Monster Girl Development Master.

Hearing Zhuang Sen's sarcastic remark, Colm was alright. Zhuang Sen had cut off half his wing, and after reverting to human form, he was missing an arm. His personality wasn't exactly "brave," so he simply ignored it. But Lilith wouldn't let it go so easily. Normally, she could be cunning and calculating, never showing her weakness even in defeat, but she wouldn't do that in front of Leah Farau. She couldn't swallow this insult!

“Lia Farau, Johnson Leon, you two despicable schemers, you actually… umm umm umm.”

Lady Lia immediately shut Lilith up. Although she enjoyed watching her sister break down, she had no intention of engaging in a verbal battle with her. She could just use force; why should she give Lilith the energy to talk back?

After releasing the two Faraus, whose joints had been dislocated and who were now bound hand and foot, Zhuang Sen had them dragged to a prepared prison cart, ready to be transported back to the dungeon of Glory Manor. Although he had obtained a pretext for declaring war, it didn't mean Zhuang Sen would launch an attack immediately. The mobilization of troops, the preparation of logistics, and the fermentation of public opinion all required time, and "delaying" this time was advantageous to Zhuang Sen, especially after Princess Celine and the two princesses of Starr had sided with him.

……

After dealing with the two prisoners, Johnson did not immediately prepare to return. Instead, he calmly approached the three noble ladies who stood on high ground, far from the filth and bloodshed: "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Lysander, Piper, and Your Highness. The incident has been dealt with. Let's continue our journey."

Despite being the only one of the three to be addressed with respect, Princess Celine's expression became even more haughty: "What a show, Earl Johnson."

Zhuang Sen smiled tolerantly, the deeper meaning of which made the proud dragon girl a little angry but she couldn't find a reason to lash out. Her expression was very delicious - Sigh, I'm so bad.

Zhuang Sen looked at Lysander and Piper. The spirited young girl was alright, but little Piper was clearly a bit frightened. So Zhuang Sen used a purification spell, immediately attracting Piper's attention. With his clever way of coaxing the little girl, Piper slowly regained her normal innocent charm and climbed into Zhuang Sen's arms. Lysander watched this scene with a mixture of relief and helplessness, and said with a touch of sourness, "Zhuang Sen, you really do like Piper."

"Because Piper is cute, isn't she, Piper~"

Piper put her hands on her hips and struck an arrogant pose, which made Lysander laugh. She patted her sister's head and said, "You little rascal, now you've found a backer."

Zhuang Sen chuckled and casually remarked, "By the way, now that His Excellency the Grand Duke has granted my previous presumptuous request, Lysander and Piper, are you two ready to awaken your bloodlines?"

Yesterday, when Johnsen informed Earl Cameron that the Starr sisters wished to stay overnight, he attached to his reply the Duke of Starr's response, which clearly approved of Johnsen's presumptuous request. In other words, Lysander and Piper are now Johnsen's legal fiancées.

Although Lysander knew about it last night, she still felt it was all a bit unreal. She thought it would be a complicated and fraught affair, but it was accomplished so easily and without any obstacles. She even wondered if things would have turned out the same way if she hadn't sneaked to Johnson's house yesterday... no, they would have been different.

Meeting Zhuang Sen's somewhat fiery gaze, the girl felt a sweet joy rise in her heart: "Anytime is fine, Zhuang Sen, it's up to you. But what about Count Cameron and the others..."

"It's alright, you can stay at Glorious Manor from now on, although the wedding might not be able to take place anytime soon." Zhuang Sen shrugged. "Besides Earl Cameron, what about the Grand Duke..."

“It’s your decision.” Lysander smiled brightly, like a blooming tulip. “After all, it was Father’s own decision, and Piper and I gave him two invaluable pieces of bloodline knowledge in return.”

Princess Celine, standing to the side, looked at the two riddle-solving individuals, her haughty demeanor turning into a slightly aggrieved expression: "What are you two talking about?"

