Chapter 877 – Capitalism with Perfume

"So... can I assume I have Xianlong clan support now?" Lux said as they came out of his portal.

The portal closed behind them with a smooth black-gold ripple, leaving only the familiar warmth of his mansion’s entry hall and the faint scent of dragon wine still clinging to their clothes.

Honestly? Not the worst diplomatic field trip.

No one tried to stab him. No one challenged him to a duel over ancestral honor. No dragon elder asked him to prove his worth by drinking molten jade.

Overall, solid brunch. Four stars. Would negotiate again.

Mira stepped out beside him, adjusting the sleeve of her cheongsam with that calm heiress composure that always made Lux want to ruin it just a little. She glanced at him and smirked. "I guess you can say that."

Naomi lifted one finger as if presenting a quarterly report. "Also, I already secured one corporation agreement with the Xianlong. We just need follow-up paperwork."

Lux turned his head slowly. "During brunch?"

Naomi smiled like an angel with a business knife hidden behind her back. "Yes."

Ely’s brows rose. "More hotels?"

"Yup," Naomi said proudly. "A dragon palace experience in the western region. Inspired architecture, private courtyards, koi ponds, silk-robed staff, mountain-spa branding, the whole thing. Available from budget class to luxury class."

Rava crossed her arms, tentacles curling lazily behind her. "Why not make it only for rich people? High-class luxury. Cleaner margins."

Naomi gasped like Rava had insulted her ancestors. "No, no, no. Middle class also has money."

Lux paused.

Oh.

There she went.

Naomi’s eyes brightened, and Lux immediately recognized the look. That was not romance mode. That was capitalism with perfume.

"We make two sections," Naomi explained, counting on her fingers. "Budget palace experience and high-class royal wing. The budget guests get the fantasy. Lanterns, tea ceremony, pretty robes, courtyard photos. But the luxury wing? Visible. Just visible enough. They see the private pools, better food, exclusive dragon-view balconies, and suddenly their pride starts itching."

Sira’s eyes gleamed like someone had just handed her a new weapon and said ’don’t stab too much’.

"Oh," Sira breathed. "I love this."

Naomi grinned. "Right?"

Sira leaned forward. "Weaponized pride for money."

Lux put a hand over his chest. "That’s beautiful."

Mira deadpanned. "Please do not encourage her."

"I’m not encouraging," Lux said. "I’m appreciating art."

Lullaby, half-buried in a shawl she had obtained from Liang, muttered, "I’m only interested if they have fluffy pillows."

Naomi turned to her immediately. "Premium pillow menu."

Lullaby opened one eye.

Naomi nodded solemnly. "Twelve types."

Lullaby sat up slightly. "I support this business."

Lux almost laughed, but his gaze drifted.

Yue stood near where the portal had closed.

Silent.

Still.

Her eyes remained locked on the empty space, as if the dragon palace was still there, just hidden behind air. The others continued talking, voices light and warm, but Lux’s attention narrowed on her shoulders. Not stiff exactly. Not trembling. Just... held. Like she had learned centuries ago that if she stood still enough, grief would pass without noticing her.

It didn’t.

Lux knew that feeling too well.

He stepped closer, slower than usual, leaving the jokes behind him like a coat at the door.

"Yue," he said quietly. "You still want to stay there longer?"

She didn’t answer right away.

Her fingers flexed once at her side.

"No," she said.

A pause. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Then softer.

"I still miss my home."

Lux didn’t interrupt.

Didn’t offer something stupid like ’you can always visit’, because that wasn’t the point. The palace existed, yes. Her room existed. Her bloodline existed. But the home she remembered? That was gone. Time had eaten it politely and served it back as heritage.

Yue turned slightly toward him.

"Besides, I can’t stay there." Her voice stayed controlled, which somehow made it hurt more. "I know Kaelmor is dangerous. I know this mansion has better wards than my palace. At least here..." Her gaze moved over the girls. Mira. Sira. Lullaby. Rava. Naomi. Ely. "...all of you have power to fight him. More than my clan does."

Her jaw tightened.

"But now I’m afraid I will bring disaster to you. All of you."

The room quieted.

Naomi’s business smile faded. Mira’s eyes sharpened. Sira stopped playing with her fan. Even Lullaby looked awake now, which meant the universe had officially entered serious territory.

Lux felt something cold press under his ribs.

Not fear.

Anger.

Quiet. Focused. Annoyed that Yue had been made to think of herself as a calamity someone else had to survive.

Before he could answer, a new voice cut in.

"I think you need to calm down a bit about that."

Everyone turned.

From the side hallway came Zehar, in his round slimy jelly body, wobbling across the polished floor with the smug dignity of a royal advisor and the physical presence of black pudding that learned sarcasm.

He stopped in the center of the room.

Somehow, despite having no proper face, he looked smug.

Deeply smug.

"I bring good news, pu," Zehar announced. "Where’s my coffee?"

Lux stared at him.

Then huffed. "Lyra."

A servant appeared instantly, elegant and unbothered, because Lux’s staff had seen worse than a sentient slime demanding caffeine.

"Coffee for Zehar."

"Yes, my lord."

Minutes later, a tiny porcelain cup was placed in front of Zehar. He absorbed it halfway into his jelly body, paused like a wine critic, then jiggled in delight.

"Ah. Bitter. Violent. Perfect."

Naomi whispered, "Why does he drink coffee?"

Lux muttered, "Most demons like coffee or wine."

Zehar wobbled proudly. "Here’s the news. The Shadow Corridors’ ancient lords made their move."

Lux’s expression shifted.

Just slightly.

The room felt it.

Not panic. Not surprise. That was the scary part. Lux looked like someone had been waiting for a chess piece to finally slide into position.

Zehar continued, "Not openly. In hiding. Small strikes. Some attacks on Kaelmor’s outer authority nodes. Not enough to start a war, but enough to make him look busy."

Sira’s smile slowly returned. "Oh, that’s delicious."

Zehar jiggled. "And it isn’t only them. Nobles and demons who never liked the king are also moving. Quietly. Testing his defense. Watching his response."

Mira folded her arms. "So the rumor worked."