You've found the Gusha-hime Knight, so put your hair up in a bun!

Anya pinched her cheek hard, took a deep breath, and suppressed all the random thoughts. Then she opened her eyes wide and muttered to herself, "Okay! That's enough! I can't keep thinking like this. There's still trouble to deal with..."

Thinking about serious matters, Anya's eyes instantly sharpened, and the lovestruck girl's demeanor vanished in an instant; the chief knight of the magic knight order returned.

Inside the medical room, Shiro was feeding Cecilia medicine, sip by sip. Halfway through, she suddenly stopped and said with some worry, "After entering the [Blood Asura] state, I accidentally damaged the protective device of the training ground, so this aura should have been sensed by those powerful figures in the capital."

【Blood Asura】is another form of Cecilia's domain 【Sanctuary of Judgment】.

If the Holy Angels are in charge of purification and blessing, then the Blood Asuras are in charge of slaughter and devouring.

When Cecilia is in the [Blood Asura] state, she will fall into a state of berserk bloodlust.

The life force of any creature that dies within the field will be recovered and converted into energy to replenish Cecilia.

In this state, Cecilia's sanity drops significantly, but her combat power and recovery ability increase dramatically, making it an environment where she can maximize her personal abilities.

The current problem is that Cecilia's [Blood Asura] state has an excessively strong aura of violence. Such an aura is usually only found in the followers of the tyrannical god, and Cecilia's aura is even stronger.

Therefore, when this aura breaks through the protective device and is perceived by the outside world, it will inevitably cause a huge uproar.

No one has come looking for trouble yet, partly out of respect for the Wells family, and partly because they are making ample preparations to make the Wells family pay a heavy price.

However, these attacks ultimately landed in vain, since Cecilia did not possess any power related to the demon race. At most, those people could only smear the Wells family.

"No need to worry, we are upright and honest, they can't do anything to us."

Shiloh said this, and then received a message from the terminal.

Upon opening it, I discovered it was sent by Zeno.

[An extremely dangerous atmosphere has emerged within the Wells family. Some suspect the appearance of a tyrannical clan. Do you know anything about this?]

A few seconds later, another message came in.

If it's you... I will protect you no matter what. So please tell me the truth.

Looking at the information on the terminal screen, Xi Luo felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that when he proved at Lorsean Academy that he had not absorbed the link of the Tyrannical Chosen Authority, he had not been able to completely hide it from Zeno's eyes.

Based on his long-standing friendship with Zeno, he only knew one thing: regardless of whether Shiloh had absorbed the power of the tyrannical chosen god, the decision he made at that time was undoubtedly the one that best served his interests.

Aside from matters of principle, Shiloh's bottom line is quite flexible in other areas.

If Shiro truly absorbed the power of the tyrannical chosen one, it must mean that he obtained a way to completely control that power.

Therefore, when the Wells family unleashed their tyrannical aura, Zeno believed that it was because Shiloh had failed to control the power of the tyrannical Chosen Authority and had gone out of control.

Even so, Zeno still wanted to save him without hesitation.

It should be noted that, in the imperial law, Zeno's actions were, in a strict sense, no different from treason.

According to the law, both Shiloh and Zeno should be beheaded.

Seeing Zeno risking his life to help protect him, Shilo suppressed his joking thoughts and replied seriously, "It's Cecilia's problem, but it has nothing to do with demons, so don't worry. I'll take her to the palace in a while."

After Shiloh responded, Zeno on the other end of the terminal breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that Shiloh wouldn't be the kind of person to stubbornly hide things at a time like this.

Or, if he really is the one in the problem, then at this point, Shiloh would most likely choose not to respond and simply run away.

This doesn't mean he doesn't trust himself; it's just that Shiloh's personality is like that—he'd rather bear everything himself than let others be implicated.

Not long after, Shiro received a letter asking him to go to the palace, so he set off for the palace with Cecilia.

Upon arrival, Cecilia felt a pang of emotion as she looked at the familiar and magnificent building before her.

At that time, she was participating in politics here as a soldier, whereas last time she was a criminal on trial, and this time she was an ordinary civilian—of course, in terms of objective status, she was still a slave.

In fact, once she reached the [Erosion Realm] level, the high-level slave contract could no longer restrain her.

Now, for her, breaking free from the constraints of the contract is just a matter of a thought.

However, Cecilia did not want to do that.

Advanced slave contracts possess a telepathic function. Although dual cultivation techniques can achieve similar effects, the specific sensations are subtly different.

