Monster Girl Development Master

Page 14

Forget it, I'll stop guessing. We'll find out tonight anyway. There's no time to investigate now. Besides, the chances of getting information from the Minister of Intelligence within the kingdom's territory by relying on Johnson and Lady Liya are too low.

"Okay, I understand. But you could have just had Lydia inform me about this. Why did you have to call me back?" Although Zhuang Sen had also had a good look at the sights and hadn't lost out, he still felt a little uneasy thinking about Lydia's earlier reminder.

Lady Leah said quietly, "Do you think you did very well in your etiquette class?"

Zhuang Sen had only been in this world for a short time, and he had already spent a lot of time learning how to be Zhuang Sen Leon, while also taking care of his revenge. So it wasn't a matter of whether he got good grades in etiquette class; he simply hadn't attended any classes at all.

He doesn't need those complicated aristocratic etiquettes anymore!

Chapter 30: Training

But now that it's going to be used, banquets are not everyday occasions. Not knowing etiquette will make you a laughing stock—that's not a big deal, but if it causes doubt about your status, then it's not worth it.

Zhuang Sen, who was still thinking about going back to be affectionate with Nia, could only nod dejectedly: "Alright, Mother, let's begin, time is of the essence."

Lady Leah was very satisfied with Zhuang Sen's answer, and her eyes softened slightly: "First of all, go and change your clothes for me."

"Huh? Why? Isn't this my usual style?"

"That's why you can't wear it to the banquet. Lydia, go to wardrobe number three and get that dress."

Zhuang Sen stared blankly as Lydia walked into the depths of the room and quickly brought out a brightly colored dress. It was a set consisting of an orange-yellow tight-fitting top and bright red tight-fitting trousers. Both were made of high-quality silk and would definitely not be uncomfortable to wear—but damn it was a tight-fitting outfit.

What kind of perverted man would wear tight clothes?!

And it even has a yellow and red color scheme?

"No, I really can't wear this. I need to find another one."

The female knight stood there in confusion. She remembered that her young master used to really like this style. And she actually thought it was quite nice.

"Is it really not possible?"

Lady Liya asked a question, and Zhuang Sen roughly realized that this might be the original owner's preference. However, he really couldn't accept it, so he could only shake his head: "I don't like this anymore, Mother. Let's change it."

“Alright.” Lady Leah didn’t insist, but her smile faded a little. “Let’s choose the clothes later. Let’s practice some basic etiquette first.”

As she spoke, Lady Lia stood up and came to Zhuang Sen, extending her right hand, which was wrapped in black lace: "You can kiss a woman's hand regardless of her status, but only if she invites you. That is, in a situation like this where the woman extends her hand first, you should support her fingertips from below and then kiss the back of her hand. Remember, don't stick out your tongue."

Zhuang Sen reached out and lowered his head. Beneath the delicate touch of the black lace, a faint fragrance wafted, intoxicating the senses.

"A second or two is enough; any longer would be impolite."

Lady Leah's voice woke Zhuang Sen. Zhuang Sen straightened up and released her fingers. Just as he was about to stand up, a hand pressed down on his shoulder. Lady Leah leaned forward, getting close to the inside of Zhuang Sen's coat. Her large, soft breasts, like ripe peaches, were almost pressed directly against the top of Zhuang Sen's head: "You bent your knees at the wrong angle just now. You should have bent them down a little more, and straightened your back. Don't look like you're trying to crawl under my skirt."

Zhuang Sen felt his nose filled with a soft, fragrant scent, and his previous slight dissatisfaction vanished instantly, replaced by utter bewilderment. Lady Lia had never acted so intimately with him before; what was going on today?

Although he didn't lose out, and could even be said to have made a huge profit, he still asked tactfully, "Mother, was it really necessary for you to come in person?"

Mrs. Lia calmly replied, "What, you're complaining about your mother? Who knows if your teachers have been bribed? There's no time to investigate now."

