Chapter 342: The Valkyrie Returns, but the White Moonlight in Mary Sue's Heart... (3)
Shia knew very well—this Valkyrie in front of him was one of the top three hardest characters to win over in the entire game.
And that was with Lilith's protagonist buff. For anyone else, it was hell mode.
So now? You think she's showing appreciation?
No. Bad women don't show goodwill that easily.
Not a single one of her actions was unnecessary.
From a god's perspective, watching the whole story unfold, it looked like Lilith was obsessively devoted to her sister...
But really, someone was playing hard-to-get.
A little hope dangled in front, then taken away.
Always baiting, never giving. Leading her closer and closer, but never letting her reach.
This unconscious baiting wasn't even something the baiter herself realized.
She'd been toying with her little sister from the very start.
It was Fafner who shaped Lilith into the sister-obsessed girl she was.
She was the one who nudged her off the path she should've taken.
She was the root cause. The biggest one.
And yet, Fafner herself remained unaware, enjoying the outcome.
Watching her sister transform step by step.
She was a hidden ice-cold sadist!
Take that compliment earlier—not a real compliment, but a dog whistle to her little pet.
She was provoking Lilith on purpose.
—Aren't you obsessed with me? Don't you long for my praise?
But I don't even see you.
I'm praising your beloved fiancé, the guy you treat like a loyal dog.
I see his worth, but I don't see you.
Hurts, doesn't it?
Of course Lilith was upset.
But facing her beloved sister, she wouldn't blame her for ignoring her.
So where would that frustration go?
Easy—towards whoever took her sister's attention away.
This wasn't even the first time.
Sometimes, when bad things happened to her, they had a reason.
A reason most people wouldn't even think of.
And yes, it was because of this bad woman's schemes.
Doing things that upset Lilith on purpose.
Stirring her up.
Then hiding in the background, enjoying the chaos.
The ultimate villain.
This was exactly why, when Shia chose who to unlock the second layer of the Charm Ring with, he didn't pick Fafner.
Even though she was one of the keys, he knew just how tricky she was.
Even Lilith with her overpowered plot armor struggled to win her over.
And he wasn't even the protagonist.
His chances were slim to none.
The more he thought about it, the more complicated it seemed.
But soon, Shia pushed the anxiety aside, replaced by rising fighting spirit.
Difficult doesn't mean impossible.
Hard to tame doesn't mean untamable.
A character you couldn't win over in the game? That was just because the devs didn't make a route.
But this wasn't a game—this was real.
A world born from the game, but greater than the game.
Shia believed in himself. He could conquer her.
He had to.
Because she was the key to taming Lilith.
Besides, it wasn't like he was out of options.
Mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—it was time for the oriole to feast.
He wasn't the only one who could exploit things.
"Thanks for the compliment."
Shia's smile deepened as he nodded.
He definitely saw the hurt in Lilith's eyes.
But that didn't matter.
Fafner was too hard to conquer? Didn't matter.
After that intense moment, peace returned.
Even though the exchange was short, who in the Guen family didn't know Fafner's reputation?
What kind of guy would dare mess with someone praised by her?
Maybe word of Shia's rising status hadn't spread far.
But the moment his name got linked to Fafner, things changed.
Not only did no one mess with him anymore—they actively avoided him.
Sure, he got the respect and peace he deserved in the Guen family.
But that didn't mean trouble wouldn't find him elsewhere.
And not all trouble came with ill will.
That evening, his phone buzzed.
Seeing the name, Shia couldn't help but smile.
He answered, and the screen immediately showed Rong's beautiful face in close-up.
Without her disguise, her refined face had both purity and allure. Her big, watery eyes overflowed with longing.
The moment the call connected, her soft, sweet voice came through.
"Master~."
But then, another small hand pushed her head down.
The face of the elf princess appeared on screen, still a bit pouty.
She shot a sneaky glare at Rong.
Wasn't she supposed to be the one calling Master?
Why did this girl cut in first?
Not following the plan—she'd deal with her later!
But the 'threat' vanished in an instant. As soon as Nia saw the face she'd been missing so much, her expression softened into something adorably pitiful.
"Master, it's been four days since we've seen you~!"
Her huge eyes shimmered, pupils dilating.
She looked just like a poor, abandoned kitten. Heart-meltingly cute.
Shia comforted her right away.
"Don't worry, I'll be back in three or four days."
"So which is it, three or four?"
"Four at most."
Nia's eyes brightened a little.
She seemed hopeful now.
Then her expression turned serious.
"Master, we prepared a gift for you."
Shia raised a brow, curious.
"What gift?"
Was it something to be given once he got back?
But no—he found out soon enough.
The camera shook a bit as Nia held the phone, her sweetly dumb smile never leaving her face.
Then she lowered the phone and stepped back.
She stood at the edge of the frame and reached out, grabbing a pale, lotus-white arm.
There was a little struggle, but eventually, she pulled a shy Rong into the frame.
Nia's voice lifted slightly, maybe so Shia could hear clearly.
"Master, we've prepared a special performance just for you!"
Shia looked at their matching outfits—skimpy, but stylish.
Soft feathers decorated their bodies, making them look adorable.
But compared to Nia's curvy figure, the slim succubus princess looked even more cute and pure.