114 - The Butler Dismissed by the Saintess Couldn’t Possibly Be the Demon Dragon Princess

Chapter 114: The Church Upon hearing Liliana's silver-haired self speak, Aelia glanced back at the rebellious figure tightly bound by golden chains. A small curve appeared on her lips. “Why so tense? It's not like I'm going to eat her.” She playfully licked her supple, cherry-like lips, leaving little to no credibility in her words. “Who knows what an old woman like you is thinking?” Liliana snapped as she struggled, furiously unleashing dark energy in an attempt to break free, but all in vain. She resembled a helpless husband threatened by a superior, helplessly watching the one she loved being held by someone else. The dark energy surged violently around her but was entirely ineffective. “Old woman, give me Ian back now.” “Old woman?” Aelia suddenly stopped in mid-air upon hearing Liliana’s words, causing Liliana, who couldn’t halt in time, to crash into her back. Yet Aelia seemed unfazed, as if the collision was inconsequential. She raised an eyebrow, donning a "kind" expression as she looked at Liliana. Age has always been a sensitive topic for any girl, akin to dancing in flames. If Liliana wanted to provoke Aelia, she might have succeeded. “Seems like I need to educate a certain impolite little one,” Aelia remarked, grasping Liliana's slender waist with one hand and placing her horizontally across her plush thighs. Nose first upon contact, Liliana felt an initial softness followed by a faint fragrance infiltrating her nostrils. Yet she had no time to savor it. Desperate to break free, she twisted her body, her silver hair disheveling around a face flushed red with shame, appearing quite pitiful. “Let me go, you despicable old woman,” she gritted out, her voice tinged with a hint of panic. Aelia chuckled lightly, gently stroking Liliana's back in a soothing manner, akin to pacifying a feisty kitten. Her tone bore an undeniable authority. “Looks like someone needs a lesson in manners.” With that, Aelia lifted her delicate hand and delivered a not-too-hard slap to Liliana’s behind. “Slap!” The crisp sound echoed distinctly in the quiet air. Though not painful, it was immensely humiliating. Liliana's body instantly stiffened, eyes wide with disbelief at what just occurred. Moments later, she snapped back, her shamed outrage evident. “How dare you do that to me!” Before Liliana could fully absorb her embarrassment, Aelia’s hand descended once more on her. “Slap!” “Aelia, I will end you!” Liliana’s voice broke into a sob, her body writhing in fury, yet Aelia’s grasp was ironclad, leaving her unable to move. “Oh? Perhaps I wasn’t firm enough,” Aelia mused, her grip intensifying slightly. “No, no, this isn’t my body. Even if you want to discipline me, don’t hit Liliana’s body.” Liliana's words gave Aelia pause. She looked down at the girl in her arms, her brows knitting together. “You might have a point,” Aelia conceded softly. Seeing a chance, Liliana bit her lip, pressing on, “Yes, this is Liliana’s body. The pain isn’t mine.” Aelia paused momentarily, then sighed gently, releasing her grip with a resigned expression. Liliana sprang up from her lap, clutching her burning backside, glaring daggers at Aelia. Aelia ignored her and gazed down at the unconscious Ian, tenderly brushing her fingertips across Ian's cheek, speaking softly, “Let's get you to the church.” She held Ian tightly with one arm and grasped Liliana by the back of her collar, as gleaming wings unfurled from her back, swiftly carrying them towards a distant church. Inside the church. The church’s interior was vast, with white quartz columns supporting the ceiling. Rows upon rows of benches were arranged, capable of seating thousands. This wasn't your ordinary roadside church that anyone could casually enter to pray. It was reserved for significant events held by the clergy. Those invited here had esteemed identities, and only two people in the world had unrestricted access: the distant Pope and the revered Saintess. A divine statue stood proudly at the church's center, its likeness to Aelia striking, as if it depicted her ancestor. “What do you plan to do here?” Liliana questioned discontentedly. Aelia remained silent, proceeding to the statue, clasping her hands together and praying in silence. After a while, she finished and turned back to face Liliana and the still-slumbering Ian, her gaze settling on Liliana with a palpable intensity. “What are you staring at? Is there something on my face?” Liliana, recalling her earlier disgrace, felt a flicker of apprehension. The golden chains that once bound Liliana were now absent. Yet, Aelia displayed no concern about Liliana causing trouble. Not only was Aelia's power vastly superior, but Liliana wouldn't have the slightest chance under her watchful eye. Moreover, upon entering the church, Liliana felt an overwhelming pressure curbing her power. “How deeply have you been tainted by that creature’s essence?” Aelia asked after a long pause. “Why should I tell you?” “No?” Aelia once again seized Liliana, placing her on her thigh and raising her hand. “Okay, okay, I'll talk.” Clearly, Liliana dreaded another spanking from Aelia. “Honestly, I'm uncertain of the extent I've absorbed. All I know is that this essence can never be completely purged.” “When Liliana got infected, I was born of consciousness, as if I existed solely to protect her.”