Chapter 727: True Intentions

Afterward, Shien and Shafney chatted idly, passing the time. Although most of the time it was Shien asking questions and Shafney answering, the atmosphere between them was quite pleasant.

Whether it was due to their recent experiences, their relationship changing completely, or simply because no one had ever chatted so casually and peacefully with Shafney before, Shien didn’t know, but Shafney seemed to be enjoying their conversation.

If others saw this scene, they would be greatly surprised. For the Succubus, who was indifferent to most people in the world, to chat so enthusiastically with a human man was rare, even unheard of.

Shafney had only interacted with Shien, a man, with such closeness. Other men couldn’t even imagine it.

Shien, unaware of this, continued to ask questions about things he was interested in, having this millennia-old Demon Lord answer them. His understanding of this world was still limited, so he wouldn’t miss any opportunity to learn more. This also showed that he no longer wanted to ignore the mysteries surrounding him, but to actively uncover them. For this, he wanted to understand this world and its history.

Shafney seemed to see this and answered his questions patiently. Of course, she wasn’t completely forthcoming, deliberately avoiding some questions. For example, when Shien asked about the Demon King, Shafney was silent for a long time, then said,

“She was a pitiful person, never truly understood by anyone.”

Shien couldn’t ask further. Although he wanted to know why Claudis, the Demon King, became an enemy of the Supreme God and started the war between the God Race and the Demon Race, Shafney clearly didn’t want to talk about it.

Helplessly, Shien changed the subject.

Sometimes Shafney answered directly, sometimes she avoided the question, and sometimes she even teased him mischievously, only revealing the answer when he raised his hand as if to spank her, dodging playfully and enjoying herself.

She acted more like a playful older sister than a Succubus.

But through this, Shien gradually learned more about Shafney.

This witch, with her fatal charm that could drive men and women to madness, actually had many sides to her.

She was playful, doing unexpected things on a whim. Like when Shien first arrived in Succubus City, she appeared at the gate without hesitation, causing a commotion, yet remaining indifferent.

She was also cold and indifferent, not even sparing a glance at those who couldn’t pique her interest.

However, while indifferent, she wouldn’t exploit their affection, deliberately keeping her distance and not approaching or using them for her own purposes.

Parion said that Shafney treated everyone coldly to avoid the side effects of [Ripple Heart Demon], but she didn’t hesitate to approach and interact with those she was interested in.

This was contradictory.

Shien also asked about this.

Shafney replied nonchalantly,

“If I truly became cold and heartless towards everyone to avoid the side effects of [Ripple Heart Demon], then I would have truly succumbed to its greatest side effect.”

Shien understood.

Shafney didn’t want to become heartless and indifferent to everyone just to avoid the side effects of her Unique Skill. If she did that, then that would be the true side effect.

She also had a heart, she also had feelings.

Becoming a heartless Demon Lord would be the greatest sacrifice for her.

Therefore, Shafney established this personality, treating most people with indifference, not even sparing them a glance, but actively approaching and even toying with those who piqued her interest.

This was her true self.

The ranking in her heart wasn’t just to rank others’ importance, but to remind herself that only those on the list were worthy of her attention and interaction.

In short, this Succubus was someone with strong principles, her own way of doing things, her own persistence, goals, and rules.

Because of the immense power of [Ripple Heart Demon], Shafney was also very careful in using it.

“Those who recklessly manipulate the hearts of others will eventually taint their own hearts,” she had said to Shien.

Therefore, she had a clear line in her heart, knowing what she should and shouldn’t do.

Otherwise, she would become a slave to [Ripple Heart Demon], a true Succubus who manipulated and betrayed the hearts of others, including her own.

Knowing this, Shien looked at Shafney with newfound respect.

He knew that this seemingly pampered and enchanting woman, captivating countless people, was actually constantly battling her own heart and her Unique Skill.

“You also have it rough,” he sighed.

“What? Are you finally planning to surrender?” Shafney asked with a chuckle, making Shien roll his eyes.

Of course, perhaps even Shien himself didn’t realize that he no longer avoided Shafney like before, no longer seeing her as a tiger. Whether this was because he had “conquered” her, thus feeling more at ease, or because of that brief moment of vulnerability in the cave, or simply because of their conversation, was unknown.

What was certain was that both Shien and Shafney had left a deep impression on each other, and this impression was deepening.

The proof was that the connection of [Ripple Heart Demon] was now much stronger than before.

If this continued, Shafney might even be able to use Shien’s abilities through [Ripple Heart Demon]. Although she definitely couldn’t use his Unique Skill, Special Skill, or the Holy Sword, she might be able to access his six Heaven’s Decree skills and two magic skills.

When Shien could be summoned as a phantom by [Ripple Heart Demon] and fight for Shafney, that would be the moment he truly succumbed.

What kind of impression would he leave in her heart then?