Lisander's smug smile only made Princess Celine feel more aggrieved and upset. Johnson picked up the conversation, no longer teasing the haughty princess, but still unable to shake his riddle-like manner: "Your Highness, have you heard of the Bloodline Order?"

But Princess Celine, who had a deep impression of the name Bloodline Order, grasped the key point. Her expression hardened, her girlish innocence vanished, and her mature royal demeanor returned. Her mind started working again: "Zhuang Sen, you mean Earl Cameron and the Bloodline Order... no, could it be Uncle Borodi as well?"

The princess was deeply shocked.

The author says:

作者的话：进度更新：月票40/50，催更票25/50，打赏1000/5000

Chapter 163: Rebellion

The sun revolved in the sky, and the early autumn mountain wind rustled through the golden leaves, the sound like a lament or a celebration, ringing out simultaneously in the ears of both the Zhuang Sen side and the Farau territory side, and also awakening the shocked Princess Celine.

"Zhuang Sen, are you kidding me?"

Lisander's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on Princess Celine, who had suddenly changed her way of addressing Zhuang Sen, but the gaze quickly dissipated. Firstly, it seemed to be merely due to surprise; secondly, Princess Celine's involvement was actually quite good, provided, of course, that Zhuang Sen wasn't dragged into the great vortex of the struggle for the throne.

Johnson squeezed Lysander's hand and said to Princess Celine, "No, I'm not joking. At least Earl Cameron and his group are definitely from the Bloodline Order, because I invited them. I'm very interested in some of their technologies—but I never expected them to come under the name of the Grand Ducal Mission of Starr."

As he spoke, Johnson looked at Lysander and raised an eyebrow smugly: "Although this is actually a good thing for me, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to see Lysander and Piper."

Zhuang Sen's relaxed attitude affected Princess Celine. The princess, who had been tense and confused because of Zhuang Sen's bombshell, gradually calmed down. However, she had not yet returned to her jealous thoughts and was still anxious to deal with the matter: "So, Zhuang Sen, what are you going to do? Are you really planning to cooperate with them?"

Zhuang Sen calmly raised his hand to greet Dantalian and Nia, who were walking towards him, while responding to Princess Celine: "Don't rush, Your Highness, let me finish. It's surprising that you don't know anything about the Bloodline Order. I thought His Majesty the King would know about this peculiar organization."

Princess Celine gazed at Zhuang Sen with a wistful expression and said, "For the past two or three decades, Cross has been in charge of intelligence for the kingdom."

What else could Zhuang Sen say? He could only enter Dantalian's embrace and get down to business, which was to give the Starr sisters and Princess Celine a clearer explanation of the Blood Order's specific information, such as what technologies they had, how these technologies were developed, and what price they would have to pay to use them.

Some of this information came from the confessions of Lizad and Wall, some from the explanations of Count Came and his group, and some from Zhuang Sen's reasonable deductions. In total, he obtained information about three beautiful girls who almost made him vomit.

"A monster..."

Lisander's face paled slightly; the thought of spending so much time with such a group of people sent chills down her spine. As for suspecting that Johnson was lying, putting aside the fact that Johnson had no reason to deceive her, her own upbringing in Golden Castle seemed to provide evidence.

Needless to say, Princess Celine had no connection with Earl Cameron and the others, and given that Johnson had already reported the matter of the Bloodline Order, she naturally tended to believe Johnson.

It was rather strange that Piper, the little guy, completely believed it.

“Piper is now Johnson’s wife, so of course she should trust Johnson!”

The little girl, hands on her hips, was beaming with pride, winning over Zhuang Sen's favor and gaining the special attention of Nia and Dantalian.

However, after hearing Zhuang Sen recount the "great achievements" of the Bloodline Cult, Princess Celine had another question: "If the Bloodline Cult is truly such an evil organization, then how could Uncle Borodi have colluded with them? Or was he deceived by them?"

