V2 Chapter 89

Cian was not one to mind appearances.

If it was before, he would try but now he had already lost interest in keeping up on his act. The world had already gotten used to ‘Aanuel’ and even if he acted out of character, no one would think that he was not the ‘Aanuel’ they knew.

He eats foods without care, especially meat, he had gobbled one after another. Of course, not in a wild and savage manner as he still needed to retain some face since Sibylla was with him.

Even still, after Cian had acquired the ability [Plunder], he actually also hit a bonus jackpot at the same time. As he also managed to absorbed another ability of the {Chimera}--its innate ability [Chimera] from eating the Chimera’s heart. With these abilities, Cian realized that his appetite had grown somewhat bigger compared to before.

Eating had not just become a necessity but more to pleasure.

Especially flesh and blood of high-level monsters, Cian felt his body re-energized after consuming them as if energies from the monsters he was consuming surge through his every cell, reinvigorating his entire body.

Cian had expected that these skills would be godly-cheat and he was not disappointed. However, he was still quite a bit disappointed as the chances of him absorbing skill from the monster he consumes has very low chances of success. Perhaps, it's because he had managed to absorb the [Chimera] ability as well, that it somehow affected or reduced the effectiveness of the [Plunder] ability.

[Plunder] --an ability to plunder some attributes and abilities of other beings and things by eating them, absorbing their essences. As a side effect of the ability, no matter how hard or poisonous something was, the person would be able to eat it.

[Chimera]--An ability to fuse genetically with another species consumed by the user. It allows one to be able to shift between several or any species one had acquired. In addition, it also allows the user to synthesize abilities from the ones the user currently has. He can use combine them into new abilities with the cost of losing the original ability or transfer the abilities into objects.

Both of the new abilities are cheat-like power. However, the acquisition has quite very low chances of succeeding.

Up until now, he had only plundered 4 monster skills, no matter how many monsters he had eaten. It’s quite regrettable but probably this is heaven’s law. Since it was already quite a cheaty skill, if this was a game then its chances parameters were lowered to a minimum.

But Cian was not broken-hearted as he still regarded these two skills as his Ultimate Skills along with [Night’s Eye] and [Vector Body]. Aside from receiving free skill, his body also showed tremendous improvement after using it to consume much monster flesh in these two years.

With the help of these skills, his trash body had increased leap and bounds in just a short time, becoming tougher comparable to that of average elite demon soldiers. Although, it sounds weak, however, with his powerful skills, the increase in his overall combat ability was enormous.

Cian grabbed his wine cup and took a mouthful. Then, he was a bit surprised. He actually zapped his mouth; this liquor tasted even purer than the ones from the one he had drunk from banquets before—a rare liquor of the Clan of the Dwarves. It was even stronger than any alcohol in the modern world. Good stuff!

Although he was not a drinker, modern men tend to be quite attracted to this kind of vices—Cian was not an exception!

"Slow down a bit." Sibylla who sat next to Cian couldn't help but warn him.

She knew that Cian knew how to drink as she had seen him had several before, but the liquor at the Avidhorn Clan was strong, not like other high-class liquors found in the market due to the fact that Loren Avidhorn was addicted to drinking and often collect rare and high-quality liquors when raiding and then used it for gatherings to display his magnificence and boast about it. It was a nonsensical hobby.

Cian put down his wine goblet, and his face turned bright red. Indeed, too strong! If the Ambrosia of the Gods is true, then they should almost be similar to this or at least just a bit inferior to the true ambrosia. The reputation of the dwarves is not just for show!

“This is His Highness; Second Prince?”

A gruff voice muttered just behind Cian. Cian furrowed his brows but his expression eased immediately. He turned his head, followed by Sibylla. When Cian saw the owner of the voice, he immediately recognized him.

Loren Vortan.

A tall lean man with two pairs of horns on his forehead, purple serpentine eyes, and red colored skin, the characteristics of the Vortan Clan. He has thin patrician features and quick observant eyes under shaggy brows.

“I believe this is the first we met, your highness. It’s my pleasure,” he muttered with a warm smile.

To this man, Cian never had an ounce of care and always treat him as an arrogant fool. However, he didn’t show it and just smiled amiably as he stood up. “Mr. Loren Vortan, I had heard so much about you...”

Cian offered his hand. Loren Vortan was somewhat surprised as he didn’t know why Cian offered his hand but he was a seasoned person and immediately understands that this is a kind of greeting, which he actually didn’t know which place has a custom. Loren Vortan subconsciously grasped Cian’s hand. The latter smiled faintly and shook his hand before pulling away.

“Aanuel,”

Another voice came from behind. It was Oriel who was wearing a beautiful blue dress with frilly designs.

She walked over with a faint smile.

“Elder Sister,” Cian stepped forward and hugged Oriel and the latter also did the same. “We are waiting for you,” he said as he breaks away from her. In public, Cian and Oriel avoid displaying any kind of intimate closeness that could be misunderstood. Especially in front of the eyes of the hyenas eyeing them.

