The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Hearing the Princess's inquiry, Theresa, who had closed the door and returned to the tea table, was stunned for a few seconds before hesitantly giving her answer.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, I don't have experience in this... but I suppose it's unlikely."

"So it's really 'like', is it?" Erin sighed softly, resting her chin in her hands, and said playfully, "It's quite a headache, to think I've turned into that sinful woman in the stories."

Having spent so much time together, Theresa could tell the Princess was joking, though the slight upward curl of her lips left her unsure.

After much deliberation, she cautiously spoke.

"Your Highness, I don't know much about Mr. Colin, we've been unable to find much information about him, but I believe if he were like your brother, Duke Edward, they likely don't have feelings of 'like'."

"I understand, perhaps replacing 'like' with 'want to obtain' would be more accurate, don't think I don't understand anything, I just don't like unromantic expressions..."

Erin sighed softly, her bright eyes flashing with wisdom.

"But don't you think that, no matter his intentions in approaching me, it doesn't disadvantage us?"

The funds raised from this charity event greatly exceeded her expectations, not only able to settle the refugees outside Thunder City but also to accomplish more.

By comparison, she hadn't truly given anything, and Mr. Colin hadn't asked her to use the power of the Campbell family for anything.

Since that's the case, playing the role of a little girl admiring him seemed harmless, especially since his manners were quite endearing.

Though Erin didn't write her emotions on her face, the slight curve of her lips betrayed her satisfaction.

It felt like she had unlocked a difficult problem in a court class that no one else could solve.

Theresa admitted that the Princess was very clever; she would even entrust her with field research to understand the different prices in different areas of Thunder City, which many nobles would disdain to do.

However, this was also what worried her.

She remembered her father once said that their family managed to endure not because the successive Family Heads were wise, but precisely because they weren't.

They always remained loyal to the Campbell family, always the sword in Grand Duke Campbell's hand, never fancifully betting between two princes.

But seeing the Princess's eager stubbornness, she couldn't bring herself to disrupt this mood.

At least for now, the mysterious Imperial nobleman hadn't shown any naked ambition, merely expressing appreciation for the Princess, behaving gentlemanly and appropriately.

If he really harbored nefarious plans, she could still warn or advise her in time...

...

As time passed, the auction gradually drew to a close, yet Mr. Colin, who had left midway, didn't come back.

Initially, Erin didn't pay much mind to it, elegantly sipping tea, enjoying the solitude, and occasionally chatting with Theresa.

However, the two were too familiar with each other, so Theresa couldn't provide anything novel, nor could she relax enough to speak freely.

Feeling a bit bored, Erin's thoughts drifted to the distant Northern Realm, to the Academic State on the tundra.

Earlier, Mr. Colin had mentioned man-beating willows and the night-mare only seen by those who have brushed with death.

She was really curious about what else lay on that vast land.

Just as Erin, bored, was about to ask Theresa to check what was taking Andes so long, there was finally a knock on the door.

Almost the instant the knock sounded, Princess Erin, lost in thought a moment ago, immediately sat up straight, adjusted the teacup on the tray, and adopted a dignified lady-like posture.

Watching the Princess suddenly perk up with energy, Theresa chuckled helplessly inside and went to the door to open it.

"... Apologies, Honorable Princess, for making you wait so long." Seeing Princess Erin seated at the table, Luo Yan made an apologetic face and bowed slightly.

Seeing the sincerely apologizing Mr. Colin, Erin, who hadn't been angry, smiled and jested.

"So how do you plan to make it up to me?"

Luo Yan respectfully replied.

"At your command."

Erin smiled and said.

"What if I want you to bring me the Demon King's head?"

"I must admit this is a challenging task for me," Luo Yan showed a troubled expression, "but if it's your wish, I'll strive toward it, honing my skills."

"I'm joking, dear Mr. Colin, you've already done so much for me, how could I ask for more? Besides, defeating the Demon King is the Campbell Royal Family's duty, I don't intend to hand this honorable mission to others."

Seeing Mr. Colin seemingly take her words seriously, Erin mischievously blinked, feeling a slight triumph.

It seemed he cared more about her than she did about him.

The previous anxiety and Theresa's reminder had made her uneasy, even doubtful, but now it seemed unnecessary.

She always held the initiative.

She could effortlessly maneuver him, whenever she wanted.

Yet, Princess Erin did not realize that her thoughts were precisely what someone had wanted her to think.

Seeing Erin's face filled with a confident smile, Luo Yan also displayed a gentle smile and respectfully said.

"If that's the case, then I should hone my skills even more, so that I might become your support one day."

That earnest smile was like warm sunlight, making Erin's heart unconsciously skip a beat, almost losing her direction.

But she quickly regained her composure, maintaining her dignified appearance, elegantly inviting Mr. Colin to sit opposite her.

The two spent the remaining time in a friendly atmosphere.

The suggestive talk had been enough; any more would be impolite.

Luo Yan didn't add unnecessary embellishments, instead continuing to recount his artistically embellished campus life and stories about "Kao Continent".

Especially the latter part, which he had already discussed with Andes earlier, now just in time to recount while it was still fresh.

To avoid contradictions revealing the act.

And Erin played the role of the listener, occasionally asking questions that piqued her curiosity.

However, it was apparent that she was more intrigued by the Wizard Tower of the Academic State than the New Continent.

Thus, the evening's banquet wound down in a friendly atmosphere, and satisfied guests gradually departed.

When taking leave, Erin especially donned a cloak and, accompanied by Theresa, escorted Luo Yan to the manor's gate.

Looking at Mr. Colin standing by the carriage, her eyes sincere, she spoke in a clear, melodious voice.

"Thank you for your gift. Though the time with you was brief, it was enjoyable. I look forward to meeting you again."

Luo Yan smiled and said.

"The feeling is mutual; this has been my most delightful evening since leaving home. I wish you sweet dreams tonight. Also, perhaps there's a misunderstanding—I'm just about to present you with that mysterious gift..."

Just about to?

Erin was slightly taken aback.

"Isn't it that diamond—"

Before she finished her sentence, someone had already grasped her right hand.

The warm and familiar touch permeated her palm.

By the time she came back to herself, the kind and considerate gentleman had boarded the carriage, leaving a golden pocket watch in her palm.

"To me, it's just a pocket watch, but to you, it's priceless. Rather than possessing it, I hope it stays by your side."

"Remember to write to me when you encounter difficulties, and please don't lose it again."