Chapter 19: Chapter 19 - The Sweet and Bitter Life of an Awakened - I
** Two days after Glenn's awakening
At the heart of the demon kingdom stood the capital of the empire, Chaos. A city built on the slopes of a towering mountain range, Chaos stretched across multiple altitude levels. Each tier of construction, rising with the mountains, revealed nuances of power and majesty. The mountains not only provided a reliable home for the capital but also served as a natural defense against invaders.
At the center of the tallest mountain in the range lay an intricate complex—the royal castle. Multiple buildings were connected by stunning bridges spanning different parts of the mountains, surrounded by a deep abyss.
At the core of this formation, the largest and most beautiful structure stood imposingly, its crystalline architecture made of polished white jade, the most expensive building material on the entire planet. Intricate rooftops and cascading waterfalls served as a breathtaking backdrop, further enhancing the mystical aura of this place.
Inside the central palace, seated in a comfortable chair in a quiet and reserved room, Queen Selene found refuge from the constant disturbances that plagued her. Large crystal windows, framed by dark wood, offered a panoramic view of the mountains, which, in this early spring season, presented a breathtaking landscape.
The air was perfumed with the unique fragrance of moonlight flowers, a species that bloomed only at the mountain's peak under the full moon's glow, exuding a sweet and hypnotic aroma. Sunlight filtered through the white silk curtains, creating a warm and serene atmosphere.
In the corner of the room, a stone fireplace, fueled by pinewood logs, crackled softly, warming the space and providing a comforting sound. Above the fireplace, a painting depicted a lone eagle soaring over a mountain peak, symbolizing the queen's strength and freedom.
On a small rustic wooden table, a steaming copper kettle released the aroma of alpine herbs. Three women exchanged silent glances.
Sitting behind the table, her expression slightly sullen, was the demon queen, Selene. She wore only a light black leather dress, with nothing covering her legs; her bare feet rested on a plush rug. Her shoulders and the upper part of her chest were exposed, revealing delicate skin blessed by the gods.
In front of her, seated on the left chair, was Lesley, and beside her, a woman radiating an intense aura smiled playfully as she gazed at the queen's face. She had long, fiery red hair that shone brilliantly, making the flames flickering in the fireplace seem dim in comparison. She was tall, a head taller than Lesley, who herself was a few centimeters taller than the queen.
She wore a bold black strapless dress with golden buttons running along the side; two large slits in the fabric revealed her long, voluptuous legs. But what truly drew attention were her incredible, ample breasts, her slender waist, and her curvaceous hips. Her body was a masterpiece, painted by the gods of lust.
"Are you sure you want to go down this path?" the voluptuous woman asked, her piercing green eyes fixed on Selene. "I can say with absolute confidence that I know this obsessive side of yours better than anyone."
Selene's eyebrows arched, a small, cute pout forming on her lips, and all of her imposing presence seemed to momentarily crumble.
"Just look at you, all grown up. Gorgeous, sensual, the very symbol of power in the nation," the woman teased, a playful smile on her lips. "Hard to believe you're the same little girl who used to visit the Bellator family, clinging to my legs and telling everyone you were going to marry me, hahaha." A lighthearted laugh escaped her mouth, and though she spoke of things most wouldn't even dare to think in the queen's presence, it was clear that this woman had a unique closeness with Selene.
"Tsk..." Selene clicked her tongue, showing her displeasure at the direction the conversation was taking. "Why can't we ever have a formal, polite discussion, Rose?"
"Hahaha," Rose let out a genuine laugh, leaning forward, cupping her large, exposed breasts in both hands, and shaking them vigorously at the queen. "Sure, but only if you go back to hugging me and burying your lovely face in these, hahaha."
Lesley watched the scene in disbelief. The queen had told her she would only involve trusted people in the matter of selecting a royal consort. But this? Not even in her wildest dreams had she imagined witnessing something like this.
What the hell is going on here?
"Rose!!!"
A suffocating pressure began to emanate from the queen. The intricate golden runes adorning the room lit up and flickered violently. Even Lesley, who was accustomed to following the queen everywhere, felt pressed into her chair, her vision blurring slightly. She quickly bit her lip and stirred her prana to maintain her composure.
Yet the woman beside her continued playing with the queen as if nothing were happening.
"You may have grown in power, Selene, but you forgot the most important thing—big tits," Rose said, unfazed by the aura Selene was unleashing. "You used to ask me all the time when your breasts would be as big as mine. If you had focused more on enjoying the world instead of seeking power, maybe by now they would be!"
"Phew..." A resigned sigh escaped Selene's lips as she chose to withdraw her aura. The golden suppression runes deactivated, and everything returned to normal.
'I knew calling her would be a headache,' Selene thought.
Rose Vanadius Bellator. The youngest daughter of one of the South's protector families, known as the most beautiful rose in the kingdom. But across the entire planet, she was better known as the "Bloodstained Rose." How many had tried to grasp this rose in their hands, only to be torn apart by its thorns?
"You know me better than anyone," the queen finally said, interrupting Rose's teasing. "Do you have another idea, one you're certain will work?" Selene asked solemnly.
A dissatisfied expression crossed Rose's face at the abrupt end of her fun. She calmly let her thoughts drift.
"Tsk... So dull. But you're right," she answered firmly.
"But let me be clear—I know you, Queen! How many of my suitors were destroyed because of your obsessions?" The atmosphere shifted completely. The voluptuous, playful woman transformed into a figure radiating a commanding presence.
"How many candidates for lordship have you sent to the grave? All just to feed your ego and vent your frustrations?" she accused firmly.
What? Her Majesty has destroyed candidates for family leadership? What is going on here? Why do I know nothing about this? Lesley thought but remained silent.
For the first time, Selene's gaze carried a distinct quality, one seen during meetings, banquets, political gatherings, and strategic plans for maintaining the kingdom. Behind her beautiful crimson eyes, a small, almost imperceptible darkness exuded from her indifferent expression.
"You're right!" the queen calmly admitted. "That's exactly why you're here. Is there anyone I could trust more?" she asked solemnly, locking eyes with Rose's stunning jade-green ones.
"Phew..." A sorrowful sigh escaped Rose's lips. "Agh... You're right. Even though I'm against it, I know we have no other choice. Not even I could come up with a better plan."
A mutual understanding passed between them.
"Very well, as you wish, Your Majesty. From this moment forward, the 'royal consort protocol' is in effect," Rose said with an acidic decorum that clashed with her usual demeanor.
"Tsk..." Selene clicked her tongue, clearly displeased. "Call me that again, and you'll spend the next decade using hair tonic to grow back that fiery mane of yours."
"Alright, alright!" Rose said, raising both hands in mock surrender.