“There are just some things we needed to discuss,” Oriel replied curtly. Then, she turned toward Sibylla, “Elder Sister,” Sibylla took the initiative to greet. Oriel smiled amiably and stepped forward to pull her into her embrace. At first, Oriel had some misgivings to Sibylla, no, misgiving is an understatement of her own emotions. However, after Oriel solidified her relationship with her brother, it gets down and somehow she was able to balance her dislike to Sibylla and finally, eventually treated her as… a friend at least.

“Have you been enjoying the party?” She asked.

“Yeah, it’s great,” Sibylla replied with a radiant smile.

Cian watched the two women and felt his heart satisfied. His sister is cold and cold—not just the matter of inside or outside but she was truly a cold person who always look down on the world with indifference and aloofness. And only to him, she would hold back this coldness and appear warm and sunny. However, now, once again because of him, she would appear warm to other people…of course, only to those Cian loved and cared for.

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“Mr. Loren Vortan, I thank you for taking care of my sister these past few months,” Cian said. “I had heard of your, rather dashing performance in the battlefield that puts men to shame and enemies, shiver in fright,”

“No, no, it is my honor and pleasure to serve her highness.” Loren Vortan replied. Then, suddenly his eyes narrowed ever so slightly and just enough for anyone not attentive to overlook it. He gaze at Cian and said with a very sincere smile; “However, I cannot help but marvel at how fast time flies, your highness. I had seen you a few years ago, you’re still little, innocent, and adorable. But now… all I can say is the spirit of a true man surrounded you, blissfully and full of majestic prestige.”

“Thank you,” Cian shrugs without a care in the sudden compliment which he really didn’t take it to heart.

Seeing Cian’s indifference, Lore Vortan grinned; “Honestly, I had seen His Highness Lucifalion not so long ago, he’s still as graceful and dashing as ever. His Highness extends his greetings and care about you, your Highness.”

Again, Cian smiled, his face momentarily losing its tautness. It was quite obvious that Loren Vortan expected his vanity to be ruffled by his bluntness and was prepared to enjoy his pique—in which, he is bound to be disappointed.

“Was that so? Then, please send back my greetings as well, Lord Vortan. I have missed my dear brother, and hope that in our next meeting back in the Capital next month, he would have already prepared a suitable present for me… anything will do,” Cian’s lips curled into a grin.

“Huh?” Loren Vortan frowned and Cian got the obvious impression that he was faintly surprised at his lack of reaction. “Of course, your highness, I will do so. Pity though, His Highness actually wanted for you to join him in the central region to learn the way of the war, and as brothers bring glory to the empire together. Oh, what a shame,”

“Hahaha, Lord Vortan, you jest. You and I know, I am but a weakling and incompetent compared to my brother. Rather than help and support him in this endeavor, I fear I would just drag him down. War is not a playground fitting for me…all I adore is women, wealth, and freedom and only ability I possess is to make love which I take prided in that even the greatest prostitute in the Empire would cower under me.” Cian laughed heartily and boast without shame.

Behind him. Sibylla felt her face flushed, a bit angry and funny. While Oriel who was emitting a cold aura by Loren Vortan’s words, suddenly stared at Cian, shock and amused. Cian didn’t care about the eyes directed at him from every corner and continued; “…For which, last time I checked, all of them is not a necessary ability related to war, I presume.” Cian explained with a mischievous smile.

Loren Vortan is indeed a fool.

Already Cian was beginning to feel more at ease as he realized that, he didn’t really need to care about Loren Vortan since there is no intelligent man who would do something like this in front of your enemy at the very center of their campgrounds. He was just a proud fool who think he was infallible with the first prince backing him.

Sooner or later, this proud fool would fall, perhaps not in his hand but… Cian glance at Oriel and saw the coldness within his narrowed eyes. There seemed to be nothing different about her but as someone who knows her very well, Cian felt that this is the calm before the storm. And here he thought he needed to silence him, or at least give Oriel information about the Vortan Clan’s schemes secretly. It seems like he doesn’t need to do it…

This fool did it saving Cian some efforts.

I should thank him for this... well, I'll take care for Marelys in his stead, he should be satisfied with that~

“Your Highness, playing around is good but in this time of crises, one should know when to take arms and stand. Or else, a fool will always be a fool and be looked down by his people.” Loren Vortan’s expression darkens as he suddenly noticed Cian’s concealed ridicule. However, Cian was not the least bit fazed.

What? Does he dare bite me?