This idea makes sense. Borodi King Starr, as the powerful duke of the Fallen Star Kingdom and a great contributor to the rise of the new dynasty, is closer to King Baroo than brothers. It's hard to understand why he would collude with the Bloodline Order. Could the Bloodline Order offer him even better treatment? Surely the king couldn't have been involved too?

Princess Celine absolutely refused to believe that her father was involved with such things, nor did she really want to believe that her Uncle Borodi would do such a thing.

But this naive fantasy was quickly shattered, and it wasn't Johnson who shattered it, but Lysander: "Because Duke Starr is preparing to rebel, he needs power to fight against the Titan King and the legions of the Fallen Star Kingdom."

Princess Celine's pupils dilated, her mouth agape, speechless with astonishment. Not to mention her, even Zhuang Sen was utterly astonished: "What? Grand Duke Starr wants to commit treason? How did you know?"

Lysander spread her hands: "Because one of my missions here was to cooperate with Count Came and his men to win you over, my dear. Although the original plan was to use the Bloodline Order's technology and the Duchy of Starr's money, instead of me and Piper; and to make me understand the importance of winning over Count Leon, Duke Starr specifically told me about the rebellion plan before we left, and your importance in the plan."

"What?" Zhuang Sen's forehead also showed a question mark. "Then why didn't you say so earlier?"

Lysander looked at Johnson innocently: "I was going to say it last night, but..."

My brain was practically burning from being kissed, so I forgot all about it.

Princess Celine was also with them on the journey today, so Lysander couldn't say anything.

Zhuang Sen sighed and rubbed his forehead: "Alright, now we have an important reason. By the way, even without considering this matter, I think the technology for creating bloodline warriors, the technology for identifying bloodlines, and the technology for the Origin Blood, the universal awakening potion, are enough to convince a grand duke to cooperate—after all, that grand duke doesn't have a super scholar like my Mira to pledge allegiance."

“Look, my father, who already holds a very high position, was willing to slaughter his own children and loyal vassals for the sake of an immature ‘bloodline evolution.’ His goal was simply to become a fourth-level bloodline and a duke. So, don’t fourth-level bloodlines want to become fifth-level bloodlines and become kings?”

Princess Celine remained silent. The reasons given by Johnson were too compelling for her to refute. Her only argument was probably the sincere friendship between Duke Starr and King Baro, but as a barely competent politician and a well-educated princess, she knew very well that feelings could be unbreakable in the face of interests, or crumble at the slightest touch.

Moreover, the situation of collapsing at the slightest touch is more common.

Seeing Princess Celine looking somewhat lost, Zhuang Sen didn't stop there. Instead, he dropped another bombshell: "Your Highness, you should still remember what happened in the White City Federation, right? Why do you think Grand Duke Starr is trying to win me over and seduce me?"

What else could it be for? If they're going to rebel, they'll naturally raise an army while the kingdom's army is away! If they can also cut off the army's supplies while they're away, that would be even better!

Chapter 164: Getting on the Pirate Ship (3012 words)

Princess Celine was somewhat distraught and pitiful. Her pride and confidence had been eroded by the successive bad news, almost to the point of disappearing. Her personality made it hard for her to believe that her kind and amiable Uncle Borodi had actually been plotting a rebellion and was even willing to cooperate with the evil and cruel Blood Order for it.

Seeing Princess Celine's appearance, Zhuang Sen was worried that the proud dragon girl would spoil her, so he gently comforted her, "Actually, this is a good thing, Your Highness."

Zhuang Sen's seemingly inappropriate and sarcastic remarks immediately caught Princess Celine's attention. Judy was even prepared to stop her princess to prevent her from doing anything rash in her distraught state. However, Princess Celine did not do so; she simply stared blankly at Zhuang Sen.

It looks like it's really going to be ruined.