This was still unknown.

Just like that, an hour passed quickly.

At a certain moment, the harmonious and intimate atmosphere between Shien and Shafney was broken.

“Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!” With bursts of wind, three figures arrived like a gale, landing before them.

“Master Shafney!” Liel cried out, her voice filled with relief as she saw the unharmed Shafney.

“Master!”

𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

“Your Highness!”

Hart also breathed a sigh of relief, and Gray, also somewhat agitated, looked at Shafney with excitement.

“You’re here?” Shafney looked at the three newcomers, her tone not joyful, but rather annoyed, as if their arrival had disturbed her.

“…” Shien looked up at the sky, speechless. Didn’t they see him here as well? He was such a large person, and yet he was being ignored? What a bunch of disloyal people!

As both Shien and Shafney felt displeased, the three top-tier Legendary experts knelt.

“We apologize for alarming you, Master Shafney,” Liel said, her face filled with guilt.

“It was our negligence that allowed Her Highness to be isolated by those damned villains,” Hart also lowered his head deeply, seemingly regretting his incompetence.

“I didn’t expect to be tricked by those Old Demon Faction members of the Original Demon,” Gray said, his voice filled with killing intent.

Clearly, the three of them felt guilty and angry for not being able to help Shafney and leaving her to face danger alone.

“Rise,” Shafney said indifferently, “Those guys came prepared, and even I was tricked. Even if you were there, what could you have done?”

Her words made their expressions change.

“Tricked?” Hart couldn’t help but straighten up.

“Master Shafney, you…” Liel was even more anxious.

“It’s fine, I’m alright. Don’t make a fuss,” Shafney waved her hand, stopping her subordinates’ worries, glancing at the seemingly helpless Shien, then chuckled, “With the Hero by my side, what could possibly happen to me?”

These words made the three of them seem to notice Shien’s presence and look at him.

“Right, you were there too,” Liel murmured.

“I almost forgot about you,” Hart blurted out.

“No wonder you didn’t come out with us,” Gray said, as if suddenly realizing why Shien hadn’t been with them.

“…” Shien looked up at the sky.

He really wanted to kill these guys…

The others present naturally couldn’t understand Shien’s feelings.

Not just Liel and Hart, the two demon executives, but even Gray, the former prince who had been amicable towards Shien before, couldn’t help but ignore him, their concerned gazes fixed on Shafney. Clearly, their attention was entirely on her, their concern far exceeding normal levels.

Unfortunately, the more concerned they were, the more indifferent Shafney seemed. Except for occasionally exchanging a few words with Liel, she completely ignored Hart and Gray.

Hart, however, seemed to accept this as normal, while Gray, although saddened by Shafney’s indifference, still watched her silently, his gaze never leaving her.

Shien didn’t even want to comment anymore.

Frankly speaking, in private and normally, Gray was undoubtedly a man of upright character, neither arrogant nor impetuous, his appearance, conduct, strength, and refinement all impeccable, a perfect prince charming, a flawless idol, even a perfect marriage partner.

During their previous encounter, Gray had also been composed and courteous, worthy of his title as a prince.

But only before Shafney did this perfect prince show a different side.

That behavior, to put it nicely, was infatuation, but to put it bluntly, it was simping.

“Doesn’t this prince know that those so-called devoted men who silently give everything in the background always end up as pitiful losers, their love unrequited?”

Shien wondered if he should give him some advice.

After thinking about it, he gave up. He knew that those blinded by unrequited love wouldn’t listen to others. He would only be angered by their stubbornness, or even be accused of spouting nonsense.

Seeing Gray still kneeling on one knee before Shafney, showing respect like a subject, even though he wasn’t her subordinate, nor a demon, but a human friend who came uninvited, a former prince of the Mitra Kingdom who had no need to kneel, Shien was speechless.

If the Mitra royal family saw this, they would be furious.

Shien didn’t bother with it.

“He’s just Lucy’s elder, barely related to me.”

If it weren’t for Lucy, he wouldn’t even consider advising him.

Now, he would just let him simp.

“If he succeeds, I’ll lose.”

Thinking this, Shien ignored Gray and picked up the unconscious Gorud, as if carrying takeout.

“So he’s one of those so-called Apostles under the Original Demon’s leader?” Liel asked, looking at the scene, a cold glint in her eyes.

Hart and Gray also looked at Gorud with hostility, a hint of killing intent, wanting to kill him to vent their anger.

Shien wanted to curse.

“If you want to act on your emotions, shouldn’t you ask the person who captured him first?” he said bluntly, “I still need to get information about the Original Demon from this guy.”

Liel, however, immediately refuted this reasonable statement.

“But this guy tried to harm Master Shafney! He deserves to die!” she said, as if she had lost her mind.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Shien said, exasperated, “I have use for him. Whether he deserves to die or not is none of my business.”

