V2 Chapter 15

Cian turned around and look at the source of the voice. Three people, two unfamiliar but one of them was not. Oriel, his older sister. The one who had spoken was a large man with hair that looks like a mane of a golden lion. He was robust and his muscles were like hardened stones—even Dwayne Johnson would feel inferior in front of him. His body is just too inhuman…!

"That's normal for a hero like him. Hee, even in this grand event, with 2 such beautiful girls with him, he remains totally at ease, right?" Beside him was a middle-aged man with scales that look like fish and a single horn on his forehead. He had golden rimmed spectacles, appearing like a cultured man.

"That's rude, a party like this is the hunting ground for the infamous Second Prince." The robust man had heard of the Second Prince’s legends and myths and couldn't help teasing him.

“… …” Oriel didn’t say anything. Instead, she just stepped back with her usual expressionless face. After all, she had already understood these two people’s character and knows that they are just teasing her brother. Although his reputation indeed covers far and wide, they are not someone who would judge a person based on this alone. They must see the real person and evaluate him themselves—that is why she had full belief and trust in these two people. It can even be said that they are the leaders of her own faction.

Aside from that, they also know Oriel’s affection towards her brother and knows that she treats Aanuel different from her other siblings. And so, even if they have their own opinions they would not openly show it to avoid embarrassing her highness!

Oriel stared at Cian, waiting for his reaction. Although indeed there’s no other meaning behind their words, it was still not pleasing to the ears. If it was usual Aanuel, the Second Prince would have already sneered on their words or probably be scared stiff from their auras. However, contrary to their expectations Cian was still calm and unperturbed. His eyes visit Oriel and his lips curled upwards. “Elder Sister, I’m not fond of the crowd and I’m still a bit weary from the travel, can I go back and rest first?” his tone unhurried. It’s as if he didn’t see the two men.

“… …” The two men’s eyes widened a bit and their eyes sparkled in keen interest. Ho? This is the infamous wastrel and good-for-nothing playboy…?

He wasn’t even intimidated by their presences… even the First Prince would even frown if standing in front of them due to the intimidating aura and bloodlust they emitted from killing countless people and yet this boy—didn’t even bat an eye!

Was he just too foolish he can’t feel anything or…

Oriel was momentarily surprised as well. The first time she met these two generals even she was a bit intimidated and couldn’t help but step back a bit. However, unexpectedly, her ignorant brother hadn’t even shown any reaction? How is this possible? Look at the lady Vandlehouse, even she paled for a bit and the maidservant step back. Is he that stupid not to smell or feel the stench of blood they emitted?

Impossible!

Oriel’s eyes shone but it reverted immediately, “That can’t happen, Aanuel. You are the star of this night… without you, how can this night continues?”

“… …” Cian smiled wryly and sigh. “This kind of thing is really not necessary… I might as well have a meal with you alone than have a large crowd like this.”

This was not a lie, in fact, it was the truth. Cian prefers to have a silent meal rather than this noisy party—he just can’t get used to it.

Hearing his words, Oriel’s lips twitched and her eyes flashed a gentle color. “Let it be, it’s not like this will continue for long. This is only done to welcome you after tonight everyone will disperse to resume their duties…” her face turned a warm color and even her tone was gentler than usual, “However, it is indeed quite surprising. The Aanuel I know always loves celebrations and balls—he was never absent.”

“Everything changes in time…what I like before, it doesn’t mean I still like it now…” Cian smiled and said simply. “…probably, indeed, I like it before. Fascinated by it…” he turned towards the people dancing, chatting and laughing.

“… Only at this time, would I see many kinds of faces and expressions that the world has. All in one place—plans, schemes, falsity, pretension—isn’t it quite fascinating?”

“…?!” Oriel’s brows furrowed. Her eyes stared at Cian, surprise and shocking. Even the two men, her trusted generals besides her, all change their expressions.

Ruka didn’t react. It’s normal—sometimes, her beloved master often says something strange—in fact, it would even be strange if he didn’t act like that. However, Sibylla was actually quite pleasantly surprised. But it was only momentarily as she burst out in a giggle. She immediately had a sudden understand as to why he had said it—looking at the people glancing at him from time to time, having smiles on their faces but deep in their eyes, were actually mocking and a bit of fear.

For Cian, that is actually something he didn’t like!

Aanuel had never met these people before, much less Cian. However, these people look at him as if they understand him to his core—really unpleasant.

“Ha ha ha, I’m just speaking nonsense, please do forget it…” Cian laughed and returned his gaze towards the three people. He took his wine cup and lifted his cup with both hands, then he said smiling; “And these two are? I hope this little brother didn’t offend these two heroes of the Demon Empire…”

“Heroes…” the robust man let out a hearty laugh towards Cian’s words. “…never thought I would be called a hero within the Demon Empire… His Highness acknowledgment comes surprising but it is my great honor!” he bowed at Cian and grinned.

