IRM Chapter 70

Under the night sky, the buildings were lit up by crisscrossing lights, illuminating the magnificent palace into a city that never slept.

Various rare and exotic beasts pulled precious carriages through layers of guards and stopped at the entrance of the towering palace. Gorgeous dress trains winded out from the carriage compartments, draping over the splendid carpets woven from highland wool.

This was a carnival belonging to those in power.

The Countess bent down and stepped on the delicate footstool. With the Earl’s gentle support, she lightly lifted her trailing dress train. She raised her head to gaze at this resplendent palace, a trace of contempt flashing in her eyes. “So extravagant yet utterly tasteless. They shouldn’t spend so much effort decorating the palace; they should go decorate their brains instead.”

The Earl smiled at her good-naturedly and gently squeezed her hand.

The Countess opened her silk fan, covering half of her delicate face. “I know, I know. I haven’t been so rude as to complain about these things in front of them—that would be defiling my soul.”

Three carriages traveled from the Earl’s manor to the palace. Ji Chi followed Brandon down from one of the side carriages. Under the palace’s bright-as-day lighting, he curiously took an extra look at the Countess’s outfit, thinking it didn’t look much different from her usual home clothes…

But Ji Chi didn’t ask any more questions that would invite ridicule—these nobles probably lived under microscopes, didn’t they? How could they distinguish so many differences?

The Earl’s manor’s final carriage stopped steadily before the smooth marble steps. The thick curtains were respectfully drawn open from both sides by the attendants. A fair and delicate ankle emerged from the carriage, followed by an ink-like black gauze dress cascading down, blooming like a black iris on the carpet.

The pure black blossomed under the bright lights, attracting everyone’s gaze like a magnet. Among those gazes were amazement, disdain, and disgust.

But Saintess Coralie was like a proud black swan. Her long black hair fell perfectly over her shoulders as she walked openly and confidently through the light and shadow.

The Countess curved her eyes, raising the corners of her mouth in satisfaction behind her fan. “I knew she would choose this dress. Look, how beautiful confident black is! So much better looking than those hypocritical golden lights~”

The palace occupied an extremely vast area, divided into outer and inner halls. They were currently in the outer hall, while the King and Queen were receiving guests in the inner hall.

The group passed through the brilliant crystal corridor. The doors carved with ornate patterns opened before them, and an even more dazzling and exquisite hall appeared before their eyes.

Ji Chi frowned. This kind of blatant, ostentatious display of expensive decorations piled together was not only unattractive but also hurt his eyes…

Ji Chi tried hard to adapt to the discomfort in his eyes, slightly furrowing his brows as he looked straight ahead. An even more glittering person awaited them at the top of the hall.

Ji Chi felt utterly hopeless inside. He would rather go back and face Harvey’s bald head.

The Countess also seemed unable to bear this tasteless pile of golden light, constantly keeping her fan in front of her face. In her exposed bright eyes, she was full of undisguised disdain. “I really can’t stand this place—so hypocritical and ostentatious!”

The King spotted them at first glance. He stood on the carpet embroidered with golden threads, holding the royal scepter, wearing the golden crown, and walked toward them with a smile.

He was an uncle with proper features. His perpetual smiling expression easily made people feel good about him, but those deep brown eyes would imperceptibly sweep over everyone, with fragmented light flickering in their depths—similar to Chloe’s expression when calculating a person’s abilities.

The King passed over Earl Elliot, his friendly gaze falling on Saintess Coralie. “Your Highness Saintess Coralie, please forgive me for not personally inviting you here. Your continued stay in the Saint Trilley Empire is truly an honor for the entire nation.”

The Demon King Castle hadn’t widely publicized that Saintess Coralie had become the new generation Demon King. In the outside world’s view, she had already absurdly transformed from the Church’s Saintess to the Demon King’s daughter. Normal people simply couldn’t imagine that this young girl was already a Demon King.

But the King was different. He was too sensitive to this kind of identity change. Even if he hadn’t yet discerned that Saintess Coralie was a Demon King, he understood that her status in the Demon King Castle was definitely higher than imagined.