So, this is a rehearsal to showcase the mother-son relationship, right? Like a last-minute etiquette practice. But would a mother and son be this close? I don't have a mother, don't lie to me. Or is it simply that the original owner's relationship with Lady Lia was special?

The answer is that Zhuang Sen's ideas are completely wrong.

Lady Leah used to be a strict mother, employing a professional etiquette coach. As for why she's doing this now, she doesn't know. Perhaps it's because she saw Nia and Johnson, perhaps it's because of Dantalian and Johnson, perhaps…

Anyway, they're not really mother and son, right?

……

After a while, Lady Lia released Zhuang Sen's waist, and the breasts that had been squeezed into flat round shapes by Zhuang Sen's back returned to their original shape. A "pop" sound seemed to be heard in the air, which made Zhuang Sen, who had been tormented by the two red beans for a long time, feel relieved.

"Is everything alright?"

Lady Leah nodded reluctantly: "It's barely acceptable, just the most basic level. But can you dance?"

How about singing, dancing, rapping, and basketball?

Zhuang Sen felt a mischievous glint in his eyes, then honestly shook his head: "Do we really have to dance?"

"Sure, but if this banquet is truly related to the heir, then people from the church will definitely be invited. Priestess Dantalian will certainly be there. So, would you rather watch her dance with someone else, or watch someone else dance with you?"

"..."

"Also, Nia is your first wife. You're not planning to keep her at home working as a blacksmith, are you?"

"..."

"Moreover……"

"Alright, Mother, stop talking, I'll practice!"

Lady Lia smiled gracefully and gently opened her hands. Zhuang Sen awkwardly reached out and grasped hers. The familiar touch of the black lace gloves and soft hands came back to him, but this time it was not just a brief touch, but a full handshake.

“Come, follow my movements…” Lady Lia stared blankly at the face so close to hers, so familiar yet so completely different, for a moment. Zhuang Sen, however, didn't notice, because his gaze was fixed on another violently shaking object. The soft, peach-like breasts, so delicate they seemed to tremble with every breath, were utterly defenseless against the intense movements of the dance. A violent wave of her breasts surged, as if they would leap from her long skirt and lash out at Zhuang Sen's face at any moment.

In this situation, Zhuang Sen's mistake was perfectly understandable.

"Zhuang Sen, where did your attention go?"

Lady Lia, whose foot had been stepped on, scolded Zhuang Sen in a tone that was more like pampering than annoyance. She remembered the past, when Zhuang Sen practiced with a professional dance teacher and she hated such clumsy mistakes.

"I'm sorry, Mother, it's just..."

"No more, let's try again!"

Lady Lia resumed her movements, the immense impact silencing Zhuang Sen and forcing him to obediently begin practicing the dance until the sun began to set. Zhuang Sen, thanks to his bloodline's physical attributes, finally mastered two standard dances and began to perform them with considerable skill. However, Lady Lia, with only an ordinary physique, was already drenched in sweat, her heavy coat long since removed, revealing Zhuang Sen's increasingly revealing and transparent figure, soaked with sweat.

The already perfectly outlined breasts and large buttocks were now almost visible through the black fabric, revealing the fair flesh beneath. The rubbing of the fabric caused the raised nipples to stand out, pressing the already restrictive fabric even deeper. Some of the fabric was so wet that it sank into the deep valley, making the fabric in these two areas taut and leaving marks on the beautiful flesh...

Zhuang Sen took a deep breath, but the air was filled with a rich, delicate fragrance, which interrupted what he was about to say.

Lady Lia herself realized something was amiss and stood up from the round stool: "Alright, it's almost time. Go take a bath and change your clothes... Hmm, let Nia help you choose. I don't trust you to choose for yourself. Anyway, you have to inform her about the banquet."

Zhuang Sen nodded, but his gaze fell on the round stool, where a heart-shaped water stain was visible on the mahogany surface.

The author says:

Author's note: I apologize for updating the wrong chapters yesterday. Yesterday's chapters should have been 28 and 29. I have now replaced yesterday's chapters. If you cannot see them, please refresh the page.

