82 - Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

Chapter 82: A Woman's Sixth Sense Amazing! Simply amazing! Feeling the eyes of everyone on him, Lin En felt a rush of satisfaction, as if he might ascend to the heavens at any moment. Externally, however, he maintained a composed demeanor, standing solemnly beside the chest of gold coins as if he had done nothing of significance. It took a while for everyone to recover, albeit reluctantly, from the shock of the two million fortune laid before them. Yet, they still wore expressions of stupefaction. Oddly, Afiya’s cheeks were flushed, and the cat ears atop her head occasionally twitched. And why wouldn’t they? The scene was just too overwhelming. Ivysse’s gaze lingered on him, prompting Lin En to clear his throat softly. "Your Highness?" Her focus returned, and she took a deep breath, her chest heaving beneath her military-style coat until she finally calmed. "How did you manage this?" Ivysse attempted to keep her voice steady. No matter how well she masked it, the slight hint of peculiar emotions in her tone did not escape Lin En's notice. From Ivysse’s vibrant eyes, it was clear her mood was soaring, even surpassing her usual persona. No kidding. Who wouldn’t be thrilled with a subordinate capable of amassing two million in just ten days? One would be on cloud nine. Ivysse always thought she wasn’t a lover of money, certainly not a miser. However, the sight of the pile of gold coins that could carpet the entire lawn made her realize how wrong she had been. With Ivysse’s inquiry, inquisitive glances from their subordinates followed. Everyone seemed curious about what on earth he’d done. "Oh, it’s nothing much," Lin En replied nonchalantly, "just convinced a few church heads to pay some protection fees." "What?" "And set a little fire, took out a bishop." "What?!" "Also happened to clean out the Temple of Tenets." "What?!?!!" Before they could digest the first shocking statement, Lin En’s light proclamation left everyone in dumbfounded silence. Dude, did you really live such an adventurous ten days? And wait, what? You took down the Temple of Tenets?? Many were so overwhelmed they nearly fainted. Especially since among them were several believers of the Supreme Star Lord themselves. Ivysse looked towards Duke Tilus with furrowed brows. "Well, technically, he's not wrong," Tilus, standing to the side, admitted with a twitch of his lips. Ivysse could no longer stay seated. Just a few days away, and you’ve caused such a ruckus in Orne City? Magnificent work! The next moment, Ivysse flickered to Lin En’s side, grabbing his collar, dragging him towards her study. "Uncle Tilus, come along too." Ten minutes later. Lin En sighed. "So, that’s essentially how it went." Through a brief recounting, he explained recent events to Ivysse. Now, Ivysse leaned against the window, gazing outside, lost in unprecedented silence. Sensing the awkward atmosphere and Duke Tilus’s implied looks, she shook herself awake. "Well done," Ivysse acknowledged Lin En, and then, as if it weren’t enough, added, “Very well done indeed.” "I’ll be sure to reward you well after this." "As long as it pleases Your Highness, it’s all worth it." Lin En faked a smile. Ha, who cares about your recognition, really? He complained inwardly. Just then, Duke Tilus’s gaze drifted to a corner, momentarily distracted by something unseen. But he quickly refocused. "How goes your task, Your Highness?" Duke Tilus still remembered the instructions from Holy Roland VI. "Did you retrieve the item?" "...No." Ivysse let out a gentle sigh. Seeing this, Duke Tilus’s expression turned solemn. If even she couldn’t manage, it meant the item’s current situation was perilously dire and extremely tricky. For now, with Lin En present, further probing seemed inappropriate. If all else failed, professional intervention from the church was still an option. Noticing Ivysse’s earlier cheerful mood waning, Duke Tilus reassured her, "No need to worry, Your Highness." "Even without retrieving it, the chaos this lad has stirred is enough to earn you commendable points with the Holy Oak." The Holy Oak? Lin En mulled over this name. In the original novel, this institution was specifically established for the royal selection. It had a long history, inherited by one family after another, dedicated to royal service. The family would evaluate the princes and princesses on their daily behavior, achievements during the selection, and public prestige, among other criteria, adjusting scores accordingly. An initial base score existed, but what each could gain beyond that was up to them. After the selection, the Holy Oak would recommend a new emperor for the Saint Roland Empire based on the cumulative score. It was a fascinating setting. One wondered how much supporting a candidate and aiding in tax recovery would boost this woman’s score. Lin En mused silently. At his words, Ivysse nodded. "I understand, but…" Her gaze returned to Lin En. "But I still have some doubts." Ivysse frowned slightly. "Somehow, this doesn’t seem like something you’d do." If Lin En’s approach could be described in one phrase, it would be ‘cutting the Gordian knot’. Like when he shot and killed the Mosglar family heir at the banquet. Although it seemed reckless, there’s a deep logic beneath it. Conversely, Lin En’s recent actions went beyond his usual mode, except for the stroke of genius with the fundraising; the rest exceeded his typical behavior. Duke Tilus sought fifty thousand gold coins. Logically, after looting those eleven churches, he already exceeded the target amount. Yet, he didn’t stop, but instead, pushed Morzel to the brink. If it were for the additional million-plus income, Ivysse found it hard to believe. Risking assassination, abandoning discretion for exposure, clashing head-on with the Temple of Tenets? Though the outcome was a resounding victory, it undoubtedly invited enmity from the capital. Furthermore, he didn’t seem the type to curry favor with Uncle Tilus. So, a logical inconsistency emerged. There must be some unknown reason for Lin En’s drastic actions against the Temple of Tenets. A woman's sixth sense could be terrifyingly accurate. Particularly when it involved another woman. Strictly speaking, they were essentially the same person. Reflecting on this, Ivysse’s slightly twisted nature kicked in. As an owner, even her adorable ‘pet’ having a small secret would upset her. To the point of wanting to grab him by the neck, pulling him close. "Tell me, the real reason behind your actions against the Temple of Tenets." Ivysse’s expression seemed calm but held latent peril. Naturally, it was for the Miss Witch. But he knew too well that if he answered truthfully, he would likely meet a grim fate. Feeling a hint of danger, a cold sweat broke out on Lin En’s forehead. Nonetheless, he maintained a composed exterior: "It’s out of sheer hatred. After being stripped of the divine gene, I became consumed with hatred, disrupting my sleep and driving me to retaliate against the Temple of Tenets' cardinal." Though tenuous, the reason was plausible enough. With Duke Tilus still present, despite her suspicions, Ivysse decided to hold her peace. Just then, Duke Tilus, whose attention remained fixed on the corner since earlier, finally voiced his curiosity. "Why is there a ring in the corner, glowing red?" As soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere instantly froze like snow and ice. Duke Tilus realized immediately that he might have misspoken. He hurriedly stood up from the sofa, ignoring the murderous look Lin En shot him, and gave a nervous laugh. “Well, you two continue chatting, I'll take my leave.” Ivysse flashed a sweet, polite smile. “Goodbye, Uncle Tilus. Don't forget to close the door behind you.” “Bang!” With the sound of the door closing, the large study was left with just the two of them. Facing Lin En's grave expression, Ivysse regained her composure. She slowly removed her military coat, revealing her alluring silhouette, and walked over to the desk, letting the curve of her hips press enticingly against its edge. Crossing her legs, her long boots emphasizing the elegance of her legs, she spoke, “Seems like someone’s been a little naughty these past few days, hasn’t he?” For some reason, her breathing became slightly rapid. Another day chalked up in the daily count! How about that, comrades? Am I awesome or what? Vote for me! (Unable to automatically load the next page in read mode. 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