NOVPUBOn this midsummer night, moonlight spilled gently, tenderly caressing the mansion by the bay.
At the top floor’s bedroom where only two figures were lit by the intertwining warm yellow lamplight and the silver veil of moonlight beside the bed.
"Hyperion..."
Sitting by the bed in a chair, Lanci’s gaze held a touch of concern.
"Right now, don’t say anything, please!"
Hyperion’s voice trembled, her tone unlike her usual self.
"..."
Lanci seemed genuinely worried now.
The other matters he intended to discuss with Hyperion paled in significance compared to her well-being.
He worried whether she might have been hurt from staying too long within the Fallen Queen’s spell barrier—if necessary, he would call a doctor immediately.
But he couldn’t see Hyperion’s face.
She had hidden herself, concealed behind the blankets.
"I’m fine..."
Hyperion’s voice was soft and unclear as she shrank further into the bed, seeking a trace of comfort.
Finally, she seemed to recuperate and responded to Lanci.
The summer night was fresh, with a gentle sea breeze bringing the sound of the tide and a subtle coolness.
Outside the darkness deepened, yet the moonlight filtering through the window seemed to make the entire space even more enchanting.
"If you think the dream was better, sleep a little longer—I’ll be right here by your side," Lanci observed Hyperion for a while, and reassured her once certain she was truly alright.
His voice, like a lullaby, tenderly enveloped every corner of the room.
"...Lanci."
After a brief silence, Hyperion uttered his name.
"Hmm?"
Lanci turned to look at her once more upon hearing her.
"When I was sound asleep, were you by my side the whole time?"
Her thoughts seemed to hover between the tranquility of this summer night and the sea breeze, walking out from her dreams.
"Yes, the Fallen Queen said that after her magic ended, it would no longer harm you, but opportunities for sweet dreams are rare. Since you were affected, you might as well complete the dream. Sometimes her talents are not only for using magic against foes but can also heal the spirit of allies," Lanci nodded, explaining to Hyperion.
It’s said that the Demon King’s Castle Necaris wanted to hire the Fallen Queen for psychological treatment, not an easy task that could be settled merely with payment. Often, only those demons who had good relations with her could be healed by [Falling gentle hometown].
But he had never seen Hyperion sleep like this, so he was still a bit uneasy, sitting by her side in the room.
"Thank you for always protecting me like this. Apart from becoming a duchess to fulfill your dream of retiring, I have no other way to thank you," Hyperion thought for a moment then finally lowered the blanket to reveal her face, speaking to Lanci.
Now, her cheeks were likely red from the lack of oxygen, or so she believed.
Lanci was slightly startled, seeming a bit embarrassed by Hyperion’s sudden expression of gratitude.
"Haha, duchess indeed—you are a princess, remember?" Lanci responded with a smile, praising her.
Even the Fallen Queen acknowledged Hyperion. Now Calila would not manipulate from behind the throne but wholeheartedly support her. After all, Hyperion is a genuine Ninth-order, and in their present world, they would not meet such a powerful member of the Demon Race.
This Shadow World had completely recovered.
Once they returned to the Palante Empire, it would be wholly delightful.
Cat Boss even said, "V Lanci 50, let it log in and play."
"Can Lan Fu come to be the princess, and I’ll go back to the Hyperion Empire with you, to be an ordinary woman..."
Hyperion’s voice grew quieter and quieter.
She had been startled when she heard from her Bingxue Witch teacher in the Northern Continent that she was a Descendant Princess of the Demon Race, and now, to her utter surprise, in the Shadow World of an era tens of thousands of years ago, she had actually become a princess acknowledged by the Demon Race.
The recognition from this Ninth-order Demon was too valuable; she couldn’t accept it.
"Honestly, not just anyone can be a princess; think about our old friend. Do you think Calila would approve of her?"
Lanci said this at the bedside and couldn’t help laughing, raising his hand to cover his mouth.
"Don’t talk about my aunt like that..."
Hyperion said somewhat unhappily, but her tone was devoid of reprimand, as if she couldn’t bear to blame Lanci. 𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔭𝔲𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
She knew, in fact, that if Lanci were to say this in front of Talia, Talia wouldn’t really do anything to him— at most, she would give him a bit of corrective education.
As long as Lan Fu didn’t cause trouble and Lanci didn’t drink, there generally wouldn’t be any accidents.
But Hyperion was very worried; Lanci, becoming more and more unrestrained, would one day play himself into trouble again.
"..."
After Hyperion’s command, it seemed Lanci could no longer speak.
"Forget it, just say whatever you want to say."
Seeing Lanci’s aggrieved expression, Hyperion softened her heart and said.
"Hyperion, you’re the best."
Lanci praised her, giving a thumbs up.
"Don’t say things like that..."
Hyperion said helplessly, looking at Lanci.
Both of them laughed, chatting away as usual.
The sound of the waves outside the window now seemed like their whispers, rising and falling occasionally with the fluctuation of their emotions.
They sat on the bed and at the bedside, looking at each other, seemingly discussing interesting topics they never tired of, while the awkward atmosphere had completely disappeared.
In the bedroom, a warm desk lamp shed a soft glow, gently swaying curtains followed the rhythm of the sea breeze. Here, time seemed to slow down, allowing them to forget the world’s noise and bustle, leaving only inner peace and deep relaxation.
The bookshelf in the corner was filled with books from the Demon World, edges slightly curled from age.
The little clock on the bedside table quietly marked the passing of time.
From the carved armchair to the Demon World style paintings, the soft carpet absorbed the sound of every footstep, keeping the room quiet.
"It looks like you’re well rested now?"
Lanci asked with a smile, having already stood up and pushed back the chair, leaving room for Hyperion to get off the bed.
"Yes, I’ve rested very well."
Hyperion nodded, shifting her body, pushing the blankets to the side, dangling her feet, and lightly touching them to the carpet, feeling the softness beneath her feet.
"Then let’s go downstairs. Cat Boss has already gone to prepare dinner."
Lanci gestured toward the door with his hand.
"Okay, by the way, where is this place?"
Finally taking a look around the room, Hyperion asked.
Since coming to this Shadow World, she hadn’t left Naka Island where the royal palace was situated for a month.
It seemed Lanci had finally brought her out from the starting place, to a mansion that was not a location she was familiar with.
"This is Lisi Island, it’s prepared just for you,"
Lanci pointed out towards the bay outside the window and explained.
