Divine Emperor of Death

"…"

Niera listened to Davis. She didn't nod, nor did her shoulders droop in helplessness.

She stared at Saffira, waiting to hear her explanation.

However, Saffira was silent, almost frightened enough to faint. She did receive the full extent of Niera's powerful aura, after all. It wasn't something she could resist at her stage. The others felt that it was praiseworthy that she managed to keep herself awake.

"My apologies. I must've been a bit emotional to react heavily. What is your name?"

Niera prompted her, causing Saffira to finally react. She took a few deep breaths to control herself under the gesture of Lucian and moved her lips.

"My name is Saffira. I work in the Davis Family as a maid who takes care of cooking, cleaning, and gardening. During this time, I came to be acquainted with Young Master Lucian and inexplicably came to have an understanding between us, which then turned into… affection for each other. As a lowly maid, I know…"

She trembled, "I know I don't have the right to be with him, but Young Master Lucian isn't bothered about the difference in our status, and Palace Master also doesn't separate us nor punish me, so I can't help but hope to be with him. Mother, please accept us."

She went on her knees and cupped her hands, but she didn't put her head down this time, gazing into Niera's eyes with a gaze full of determination.

"I'm willing to do anything in order to be with Lucian and receive your blessings."

"…" Niera indifferently gazed at Saffira.

She then turned to look at Lucian, "Have you two made love already?"

"No." Lucian shook his head but added hesitantly, "We kissed…"

*Whistle~*

Azariel whistled from the side with a teasing expression while Lucian cast a murderous glance at him.

Niera nearly blushed from her son confessing such a thing in front of her and a whole audience. She could see he had grown up indeed. She got the feeling that no matter what she said, his mind wouldn't change, but her heart was also rattled since she had so many wishes for her son.

All that came crumbling down. In the end, she sighed.

She had also chosen Davis despite what everyone said, so she guessed her son would also be like that. There was no use trying to change his mind, and he was a kind and gentle person. He wouldn't be able to hurt Saffira by leaving her.

She could guess they were mostly one at this point.

Still, she clenched her teeth, unwilling to easily admit it.

Niera glared at Saffira, "Do you know that he's a Divergent who could easily burn you? It could be a minor accident or a major accident that ends up in your death."

"I'm well aware, and I've already experienced minor accidents." Saffira replied, her expression gently and reminiscent, "However, his subsequent hand that touches me to apply medicinal paste is always warm."

Niera's gaze quivered, "It's not a fortunate matter. Why are you romanticizing it? What would you do if you were to die when he loses control? Will you then blame him or yourself for dying like a witch burned at the stake?"

Saffira trembled underneath Niera's aura, but she gave an innocent smile, "Young Master Lucian will never lose control. Even if he did, I would be happy to accompany him as a ghost."

"Are you saying that you're going to haunt him!?" Niera's eyes widened.

"T-That's not what I meant~" Saffira's expression turned awry as though she was going to really cry.

Seeing her defensive expression crumble, Niera appeared satisfied as she revealed a smile.

"Whoever you are, I don't believe you. You influenced my teenage son while I was absent. That itself is worthy of a thousand deaths. Regardless, the Davis Family believes in the decision made by individuals when it comes to partners. Since Lucian loves you, I will give you a chance to prove yourself."

"Mother…" Saffira looked excited.

"Don't call me that." Niera raised her brows.

"Ah, forgive me. I have been addressing you using that term for the past few years, so…" Saffira hesitantly explained and hurriedly apologized.

Niera's expression softened, "Just don't, at least not before you have convinced me. What have you planned?"

Saffira instantly told her about what Davis had planned for them, to enter the formation hall that reflected the abject truth, which was built by Davis's younger sister, Clara.

Niera nodded, thinking it was good, "Until then, don't be too intimate. Otherwise, I will separate the two of you."

Lucian and Saffira hurriedly nodded, not talking back.

The two of them and the other children instantly fled, leaving the adults together.

Niera heaved a breath and slumped onto the couch as though she was drained of her strength despite being in a prime state. She muttered, "I wonder if I feel tired after traveling the Shard Continent…"

Davis dutifully gave her a refreshment in the color of blue-gray juice to lift her spirits and feel energized.

After Niera drank it, she heaved a breath, "Children… sigh. They grew up so fast. Did Azariel and the others also gain something like this?"

Davis shook his head, causing Niera to feel some shame.

It seems that despite Azariel acting as a silk pants who craved women, it was Lucian who laid his hands on a woman first, and that too a maid who could be taken advantage of easily. Her prideful face burned, causing Evelynn to giggle.

"Just let them be as long as they're not doing anything vile and against the law."

"Right…" Niera nodded, a smile etching her lips, "It's fine indeed."

"Doesn't she remind you of yourself?" Davis raised his hand and flicked her nose.

"Oww~" Niera pouted, rubbing her nose as she smirked, "Her willingness to die in his flames, a heart of self-sacrifice, moved me. That was one of the most important points I was hoping to see for my son in his future partner. It seems that he is quite lucky to have obtained someone like that early in his years. Still, I wish she had practiced or possessed an ice physique to counteract his physique. It is of tantamount importance to his safety, yet…"

Niera seemed to reveal her difficulties in finding a partner for her son. She was worried since she had taught him monogamy, so if Lucian were to only marry Saffira, who would be there to cool down his physique and save him from demise?

"Regardless, emotions are but fleeting clouds without the atmosphere to contain them. She could change her mind later. No one stays the same, much less have ulterior motives that might unearth until a moment in the future, so I'll see what she's truly up to using little sister Clara's legacy that she left for us."

"Very good." Davis nodded.

He threw his hand on her head and caressed her, making her feel satisfied and finally calm down after a roller coaster of emotions swirled inside her heart and soul.

After sine time, Davis stood up, "Alright, I've got to go bring back Bylai and the others. I have delayed enough just because Tia said that there's no danger to them, but I can't wait anymore."

Niera didn't complain, nor did the others. They solemnly nodded.

This time, Davis only brought Myria away.

As for fortress defense, excluding the ones who were already there, Niera and her flame spirit, Reignisia, who could reach Peak Empyrean and were rightly under the High-Level Shard Region's limit, were more than enough to defend the fortress. Reignisia alone could wreck the fortress given enough time, so if they used her to attack, she would be much more effective.

Quickly, Davis mounted the Eternal Eclipse Bird and made his way to the Mountain-Sea Painting Shard Region with Myria.