Chapter 205: The Joint Visit of the Hero and the Demon King

The morning light of winter crossed the heavy curtains, passed through the lace-trimmed valances and tassels, and shone on a face as bright as moonlight.

Those exquisite features were like a sculpture, and the pretty, upturned nose divided the painting before the mirror into two worlds of light and dark just right.

Standing behind the white oak high stool, the young maid carefully held a strand of golden hair and carefully braided it into a refreshing braid.

That breathless look was like treating a work of art, as if afraid of leaving an unwanted ink dot on a perfect oil painting.

Although she understood the maid's intention for her own good, this braid had been braided for too long, so much so that Ailin Campbell, who could usually hold her ground, gradually couldn't sit still.

"Princess, please hold on for a while longer, it will be done soon." Seeing the Princess's restlessness, the maid standing behind the chair comforted her softly.

"I think it's about enough..." Unable to help but glance at the pocket watch on the table, Ailin protested in a small, willful voice.

However, the maid standing behind her remained unmoved and said seriously.

"Enough? How can that be! You personally instructed us to treat this trip seriously, and such an important date, don't you want to leave a perfect impression on Mr. Prince Prince Kelin?"

"Yes, Princess, please hold on for a while longer, it will be done soon." The maid standing on the side also helped.

"Date? No, I don't think I said that..." A blush flew onto her fair cheeks, Ailin's voice was as light as a mosquito, wanting to explain but meeting the smile in the mirror, she finally gave up the defense of making things worse helplessly.

I don't know who started spreading it, but now everyone in the manor thinks that something happened between her and Mr. Prince Prince Kelin.

However, Ailin didn't blame those servants.

In fact, she knew clearly in her heart that if it were someone she was completely indifferent to or hated, those servants who were good at observing words and colors would never mention that person's name in front of her.

Perhaps her inner heart was actually not that resistant, and even had a trace of secret joy, and was looking forward to the other party also noticing those rumors.

If he were like her, actually not hating it in his inner heart, and even harboring the same secret joy...

Ailin felt her back burning, as if what was behind her was not the back of a chair, but the flame of a fireplace.

When letting her imagination run wild, time always passed quickly.

By the time she came back to her senses, the golden braid had been elegantly coiled into a circle on the back of her head, as holy as a crown decorated with silver ornaments.

Everyone has a love for beauty, and Ailin Campbell is no exception.

Looking at herself shining in the mirror, the corner of her mouth lifted involuntarily, and she suddenly felt that this long wait was worth it...

In the front hall of the manor's main building, Theresa, wearing light armor, waited upright until a burst of brisk footsteps came from the long corridor not far away.

Hearing the sound, she immediately stood up and looked at the door, only to see Princess Ailin Campbell, dressed up, walking toward her surrounded by maids.

Even though she had seen Princess Ailin Campbell dressed up many times, Theresa was still amazed by the Princess's peerless beauty for a second.

She was wearing a dark green tight-fitting riding suit with exquisite gold thread embroidery, a narrow leather belt around her waist, and gray-furred trousers tucked into brown horse-leather boots, looking heroic and elegant.

Theresa also noticed that she specially wore the pocket watch Mr. Prince Prince Kelin gave her, and specially hung it in a place where it could be seen at a glance but not too ostentatious.

Seeing Theresa looking straight at her, Ailin couldn't help but feel embarrassed, looked down at herself and said.

"Will it look not solemn enough?"

"We are going to the countryside for inspection, not to attend a banquet, Princess," looking at the shy Princess, Theresa smiled, paused for a moment and said, "And, this suit is very suitable for you. I believe Mr. Prince Prince Kelin will be surprised and unable to look away when he sees you."

"Really? Thank you for your compliment, although I didn't choose this suit for him, just because everyone thinks this one is the most suitable." Ailin's mouth lifted lightly, unable to hide the joy in her heart.

In fact, this suit of hers also matched the white silk that was popular in the Campbell court recently, and it might even remind Mr. Prince Prince Kelin of things in his hometown. It's just a pity that she also heard that it was the clothing of male nobles in the distant empire, so she gave it up after hesitating for a moment.

"Where is Mr. Prince Prince Kelin? Has he arrived yet?"

Theresa nodded slightly.

"He is waiting in the annex, currently it is Mr. Andes entertaining him."

"He has arrived?!" Ailin glanced at the pocket watch hurriedly, muttering, "I hope I didn't keep him waiting too long."

Looking at the anxious Princess, Theresa smiled and said.

"I believe if it were you, he definitely wouldn't mind."

And, he and Mr. Andes seem to be talking quite happily.

Although she didn't know what they were talking about.