Zhuang Sen quickly became serious and said, "Actually, Grand Duke Starr will be on the opposite side of you sooner or later, Your Highness. It's not that he has ambitions or anything, but Prince Grean is his own sister's child, his own nephew. No matter how you look at it, he won't stand on your side in the struggle for the throne, right? At most, he'll just remain neutral, that's probably the limit."

Princess Celine couldn't refute it; she had thought about it herself and had no solution... Oh, now that Grand Duke Starr was preparing to rebel, that was a reason to stop him from helping Grean.

"So, are we left with no choice but to admit defeat now?"

A melancholy voice escaped her pink lips, barely audible. She wasn't asking Zhuang Sen a question, but rather asking herself one.

However, Zhuang Sen did not miss the voice, nor did he intend to stop talking: "No, now you have a better chance of winning, after all, we already know that His Excellency the Grand Duke wants to rebel, and he has failed to win me over."

Princess Celine's gaze drifted to Lysander, who was standing next to Dantalian, and Piper, who was playing happily with Nia, her expression quite complicated.

Zhuang Sen waved his hand dismissively: "Don't worry about that. Taking a reward doesn't mean you have to do the job! And my point is, what if someone stops Grand Duke Starr's rebellion?"

"What if, at this point, it is announced that Grand Duke Starr actually intends to install Prince Grean as his puppet ruler?"

“What if, in order to accomplish the aforementioned things, Grand Duke Starr not only colluded with evil anti-human organizations, but also with enemy countries, the White City Federation, the Thousand Towers Kingdom, and the Ten Thousand Saints Theocracy?”

With each word Zhuang Sen spoke, Princess Celine's eyes brightened a little, until she finally regained her former energy and spirit, and her proud arrogance returned to her face. However, she still hesitated a little: "But in this way, wouldn't we have to hide the news of Grand Duke Starr's rebellion? And what if he really did these things, and my sister couldn't stop him in the end?"

Zhuang Sen reached out: "Even if we don't do this, if we announce this right now, what do you think the reaction of Grand Duke Starr will be? What will the reaction of the entire kingdom be? Compared to the testimony of a sixteen-year-old count who just ascended to the throne by killing half of his brothers and sisters and even his father, and the adopted daughter of Grand Duke Starr, who would the nobles of the kingdom be more willing to believe?"

"And even if we succeed in making the entire kingdom believe that Grand Duke Starr is going to rebel, so what? To start a civil war with the Duchy of Starr during the autumn harvest? That would inevitably mean abandoning the planned war with the White City Federation, since the vassals also need time to recover and digest the harvest."

"More importantly, what will Prince Grean think then? Will he think that this is actually a conspiracy by Princess Serafina against him? Even if he doesn't think so, will he launch a more violent counterattack after losing a powerful supporter?"

Zhuang Sen's series of questions left Princess Celine speechless. She wasn't actually unaware of the situation, but she hadn't been able to process it all at once. After all, Duke Starr was her uncle, not Zhuang Sen's uncle, so Zhuang Sen naturally had no reservations.

father in law?

He killed his own father, so wouldn't his father-in-law be even more like a cat? —Speaking of which, even the Golden Daughter has inheritance rights, right?

Getting back to the main point, Zhuang Sen continued his attack on Princess Celine: "And you don't need to worry about losing in the end. We have at least one winter and one spring. And you've seen all of Nia's good stuff. If Princess Serafina can equip an army with them, do you think we can still fail?"

Princess Celine no longer hesitated. The impression of rune items on her was too profound. She herself had imagined more than once what kind of strength an army equipped with rune items would have. It would be no different from an army of bloodline beings, something that even King Baroo himself could not achieve!

A king can summon vassals and establish knightly orders, but that doesn't mean he can command all his vassals to abandon their banners and honors like commoners, gathering together as cannon fodder to launch a massive attack. More commonly, each vassal, with their own soldiers and knights, attacks the enemy like independent armies. A king who can command his vassals to act on orders, rather than launching reckless attacks, chaotic charges, and retreats, is already considered powerful and militarily skilled.

