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

**Chapter 120: The Performance** "Truly beautiful, isn't she?" A breathtaking blonde woman seated beside Aelia commented. In front of them stood a catgirl adorned with a fluffy black cat-ear headband, and a soft belt at her waist that ended with a delicate bell—a cat's tail. "I wasn't lying, was I?" Aelia replied with a smug expression. Ian, already possessing top-tier looks, had been transformed into an even cuter figure under Aelia's efforts. "So, how about having her dance for you?" The statuesque, elegant woman nodded gracefully, as poised as a born lady of etiquette. "Well, since it's you asking, I have no objections," Avina said, then paused briefly before adding, "Of course, we should also ask this lovely lady her opinion." Ian's previously lifeless eyes lit up for a moment at Avina's words, only to dim again quickly. "Damn that Aelia," Ian muttered through gritted teeth. Just before Avina had arrived, Aelia had warned Ian: if Avina asked whether she wanted to be a dance partner and she refused, Aelia would hand over the matter of her sneaking into Avina's dressing room for the Holy Knights to handle. And if it did get escalated to the Holy Knights, Ian figured she'd likely be thrown into trouble—a fate to be avoided at all costs. "I, I am willing," Ian said, blushing with embarrassment. "Not quite right, you're a catgirl now. Every sentence should end with a 'meow'," Aelia, embodying a devilish muse despite her ethereal beauty, instructed Ian, her voice like a demon's whisper. "I, I understand, meow," Ian's face flushed a deeper shade of red. "That's how it's done," Aelia nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, don't just stand there. First, follow your dance instructor to learn a catgirl dance." Reluctantly, Ian rose to her feet. As she moved, the bell attached to her tail jingled with a delicate charm. A woman in a long purple dress stepped forward after a nod from Aelia, greeting Aelia and Avina with a simple courtesy before turning her attention to Ian. "Let's begin," Aelia uttered with a playful smirk. "So, dear student, please mimic my next moves," the dance instructor demonstrated. She raised her hands like cat paws beside her cheeks, tipped her head gently, while one leg lifted slightly, her toes delicately touching the ground. She resembled a real cat. "Meow." Ian shyly imitated her, resulting in her limbs appearing awkward and stiff. "Relax a bit, let your body be more supple." "Imagine yourself as a real little cat." "I can't do it, meow!" Ian lamented, her toes barely balancing her as her body trembled violently, on the verge of collapsing. "Hang in there." Enduring her ordeal, Ian stole a glance at Aelia, who was contentedly sipping tea. "If only I hadn't agreed to this, meow," Ian lamented deeply, regretting her decision to sneak into the dressing room out of revenge on Aelia, which ended up with Aelia gaining leverage over her. Alas, there was no turning back. Throughout the afternoon, under her teacher's guidance, Ian gradually improved, becoming more cat-like and reaching a performance-ready stage. As night fell, the largest venue in the Holy City, capable of hosting thousands, was brilliantly lit, bustling with energy. Tonight marked a special occasion—the highly anticipated concert of the world-renowned singer, Miss Avina. "She's stunning. If I could marry her, I'd let her step on me every day if she wanted!" "You're dreaming! I'd be the one to marry her." "Let's not argue about that. Did you hear? Apparently, tonight's concert features a special dance partner." "Special partner? Not interested. Who could possibly outshine my Avina?" Nearby stood a golden-haired girl with twin ponytails, anxiously scanning her surroundings. "Where's Ian?" Liliane muttered softly. Ian had promised to meet her outside the concert venue, yet despite waiting for a long time, Ian was nowhere to be seen. "Looks like Ian's been discovered and punished by our master after all," Liliane sighed, affirming there was no sign of Ian among the sparse crowd as she entered the venue. Just as Liliane found her seat, the performance was about to begin. Spotlights lit up suddenly, highlighting the stage's center where an ethereal woman, like a moonlit goddess, slowly ascended. Her emergence silenced the lively crowd, all eyes captivated by her presence. Rising along with her was a piano, upon which she sat poised, her delicate fingers playing a gentle and melodious tune. The piano's notes cleansed hearts, enveloping the audience in musical tranquillity. Backstage, Ian nervously held onto her tail, feeling an overwhelming tension. "Damn Aelia, meow," Ian cursed, blaming Aelia for her predicament. Just earlier, Aelia had suddenly left upon receiving a message, leaving Ian without explanation. Parting with the cryptic "Don't embarrass me, little kitty." Caught in her thoughts, Ian was suddenly elevated onto the stage by the lifting platform. A spotlight split off, fixing onto the unexpected appearance of the "catgirl" at the stage’s edge, provoking waves of astonishment and hushed remarks from the crowd. "A catgirl?" "She's adorable, who is she?" "Is that the special dance partner? Totally love it." "She seems so nervous, her tail is quivering." Seated in the audience, Liliane gazed in disbelief at Ian on stage. "Master's punishment for Ian was this?" Liliane shyly remarked, watching Ian, dressed as a catgirl. "Actually, it looks pretty nice." "Meow~" A soft, timid cat mew echoed through the magical sound system, laced with a subtle tremble.