who had done something wrong.

“Why?” Shien said even more impatiently, “If I didn’t come, were you really planning to stay here and be chased by those bastards?”

Diere was speechless.

This past month had been very difficult for her.

Even though she had been mentally prepared and could endure it, she still felt somewhat ashamed before Shien.

Seeing this, Shien sighed helplessly.

“Come here.”

Shien opened his arms towards Diere casually.

Diere looked up at him.

In the next moment, Diere stepped forward without hesitation, removing her mask, revealing her stunningly beautiful face, and threw herself into Shien’s arms.

Their lips met in a deep kiss.

Reunited after a month of separation, both Shien Buztout and Diere were filled with excitement. After all, they had parted ways after a passionate encounter.

So, their kiss was fervent and intense. If not for the inappropriate location, they might have already engaged in another passionate activity.

They finally parted after a long while, breathless. Shien was completely relieved.

“How are you?” Shien asked, holding Diere, “I heard you were seriously injured.”

He was referring to Diere’s infiltration of the Imperial Palace, the Raifurut ambush, and the wound to her abdomen.

“I’m fine,” Diere said softly, burying her head in Shien’s chest, “I was prepared and brought plenty of healing potions.”

Diere lifted her clothes, showing Shien her abdomen. He saw a bandage, slightly bloodied, but not too serious. The potions must have healed the wound considerably. However, the fact that she needed potions meant the injury was severe at the time.

“[Celestial Breathe].”

Shien cast the highest-level healing magic on Diere, starlight enveloping her.

Diere closed her eyes, seemingly comfortable, but remained silent, snuggling in Shien’s arms, as if savoring his scent.

Soon, the faint smell of blood on Diere disappeared. Such a wound wouldn’t last long under the effects of [Celestial Breathe].

Shien was relieved, then couldn’t help but complain,

“I told you not to come alone, and now I have to come and get you.”

He had to complain. Diere had insisted on coming to the Empire alone.

If she had succeeded, it would be a different story. Unfortunately, she underestimated Mara, the Raifuruts, and her opponents, ending up injured and hunted.

Diere knew it was her fault. She admitted she underestimated the enemy, being too eager and falling into their trap.

If not for several strokes of luck, she might have died in the Imperial Palace.

No, it wasn’t just luck.

“You arranged for someone to protect me, helping me escape several times, right?” Diere looked up at Shien.

Shien didn’t deny it.

“Just in case,” he shrugged, “Not that I underestimate you, but the opponents are dangerous, and you’re still young. Neither I nor Vivian would be at ease letting you come alone without any arrangements.”

Then, Shien spoke to someone else,

“Why? Haven’t you shown yourself to her yet?”

“Didn’t you say not to let her find me?”

Leisha emerged from a spatial distortion.

“Finally decided to show up, huh, milady?”

Shien complained again, not about Leisha not showing herself, but about her not bringing Diere to him after he arrived in the Imperial Capital.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Leisha said, pointing at Diere, “Your little lover is incredibly stubborn. Watching her these past few weeks made me worry constantly. If I appeared and said I’d take her to you, do you think she’d agree?”

Leisha’s voice was filled with helplessness and exhaustion. She’d clearly been worried about Diere’s safety.

Shien looked at Diere.

“…I was just ashamed to see you,” Diere said, avoiding his gaze.

She’d known Shien was in the Imperial Capital, sensing it almost immediately. After all, she was devoted to him, and with the [Goddess of Fate’s Blessing], it was normal for her to have a premonition.

But she was ashamed to see him. She’d boasted about coming to the Empire alone, yet she not only failed but was also almost killed. She could imagine Shien’s anger.

Therefore, she didn’t dare to see him, wanting to make one last effort. She came here to see if what she was looking for was in the Raifurut residence.

She hadn’t expected Shien to find her, and in her surprise, she didn’t even recognize his aura or magic power before attacking.

Fortunately, Shien was skilled. Otherwise, seeing her ruthless attack, he might have been injured by his own “wife.”

Leisha felt she had a say in this.

“You seem different,” she said, looking at Shien with surprise and confusion, “You’ve become much stronger.”

Diere also seemed to notice, sensing Shien’s unfathomable magic power.

Their surprise was understandable.

A month ago, when they left for the Imperial Capital, Shien hadn’t started his extreme training with [Divine Grace] and [Fate and Logic], hadn’t fused his seven Heaven’s Decree skills, and his level was below seventy.

Now, Shien was completely transformed.

He didn’t deny it.

“I’ve been to the Inner Sanctum,” he said, “So, you know.”

Leisha and Diere understood.

“So you’ve become stronger again?” Leisha muttered, “Is that even fair?”

Leisha was the first to recognize Shien as a Hero. Back then, Shien had only been in this world for less than a month, yet he could fight her to a standstill without even using his Holy Sword.

Every time she saw him, he was stronger.

Now, she couldn’t even fathom his strength.

Even for a Hero with unlimited potential, this growth rate was abnormal.

Diere was also surprised by Shien’s rapid growth. She knew he was stronger than her and was growing quickly, no less than the princess.

But now, she felt she had underestimated his growth rate.

He was even more outstanding than the princess.

Even entering the Inner Sanctum and gaining enlightenment was extraordinary.

Of course, Diere was happy about Shien’s growth. After all, she was devoted to him, and his strength reassured her.

During this month, after experiencing several life-or-death situations in the Imperial Capital, Diere’s strength had also increased dramatically.

Shien was surprised to find that her level had broken through to seventy.

Diere was level seventy.

“She reached level seventy at an even younger age than Lucy.”

Diere’s growth rate surpassed Lucy’s. This would cause a sensation in the Kingdom.

Leisha, who had been secretly watching over Diere, had the most to say about this.

“You two are both monsters, no, all Heroes and Hero descendants are monsters.”

Leisha was a little jealous. Her level hadn’t even broken through eighty yet.

“That’s because you, a Spatial Magician, only know how to play hide-and-seek, running away whenever things get tough. How can you grow like that?”

Shien teased mercilessly.

“Do… do you think I want to?”

Leisha was almost angered to death.

If it weren’t for her face causing so many problems, she would have loved to stand at the forefront and fight.

Could she be blamed for this? If anyone was to blame, it was this damned world!

Leisha was filled with resentment.

But Shien ignored her.

“Tell me,” he said to Diere in his arms, “What have you been doing this past month?”

Diere nodded silently.

Then, she began to speak.