Just as Theresa said, when Ailin Campbell appeared in the living room of the annex, Mr. Prince Prince Kelin's eyes were indeed unable to look away.

Ailin was very satisfied with the expression on his face; it was not in vain that she sat in the chair for so long, letting the maids fiddle with her.

Especially the first hour, it was truly more uncomfortable than the physical training after practicing swordsmanship.

"We meet again, Mr. Prince Prince Kelin, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." She blinked playfully, elegantly and decently reminding him of his loss of composure.

Collecting the fleeting "loss of composure," Luo Yan, who stood up from the sofa, nodded slightly, a smile of just the right amount on his face.

"Being able to wait for you is my honor. Especially now... I feel so even more,"

Even facing Professor Lilith, he could remain calm, so of course it was impossible for him to be captured by this degree of "charm." Making an expression of amazement and appreciation was just his politeness.

Although he admitted that Ailin Campbell was indeed beautiful, he was a Demon King.

"It seems I should exit," Andes stood up from the opposite sofa, bowed slightly to the two, a gentleman's smile on his face, "I wish you two a pleasant journey, and be careful on the road... I heard that there are traces of monster activity in the Silver Pine Forest recently."

"Solving the troubles of the villagers is one of the purposes of my trip," Ailin's face showed a calm smile, her voice gentle, "If I really encounter monsters, I will definitely not disgrace the mission bestowed upon me by the former King."

"I believe so, but please consider it carefully." Andes nodded slightly, then followed the Princess's personal guards and sent the two all the way to the carriage.

At Ailin's invitation, Luo Yan and her sat in the same carriage, while Watching Watching Pangke drove the carriage and followed in the motorcade.

Looking at the royal ceremonial guard, although Watching Watching Pangke was calm on the surface, his heart was beating wildly, and sweat seeped from his palms holding the reins, both nervous and excited.

However, compared to a month ago, his performance was still much better, at least he didn't have weak legs as soon as he saw the Campbell family's emblem.

The motorcade drove slowly out of the manor and drove all the way to the city gate along the clean and tidy streets. People along the way were paying attention to them, returning with respectful gazes, and even stopping to take off their hats to pay tribute.

In Lei Ming City, the prestige of the Campbell family was second only to Saint Xisi himself, which neither the name of Prince Prince Kelin nor the Andes family could compare to.

The guards at the city gate made way for the carriage, and the motorcade soon entered the suburbs outside the north gate of Lei Ming City.

Looking at the renovated refugee camp, the smile on Ailin's face had a few more gratified expressions, her voice gentle.

"I still remember when I first passed by here, people didn't even have a decent tent, and now they finally have a home that can shelter from the wind and rain."

Luo Yan: "This is a good start."

"Yes," Ailin blinked, looking at Mr. Prince Prince Kelin sitting opposite, continuing, "Our work is not over yet. I plan to call on the powerful industrial and commercial businessmen in the city to discuss building an industrial park near the refugee camp."

"Thanks to Mr. Andes' help, the problem of land property rights there has finally been solved. If we can introduce industries such as textiles, brick making, and basic metal processing, it will not only drive the economy of Lei Ming City, but also provide stable jobs for people who have lost their homes, and participate in the reconstruction of the Twilight Saint Saint Xingsheng by the Ryan Kingdom... there, it needs the things I said... sorry, will you feel bored if I say these things?"

"How could it be?" Looking at the anxious Ailin, Luo Yan smiled gently and said, "It's remarkable that you can think of these; I always thought that those were things businessmen would consider."

Ailin smiled shyly, a hint of smugness curling the corners of her slightly upturned lips.

"My ideas are actually very similar to my brother's. We cannot always indulge in the glory of the past. Although we don't know how to open factories, fortunately, the Campbell Principality has many capable people. As the masters of this land, we should at least provide them with an environment where they can do something. And it just so happens that these jobs are what those refugees need... I think this is the duty bestowed upon our Campbell family by Saint Xisi."

Pausing, she continued.

"So far, we have spent less than 10,000 gold coins, and we can still do many things with the remaining money."

Her voice carried a bit of excitement, like a child who got a good grade but pretended to be calm, wanting to get praise from the person she cared about but pretending not to care.

To be honest, what she wanted and the sweat she had already paid were not much, and she was indeed worthy of a compliment.

The only drawback was that she was not black-bellied enough.

And as everyone knows, humans are a kind of animal that says one thing and means another. Although most people crave to be friends with pure and kind people, their bodies and souls are always more honest to the black-bellied one, and then choose the more black-bellied one to be their master.

"This is a remarkable cause, Princess." Luo Yan obediently offered the compliment she was expecting, and then kindly reminded her, "However, such important things are not suitable to be revealed to others in advance."

Ailin smiled and said.