More valuable than the current Church, she was worth winning over, even if it offended the Church—the loss wouldn’t be too great… Many thoughts flashed through the King’s mind in an instant.

He gripped the scepter in his hand tighter, his smile becoming even more sincere as he began introducing the two tall, handsome young men beside him. “This is my eldest son William. He’s a senior engineer and can already create quite excellent equipment.”

Prince William had been looking at Saintess Coralie with delight since she entered. He put on what he considered his most dashing and charming smile, just about to step forward and strike up a conversation with her, when the King interrupted his action.

The King pulled the Second Prince Louis forward, his hand not holding the scepter affectionately patting his shoulder, his tone carrying undeniable pride. “This is Louis. Tonight’s celebration is for his promotion to a senior warrior! He’s only 19, a very outstanding child. He must have much in common with you!”

The King spoke passionately, but unfortunately Louis wasn’t very interested in these matters. With an indifferent expression, he nodded at Saintess Coralie, then turned his gaze and pressed his chest to give the Countess a solemn bow, his voice steady and deep. “Teacher, it’s been a long time.”

The Countess covered her lips and smiled. “It’s been a long time, Your Highness Louis. I heard Brandon ran to find you not long ago. He didn’t disturb you, did he?”

Louis shook his head and grinned at Brandon, his white teeth gleaming brightly. “Of course not! Brandon just came to ask me about weapons. I merely recommended a very suitable sword to him. How could that be considered a disturbance!”

The Countess’s gentle smile froze. She slowly turned her head, looking at the young master who was drenched in sweat. “Oh, is that so? I’ve only just learned of this. When I return, I will definitely take a good look at what kind of treasured sword that is.”

The young master’s cold sweat instantly poured out as he stammered a response.

Louis realized he might have said something wrong. He looked back and forth between the two, his eyes revealing incomprehension and helplessness.

Ji Chi also looked at him numbly.

So you’re the root of all evil! Why on earth did you think that delicate young master was suitable for the Black Steel Greatsword?

Seeing Saintess Coralie being neglected by the Second Prince, the King laughed a few times as if to smooth things over. One hand imperceptibly reached behind to tug at Louis’s hem, earning Louis’s questioning look.

Crown Prince William stood right behind them, taking everything in. His fingers clenched tightly, the precious fingertips of an engineer almost drawing blood.

William struggled to maintain his smile, cold storms gathering in his eyes as he swept them coolly over the King and Louis.

So what if your martial prowess is higher? Father, I will make you understand that machinery is the source of power, and engineers can also awe the masses! William’s eyes faintly reddened.

Under Lilith’s half-smiling gaze, the King finally gave up on rescuing his blockhead of a second son.

You can just spend your whole life with your sword! The King cursed viciously in his heart.

His mood wasn’t very good. He hastily greeted the Earl’s family, then placed his gaze on Ji Chi. The King swept over his black hair and black eyes. Although he said nothing, one could still feel the faint rejection he revealed.

But even if it was rejection, the King wouldn’t show it obviously. He still maintained his amiable appearance. “So this is Ji Chi? An all-element mage who cultivates three professions simultaneously… This is truly remarkable! You will undoubtedly grow to become the most brilliant star of the Empire!”

The King spoke beautiful words, but in his heart, he thought coldly—

This kind of filthy commoner youth—so what if his talent is good? This is his first time seeing the royal family in his life; he must be nervous to death, right? For an ant like this, material rewards aren’t even necessary. Just acknowledge him a bit and he’ll be desperate to dedicate everything to the Empire. He’s really too base…

The King’s heart was filled with disdain and arrogance. He looked condescendingly at those ominous black eyes, wanting to see tears streaming down in gratitude and reverence—

However, the youth before him raised his eyes, quietly looking at him, those obsidian-like pupils carrying an inexplicable mockery.

Just as the King wanted to look more carefully, the white-robed, black-haired youth lowered his head slightly, smiled faintly, and said lightly, “You flatter me, Your Majesty.”