“You…” Liel glared at Shien.

Shien met her gaze, not with anger, but with pity, as if looking at a child.

Hart and Gray frowned, but remained silent.

The atmosphere became strange.

“Alright,” Shafney also frowned, “Keeping this traitor alive is indeed useful. Liel, stand down.”

“Yes,” Liel immediately obeyed and retreated.

Hart and Gray also relaxed their frowns, seemingly having no objections to Shafney’s decision.

This stark contrast made Shien open his mouth, then close it again. He seemed to understand why Shafney wasn’t interested in these obedient people.

Their eyes only saw Shafney, disregarding everyone else. Whenever it concerned her, they lost their judgment, their subjectivity, everything revolving around her. They didn’t even consider her feelings, only letting their adoration and infatuation control them, blindly eliminating anything they perceived as a threat to her.

Others might call this being blinded by concern, but Shien saw it as arrogance and self-righteousness. Others saw it as protection, but Shien saw it as causing trouble.

Shafney was probably tired of this attitude, which was why she ignored them.

Even Liel, if not for being the strongest in the Succubus Territory, Shafney’s top executive, and the one handling all her affairs, Shafney probably wouldn’t care about her either.

This could be considered as reaping what one sowed.

“Sigh…” Shien sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Shafney asked, turning to him.

“Nothing,” Shien shook his head and shrugged, “Just realizing again how difficult it must be for you.”

Hearing this, Liel and the others were confused, but Shafney raised an eyebrow, looked at Shien intently for a moment, then smiled sweetly.

“You’re the first man to say that to me,” she said.

“That’s why I said you have it rough,” Shien replied casually.

“Well, I’m used to it,” Shafney chuckled, her tone meaningful, “And I suddenly feel that it’s all worth it.”

“Why?” Shien asked, startled.

“Guess,” Shafney winked at him.

Shien almost blurted out, “Guess your sister!”

“Hee hee,” Shafney seemed amused by his displeased expression, “Alright, this matter is settled. Let’s continue to Central City.”

Saying this, she naturally reached out and took Shien’s hand.

Shien didn’t resist, letting Shafney pull him away with a disgruntled expression, still carrying Gorud.

Neither of them noticed the change in Liel, Hart, and Gray’s expressions. Undoubtedly, they all noticed it.

“…Didn’t the distance between Master Shafney and that Hero just shrink considerably?”

Hart’s words, spoken with disbelief, made Liel and Gray’s hearts sink.

Liel’s face darkened, and she silently followed, as if wanting to separate them, but not daring to, only glaring at Shien with killing intent.

Gray’s expression was a mix of emotions, staring at Shafney’s hand holding Shien’s, his own hand clenching unconsciously.

“Gray, do you think…” Hart, still in disbelief, turned to Gray.

But Gray interrupted him.

“Alright, don’t overthink it,” he said, his tone unusually cold, “That Hero is the Dragon Demon’s fiancé. It’s normal for the Succubus to treat him differently.”

Hearing this, Hart wanted to say something, but held back. As a long-time friend, he could tell that Gray was just putting on a brave face, unwilling to admit that a newcomer who had only been in Succubus City for a week had achieved something he couldn’t in over twenty years. He was even more unwilling to admit that Shafney, the Succubus, would be interested in such a young man.

For thousands of years, countless kings and emperors had been met with her indifference, and how many heroes and champions couldn’t even earn a single glance from her? Even the renowned Heroes of the past received the same treatment. It was unimaginable and unbelievable that Shafney would be close to a man.

Hart also didn’t want to believe it.

But seeing Shafney constantly talking to Shien, and Shien replying casually, their conversation so natural and harmonious, he didn’t think this was a good sign.

Even if Shafney put aside her indifference and talked to someone normally, how many could treat her charm as nothing and respond normally?

Not just Hart, but even Liel, who had served Shafney for so long, couldn’t do it, often blushing and feeling nervous before her.

Only those on the same level as her, like the other Demon Lords and the Three Goddesses, could face her normally.

As for men, this was the first time in history.

Thinking of this, Hart looked at Shien, a hint of killing intent, born from jealousy, unconsciously appearing in his eyes. Even Hart himself might not have realized that he was jealous of Shien.

Of course, he might not be the only one.

Gray was also staring at Shien, lost in thought.

These two didn’t know that at this moment, Shafney, chatting with Shien, suddenly paused.

“What’s wrong?” Shien asked, puzzled.

“Nothing, nothing,” Shafney said, her expression returning to normal, not even glancing at Hart and Gray.

However, she said,

“I hope those idiots don’t do anything to displease me.”

Her seemingly random words confused Shien.

Shafney, seemingly amused, suppressed the urge to pinch his cheek, a cold smile in her heart.

Having finally found such an interesting and likeable Hero, she couldn’t let some idiots ruin it.

She hoped they knew better.