Chapter 321: Chapter 53: Taking It This Far?

Mephit’s status afterward could be described with a certain classic phrase.

A Knight Apprentice, full of vim and vigor!

Westheid couldn’t help but twirl a strand of the young woman’s hair by her ear and praise her, "Not bad. You have quite the aptitude, for a beginner."

"Thank you for your guidance and acknowledgement."

Mephit knelt piously, bowing her head and beseeching him:

"My lord, please brand me with your mark to display my loyalty!"

’A beautiful, aloof, and wild Grand Knight, happily acting like a total sycophant...’

’Is this the legendary "Defeat CG"?’

Westheid had always had a tendency to abuse his Charm. He couldn’t help it; after so many "public exchanges," it had become instinct.

But usually, Westheid was the one to proactively seek out targets. It was rare to find someone like Mephit who threw herself at him before he had even begun his "conquest."

To be honest, Westheid was quite satisfied to have her served up to him like this.

Since Mephit was begging to be completely conquered, and seeing how cooperative she was, Westheid had no choice but to grant her wish.

Unlike those decorative young ladies from the Imperial court or the Witches with their pathetic Fela physiques from the Ring of Clear Skies, the Yonglan Knights were on another level, stat-wise. Westheid had to use some of his real skills to subdue Mephit.

"Hiss—this wound hasn’t fully healed yet."

Westheid touched his abdomen. A crimson crack was faintly visible, aggravated by their recent vigorous activity. This was the only downside to the Soul Burning Technique; if he didn’t sacrifice someone else’s soul, the damage to himself could only heal slowly over time or while he was in a relaxed, leisurely state. Otherwise, not even a Tier T0 healing Talent could do anything about it.

Exhausted, Duke Qinghui decided to rest, soaking in the warm water of the bath. The bathroom, connected to the bedroom, was even larger than the latter. The tub seemed to have originally been used for some kind of medicinal bath; the slightly cloudy, milky-white water was filled with a potent healing potion.

"Ah, my lord, please allow me to serve you."

A Grand Knight is a Grand Knight, after all. Mephit recovered quickly, immediately entering the bath and drawing close to Westheid’s side.

She eagerly began to massage Westheid, her beautiful indigo eyes bright and infatuated, almost to the point of being syrupy:

"My king, even off the battlefield, your strength is beyond doubt. There is no male in this world more outstanding than you."

Westheid closed his eyes and said smugly, "Mm, that goes without saying."

Westheid had heard similar words countless times, but the feeling was definitely different depending on who said them.

In terms of technique, Mephit was no match for the professional maids in Duke Qinghui’s mansion, having no prior experience serving others.

But what she lacked in skill, she made up for with attitude. The pliant charm of a beautiful Grand Knight who obeyed his every whim was extremely pleasing to Westheid—even more enjoyable than the hot springs at the Sacred Land of the Purity Forest.

After soaking in the tub for a long time, Westheid felt he had rested enough and got up to leave.

Mephit didn’t follow him for trivial matters like bathing and dressing. She needed to put on her own clothes as well. Fortunately, to show her submission earlier, the Knightess had folded her clothes and placed them neatly aside.

However, when Westheid emerged from the bathroom, he didn’t see Mephit.

’Hmm, did she leave?’

Just as the thought crossed Duke Qinghui’s mind, he heard the crisp clatter of metal.

"JINGLE JINGLE—"

Mephit slipped in through the bedroom door. The Knightess held a gleaming silver chain in her hands, offering the end with the bracelet to Westheid.

"My lord, please take this."

Westheid took the chain, confused.

"What is this? Some kind of Gale Heart ritual..."

"CLICK—"

Before he could finish, Westheid saw Mephit take the other end of the chain and lock it around her own fair neck.

It was a collar.

’Wait, you’re taking it this far?’ 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"...Is this something you can be seen in?"

Westheid held one end of the chain and hesitated for a moment before asking:

"Even in the Imperial court, this would be considered rather... avant-garde."

Mephit replied, "It’s fine. This way, everyone will know of my allegiance to you. It’s equivalent to me vouching for you with my prestige and reputation. Here in Gale Heart, there may still be some petty individuals who refuse to submit to you, but they absolutely recognize my strength and status as a Steel Will Guardian."

’Willingly making herself a stepping stone, huh? Her loyalty is almost suspicious.’

Hearing Mephit’s explanation, and given that the Yonglan People’s customs were indeed unconcerned with such things, Westheid accepted the silver chain without any qualms.

He was a Monarch who readily followed good advice. Generally, he wouldn’t force his subordinates to engage in any special "play," but if they requested it themselves, Westheid was naturally happy to oblige.

In other words, his bottom line was always flexible.