Cecilia did not want to erase this difference with her own hands. This unique connection with Shiloh, once sensed, would bring Cecilia immense happiness with those precious memories from the past.

Are you nervous?

Shiloh turned to Cecilia and asked.

Cecilia shook her head, then grasped Shiloh's hand in return, revealing a confident smile: "Last time, my father was unjustly accused. But this time, with you here, no one can slander me again!"

Seeing the other person's confident and composed demeanor, Xi Luo smiled and said, "Yes, that's good. Let's go."

As soon as Shiloh and Cecilia entered the palace where they were discussing matters, the arguing that had been going on outside the palace stopped instantly, and everyone's eyes were on Shiloh and Cecilia.

"Heh, the heir of the prestigious Wells family, to be so blinded by power, how laughable..."

A sarcastic voice came from behind. Looking in the direction of the voice, one could see a solemn old man dressed in dignified clothes looking at Xi Luo and speaking with a cold laugh.

Shiloh recognized him; this guy was close to the Second Theory people and had a lot of "business dealings" with them. He had also invested a lot of money in related industries and had made a fortune over the years.

However, ever since Shelow revealed the fatal flaw of the Second Theory, all industries related to the Second Theory have fallen into a crisis of trust, and orders for returns and refunds have poured in, resulting in huge losses.

As for Old Deng, who owns shares, the thought of the money he's lost these past few days makes him want to vomit blood, and his hatred for Xi Luo goes without saying.

Chapter 177 You're something else, Otivia (exhausted)

"You old bastard, if you keep yelling like that, I'll rip your tongue out."

Before Shiloh could speak, Zeno, sitting in the ranks of military officers, cast a cold gaze at him, his words full of threat.

The glint in her gilded, sharp eyes sent chills down one's spine, leaving no doubt that this infamous mad princess, renowned throughout the capital, would actually attack a minister on the spot.

The elderly minister, now under threat, changed his expression. He wanted to retort, but under Zeno's intimidating gaze, he could only stammer a few times before shutting his mouth.

This meeting was a temporary one, and only a group of ministers with relatively higher status and power were notified to attend.

As the Grand Knight Commander of the Ironthorn Knights, Zeno naturally wouldn't be absent.

Besides her, other members of the royal family present included Princess Otivia and the eldest prince Edmund Lorsa, who is the leader of the younger generation of political advisors.

As the eldest prince, Edmund was a little younger than the other princes and princesses, so he didn't play with Shiloh and the others much when he was young.

The eldest prince possesses extraordinary political talent, and although he is young, his words carry considerable weight among the civil officials.

“Zeno, calm down. Right now, let Mr. Shilo explain the situation. Only the truth can be the best way to respond to the doubts.”

Looking at his sister, who was full of violent tendencies, Edmund's eyes flashed with helplessness, but as the leader of the councilors, he had to maintain order in the meeting.

"Father, Mr. Shiro has arrived. Shall we begin our discussion?"

Upon hearing this, Rodel, seated high on his throne, nodded slightly, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

After receiving permission to begin the discussion, Shiloh bowed slightly and then proceeded to recount Cecilia's situation in an orderly manner.

"...That's how it is. Cecilia's power is just a little difficult to control, and it has nothing to do with the power of the tyrannical evil god."

After Shiloh finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat heavy.

Everyone's gaze turned to Cecilia with suspicion and uncertainty, their expressions showing varying degrees of strangeness.

In reality, that violent power was just a pretext for the opposing faction to attack the Wells family; they just wanted to make things as disgusting as possible.

However, if Shiloh wasn't exaggerating—no, such things are hard to fake—meaning Cecilia really reached the [Stage of the Eclipse] at this age?!

Realizing this, the ministers who had originally wanted to seize this opportunity to keep pressing the Wells family on their side all kept quiet with varying expressions, their eyes slightly lowered as they looked at the table.

That's a joke. Work is work, and life is life.

Nobody wanted to be the one to stick their neck out and invite the attention of a transcendent being at the [Erosion Realm] level.

Zeno crossed his legs, propped his right cheek on his hand, and squinted as he looked at Cecilia.

No wonder her aura suddenly changed; she actually broke through to the [Erosion Realm] level?

In terms of talent, Zeno and Cecilia are about the same. However, on the path to the extraordinary level, the further they go, the more they need to accumulate a certain "opportunity" that suits their own path in order to reach a higher level.

Zeno's domineering protection allows her to gain profound insights while dominating the battlefield, enabling her to enter the [Erosion Realm] stage earlier.

It has to be said that Cecilia, who has also reached this level, is finally worthy of my attention.

