Chapter 163: The Seductive Succubus Queen's Temptation—Hands Off My Man! (5)
This kind of wine was perfect for the dreamland's wandering guests, enchanting them to linger indefinitely.
With the right pairing of this intoxicating brew and the skills of her girls, it was a surefire recipe for explosive popularity.
This success was a win-win—both for the wine, Drunken Dream, and for the dreamland's further rise in prestige.
Eden, the succubus queen, with her vast business experience, immediately sniffed out a lucrative new opportunity.
When she turned back to Rong, her demeanor had shifted. No longer the calm and regal businesswoman, she now wore a charming smile.
"Sweet daughter~," she cooed, clinging to Rong's arm and rubbing her soft cheek against Rong's shoulder, "introduce me to the brewer behind this masterpiece, won't you~?"
Her enchanting eyes sparkled as she fluttered her lashes coquettishly. A winemaker of such skill was not someone she could let slip away. Establishing a strong partnership was essential to seizing this golden opportunity.
Since her darling daughter could procure a sample, it was clear she had a connection with the mysterious brewer. If she could secure this relationship, unimaginable wealth would be firmly within her grasp.
But reality often disappoints the best-laid plans. Rong didn't even hesitate before shutting her down.
"No way!"
Her tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Rong knew exactly what kind of woman Eden was—a true man-eater, figuratively and possibly literally. If she introduced her master to Eden, what if he got… spirited away? Or worse, consumed whole?
Yes, her refusal was entirely out of concern for her master's safety. That was the only reason.
Rong nodded to herself, resolutely embracing this self-deception.
Eden's gaze turned subtly intrigued.
"Rejecting me so decisively? Something's fishy~."
Her expression was so suggestive it might as well have been wrapping a string of ambiguity around Rong.
Rong squirmed, uncomfortable under Eden's teasing eyes. This topic was too dangerous—stirring Eden's interest in her master would be disastrous.
"We should talk about the succubi's future instead," Rong suggested hastily, redirecting the conversation to safer waters.
But Eden's interest waned instantly. She lazily yawned and released Rong, stretching her arms above her head. Her slender waist arched gracefully as she relaxed, her alluring figure outlined by the subtle motion.
Her stunning, seductive face now carried a drowsy, languid charm. Her watery eyes gleamed faintly, her ruby lips slightly parted as she murmured, "I'm tired. I need rest.
"Sweet daughter, now that you're back, you should rest too! Let's catch up after we've had some sleep."
Rong could only watch as Eden sauntered away.
However, this return to the dreamland wasn't just about promoting Drunken Dream. Rong had another, more pressing objective.
Inside the archives…
The towering shelves of books stretched high into the air, filling the space with an atmosphere rich in knowledge. Rows of succubus-authored tomes lined the walls, from the tower's base to its pinnacle.
Rong cautiously peeked out from behind one of the shelves, her gaze darting around to ensure she was alone. Once the coast was clear, her eyes scanned the titles until one caught her attention.
Quickly, she tucked the book under her arm and retreated to a secluded corner.
The cover's bold title stood out: "How to Easily Captivate the Opposite Sex."
As she read, Rong occasionally nodded in thoughtful agreement, sometimes jotting down frantic notes.
The once timid princess who shied away from all contact with the opposite sex seemed to be undergoing a transformation.
Unbeknownst to her, Eden had pulled a couple of books from a nearby shelf and was watching her through the gaps. The queen's heart swelled with pride as she observed her daughter's thirst for knowledge.
At the same time, her curiosity about the mysterious man Rong refused to discuss only grew.
Eden idly toyed with a gilded invitation in her hand.
Drunken Dream's fame had already reached her ears. As a business queen, there was no way she hadn't heard about it.
The invitation was for the Pambole Gala in two days, where the brewer was rumored to be making an appearance.
Who was this enigmatic winemaker, and what connection did he have with her oddly secretive daughter?
---
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and the Pambole Gala commenced.
Outside the grand building, luxury cars lined up as elite figures from various circles gathered.
Thanks to Seven Shields Academy's influence, the city's economy was booming. Top commercial guilds from all nations had a presence here, and many new ventures had sprouted up in this fertile ground.
Thus, the gala drew the crème de la crème of the business world—executives in sharp suits, noble aristocrats exuding grace, and others of equal prominence.
Among the attendees were the succubus queen and her "daughter."
Of course, Rong always maintained a healthy skepticism about their supposed familial relationship.
Eden was dressed in a black starlit evening gown, adorned with glittering diamonds and colorful gemstones. Her stunning face and sapphire jewelry—necklace and earrings—enhanced her already radiant complexion, making her the center of attention.
The strapless design of her gown clung tightly to her ample curves, leaving no room for imagination. Her long hair was styled into soft waves, exuding mature, seductive elegance.
Beside her, Rong wore a white short evening dress, adorned with delicate layers of pale blue tulle. The dress's asymmetrical design wrapped around her right arm and half-covered her collarbone, giving her an ethereal charm.
Though she lacked Eden's overpowering allure, her youthful beauty shone in her own way, holding her ground next to the queen.
Still, Rong couldn't help but steal glances at Eden, her confidence wavering.
How could those two straps actually hold anything up? Were they supposed to be decorative?
"Stay close to me," Eden advised, her social smile never faltering. She leaned in gracefully, her red lips moving softly. "Some people might cause you trouble."
Her sidelong glance at Rong held an almost imperceptible amusement.
She hadn't expected Rong to agree to attend so easily.
The socially anxious princess—whose personality Eden knew well—usually required a lot of coaxing. Yet this time, Rong had accepted without much fuss.
Rong, however, had her own reasons for coming. While she claimed her "social anxiety had improved," the truth was far simpler: she was worried about Shia's safety.
Eden's previous interest in her master and the sheer number of people at the gala made her uneasy. What if someone tried to whisk him away?
Her concerns overrode her discomfort, and she endured.
As the gala warmed up, the room buzzed with discussions about the mysterious brewer. Drunken Dream's explosive debut had captured the attention of all the business elites.
Even those outside the wine industry were intrigued.
Then, the crowd stirred.
Excited whispers rippled through the hall:
"Shia's here!"
"Master Shia has arrived!"
Rong perked up, her anticipation palpable. She wanted to crane her neck to see him but restrained herself for decorum's sake.
Under the spotlight, Shia appeared in a sleek yet casual business suit, walking toward the stage with measured steps.
All eyes turned to him, the glow of the lights converging on his figure.
Despite the pressure of so many gazes, Shia remained composed, exuding an aura of gentle refinement.
From her place below, Rong's eyes sparkled as she watched him. Her heart swelled with pride.
Her man was undeniably handsome.
Just as her thoughts started to drift, a familiar sultry voice murmured in her ear:
"This master is quite the looker, isn't he?"
Rong snapped out of her daze, her alertness spiking as she turned to face Eden.
The queen's eyes were locked on Shia, her lips curved in a knowing smile.
Her expression, her tone, her demeanor—everything about her screamed interest.
Rong's sense of crisis surged to an all-time high.