“Hm, words were taken down, Lord Vortan. I thank you for your generosity to give this young one a lesson, much appreciated.” Cian continued to display a smiling expression. “However, for the future of the Empire, this young one will be impolite and remind Lord Vortan of virtue and people. You know what they say about fast women and blooded mares,” he added with a wicked wink, “Give them free rein, and they’ll trample you every time. Thinking themselves infallible, when they are just ‘toys’ easy to break down—I don’t want to be either, so I always make sure to distance myself in troublesome things such as that,”

Loren Vortan’s face fell and his gaze narrowed, losing all those smiling expressions he had a while ago. Although he couldn’t understand what Cian had just said, he has a feeling that he was mocking him. Though, if he realized that one of Cian's meaning was about his wife, just what kind of face would he have, I wonder?

Fortunately for him, Cian quite adores Marelys and didn't want any harm happening to her. Hence, he couldn't smack Loren's face with this... such a pity~

Chuckling with inappropriate amusement at his own witticism, Cian turned around and walked beside Sibylla. Only he knows what he was talking about. Well, if Loren Vortan understands what it was, his world would surely crumble in an instant. But if he did that Marelys would be the one in danger, so Cian only said as such.

Loren Vortan wants to say something but a person hurriedly grasped his arm and pulled him back with a glaring expression. It was none other than the vice-general of the Northern Border Demon Army, Rurivolt Sem Stravart.

He was already displeased but he didn’t say anything because Princess Oriel didn’t take action and the Second Prince was not the least bit bothered. However, if this goes on, the princess would surely explode in anger and this celebration banquet might become a funeral.

“Step back!” he said with gritted teeth.

Loren Vortan was displeased but he didn't say anything and could only retreat. However, when he looks at Cian, a sharp coldness flashed in his eyes. Although it was only for a moment, Cian had already noticed it. As someone who had nurtured in blood and death since he was a child, Cian was very sensitive to any hostility towards him. He can immediately feel from Loren Vortan the sense of not only opposition but also a murderous aura.

However, Cian just scoffed at it.

Wanting to kill me? Just who do you think you are? Trying doing something, and I will make sure I wouldn't need for Elder Sister to move--I'll rip you into pieces myself!

Cian grinned coldly.

Sibylla stared at her fiancée with an angry expression. Although she hated Loren Vortan, she was still a bit dissatisfied by Cian’s vulgar words. She was still a girl of good conduct and moral virtues. She is somewhat displeased by Cian’s crude wit and cynicism with the fire of a thousand suns. Yet even as she did, she still felt amused and humored by Cian’s behavior.

Cian’s rogue look made Sibylla wants to yell and laugh at the same time. She pouted like an attached girlfriend, as she used her finger to squeeze his waist. She controlled the force just enough so that Cian would not get hurt.

Not most people can endure this kind of blatant provocation but Cian just treated it as if he had not understood anything, taking it at face value and even managed to make a comeback. This kind of character, only a few people could have. Sibylla and Oriel smiled in pride. This is the man they loved.

Loren Vortan was angered but he didn’t show it, to avoid making a public scandal. As he knows how high the ranking of these people around him was, he would just make himself a clown and be laughed at. Who was he going to shame?

Aanuel might be a scum and a trash of the Royal Family, but he was still a Prince!

And most of all, this trash prince was favored by the Empress and the first princess. If he truly tried to rip faces off at this moment, he would surely be the one to suffer. Understanding this, Loren Vortan snorted and turned around, walking away.

“What a person with bad manners,” Sibylla scowled in anger.

“Hardly a person… more like a dog who doesn’t know which direction he needs to tuck his tail.” Cian said with a faint smile.

“Now, forget about a dog, as you put it,” Oriel said with a faint smile. She then grasped his hand and led him into the table. Sibylla followed. Of course, as for Rurivolt, he smiled at Cian and then to Sibylla and Oriel before excusing himself, walking towards the center of the hall. He was quite a sensible person... Cian stated to like him. It would be awkward to have him become a shining light bulb...

All in all, the banquet mood remained cheerful all throughout the night.

The orchestra performed creative melodies to demonstrate their talents to the noble circles. There were also those talented aristocrats who didn’t hide their talents and skills and performed several acts in front of the people, gaining praises and admiration from the audiences.

Some of the performances were on par with those of professional plays and voice. Though, if only their voices were accompanied by a good song, then it would have been sensational. Too bad, Cian didn’t share the same aesthetics as them. Being bad is already an understatement.

Cian, Sibylla, and Oriel, the three of them talk and eat leisurely all while talking about the current state of the Northern Border for a while. Not one person dared to join and approach them… though, there were several people who did as they greeted them. However, all of them are the big shots of the Imperial Court so no one really minded them.

At the banquet, Cian was happy to meet his combat ‘mentor’s, several elites of the military army who had taken care of him these past two years. They were the one who had 'taught' him combat and fighting techniques. Though, at the same time, became his scapegoat for his slowly magnificent transformation. Even his prestige and reputation was being elevated by them voluntarily without him doing anything, always declaring; 'The Second Prince is a Genius!' 'A talented prince!' whatsoever...

They sure work hard...

Cian chuckled in amusement.