Chapter 57: Revisiting the Past
“Now that tonight’s sleeping arrangements are settled, let’s talk business. Even if your family status is just a dog, you still need to work. We don’t keep idle hands in this house,” Kailun declared, fixing his gaze on Ella.
Of course, if the “idle hands” belonged to an exceptionally beautiful vase, he wouldn’t mind keeping it around to hold milk.
“Mmm…” Ella moaned softly. Kailun’s hand was exploring the soft skin of her stomach.
The slit in her cheongsam proved convenient, allowing him access to do as he pleased.
He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. She lacked a certain something. He decided Ella would look even better with a slave mark like Anna’s.
“In the next two days, I’ll arrange for you to establish a trading company. You’ll be in charge of all major trade operations. Our partners will include not just human nations, but also those from the Abyss. I’ll discuss the details with you tonight. For now, just focus on setting things up. I’ll provide ample funding.”
He absently tapped her navel with his finger.
He acknowledged Ella’s business acumen. She could manage a trading company with exceptional efficiency, even without direct involvement.
However, her methods of exploiting commoners were ruthless. Thankfully, with him overseeing things, she wouldn’t be able to act so heartlessly.
Having experienced the hardships of the lower class firsthand, Kailun understood the limits of exploitation. Even with absolute power, there was always a breaking point.
Improving their basic living conditions, ensuring their survival, was a small but crucial part of his plan.
He wasn’t a saint. He was simply laying the foundation for stability and consolidating power. It might require significant financial investment, but fortunately, the nobles of the Xiya Kingdom were swimming in wealth.
Wool came from sheep. Kailun, a firm believer in this principle, wouldn’t spend a single copper coin of his own.
Once the kingdom was stabilized, he had even more ambitious and ruthless plans. Let’s just say certain nobles and neighboring kingdoms were in for a rough time.
“The Abyss? We’re trading with the Abyss? But aren’t they all demons?” Ella shuddered at the mention of the Abyss, momentarily forgetting about Kailun’s hand on her stomach.
“I’ve made some discoveries while studying the Forbidden Scroll. They might not be as terrifying as the rumors suggest. Certain magic requires dragon teeth and harpy wings as ingredients. They’re more like… ferocious prey.” Anna, deep in thought, recalled the knowledge she had gleaned from the Scroll.
“It’s complicated. We’ll discuss it tonight. For now, just focus on two things.” Kailun tugged playfully on her collar. “First, prepare for the trading company’s launch. Learn about our future operations. Second, be a good girl and follow Anna’s lead tonight. She’ll teach you how to… grow.”
Ella: “…”
Escape was futile. She was going to be tainted.
“What about me?” Anna piped up.
“Continue teaching Carol magic. She’s our trump card,” Kailun said seriously.
Despite her extraordinary talent, Carol, starting from scratch, still needed time to learn. Anna, for now, would suffice as her teacher.
“Okay…” Anna’s voice was tinged with disappointment. She couldn’t explain why she felt this way.
“Three days have already passed. Time flies.” Kailun stretched, a satisfied smile on his face. Everything was proceeding smoothly. He had never felt so content.
[Phils’s favorability towards you has decreased due to your neglect.]
[Phils is strangely excited by your neglect play. Favorability increased. Current favorability: 50.]
Kailun: “…”
As expected of Phils. Her favorability increased even when he ignored her. He had to hand it to her.
He had initially considered tormenting her, but that wouldn’t lower her favorability. It would only excite her, which was the opposite of what he wanted.
When it came to being twisted, Phils was in a league of her own.
In public, she was a graceful and elegant noble lady. But behind closed doors, she was a complete deviant.
“Alright. I’ll take Phils on a trip down memory lane this afternoon.”
He made up his mind. It was a shame Afra had left so early. He had wanted to entrust her with his three knight trainees.
“Master, your milk is ready.” Carol approached, holding a cup of steaming milk.
“Come, let me feed you.” He led Carol to a nearby seat.
Carol: “？？?”
…
After a sumptuous lunch, Kailun rode his carriage to Phils’s residence to pick her up.
She was practically vibrating with excitement during the ride, her lips parting several times as if about to speak.
“Just ask if you have questions.” He paused, letting his next words sink in. “But don’t expect me to answer.”
Phils pouted. “How mean! I’m a key figure in your plans involving the princess. Is this how you treat valuable assets?”
“First of all, you’re no longer useful. The princess’s current tool is the little princess.” He looked at the beautiful girl beside him, her purple eyes sparkling with mischief.
“To both me and the princess, you’re insignificant. She doesn’t care about you, and I can do without you. You no longer hold any sway in this game.”
“So I’ve been used and discarded?” she asked, feigning sadness.
“Not quite. I haven’t even laid a finger on you.”
She wasn’t offended by his teasing. “You’re just trying to make me feel better. I knew I was indispensable.”
“If you were just a little bit normal…”
“So there’s no chance of me becoming your queen?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You have four options: tool, slave, pet kitten, or prisoner. Take your pick.” He ran his fingers up and down her stocking-clad leg.
“Will the prisoner be subjected to your… interrogation methods?” Her eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Ever since meeting Kailun, Phils felt like her true nature had awakened. Strange and exciting thoughts filled her mind.
“Yes, but you’ll have to wait your turn.”
She frowned. “How many are ahead of me?”
He traced three lines on her stockings with his fingernail. “You’re currently third. And there are a few more potential candidates.”
Unable to contain herself any longer, she shifted in her seat, her skirt riding up as she rubbed her legs together, the rustling of silk music to her ears.
Maintaining a semblance of composure, she declared, “If I can’t be your queen, then I’d rather be your prisoner!”
“Very well. Then I shall grant your wish… to be my pet kitten.” He flicked her forehead playfully and stepped out of the carriage. They had arrived at their destination.
“Wait! Let’s discuss this!” Phils scrambled after him, clutching his arm in a desperate attempt to change his mind.
But as she looked up at him, she realized his gaze wasn’t on her.
“This is where it all ends. The culmination of all my regrets.” He stared at the valley before him, his voice heavy with emotion. He placed his hand on her head. “And you, Phils, were the start of those regrets. The beginning of the story.”
This was the site of his final battle, the place where he had been beheaded.
He could still vividly recall Paul’s triumphant laughter, the cruel smirk on his face.
Phils shivered, fear gripping her heart. She was afraid of him in this state, afraid he might snap her neck on a whim.
[The thrill of potential danger sends shivers down Phils’s spine. Favorability +5. Current favorability: 55.]
Kailun: “…”
His somber mood evaporated. He should have known.
He shook his head, regaining his composure. “Every story has a beginning and an end. This is merely the stage for the final act. But don’t worry. Be a good girl and I won’t hurt you.”
Perhaps it was because she represented the beginning of it all that he was willing to share these thoughts with her.
Secretly, Phils wished he would hurt her, just a little. She could handle a little pain.
“Master Kailun, we’ve detected the princess’s forces nearby. What are your orders?” Roden reported.
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