The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1414 409: Ophelia's Troubles (Part 5)

In the "Gears and Malt" restaurant on Artisan Street, the magic lamp emitted a gentle glow, illuminating the slowly rotating brass gear decorations on the walls.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat and the rich scent of malt beer, completely different from the coldness above the High Tower, full of warm, lively atmosphere.

Luo Yan and Ophelia sat by the window, and the waiter quickly served them a warming hot malt tea, then took out a notebook.

"Madam, Sir, what would you like to order?"

Luo Yan didn't look at the menu and said directly.

"Honey-glazed ribs, two servings dine-in, and two to go."

"Got it," the waiter noted down skillfully and then took the tray and notes to the kitchen.

Ophelia sat obediently opposite, holding the warm tea in both hands, her boots tapping lightly on the ground.

For this almost-not-a-date, she seemed to have specially gone back to her dorm to change into an ivory cotton dress and coat that better highlighted her noble temperament. A pale red scarf covered her collar, matching her frostbitten red nose, making her look like a cute snowman.

Watching the departing waiter, Ophelia suddenly asked curiously.

"Is the takeaway portion for the dragon?"

Luo Yan nodded with a smile.

"That's the little guy's favorite."

Actually, another portion was for the cat, but it was too troublesome to explain, so he didn't bother.

Ophelia rested her chin in her hands, her bright eyes seemingly sparkling with starlight.

"Great, now I know what gift to give it next time!"

Imagining Ophelia carrying a big fat pig in front of Taufu, Luo Yan's smile suddenly turned a bit subtle.

"That said, it probably won't be happy receiving meat as a gift."

"Eh? Why?"

"That guy is a... uh, high-level giant dragon, different from ordinary dragons."

In fact, Luo Yan wanted to say high-level creature, but it seemed inappropriate, so he changed his words.

Ophelia was obviously stunned for a moment.

"Sounds troublesome!"

"Haha, right? Cats are easier to take care of."

"I agree!"

While waiting for the food, they chatted amiably. Perhaps it was the soothing lute music, but the worry in Ophelia's brows seemed to dissipate a bit.

She remained silent for a while, finally taking out the unsigned draft from her storage ring and gently pushing it in front of Luo Yan.

"The old foxes at the hearing are cunning, they let me choose."

Luo Yan didn't look at the verdict, nor did he rush to give her any advice, instead he just played the role of a listener, listening quietly.

Ophelia's fingers subconsciously stroked the warm cup, trying to disguise her inner hesitation with an indifferent tone.

"Honestly, though I dislike that showy golden drill head, I don't dislike her enough to want her head cut off. The hearing gave me two verdicts: one is expulsion and exile according to Academic State law, the other is applying the treason provision in the Aus Empire's law code to impose the death penalty... I can sign one of them, or neither, but you should know, the choice is really only between two."

She raised her head, exhaustion written in her hesitant eyes.

"Your Highness, even my father praises your wisdom highly, I implore you to lend it to me... Please give me some advice."

Luo Yan quietly listened to the young girl's plea, but didn't offer any advice, instead he thought for a moment and said.

"This is an interesting question... or rather, a trial."

"Choosing death penalty will completely end this trouble, strictly declaring that no one can lightly insult the Castellion's dignity, nor is Academic State outside royal power, and you will define what is rule and what is loyalty."

"Choosing exile will show your tolerance; it might earn you some praise and admiration from those who value virtue... such as Ilana, Hard, Bain, and others. But equally, it might be seen as weakness, making your future enemies feel there's opportunity, even becoming a thorn in their side."

"As for those three surviving characters, whether they will change, whether they will be grateful to you in the future or resent you, no one can predict."

He laid out the pros and cons of both choices clearly in front of Ophelia and then said no more, giving her the complete authority to choose.

Yet those eyes were still clearly yearning...

Luo Yan sighed and became more serious in his tone.

"Ophelia, I am not you. I can tell you the color of the sky, but the choice of what time and direction to look up at it is your freedom, or rather, your obligation. Your confusion is no more than about how to choose, but I want to say that's not the point, what truly matters is what do you want to become?"

"What do I want to become…" Ophelia murmured the words softly, chewing them over and over in her heart, clarity seemed to emerge in her eyes.

Luo Yan nodded.

"The card in your hand is not that of a scholar, but actually that of a King. However, there are many types of Kings, just as there are many forms of secular power."

This was just an abstract metaphor, not implying she had a chance to become an actual King.

But undoubtedly, the ecological position of the Castellion family decided that at this moment she stood in such a position.

God loves everyone but does not favor any specific person.

For Ophelia's choice, Luo Yan was indifferent.

It was no more than the difference between which foot a baby steps with first, left or right, and was unrelated to good or evil.

Ophelia gazed at him for a long time, as if trying to find a hint of insight in those deep eyes, but ultimately she failed.

Those eyes were calm as a mirror, reflecting only her own struggle.

The restaurant's waiter brought sizzling ribs and bubbling buttery beer, interrupting the heavy silence.

Ophelia picked up her knife and fork, cutting off a small piece of meat absentmindedly but did not put it in her mouth.

After a long silence, she suddenly put down the utensils, exhaled a long breath of relief. Her once confused eyes became clear again, sparkling with decisive light.

"Thank you, I feel much better."

Luo Yan smiled slightly.

"Seems you have an idea."

"Yes! Would you like to hear it?"

"Not much interest, I'm more curious about the outcome of the 178th Void Realm, and... when my order on Artisan Street will be finished."

"Alright, you truly are a sly fox," Ophelia complained softly, looking at the indifferent Prince Colin, "and mean-spirited."

Thanks for the compliment.

Luo Yan accepted the praise with a smile, elegantly slicing a piece of ribs, not denying his own "mischievous" behavior in the slightest.

"Are you disappointed in me now?"

He hoped dearly to hear a "yes" but unfortunately did not.

"No."

Ophelia shook her head.

She suddenly stood up, lifted her skirt, and performed an impeccable noble lady's curtsy toward Luo Yan, just like in the ballroom of the Holy City.

"Your answer was enlightening, and I'm glad that you gave me the power of choice, rather than controlling me..."

As she said this, a trace of slyness flashed in Ophelia's eyes, much like a wild rabbit scurrying through the jungle.

"This means you no longer consider me a child."

Seeing the mischievous and proud expression hidden behind the elegant smile, Luo Yan was slightly taken aback, then smiled as he took a sip of the refreshing buttery beer.

"I seemed to see a little fox just now."

As expected of a young member of the Castellion family, truly not to be underestimated for a moment.

Ophelia spoke with a bright gaze.

"Oh? Do you like foxes?"

Putting down the beer mug, Luo Yan chose to read and respond off-topic.

"I like tyrannosaurs."

Clearly not following that whimsical line of thought, Ophelia paused.

"??? What is that?"

Luo Yan chuckled as he saw Ophelia diverted away so easily.

"A kind of carnivorous animal... something I dreamed of, I'll tell you about it another time."