The King frowned slightly, feeling this commoner wasn’t easy to fool. Unwilling to let go of a possible asset, he could only suppress his displeasure and step forward to lightly grasp his hand. “Modesty is good, but young people should shine even more—”

Before he could finish, his words were interrupted by a flash of light. When Ji Chi’s hand was pulled up, the lace ruffles on his chest lifted slightly, revealing an exquisite, shining badge.

It was the junior alchemist badge specially issued by the Interlet Potion Shop. When the Earl’s manor servants were sorting through Ji Chi’s changed clothes, they saw it and cleverly adorned it at his collar. Even Ji Chi hadn’t noticed it was there.

Although it was only a junior alchemist badge, being issued by Interlet made it extraordinarily different, because it represented that the alchemist’s talent was recognized by the potion shop, and their future achievements would be immeasurable.

In that instant, the King thought of many things. He thought of the Eastern Saint Alchemist that Interlet refused to mention, and then of Ji Chi’s unperturbed expression—he wasn’t a commoner at all! So he was that Eastern alchemist’s son!

This discovery was no small matter. A Saint Alchemist who could brew [Epic] potions for the potion shop would be a sought-after existence in any country, and a symbol of the Empire’s strength.

If that Saint Alchemist could be used by the Empire… wouldn’t the Saint Trilley Empire stand out from the rest!

The King’s breathing became heavy. He stared at Ji Chi intensely, and even the black hair and black eyes he originally found disagreeable now seemed adorable.

The King’s peripheral vision swept over Saintess Coralie’s figure, and he suddenly felt a sense of crisis. A rare trace of solemnity flashed across his face, as if he had decided something. He turned back and gave quiet instructions to a guard.

The guard bowed to accept the order and quickly ran to a corner of the hall, bending down to speak to a petite figure.

That figure trembled slightly upon hearing this, helplessly slumping her shoulders before slowly turning around and walking step by step toward the King’s position.

The King watched her walk slowly over and curved his lips. “This is my youngest daughter Catherine. Although she’s only 15, her beauty rivals Your Highness Saintess Coralie’s. Every day I have a headache trying to protect her…”

The King looked like a worried old father, sighing deeply.

Princess Catherine was indeed very beautiful. Her long, smooth brown hair emitted a light luster, her brown pupils were as clear as a fawn’s, but there was no light in the depths of her eyes, and her petal-like lips were only stiffly pressed together.

The King affectionately stroked her long hair and leisurely asked Ji Chi. “Would you be interested in becoming a Marquis in Saint Trilley?”

Everyone knew what this statement meant. Marquises in Saint Trilley had one characteristic: their spouses must be direct royal bloodline.

Ji Chi’s gaze immediately cooled. He detested this behavior of casually manipulating others’ fates and coldly refused, “I apologize, but I probably cannot become an Earl.”

The King hadn’t expected to be rejected again. His hand gripping the scepter paused, and his tone also carried a hint of danger. “Why is that? Could it be that you look down on my treasure?”

Catherine hadn’t said a single word, just quietly standing beside the King, letting him decide her fate.

Ji Chi turned his face to look at Catherine seriously, especially her eyes. The lifelessness and resignation in them left him somewhat disappointed.

He didn’t mind helping people who wanted to fight against their fate, but of course, he also wasn’t willing to do thankless tasks—some people, even if given a chance to change their destiny, wouldn’t cherish it and might even complain.

Ji Chi pulled his lips into a smile. “Of course not. Catherine is wonderful, it’s just that I already have a fiancée.”

Although average lifespan had been extended greatly in this era, 16 was considered adulthood. Having a fiancée at Ji Chi’s age wasn’t unusual.

The King was skeptical. He hadn’t planned to give up, squinting as he asked, “Is that so… What a pity. But could you tell me what kind of young lady she is?”

Ji Chi didn’t think much and spoke off the cuff. “A young Eastern lady with black hair and black eyes.”

The King made a sound of surprise, raising his eyebrows in astonishment. “Do you young people all like this type of girl lately? I just asked Brandon not long ago, and his fiancée is also a girl with black hair and black eyes.”

As soon as the words fell, Ji Chi & the Countess & the Earl froze, silently turning their heads to stare at him.

The young master’s cold sweat immediately poured out again. He shrank his neck and smiled awkwardly.