Game World: I Can Share Talents

Chapter 99: You Damned Hussy

"B-Brother?"

Yolanda’s beautiful purple eyes widened abruptly.

’Seriously? You move this fast? Did you start the moment I left?’

’As expected of you... But doesn’t this make it seem like my good intentions just made things worse?’

Yolanda immediately glanced at the Silver-haired Princess’s expression.

Reiya’s exquisitely beautiful face was as frosty as ice, yet one couldn’t call it anger. On the contrary, her magnificent eyes—a mix of indigo and cerulean—were filled with indifference.

She said nothing, merely watching in silence.

"Oh my, what unfortunate timing."

Luyetan froze for a second, but a charming smile soon graced her lips. She even took it a step further, wrapping her arms around Westheid’s neck and saying:

"Duke Qinghui and I are discussing something quite important. We thought we would have the entire day to ourselves."

Reiya looked at Westheid. "Is that so? In that case, I’ll take my leave."

"No, your timing is perfect."

Westheid pushed Luyetan off him and straightened his collar.

"We were discussing aid for retaking the Qinghui Territory. I was planning to talk to you about it later anyway, Reiya. Here, have a seat."

At a moment like this, Westheid couldn’t possibly guess what the White-haired Dragon Lady was thinking. But he knew that he absolutely could not show any sign of guilt, much less apologize.

’You didn’t do anything, so why would you apologize?!’

’I, Westheid, have a clear conscience. I have no need to apologize!’

So he calmly invited Reiya to sit down. His open and forthright demeanor seemed to relax the White-haired Dragon Lady’s brow slightly. She took a seat at the round table to listen to Westheid explain what was going on.

After hearing the explanation, Reiya asked, puzzled,

"If you need aid, why not seek it from the Royal Family? Even if I have no resources on hand, I believe my Imperial Sister would be more than happy to support you."

"Owe Sylvia a favor?"

Westheid quickly shook his head. "No, it’s best to avoid that if at all possible."

Considering the future state of the Imperial court, Westheid didn’t want to incur any favors that would be difficult to repay.

"Compared to the Regent King, I’d rather ask for help from a more trustworthy ally. And none is more suitable than the Branch of Prosperity."

Hearing this, Luyetan covered her mouth and chuckled. "I’m so flattered. To think that in Duke Qinghui’s heart, I’m considered more trustworthy than the authority of the Imperial Family?"

Westheid admitted frankly, "That is indeed the case."

The young man with black hair and purple eyes steepled his fingers on the table and said in a low voice,

"So, Yuanxi Palace, all jokes aside. I want your full support and funding. What are your terms?"

Luyetan slowly finished half her cup of black tea, then lifted her delicate, snow-white chin as if savoring Westheid’s gaze. After a long moment, she finally spoke.

"My terms haven’t changed. It’s still you, Duke Qinghui."

"I told you, stop jo—"

Luyetan: "And I’m telling you, it’s not a joke."

The elegant and sweet Branch of Prosperity propped her flawless cheek on her slender, pale fingers, gazing at Westheid with a smile.

"Why would Duke Qinghui think I’m obligated to support you? The Yuanshi Territory is a prosperous and wealthy land. As its Lord, I have a bit of a mercenary streak. Since this is aid, it’s an investment, and any investment must consider its profits."

Westheid agreed. "I would never let a friend suffer a loss. After I reclaim the Qinghui Territory, I will repay all the aid Yuanxi Palace provides me tenfold, even a hundredfold! If we extend the repayment period, the returns will be something Yuanxi Palace couldn’t even dream of."

’As long as I can secure the Qinghui Territory, I’ll give her whatever she wants.’

’Westheid has a promising future, and the most crucial thing now is to secure it.’

’Existence is everything. Everything for the sake of existence!’

’Besides, with Ascension to godhood as my goal, all the wealth of the Mortal World is nothing but fleeting clouds that come and go.’

Unfortunately, Westheid’s magnanimity and world-shaking potential were not recognized.

Luyetan scoffed. "Oh? A profit margin of tenfold, a hundredfold? You really have some nerve, Duke Qinghui. Back in the Yuanshi Territory, I’ve seen far too many people who talk a big game to attract investors. They were more confident and more silver-tongued than you, but no wise person would ever consider investing in them."

Yuanxi Palace sighed, opening her palm and stretching her slender, jade-like fingers.

"Because we don’t believe in an unpredictable future. To avoid losses, we demand compensation in the event of a failed investment."

"So, can you offer any collateral that interests me, Duke Qinghui? Something to ensure your investors don’t lose everything if you fail."

Westheid already understood what Luyetan was getting at. He said coolly,

"And you mean?"

Luyetan withdrew her hand and chuckled lightly.

"In my eyes, Duke Qinghui, you yourself are a priceless treasure."

"From the moment we first met, I found you interesting, Duke Qinghui. And later, hearing of your deeds from Rozana, including your performance in the Secret Realm Trial, left me completely entranced..."

Luyetan traced circles on the table as she delivered a speech that sounded like a confession.

"If you pledge yourself to me as collateral—and if your attempt to reclaim your territory fails, or if you are unable to repay your debt, you will marry into the Yuanxi Clan—then I will agree to fund your restoration of the Qinghui Territory."

"I truly have no desire to be with an unattractive man, yet I must fulfill my duty to produce an heir. But if it’s you, Duke Qinghui, I would gladly accept it."

’This woman... She actually wants me to be her Star Fury Power?’

’Still, these terms... they’re not unacceptable.’

Make no mistake, it wasn’t that Westheid wanted to be Luyetan’s Star Fury Power; he simply believed it was impossible for him to fail.

’I’ll agree for now. The most important thing at the moment is to rescue my unworthy ancestor. When the End of the Dharma Era arrives in the future, any amount of debt will be meaningless.’

Westheid lowered his head in thought when he suddenly felt a soft touch from below—a rhythmic tapping, alternating between light and heavy, against his foot.

The Duke of Qinghui snapped his head up to meet Luyetan’s charming and sweet smile.

The Lord of the Yuanshi Territory acted as if she knew nothing, even blinking innocently.

’That shameless woman!’

Westheid cursed inwardly. If the two of them were alone, he wouldn’t let her get away with this.

Unfortunately, Reiya was right there. Westheid didn’t dare to even twitch, forced to let Luyetan do as she pleased.

"Hmm?"

The White-haired Dragon Lady had already noticed something was happening under the table. Her elegant brows furrowed as her cold gaze shifted back and forth between Westheid and Luyetan.

’What are you two doing?!’

But even so, Luyetan showed no intention of stopping. On the contrary, her footsie became even more brazen.

’Luyetan, that troublemaker, is deliberately trying to sow discord in front of Reiya!’

’Trying to make me lose my composure? To provoke Reiya’s anger and jealousy?’

’She really isn’t afraid of playing with fire.’

Luyetan: "Duke Qinghui, have you made up your mind? If you agree, I will open up the wealth of the Yuanshi Territory for you to use as you wish."

"Fine."

Westheid grinned.

"I accept. Let’s go with those terms."