Zeno gently stroked his hair. Since Cecilia possessed such talent, she would certainly not be willing to be subordinate to anyone.

It seems that this guy will be an extremely stubborn obstacle in his plan to monopolize Shiloh in the future.

tsk...

Zeno was somewhat annoyed; for the time being, it was difficult for him to confront Cecilia head-on.

After all, her current status is that of one of Shiloh's lovers, while he is at most just... a close friend.

It seems I need to hurry up and get Shiloh to agree to our engagement.

After calming down and confirming the plan, Zeno suddenly felt a gaze sweep across his face.

When she looked up, she saw Otivia looking away.

Although Otivia remained quiet and porcelain doll-like with her eyes lowered, the thin, pink lips on her delicate face clearly carried a hint of sarcasm and provocation in Zeno's eyes!

creak-

The hand that had been leisurely supporting his cheek quietly lowered, and with a sound of muscles tightening, it clenched into a hard fist.

Sensing the murderous aura emanating from Zeno, the surrounding military officers involuntarily straightened their backs, inwardly groaning and wondering who had offended this young lady again!

Scanning the ministers' reactions, Shiloh had somewhat anticipated it, but clearly, the deterrent power of the [Step of the Corruption] was much greater than he had imagined.

However, this cannot be blamed on Xi Luo, since the several [Erosion Realm] transcendents he knew did not, to be honest, leave him with any significant feelings.

Leaving aside his father, Fulin, after leaving the front lines of the fight against the demons, he now spends most of his time researching magical technology with his mother, Serme, and rarely displays the power of the [Erosion Step].

As for the other [Stages of Corrosion], the elven high priest was completely outmaneuvered by Xiluo, and now he's even traveling a great distance to the capital to deliver a gift.

Needless to say, Cecilia and Cecilia already had a very close relationship, with each other deeply intertwined.

As for Zeno, she hardly ever shows her ferocity in front of Shiloh anymore, so naturally she has no room to display her strength.

"Now, does anyone still have any objections?"

Silo, holding Cecilia's hand, glanced around coldly and asked.

Seeing that all the ministers remained silent, Shiloh curled a mocking smile and was about to speak with the emperor about Cecilia when an unexpected voice drifted over.

“Cecilia has no connection with the demons, but that cannot conceal her dangerous nature.”

A clear, detached voice rang out, silencing the meeting for a moment; it seemed no one had expected this person to speak.

However, now that someone had taken the lead in endorsing them, other ministers who were hostile to the Wells family naturally followed suit, launching a barrage of criticism against Cecilia and Shiloh.

"Your Highness is right! How will you prove you are safe?!"

"If you can't control your brutal power today, you'll dare to kill tomorrow. By the time the bloodshed happens, it will be too late!"

"I propose that a mind-control spell be cast on Cecilia to eliminate any possibility of her harming others!!"

Suddenly, all sorts of sharp opinions came crashing down on them, like a sudden storm, battering the two of them, Shiloh and Cecilia, who were nestled together.

Sylvie's face was extremely grim, but not because of these incompetent ministers who were preoccupied with infighting, but because...

Ha ha

You're really something...

Otivia

I need to take a day off; I have a bit of a headache.

The temperature suddenly dropped, and I think I've caught a bit of the virus again. I still can't get a taxi, and I don't know what time I'll be able to get home. o(╥﹏╥)o

If there are no problems tomorrow, I'll add an extra chapter.

Chapter 178 Zeno Wants to Become a Woman (Bonus Chapter, 5k words)

Feeling the cold gaze directed at her by Shiloh, Otivia's expression stiffened almost imperceptibly. She opened her small, pink mouth as if to speak, but then closed it again.

The small hands on the hem of her skirt slowly twisted together. Otivia refused to believe that Shiloh could not understand the significance of her actions.

On the one hand, they wanted to take this opportunity to lure out any ministers who had opinions against the Wells family.

On the other hand—

Seeing the situation on the field becoming increasingly chaotic, the eldest prince finally couldn't hold back any longer and shouted, "Enough! Shut up!!"

This shout used extraordinary power, and its instantaneous force silenced the noise in the arena.

Seeing the eldest prince stabilize the situation, a hint of satisfaction flashed in the emperor's eyes. After a moment, he turned his gaze to Cecilia and slowly said, "Cecilia, you should have been the sharpest blade in the Holy Knights. It's just a pity that such an incident happened, and I could only protect you. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Cecilia intended to perform a knightly salute, but halfway through the movement, she suddenly remembered that she was no longer a knight. So she knelt on one knee and respectfully said, "Your subject... this humble woman understands."