Chapter 151: Doubts and the Banquet

The fact that the elderly gentleman Humbert had fallen in love with his stepdaughter was no secret in Shi Ying Town.

By the following evening, when Luo De entered town, rumors had spread through every alley and street that Humbert was about to find new life in his old age.

That's how Shi Ying Town was.

Gossip and rumors moved faster than spatial teleportation spells.

As for why Humbert's stepdaughter had accompanied this nobleman, Fried Argyle.

It was said she played a crucial role in the escape route of the Coral Bay elites, so she was brought along.

What a coincidence?

I don't believe it.

"I don't believe it either."

In Humbert's mansion, the elderly gentleman said this.

Luo De sat beside the witch Dimeya.

Watching the elderly gentleman pacing back and forth, his face filled with worry, they exchanged glances.

They had been secretly invited here before the banquet began.

"Gentleman Humbert, you may be overthinking this."

"No, Lady Dimeya, there are too many points of suspicion in this plea for aid—I suspect they have ulterior motives."

"This is the Argyle family's property; why would they scheme for anything?"

"It is the Argyle family's property, but now only Fried comes personally. The kingdom's internal changes are too great—we must be cautious."

After speaking, he pleaded:

"Mr. Luo De, could you do me a favor?"

"Tell me first."

Luo De did not agree, only smiled bitterly.

"My stepdaughter is vain and shallow; she's easily fooled by appearances. Mr. Luo De, you're handsome—could you find out what she knows?"

"You're close to her; wouldn't it be better if you went? After all, I'm just a stranger."

"No—we haven't seen each other in too long, and I'm old and weak, no longer able to satisfy her demands. That's precisely why she left me."

Luo De couldn't help but slam his hand on the table.

Black lines appeared over his head.

This old man actually wanted me to seduce his daughter—and lover!

"Wait! If you want to probe her, probe her—but why must it involve bedding her?!"

"Exactly! Old creep! In front of me, you want my master to sleep with another woman—what's your meaning?!"

Tally emerged from the shadows, furious.

Sharing essence with a non-human is one thing—but why this mere human woman?!

"My stepdaughter, Tobeca, is an emotionally rich and free-spirited girl, so the best way to draw out secrets is..."

Humbert hurriedly explained.

Emotionally rich, free-spirited.

Isn't that just a euphemism for promiscuous and lewd?

Luo De was speechless.

The title "Elderly Gentleman Humbert" slowly changed in his mind to "Old Turtle Man."

Beside him, Dimeya was secretly writing something.

Luo De glanced over and saw her jotting in a small notebook: "To obtain information on saving her beloved, the hero Ophir had to exchange her body."

No, you—

In the end, Luo De agreed to probe her.

Of course, not like the hero Ophir—exchanging his body. He'd find another way.

He simply couldn't bring himself to touch Tobeca. If she were a non-human, fine—but a human? Absolutely not.

Besides, Humbert wasn't just an old turtle man—he was also a coward!

He dared not face his stepdaughter again, feigning illness to avoid the banquet entirely.

That evening.

As the last rays of sunset spilled across the streets.

The banquet officially began.

The banquet's location was an estate owned by Argyle in Shi Ying Town.

This had been Daphne Argyle's residence when she stayed in Shi Ying Town, but after she was kidnapped by the Yigo Cult and fell ill, it had remained empty.

The Shi Ying Town City Hall had been granted limited usage rights after application; nobles visiting in the past had always held banquets here, so the committee members were quite familiar with the routine.

The meticulously trimmed lawn in the front courtyard rippled in the evening breeze; stone lanterns along the path were lit one by one.

Luo De put on the formal attire provided by Humbert, neatly arranged.

One word: handsome. Two words: very handsome.

Female guests passing by glanced at him with bright eyes, frequently turning back to steal glances.

But Tally found this flashy display uninteresting; she'd rather her master cast 【Rage】 or 【Lament Shakes Heaven】 to mess with her.

Handsome?

What good is handsome?

The Banshee Krist also followed, temporarily taking physical form as Luo De's female companion.

She wore a light-colored, elegant, conservative evening gown; her black hair paired with a cold, stunning face adorned with smoky makeup gave her an aura of mystery and power.

The Banshee possessed an innate spiritual art called 【Aura Intimidation】.

This was precisely why she might be useful in this mission to probe her.

Passing through the carved wooden door.

Following the crowd slowly forward, they reached the estate's front courtyard.

Before the banquet was ready, many guests chose to chat and sip light wine here.

The largest crowd gathered around Fried Argyle.

Mostly local gentry and wealthy merchants from Shi Ying Town.

Luo De quickly found Humbert's stepdaughter, Tobeca.

Anyone kept close by an Argyle descendant wouldn't lack for sycophants.

Tobeca was cheerfully chatting with two tall, handsome men, tossing flirtatious glances and giggling constantly.

"Look, she's in heat."

Tally said from the shadows.

"I can see that without you telling me."

"And she's pregnant."

"."

Right, I almost forgot—Humbert had mentioned it before.

Luo De didn't bother with roundabout tactics; he walked straight up to her.

Warriors are always direct.

He introduced himself.

As Humbert had said, she was indeed a member of the Appearance Association.

His overly handsome appearance and gentle smile instantly captured Tobeca's attention.

The two men who had been chatting with her frowned slightly, preparing to say something to reclaim the spotlight—but after one glance from Luo De's eyes, they broke into cold sweats.

They quickly made excuses and left.

"Miss Tobeca, shall we go somewhere quieter?"

At this, Tobeca's eyes lit up.

She misunderstood, thinking Luo De wanted to find a secluded spot to sleep with her.

Quickly.

The two walked deep into the courtyard beside the front garden, stopping behind a rock garden.

Tobeca stared hungrily as she pulled down her collar.

"Mr. Luo De, I like it rough..."

"Good. Tally."

"Tally? Two at once? That'll cost extra. Wait, I didn't mean—"

Her instinctive words instantly revealed that Tobeca had another illicit profession in Coral Bay.

"Hypnosis failed. Someone placed a mental defense spell on her."

The succubus said from the shadows.

Trying to hide the silver while digging the hole deeper.

Luo De delivered a sharp chop to the back of Tobeca's neck, knocking her unconscious.

Hmph.

There's no seventh-rank here—do you really think I'll play these fancy games with you?

If it weren't for the fact that he's from the Argyle family, I'd have stormed his door already.

Tally stepped out of the shadow, now transformed into the likeness of Tobeka.

She stripped off the other's evening gown.

"Ew—" the succubus recoiled, "this one has gonorrhea, Master~ cast 【Dust-Cleansing Spell】 on the clothes."

"."

(End of Chapter)