Cian turned at him.

“Your Highness, I am Profar Von Leonel. I command the border fortress between Akmahun territory and the Haaravar Empire. Protecting the Northern Border of the Demon Empire! I am glad to have met you.” The robust man bowed deeply at Cian, like a true aristocrat.

So this man is... the man with the most authority in the north, that even the Demon Empress didn’t dare take lightly—Lion Fang of the North: Demon General Profar Von Leonel!

Short beard and sharp eyes under his flaming hair. His muscles lines were obvious because of his advanced age, but his sturdy muscles suggested that he must still be active in the battlefield, probably still working in the frontline and fighting during battles. This man’s reek of blood and murder… Cian was impressed. If he wasn’t trained since childhood and his mentality strengthened in the aspect of death and blood, his intimidating air that he was leaking unconsciously would be enough to terrify him!

Even though the temperature of this place is slightly chilly, General Profar was still wearing light clothes. Dark blue shirt and pants with dark brown edges seemed to be summer clothes which didn't look thick or heavy, decorated with several metallic designs and fastened by a belt. He was wearing high-class leather boots that were black and shiny.

But although he seemed aged, his back was straight as sword and aura sharp.

“Your Highness, my name is Rurivolt Sem Stravart, vice commander of the Northern Demon Army!” The lean and bespectacled reptilian man also bowed respectfully at Cian. They behavior somehow changed entirely. “As they say, a thousand rumors are not equivalent to seeing the person with own eyes. Your Highness, please do forgive your subjects rude behavior!”

Sly, sleek and a schemer—this was Cian’s first impression of Rurivolt. Looking at the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, amidst the two men, Cian felt Rurivolt is most terrifying between them. He would be troublesome to deal with…

“It is nice to meet you, thank you for warmly accepting me despite knowing my rather embarrassing past. I feel very honored and delighted to fight with people like you as I know I would surely learn a lot during the days I will spend here. I promised that I would not give you trouble that would inconvenience you without reason, I hope that you can take care of me in the future…" Cian responded smoothly, his expression showing no sign of retreat.

Rurivolt constricted his eyes, with a faint smile he said, “No, no… it’s our honor to take care of his highness. We will do anything we can to protect you during your days in the North. Your life is our life! Please be at ease!”

“That’s right. Because we have them protecting our border, we’re safe if the human empire ever attacks. They are our guardians standing proudly within this cold icy land… the Demon Empire owed them too much…”

“Your Highness, those words were already enough,” Profar bowed with a warm smile as he looks at Oriel like he was looking at his granddaughter, full of warmth and doting affection.

“Nah, we really are indebted to all of you staying in this harsh place for so long… Aanuel, with both of them here, you will surely learn many things. Don’t hesitate and ask them…” Oriel nodded. Although she was still expressionless but more or less Cian had already gotten used to it this time. In fact, he was already able to notice whether she was happy, sad or angry despite having a cold front—

In addition, the two men don’t seem to have any problem with Oriel’s personality. They were even quite happy…

“Thank you in advance—I’ll be in your care,” Cian lifted his wine cup, lightly tugging on the others cups and drank a mouthful. The atmosphere within the group was quite harmonious, lively chatters and laughter’s (especially the direct and without pretense Profar whose laughter echoed within the entire hall embarrassingly)—they chattered for a while before the two men left and went to another place, mingling with the other aristocrats.

However, that small instance was enough to make Cian the center of attention once again.

They seem to have been quite surprised by the amiable character of Cian which was truly unexpected for them. They had imagined him acting arrogantly and looking down on them, as he surveyed and steal many women tonight—that was probably why, even though this was an uncommon occurrence, the ratio of man and woman was completely unbalanced.

Many women should have feared Cian’s past reputation and gotten scared to even take a step outside their doors. Those who came up are either, has confidence in their backing and backgrounds or those who wanted to be noticed by the Second Prince and accept royal favour—

Sadly, contrary to their expectation, Cian has been staying in a corner minding his own business, all while flirting with his rumored fiancée without a care of the world. No one dared to intrude or take the initiative to call out—

Oriel remained for quite some time, chatting and listening to Cian’s stories along with Sibylla and Ruka who was busily attending them—however, not long after, she left albeit reluctantly due to the responsibilities and duties of the host, attending and greeting the guests was a must as a royal. Truthfully, this should also be Cian’s duty but for some unknown reason, Oriel didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as Cian dislike such actions and didn’t want to bother.

Oriel, at this moment, really felt her understanding of her brother’s nature needed another check—it seems like she doesn’t know who he was anymore…

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