So, with Zhuang Sen's "assurance," Princess Celine felt relieved and even a little impatient: "Zhuang Sen, Zhuang Sen, how many sets of equipment can you provide by next spring? Are all the abilities the same? Is charging troublesome? And what about maintenance? Can you send someone to help with the maintenance?"

Judy was too ashamed to look at the princess's embarrassing state and turned her head away.

Zhuang Sen calmly listened to Princess Celine finish her rambling before slowly replying, "Don't get excited and give it to me yet. This isn't free. You know the price of the equipment, so I won't repeat it. As for the quantity, by next spring, we should be able to gather five or six hundred sets. If we can hold out until summer, we'll definitely have a thousand sets. And currently, only Nia can charge it, so you still have to send it back. No, my wife can't go to the battlefield with you."

Zhuang Sen ruthlessly interrupted Princess Serena's attempt to persuade her: "Besides, I also need other rewards for strongly supporting Her Highness Princess Serafina, which should be reasonable, right?"

Princess Celine nodded. She couldn't let Zhuang Sen support her sister for nothing, so she immediately offered, "If we can successfully stop the rebellion, I will ask my sister to help you get promoted to marquis. If my sister can ascend the throne, I guarantee you will become the new duke! And the territory will definitely not be a place like the Black Swamp."

The return was undeniably substantial. Zhuang Sen wasn't the first to follow the dragon; he was more like a speculator who joined halfway through, except that he invested an incredibly large sum of money.

However, Zhuang Sen simply nodded noncommittally: "Alright, then let's talk about the Source Blood Cult and the awakening of the three of you."

The sudden shift in topic made Princess Celine a little uneasy, and Johnson seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

Judy, watching her hesitant mistress, endured for a while before finally giving in to Princess Celine's sudden slowness and couldn't help but lean close to her ear: "Mistress, how do you plan to attend the Earl's wedding?"

Princess Celine paused, her gaze falling on Lysandra's beaming face. A sudden realization and a touch of nervousness flashed through her mind.

Yes, with such power, and the legal backing of Lysander and Piper, Johnson could easily take over the Duchy of Starr. He even had a ready-made excuse—the Grand Duke's rebellion, anyone could come and beat him up.

On the other hand, what deeper connection does she have with Zhuang Sen? It can't just be a relationship between an arms dealer and a major client, can it? What arms dealer only has one client? Besides, doesn't Zhuang Sen want to be king? Is there any way to stop him from doing so? How can she get him closer to her?

Princess Celine clutched the hem of her dress, her breathing quickening. A solution had already emerged, and it didn't seem unfamiliar at all—why didn't she just marry Johnson herself?

Based on her observations of Zhuang Sen over this period, she was certain that once Zhuang Sen accepted her, he would be unlikely to do anything that would cause a major conflict with her, let alone betray his "sister-in-law." But was this really a good idea? To prevent him from betraying her and to restrict him by arranging a marriage alliance with him.

Judy noticed Princess Celine's subtle movements and suspected that her mistress was once again going astray. However, before she could risk being disrespectful and offer another warning, Princess Celine had already loosened her hem.

Serafina's icy, almost ruthless voice echoed in Celine's mind, refuting her foolishness: "I don't need to sacrifice my sister for personal gain. My power is not for harming what I want to protect. Stop asking these stupid questions, Celine. Not having blood doesn't mean you can give up on yourself! Now! Go to the training ground and run ten laps!"

This is certainly not something that happened recently, but several years ago. A nobleman came to the door and expressed his desire to form an alliance through marriage. However, Celine, who was even more foolish than she is now, was genuinely interested. But Serafina sternly refused, and even the nobleman was driven away and then given Celine a severe beating.

Since then, Celine has never done anything so foolish again.