Chapter 85: Please Let Me Be Willful for Once

Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Please Let Me Be Willful for Once

It was over.

Shen Yun was somewhat amazed, as this wasn’t even Xiao Jie’s true strength. He had merely relied on his Steel Body and the laws of explosion for close-quarters combat. It was like driving a tank and simply crushing the enemy under its treads. He hadn’t even fired the main cannon!

Had Shen Yun not requested to capture the target alive, a single blast could have likely reduced a Great Saint to the finest of ashes. This was the devastating destructive power a weapon possessed after transforming into a monster!

What was the Holy Hall in the face of that?

Shen Yun’s heart fluttered with a surge of excitement and a touch of heroic pride, but mostly, it was filled with anticipation for the future.

However, as Vierlia watched Xiao Jie fly over while dragging Vice Hall Master Bill like a limp rag, a hint of worry lingered in her eyes. Suddenly, she grabbed Shen Yun’s hand. Her soft, delicate fingers intertwined tightly with his as she leaned closer.

Shen Yun turned his head slightly, noticing the unease on her face. A brief moment of thought was all it took to understand why. In this world, Vierlia had indeed suffered immensely because of her beauty. After all, whether in terms of looks or talent, she was a woman standing at the absolute pinnacle of this world. It could be said that endless praise and incessant covetous stares had plagued her entire life up to this point.

"Don’t worry. Trust me," Shen Yun coaxed softly. His hand was actually starting to ache from her tight grip.

"Mhm," Vierlia hummed lightly, finally relaxing a great deal.

Right then, Xiao Jie arrived before them.

"My Lord! The target has been apprehended." Holding Bill’s limp arms with one hand, Xiao Jie used the other to grip the man’s jaw, forcing him to look up. Now, the fear, resentment, and regret filling those eyes could no longer be hidden.

"Why?" Vierlia asked in surprise. A Paladin wasn’t supposed to harbor so many emotions. A heart as still as water and strict adherence to the rules—that was the proper demeanor of a Paladin.

"HEH... HEHEHE," Bill let out a string of miserable laughs. "Do you think defeating me means you can defeat the Holy Hall? No, the current Holy Hall is at its most powerful in the past eight hundred years! I’ll be waiting for you in Hell!"

"You speak of being a lapdog as if it’s glorious?" Shen Yun’s expression didn’t waver in the slightest. "Rest assured, before you go to Hell, I’ll let the whole world see your fallen and pathetic state. You will become our rallying banner for the entire world."

"Bastard—!" Bill suddenly began to struggle, even attempting to commit suicide, but he was completely powerless.

Shen Yun unceremoniously tossed him into the Tripod Cauldron to keep Alberta company. The reason he wanted him captured alive was simple: Bill was the best proof of the Holy Hall’s corruption.

"Xiao Jie, this is my fiancée," Shen Yun said, suddenly gesturing toward Vierlia with his free hand.

"Understood. Xiao Jie greets the Mistress." Xiao Jie cupped his fist in another salute, his attitude exceedingly respectful.

Vierlia studied the man. She was very familiar with this type of posture. In his speech, behavior, expression, and gaze, he had completely placed himself in the position of a servant. Though it was somewhat incomprehensible to her, it finally put her mind at ease.

After nodding in response, she looked down at the Royal Capital of Violet. Her clear voice echoed throughout the entire city. "The invading enemies have been defeated! Tonight, we shall hold a banquet to celebrate our victory!"

"YYYEEEAAAHHH!"

A tsunami of cheers instantly erupted across the city. Even a Vice Hall Master of the Holy Hall had been taken captive. This was absolutely a massive victory worthy of national celebration.

"Let’s go." Vierlia released Shen Yun’s hand and instead wrapped her arms lightly around his, a radiant smile gracing her face. "My Prince Consort, let me show you our kingdom."

Right at that moment, the dark clouds in the sky gradually dispersed, allowing the morning sunlight to spill across the earth once more. Only then did Shen Yun get a clear view of the entire city. It wasn’t the medieval-style fortress he had previously imagined. Instead, buildings standing forty or fifty meters tall could be seen everywhere. Across their flat rooftops and between their balconies grew a rich variety of vegetation. At first glance, it looked like a city built inside a sprawling garden.

As for the citizens, many were already flooding the streets, setting up tables and bringing out chairs. Countless young women with graceful figures and breezy outfits had even begun to dance.

Passionate, open, and romantic—these were Shen Yun’s first impressions of the city.

Vierlia pulled him along as they flew all the way to the plaza in front of the Royal Palace. Another Saint Realm expert—Vierlia’s great-great-great-grandfather, Ambrose—was already standing there.

"HAHAHA." A burst of hearty laughter preceded the muscular older man as he walked steadily toward them, a warm smile on his face. "I truly must thank you."

"It’s what I ought to do," Shen Yun chuckled softly. "Besides, I was almost late. I truly apologize for that."

"That’s not what I’m referring to." The wrinkles on Ambrose’s face smoothed out as his smile widened. "The most beautiful flower in our world has finally found the right soil to take root in and rely on. How could I not thank you for allowing me to see this while I’m still alive?"

"Grandfather!" Vierlia called out, raising her voice with a touch of bashfulness.

Her reaction only drew an even heartier bout of laughter from the old man.

"Tonight calls for getting drunk! Good and drunk!" Ambrose maintained his beaming smile as he turned and ambled unsteadily toward a nearby banquet table.

Vierlia was a bit worried about his health, but she didn’t stop him.

"Grandfather’s time is running out. He only has a year or two left," she said softly, turning to gaze at Shen Yun. "Since the day I was born, he has constantly rejoiced for me and worried for me. Now, he can finally welcome his eternal rest with peace of mind. Thank you."

Shen Yun gently shook his head, offering no words as he looked around.

A great number of citizens had already gathered. Men and women, young and old—they all quietly placed an array of offerings on the plaza’s steps. There were coin pouches, fine brocades, fresh flowers, gemstones...

Their gazes toward Shen Yun were filled with awe and gratitude. To them, Shen Yun was their savior, their protector, and the one who could bring them stability and prosperity. In return, they would offer their loyalty, their reverence, their praise, and even their very all.

Shen Yun suddenly felt the weight of a little more responsibility on his shoulders.

"Vierlia, you should understand the importance of an information war now," he said, turning to look at the queen beside him. "Spread the Information that the Holy Hall has defected to the darkness, as well as the fact that we have two Great Saints on our side, as quickly as possible. Additionally, you mentioned before that you studied at the Magic Association for a time. See if you can invite them to send representatives. As for the neighboring kingdoms with Saint Realm experts..."

As he spoke, Shen Yun realized that Vierlia’s expression was a bit off. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her beautiful, azure eyes seemed to swim with an increasingly hazy emotion. Her tightly pursed lips and flushed, cherry-red face indicated that she was enduring some kind of intense internal struggle.

Finally, she seemed to make a decision. She leaned in, little by little, until her warm breath brushed against Shen Yun’s face.

Shen Yun couldn’t help but take a step back. This expression was far too similar to the one Xiao Jiu made at night.

However, Vierlia reached out with her left hand, gently cupping his cheek to stop his retreat.

"Here, I am the Queen," a murmur drifted from her red lips, now mere inches away. Her beauty seemed to fully bloom in this very instant. "So... please let me be a little selfish."

"MMPH..."

Shen Yun only had time to let out a muffled sound before his eyes widened slightly, feeling the softness pressing against his lips.

He was actually being forcefully kissed?!