Chapter 165: The Queen Flirts Boldly Before Rong, Suddenly Taking on the Hidden Wife Persona (2)
The surrounding women ground their teeth in frustration.
How could they possibly compete with 'that'?
The two stood so close that Shia could catch the unique fragrance wafting from Queen Eden.
The scent wrapped around them like an invisible cocoon, isolating them from the others as if she refused to let anyone else's scent contaminate him.
It was quintessentially domineering.
Even at this intimate distance—close enough to kiss—her porcelain skin remained flawlessly smooth and youthful, without a single visible pore, as if she were still an eighteen-year-old girl.
Even as Queen Eden spoke, Shia couldn't shake the feeling that her soft lips were about to press against his.
On the side, Rong was on the verge of exploding.
Her introverted, socially anxious nature had kept her subdued and obedient throughout the evening, pretending not to know Shia to avoid drawing attention. She had even hidden the nature of their relationship out of concern that Queen Eden might have ulterior motives toward him.
But seeing the two so close, Rong's protective instincts could no longer be restrained.
She had had enough. No more pretending!
A petite figure suddenly appeared between the two.
Rong's delicate, charming face was stern as she forcefully placed one hand on Queen Eden's ample chest and the other on Shia's chest, pushing them apart.
She absolutely couldn't let this "bad auntie" eat her master!
"Can't you talk without getting so close!?"
Rong stood firmly in front of Shia, glaring at Queen Eden like a tiny kitten fluffing up in defense—adorable, fierce, but hardly threatening.
Her determination to protect someone she loved, even defying her mother, was both endearing and moving.
Queen Eden straightened her posture, looking down at her silly daughter with a smug, almost mocking smile.
She found it amusing.
"Dear daughter, I'm just discussing business with Master Shia."
Rong pouted angrily.
"Discuss business? Since when does business require being so close?"
Clearly, this was just an excuse to take advantage.
'Hmph, knew this bad auntie was up to no good.'
Good thing she'd followed along—otherwise, who would protect her master from being bullied?
Queen Eden's gaze returned to Shia, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"So, it really is you."
Her words were cryptic, but Shia simply nodded and smiled in acknowledgment.
The Queen's eyes shifted back to Rong, who remained on high alert, staring daggers at her mother.
Unable to resist, Queen Eden reached out and pinched her daughter's cheek gently.
"See? I'm just trying to bring us closer as a family~!"
Rong froze, momentarily confused by the remark.
Shia, however, saw through it instantly—this was Queen Eden testing her daughter.
Sure enough, Rong, too naive and inexperienced to see through the ploy, fell for it.
But as realization dawned, Rong remembered her mother's fixation on her interest in the opposite sex and stiffened in panic.
'Oh no. Did I just expose something?'
Even after testing her, Queen Eden didn't relent.
She casually lifted Rong out of the way, drawing closer to Shia with her soft, curvaceous body pressing against him. Her ample chest brushed his side as she leaned in.
"Master~ My earlier proposal was no joke. I'm very serious."
Queen Eden twirled a lock of her hair between her fingers, letting it trail teasingly against Shia's arm.
"How about you visit Dreamland Enchantment as my guest? We can discuss things in more detail then…"
Her breath was warm against Shia's neck, her husky voice carrying an undertone meant only for the three of them to hear. The sensation of her breath sent a subtle shiver down his spine.
Rong, standing to the side, puffed her cheeks in frustration, her gaze full of worry as she frantically tried to signal Shia.
'Don't go!'
It was as if her home were some den of tigers waiting to devour him.
Shia met Queen Eden's gaze with calm composure and nodded.
"Sure."
His agreement was no whim—it was a calculated decision. Visiting Dreamland Enchantment was already part of his plans.
To negotiate further cooperation, he needed the succubi's assistance. Shia was no longer simply focused on his immediate well-being; he was preparing for future crises.
A critical first step was building an intelligence network, and as he had advised Rong before, succubi were uniquely suited for such work.
Rong's expression was a mix of helplessness and concern. She wanted to protest but knew she couldn't overturn either her mother's or Shia's decisions.
---
The news spread through Dreamland Enchantment like wildfire: 'The Queen had brought a man home!'
Succubi peeked from their balconies to catch a glimpse, while the bolder ones perched on railings, their long legs swinging freely in the air.
Their sheer skirts fluttered in the breeze, revealing tantalizing glimpses beneath.
They didn't care—if anything, they seemed to enjoy showing off. Their dresses, cut scandalously low, framed their voluptuous figures with shameless confidence.
As Shia entered Dreamland Enchantment, he was once again overwhelmed by the dazzling array of sights.
Long legs, stunning figures, and enchanting older women filled his view, making it hard not to want to "get to know" them better.
Naturally, the succubi shared similar thoughts.
The man walking between their queen and princess was intriguing. This was the queen's chosen man, after all—how could they not be curious?
Some openly threw flirtatious glances, swaying their hips seductively and posing provocatively.
Others beckoned with inviting smiles, their intentions clear.
The succubi had a singular, unabashed goal: to tempt and conquer.
Beside Shia, Rong's ears burned bright red.
'These shameless women!'
Her frustration only grew when she noticed Shia taking in the surroundings. She bit her lip, her hand itching to cover his eyes.
"No looking!"
Though she stopped short of physically blocking his view, her voice carried a sharp tone.
Rong firmly turned Shia's face toward her, warning him with a serious expression.
"These succubi are using charm spells! If you keep looking, you'll fall under their influence. It's very dangerous!"
Her earnest warning was cut short by a light smack on the head.
"Ouch!" Rong clutched her head, tears welling up in her eyes as she turned to see Queen Eden.
"How can you slander our own people like that?" the Queen chided gently, though her tone lacked true reproach.
"Being interested in men isn't such a big deal, is it?"
Rong pouted, wanting to argue, but paused as she felt her palm being squeezed.
She turned to Shia, still slightly teary-eyed, and saw his calm, clear gaze and the faint smile on his lips.
Her panic eased.
'My master is still my master. He won't fall for these succubi's tricks.'