"Will you betray me?"

"Of course not, but... I thought you would say I am not others." Luo Yan made a melancholy expression on his face.

Not others?

What does this mean?

Ailin's cheeks quickly dyed a layer of red clouds, but seeing Prince Prince Kelin's "deeply hit" appearance, she became panicked again, and for a while, she couldn't care about questioning.

"I didn't mean that, I..."

Luo Yan stared into her eyes.

"Aren't we friends?"

Friends... that heart that had just jumped to her throat fell back into her heart.

Thinking that everything was her own misunderstanding, and misunderstanding so far, she was ashamed and wished to find a crack in the ground to drill into, but then she met the cunning in those eyes again.

This guy did it on purpose!

Wait—

So he actually knew?

The restless heartbeat went back and forth between that rise and fall, letting the red clouds cross her fair neck.

However, she was the respected Princess Campbell after all, having received a good court etiquette education, so even a Demon King who graduated from the Demon King Academy could not keep her emotions "played" in the palm of his hand forever.

Ailin coughed lightly, and her face returned to an elegant and dignified smile.

"Mr. Prince Prince Kelin, is it fun to tease a lady?"

That was a precursor to anger.

"Sorry, it's just that the Princess's appearance is too cute, I couldn't help it for a while... please forgive my rudeness." Luo Yan, who knew when to stop, sincerely expressed his apology. He really didn't have any malice, just wanted to create a little ripple on the calm waves to pull the distance between each other closer.

Please... you... collect_6... 9... book... bar...!

Looking at Mr. Prince Prince Kelin who seemed to be reflecting, Ailin loosened her tense eyebrows and softened her facial lines again.

Of course she wasn't really angry.

Rather, she was just using anger to cover up her inner panic.

"I accept your apology. Actually, to be honest, telling you those things was not entirely to get your praise, but also hoping to get your advice and help."

"Happy to serve you, Princess," Luo Yan said respectfully, "I have no objection to your plan. At any time, work-for-relief is a good idea, especially since Lei Ming City has such a foundation. If the royal family is willing to mobilize the industrial and commercial owners of Lei Ming City, I believe this will have huge benefits for both the economy and prestige of the Campbell Principality. I am willing to do my best to help you, even if I give everything I have. However, I still have to remind you that you'd better discuss such important things with Grand Duke Edward, otherwise even good intentions may lead to bad things."

Perhaps because he also had a younger sister, he still couldn't help but touch his conscience.

Ailin hesitated slightly, but still showed a smile and said softly.

"I will discuss it with my brother; in fact, I have always been doing so. Additionally, thank you for stepping in when I needed help the most. I believe that not only I, but the people here must also be grateful to you. Once everything is over, I intend to build a park for the residents here to commemorate what once happened in this place, and inside it, there will be a statue that belongs to you."

Luo Yan looked at Ailin in surprise and nodded with a pleased smile.

"Thank you."

Of course he wouldn't refuse such a thing. A statue could facilitate him to condense faith without having to be there in person.

Moreover, this was a statue built for himself by the God-chosen one of Saint Xisi.

If Saint Xisi himself knew, I don't know if he would be mad.

Of course.

Luo Yan didn't think that this alone was enough to shake the foundation of Saint Xisi.

That guy should be more stable than You You. If he wants to attract his attention, I am afraid he has to make a bigger movement than Lint Aisaac...

Just as Ailin Campbell's carriage left Lei Ming City, a motorcade arrived in the suburbs of Lei Ming City under the escort of the palace guard.

That shining golden emblem and the neat ceremonial guard attracted countless gazes, and the refugees working on the construction site stopped their movements one after another and gathered on both sides of the road.

Their faces were written with awe and heartfelt gratitude, because it was the Campbell family's warmth like the scorching sun that dispelled the frost in their lives.

"May the Holy Light protect the Campbell family!"

"Long live Grand Duke!"

"Praise our King!"

Looking at the bustling crowd, Edward, sitting in the carriage, accepted the praise of the people with a calm expression, but a smile appeared on his mouth inadvertently.

Although he didn't think the admiration of a group of sheep was important, this didn't prevent him from enjoying the applause and crowding of the people.

This is their value besides burying their heads in work.

His crown needs these embellishments.

Not far away, the city gate opened, and Viceroy Wilson and Mayor Lu Lu Lu Xiusi of Lei Ming City greeted them quickly, including Yan Andes and others.

Although Andes knew early on that Edward intended to meet that mysterious imperial noble, he didn't expect the respected Majesty to come to Lei Ming City in person.

This was probably the first time he had left Campbell Castle since his succession.

Hurriedly greeting the side of the carriage, Viceroy Wilson bowed his waist like a servant and said respectfully.

