Chapter 417: Intentions

Luo De successfully extracted the information he wanted from his unconscious mother-in-law, Lilian.

Just as he had suspected.

The land naga from the Mirror Desert, the Bular clan, came here precisely because they received a major contract.

And the client? None other than Bugo Torres, the newly appointed ruler of Axe Beach.

The task? Tomb raiding—the very thing land nagas excel at.

The tomb they needed to plunder? Not an ordinary grave, but the White Dragon's tomb that fell here at the founding of Axe Beach!

It was said that the previous ruling Pweir family had once been mere ordinary adventurers before their rise.

He was the first to discover the fallen dragon, swiftly processed its corpse, and claimed it all for himself.

Afterward, the Pweir ancestors' power surged dramatically, crushing the invading lizardmen and the vampire squatters who dwelled there.

He quickly established prestige and used it to recruit talent.

Thus, the Axe Beach faction was born.

Even the current Axe Beach Ancient Castle was converted from the old vampire fortress.

Luo De glanced at Lilian, her body rigid and trembling on the bed.

Afraid of breaking her.

He could only withdraw, then gently embrace her, lightly patting her snow-white, smooth back to soothe her.

After more than ten seconds.

The land nagalady's trembling slowed, her soft yet plump body pressing against Luo De as she lost consciousness.

Her thick, smooth lower serpent body also relaxed, instinctively curling up.

"'Lady Lilian~ No, that place is dirty~~'—Master, you're incredible, you can even say such nonsense."

Tally poked her head up from the dark red wool carpet, speaking in a sarcastic tone.

"It's just acting. I learned the role from you."

"Don't blame me—I never pretended to be incompetent like you, pretending you couldn't even get it right, hehe."

Tally was furious.

You've never been accurate with me—not once—even in the dark, I can land it straight.

Though this was because our bodies fit so well, she was also glad.

But last night's Master was a sight she'd never seen before.

Adorably mischievous, wildly passionate, yet strangely innocent and childish.

She felt a twinge of unhappiness and envy inside.

Luo De smiled and pinched her cheek—soft, fleshy, her dissatisfaction plainly visible.

"What's wrong?"

"What do you mean 'what's wrong'? Stop pinching me. Tally's in a bad mood today."

"Bad mood? She still has some left. Want some?"

"Really?! Tally wants some!"

A succubus.

Still easy to appease.

"Can you scoop it out?"

"No."

Luo De watched Tally snack while thinking.

At the time, the Kingdom of Aetheron was at its peak, a terrifyingly aggressive beast, and the Jianwan region—including Axe Beach—lay within its sphere of influence.

Axe Beach's independent establishment

Such behavior was normally forbidden.

But the king at the time, though fierce, was also generous: he didn't punish the Pweir ancestor for declaring himself Lord of Axe Beach; instead, he granted him a noble title for defeating the lizardmen and vampires.

Aetheron's territory was vast, its officials and nobles numerous, yet few could effectively govern their lands. Moreover, many non-human factions still held strongholds, adding enormous expenses.

Once this became known, many others immediately followed suit.

Expelling or slaughtering non-human races to establish human settlements.

Back then, Aetheron was at its zenith; no settlement, no matter how large or powerful, could rival the central regions like Can Guang City. This policy saved them considerable effort.

But now, Aetheron's empire was crumbling, and the Jianwan region—once prosperous from trade routes—was gradually slipping from control.

Axe Beach was no exception.

Otherwise, a nobody like Bugo Torres would never have risen to power.

And precisely because of this, the land nagas were so cautious.

Unlike humans, who forget history quickly, their longer lifespans made them trust their own experience more.

The Bular clan still feared Aetheron's glorious might, yet their innate greed urged them constantly.

So they came.

But they didn't enter the city; instead, they hid nervously at the edge of the Mistwood Forest, sending out vanguards to scout.

"So, are we going into the city?"

Tally licked the snacks splattered on Lilian's lower abdomen and asked.

"Of course. They scout; we go see for ourselves."

"True. But since we already know about the dragon's remains, why not just go steal it directly, Master?"

"Because your Master is interested in the White Dragon's tomb, little Tally."

"Before that, can we stroll through the city, see the local scenery?"

"Axe Beach is an agricultural community. Its scenery might not even beat the Twilight Hills."

"What matters isn't the scenery—it's who you're with to see it, isn't it?"

Tally returned his words with a smile.

Luo De smiled too, lifting her slender hand to kiss it.

They chatted for a while longer.

The sky had fully brightened.

Luo De sensed his mother-in-law beginning to stir, and gently set her down.

He himself feigned weakness, curling at the edge of the bed, pale and frail.

"Mmm…"

Lilian shifted her numb, aching body and slowly opened her eyes.

Seeing the familiar patterns on the tent ceiling, last night's memories flooded her mind like a reversed film.

The gift for her eldest daughter

First, the massage, then realizing she was aroused

She began personally teaching him how to please a girl—movements, techniques.

As she taught, she lost herself, purely enjoying it.

And his unyielding presence—etched into her mind, lingering endlessly.

All the foolish memories returned, yet many were still missing from her dazed state.

Lilian propped herself up, pulling the blanket over her body, but the soft, thick curves were still clearly outlined beneath the thin fabric.

She pinched her delicate brow in distress, regret spreading through her heart.

"This is for Eve's husband. As a mother, how could I… sigh…"

Yet the electric tingle still lingering in her body quickened her heartbeat.

"Sigh…"

She turned to look at the man beside the bed.

Pale, hollow, curled up like a pitiful little puppy.

She couldn't help feeling sorry for him.

He didn't stop all night for me. For a human, he must be utterly exhausted. Please don't break yourself.

Lilian pulled a green magical potion from her spell satchel.

She patted Luo De's shoulder.

"Luo De. Little Luo De."

"Mmm… Aunt Lilian, you're awake," the man slowly opened his eyes.

"Exhausted, aren't you? Drink this—it'll help you recover."

"Not tired. As long as Aunt Lilian is happy, that's enough."

He offered a handsome, pitiful smile—directly piercing the old aunt's heart.

Lilian felt herself growing damp again.

"Don't pretend you're fine. Rest today. I'll have meals sent to you. I have matters to attend to—I'll return by evening."

"But… Lady Betty…"

"Don't worry. I'll set up a ritual—no one can enter."

Lilian dared not look at the man before her—he was too alluring.

Her hands grew nervous.

She dressed quickly and hurriedly retreated into the inner chamber of the tent.

But before leaving, the man called out to her.

"Lady Lilian."

"What is it?"

"Tonight… can I still study with you?"

Lilian's waist softened, and a wave of reluctance surged in her heart.

Then she gave a bitter smile: "What are you saying? Tonight my eldest daughter will return. From now on, you and I are mother-in-law and son-in-law. Don't say any more, don't think any more."

(End of Chapter)