Chapter Thirty-One: At the Banquet

As night fell, the city of Starry Night was shrouded in darkness, but Count Leon's manor remained brightly lit.

A steady stream of carriages pulled through the open, wrought-iron oak gates and stopped at the stables, adorned with a dazzling array of flags. Distinguished guests alighted and, led by impeccably dressed servants, entered the bustling manor hall. Thick carpets woven from red velvet and silk stretched from the innermost part of the hall to the entrance. Long tables made of expensive wood were placed on either side, laden with roast suckling pig, steaks, honey bread, and various other delicacies. Beautiful male and female servants stood in the corners of the room, holding silver trays of beer and wine, attentively attending to the needs of each distinguished guest.

"What a grand scene! Have all the nobles come?"

With Nia's small hand in his left and Lady Lia's arm around his right, and Lydia standing behind him, Johnson let out a somewhat uncouth remark. But he was now Johnson Leon, the rising star of Leon Territory, so it became a reasonable compliment, and even Lady Lia didn't correct him.

Nia Harper, a true country bumpkin aristocrat, nodded in agreement: "This is the first time I've ever seen such a lavish banquet."

"Didn't Old Lord...Count hold banquets before? Were they different from this one?"

“My family, being of lowly noble birth, is not on the Earl’s invitation list,” Nia said frankly, showing no sign of dejection.

"That's because Jem was afraid someone would try to poach you, so he deliberately didn't give you invitations." A blue-haired, flat-chested girl walked out from the crowd. She wore a light blue dress with brown leather boots and looked very pure and innocent, full of girlish charm.

She lifted her skirt and gave a curtsy: "Goodnight, Brother Zhuang Sen, Madam Liya, and Sister-in-law Nia."

Zhuang Sen placed his right hand in front of him and bowed slightly: "Ye An, Sister Anjie, has the Earl arrived yet?"

Anjie widened her eyes, as if she were completely innocent: "How would I know? Father wouldn't inform me of his itinerary?"

"I thought he liked having you lead the way."

"Maybe it's because he's anxious to find you, Brother Zhuang Sen. Remember not to scare me like that next time."

"Haha~"

"Haha~"

The brother and sister exchanged friendly smiles, their tense demeanor effectively shutting out the other nobles who tried to curry favor. However, news that Johnson Leon had a wife spread rapidly. In fact, the news had already begun circulating yesterday; it was simply being confirmed now, which was the main reason Johnson had brought Nia along.

Nia naturally overheard their not-so-secret conversation, and her small hand, held by Zhuang Sen, tightened its grip on his fingers. She was grateful to have met Zhuang Sen, who treated her so formally. Even though she also possessed a level three bloodline, her bloodline was entirely dependent on Zhuang Sen's, making her practically a vassal. Zhuang Sen had no reason to value her so much, yet he did it anyway, which naturally moved and pleased her greatly.

Zhuang Sen, of course, also heard those conversations. However, unlike Nia, who was focused on being recognized, he found it hard to ignore Nia's sarcastic remarks. So, while considering whether he was being too hasty, he also made a note of those gossiping people.

Dare to talk back to my wife? You'd better wait and see!

Despite their inner turmoil, both Johnson and Nia maintained polite smiles and appeared very proper on the surface.

After exchanging pleasantries with Ange, Zhuang Sen glanced at everyone present and, unfortunately, didn't find any new monster girls. He then focused his attention back on Dantalian, whom he had already spotted earlier.

As Lady Lydia had previously stated, church members were also invited to the banquet.

Is Count Cross really going to decide on an heir?

……

"Johnson, is Earl Cross really going to decide on an heir?"

“That’s exactly what I was going to ask you, Your Excellency.”

Zhuang Sen said helplessly, and then the group sighed together.

“It seems we can only wait for Count Cross to announce it himself.” Bishop Rosa put on a smile again. “Anyway, it won’t be long. You young people can chat.”