"Your Majesty? Why are you here."

"Of course, to see my dear subjects, you have suffered this winter." Edward, sitting in the carriage, showed a humble smile, showing his approachable side to everyone, at this moment when winter was about to pass.

The faces of Viceroy Wilson and others showed moving expressions, thanking Grand Duke Edward for his concern one after another. And those passers-by who had mistakenly regarded themselves as subjects also showed gratitude, responding with grateful cheers and applause to the benevolent Grand Duke.

"Everyone is very excited, didn't expect you to come here." Looking at the people welcoming them, Viceroy Wilson showed a smile and claimed credit to Edward sitting in the carriage.

Edward smiled kindly, didn't neglect the enthusiasm of the people, waved his hand at the crowd, and signaled a devout believer of Saint Xisi to walk to his carriage.

That middle-aged man was flattered, carefully squeezed through the crowd to the side of the carriage, knelt on one knee and saluted.

"Respected Grand Duke, thank you for everything you have done for us!"

"Please get up," Edward stared at him, his voice gentle, "and tell me, how is your life recently? Has there been any improvement?"

"Of course, compared to the Twilight Saint Saint Xingsheng, this place is simply like heaven..." The middle-aged man's face was excited, telling everything that had happened during this time one by one.

And listening to those real experiences he told, many people around who had just ended their wandering life were touched by the softness in their hearts, and some even shed tears of gratitude.

Edward enjoyed listening to it at first, until the name of Ailin Campbell occupied more and more space in the mouth of this mud-legged guy.

"... If it weren't for your sister, my child would probably have starved to death in the cold wind. Thank you, respected Saint Xisi, it must be that He personally descended the oracle and sent this angel to our side."

This sentence was probably the last straw that broke the camel's back, and the guy who said this hadn't realized his slip of the tongue.

Having just become a subject of the Campbell Principality, he might not even know about the Light of Praise, and the saying of the oracle was undoubtedly the most death-seeking interpretation.

Seeing this guy who didn't know how to observe words and colors still talking endlessly, the sharp-eyed Mayor Lu Lu Lu Xiusi hurriedly played the role of the villain and pulled this guy to the side.

"That's enough, you guy, do you want the respected Majesty to accompany you in the cold wind until evening? You ungrateful guy! Hurry up and make way!"

Looking at Mayor Lu Lu Lu Xiusi who roughly pulled him away, Edward smiled in his heart, but still said with a straight face.

"Please don't blame him, Mr. Lu Lu Lu Xiusi, he has no malice, I don't mind him chatting a little more about my sister."

The guy who was pulled away was reluctant, but didn't dare to offend the Mayor, and only became tough after hearing that His Majesty spoke for him, glaring at the Mayor who pulled him.

"That's right, I have no malice! I just want to express to His Majesty that we all respect him... why do you want to stop me from doing so?"

There was a booing sound all around, and the spearhead pointed at Mayor Lu Lu Lu Xiusi, as if they were looking at a clown.

This idiot!

How dare he ask why!

Listening to the booing and ridicule toward him, Lu Lu Lu Xiusi cursed in his heart, but still made a smiling expression on his face.

At least His Majesty accepted his kindness, otherwise he wouldn't have called his surname.

Viceroy Wilson wiped the sweat on his forehead and gave a look to the guards around, telling them not to stand there like fools and hurry up to clear the road in front of the carriage.

The brighter the smile on His Majesty's face, the more afraid he was, thanks to this dog thing Lu Lu Lu Xiusi giving His Majesty a chance to have a straight face.

Although the Viceroy's Mansion representing the royal power and the City Hall representing the citizens had always been at odds, he had to say that this guy did a correct thing.

Not wanting to continue on this topic, Edward looked at his favorite servant, Yan Andes, who had been silent.

"Where is Mr. Luo Ke Sai Prince Prince Kelin? I have long wanted to chat with him, where is he now?"

The deeds of the Prince Prince Kelin family had already spread to the neighboring Duchy, and half of his purpose for coming to Lei Ming City this time was to meet that mysterious imperial noble.

Hearing His Majesty's inquiry, Andes hesitated for a few seconds and finally answered truthfully.

"He was invited by your sister to the Silver Pine Forest area..."

Although he knew that His Majesty didn't want to hear that person's name again, he didn't want to be misunderstood as shielding Ailin Campbell, which was not good for anyone.

Neither of them is here.

Edward was annoyed in his heart, but finally didn't say anything.

He couldn't put down the dignity of the Grand Duke and chase after him.

Making an indifferent expression, Edward shifted his gaze.

"Is that so, then wait until they come back and talk about it."

(End of Chapter) ===== CHAPTER 206 =====