Using his extraordinary long-range vision ability, Ethereal Sight, which could penetrate any barrier, Raiden witnessed a scene he shouldn't have seen. In a private chamber, Anna—the Azure Dragon in her alluring humanoid form—was being pampered by her two personal maids. The sensual massage given by both servants made it difficult for Raiden to look away, even though he knew this was a violation of privacy he shouldn't commit.
Currently, Raiden pretended to enjoy the delicious feast served in the palace's exclusive lounge. Deliberately, he chose a sofa tucked away in a corner, giving him the freedom to peek at Anna from afar using his Ethereal Sight. He tried to keep his actions unsuspicious, especially in front of the Empress—a woman he suspected could detect the presence of *Ethereal Sight*, even when used at its lowest intensity.
"Damn it," Raiden cursed inwardly. "My perverted actions have finally defiled a holy dragon!" Guilt surged through his mind, yet he couldn't deny the slight excitement that arose from this unexpected development.
To avoid drawing attention, Raiden quickly deactivated his Ethereal Sight. He blinked both eyes simultaneously, returning his sapphire blue irises to their normal state. The faint light that usually filled his pupils slowly faded, leaving behind the ordinary gaze of a young man.
The Empress, who had been observing Raiden sitting alone in the corner, finally called out to him in a gentle yet authoritative voice. "Raiden, come here. Join us." Her tone sounded friendly, but there was an underlying aura that made it difficult for anyone to refuse her command.
With a polite smile, Raiden nodded and promptly changed seats. He positioned himself between his aunt and mother, trying to appear relaxed despite his heart still racing from his secret actions earlier.
The Empress cleared her throat softly, drawing Raiden's attention. "So, Raiden," she said with curiosity hidden behind the thin veil covering her face, "do you have a lover or someone special in your heart?"
Raiden shook his head quickly, almost too quickly. "No, I don't have a girlfriend or any romantic relationship with anyone," he answered firmly, waving his right hand as if to emphasize that he was dead serious.
The Empress smiled slightly behind her veil. That smile seemed full of meaning, as if she could see something Raiden wasn't saying. Then, with a slightly teasing tone, she continued her questioning. "In that case, what about sex friends... or perhaps, sex slaves? Do you have any such individuals by your side?" At the end of her sentence, she smirked faintly, clearly enjoying the amusing reaction displayed on the young man's face.
Raiden's eyes immediately widened in shock. He never expected the Empress—who had always been known for her elegant, polite, and cold demeanor—would ask such a bold question to a healthy young man like himself. His face turned red instantly, and he stammered looking for words to answer, while in his heart he could only scream, 'What the hell is going through this woman's mind?!'
Seeing Raiden drenched in cold sweat, visibly panicking and unable to muster a response, the Empress let out a carefree laugh. "My apologies, I suppose that question was a tad too much," she said, exhaling softly as she tried to ease the tension, adopting a more casual and approachable tone to put Raiden at ease.
"To be frank, your mother and I have already discussed the matter of your engagement to my daughter. However, given the rather... explosive first meeting between the two of you, I believe it's best if she faces some consequences and takes time to reflect on her actions," the Empress revealed, a slight tsk escaping her lips as she recalled how her well-laid plans had crumbled due to that unfortunate incident. "Of course, I have no intention of retracting my decision. I will still arrange for the two of you to be betrothed," she declared firmly, her tone leaving no room for objections, as if she were setting the matter in stone.
Raiden was floored by the revelation. He had no clue about any engagement plans with the Crown Princess. But as he glanced at his mother, who gave a subtle nod of confirmation, he let out a resigned sigh and accepted the arrangement with a heavy heart.
"However," Raiden began, sipping his drink with a nonchalant air, "I can't guarantee that the Crown Princess will be the only woman in my life." He laid out his thoughts bluntly, wanting to avoid any future misunderstandings. Better to draw the line now than suffer unnecessary drama later. Raiden despised the feeling of being caged by anyone, so he had no qualms about speaking his truth, no matter how bold it sounded.
The Empress, in response, gracefully lifted the veil covering her face, revealing the most breathtaking oriental beauty Raiden had ever laid eyes on. She was like a goddess descended from the heavens, her face glowing with an ethereal white light that exuded perfection. Every contour of her visage seemed crafted to the divine golden ratio, a masterpiece of symmetry and allure.
Though Raiden was no stranger to stunning beauty—having grown up around his mother and aunt, who were equally mesmerizing—he had never witnessed the pinnacle of oriental elegance until this moment. A fleeting thought crossed his mind: if the Empress possessed such captivating charm, then surely the Crown Princess held the potential to reach a similar level of beauty. With that realization, the idea of the engagement didn't seem half bad. In fact, Raiden couldn't help but feel a spark of luck at the prospect.
The Empress's thick, raven-black eyebrows added a sharp edge to her commanding features. Her petite, perfectly sculpted nose and rosy, alluring lips only enhanced her divine visage. Her chiseled jawline and deep, obsidian eyes radiated a pure, enchanting beauty that could ensnare anyone fortunate enough to meet her gaze. Her elegant, swan-like neck and flawless, porcelain skin elevated her already impeccable charm to an otherworldly level.
With every ounce of her mesmerizing presence, Raiden found himself swept away by her extraordinary beauty. At the same time, a growing sense of gratitude bloomed within him—he couldn't deny how fortunate he was to have the chance to forge a bond with the Crown Princess, a woman who might one day rival the Empress's splendor.
"Of course, I completely understand," she said with a sweet smile, winking one eye in a playful, flirtatious manner that made Raiden's chest flutter with excitement. "A remarkable and vigorous young man like you isn't suited to be tied down to just one extraordinary woman." Her teasing tone and captivating charm only heightened the tension in the air, stirring a rush of emotions within him.