Seeing the bishop abandon his post and run away after only a few words, Dantalian didn't know whether to be happy or embarrassed. Looking at Zhuang Sen, she felt her palms sticky and hot, and she felt a little... wanting to do it again.

The others didn't know what had happened, but they felt that Dantalian and Zhuang Sen were indeed very close. However, Zhuang Sen himself deeply felt the burning intensity in Dantalian's gaze and was momentarily tempted to make a move.

But a moment later, the two looked away from each other.

Dantalian: "Dantalian, oh Dantalian, what are you thinking? What will Lord Johnson think of you? What will Nia think of you?!"

Zhuang Sen: "Zhuang Sen, what are you thinking? What will Nia think of you? What will Lady Lia think of you? You only dare to use your hands?!"

After yesterday's two round trips by carriage, Zhuang Sen felt that he had completed his strategy to win over Dantalian and could try to be a little bolder. However, his conscience was still a little aching, especially when Nia looked over.

Nia looked at Zhuang Sen, who had suddenly turned around, gave him a pure smile, waved to him, and whispered in his ear, "Darling! Good luck!"

Zhuang Sen's eyes widened, and he was about to say something when a commotion interrupted him—Count Cross had entered the arena.

Just as Johnsen's entrance drew a lot of attention, Count Cross's appearance also stole that attention. Even Johnsen stopped what he was doing, ready to see what tricks Old Deng was up to—and then listened to half an hour of nonsense.

Damn, no wonder he's a minister.

Zhuang Sen, whose desires had been extinguished by the nonsense, yawned.

Half an hour later, the conversation finally got back on track.

Count Cross solemnly said, "Today, I have invited you all here to witness a trial that I will be holding."

I will grant each of my children an estate and give them a year to decide which estate will be the next Earl of Leon.

Furthermore, this trial is to select the most capable lords who are best suited to manage their territories. Therefore, apart from the manor I bestow upon you, you may only bring the prescribed supplies and manpower to begin with, and you may not rely on any external forces—I will personally oversee you.”

After Count Cross finished speaking, the lively banquet suddenly quieted down.

There's no other reason than that this matter is too important, and everyone needs to carefully consider how to handle it. Don't be fooled by Count Cross's seemingly casual words; they completely broke with convention and disrupted everyone's plans.

Does the ability to manage a manor determine the heir?

Are we not allowed to use external forces?

Was it even personally supervised by the Kingdom's Minister of Intelligence?

Many people's attention turned to Angela León, the notorious "shrewd businesswoman".

But some people are still watching Zhuang Sen, after all, his mother is Lia Farau. Even if they can't help him for no reason, they can at least act as a go-between...

At this moment, Earl Cross spoke again: "Zhuang Sen, I bestow upon you Thorn Manor. You may bring no more than twenty people and supplies of no more than five hundred gold coins to the manor."

“Anjie, I bestow upon you the Baihe Manor; you may take it with you…”

After Count Cross finished speaking, he looked at Zhuang Sen more often, but the meaning of his gaze had completely changed—from flattery and expectation to regret and mockery.

The reason is simple: Thorn Manor is the worst of all the bestowed manors, and the worst of all, possibly the worst manor in the entire territory of Leon! This almost blatant discrimination is like a blatant signal that Earl Cross does not think highly of Johnson.

The reason seems readily available: Johnson killed Jem Leon right in front of him, and this act did not appear to have been tolerated or let off by Count Cross.

Even Zhuang Sen felt a bit troubled. No, not because of the manor, but because was this old man going to stay in the territory for a whole year? How was he going to kill all the other Leons?

Otherwise, we can develop his bloodline first, and then take care of this old man.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Strong Support

After much deliberation, Zhuang Sen decided to abandon this tempting idea.

Firstly, to kill Count Cross, at least three or four bloodline users who have awakened three times would be needed to guarantee absolute success. After all, while the Shadow Raven bloodline might not be strong in direct combat, their ability to escape is absolutely first-rate. And even if Zhuang Sen could persuade Bishop Rosa to commit such a treasonous act, he would still be completely lacking in strength to do so.