Imperial Crown.

Chapter 554 Just an ordinary leopard-print aunt

When the sky-covering Zolzahn landed on the outer fortress of the six-pointed star, Raven was sincerely grateful for the foresight he once possessed.

"You guys go back first," Raven waved his hand. Although he knew that the news of his return, and even his survival, couldn't be kept secret, Raven still instructed the group not to spread it around.

The crowd immediately scattered like birds and beasts. Having spent several years in that godforsaken place, Bloodstone Territory, they desperately missed the prosperity of Eagle City.

Raven strode into the main hall with Lux, where he met an old friend he hadn't seen for many years.

Patty, with her bronze skin; Fiona, with her silver hair and thick glasses; Aunt Denise, holding five-year-old Merovingian; Mansonia, disguised as a boy, whose eyes lit up at the sight of Raven; Margaret, bearing Frindor's appearance; and even Head Chef Martha were all present, waiting to uncover the truth that Raven was still alive. Julia, however, was not there. As a Hawkeye Guardian, responsible for protecting Snowmaple Territory, she lived in her own room, occasionally visiting little Merovingian.

"master!"

Raven's return instantly filled the hall with lively chatter. Some jumped for joy, while others wiped away tears... all crowding around Raven to offer their concern and care.

The two abstract words "going home" have become truly concrete at this moment.

Whether it was Raven's imagination or not, he always felt that "home" had a special "smell," a smell that made him feel at ease the moment he stepped inside. A sense of security. A feeling of comfort. But when he went to other people's homes, there was a similar smell, a smell that made Raven feel automatically uncomfortable, uneasy, and uneasy.

On the wall of the hall, there is still the huge oil painting of Raven and Nancy, but after so many years, it has turned somewhat white.

"Call me Daddy." Raven came to Melove and took her from Denise's arms.

The little one was exquisitely beautiful, with skin as white and rosy as a cherry. There wasn't a single red mark on her body, let alone any scars, demonstrating how well Denise had cared for her. Her curly purple hair also gave little Melove an undeniable air of nobility. However, Melove didn't recognize him at all and burst into a piercing wail. Her lung capacity was so enormous it could puncture someone's eardrums.

"If you cry again, I'll flick your teeth out." Raven laughed heartily.

Denise quickly slapped Raven's arm, rolled her eyes, and carried Melove back to her. In the entire Eagle City, she was probably the only one who dared to hit Raven.

"Alright, alright, you can all go down now." "I haven't been back for so many years, I still have a lot of official business to attend to."

Raven exchanged pleasantries with everyone for a while, then said with a smile.

Everyone left one after another.

Turning back, Raven called out to Patty, "Patty, take Lady Lux to the seventh floor and find a room so she can get some rest." Even riding the dragon Zolzahn, it took more than a month to fly back, and Lux ​​hadn't taken a bath in that time, which had driven the germaphobe Lux crazy.

“Yes,” Patty replied obediently.

“Fiona, Aunt, please come with me to the study,” Raven said again.

“Uh, Raven, you just got back. Let’s talk about it tomorrow. Let Fiona report to you first,” Denise said, somewhat fearfully. She knew Raven too well; if she were alone with him, something unpleasant would likely happen again. Before leaving, Raven had asked her to go to Bloodstone Territory, but she hadn’t gone because Lux was there. She really didn’t want to do anything against ethics and morals, especially while spending time with Lux. Lux’s kind, pure, and gentle nature, coupled with her extreme politeness and respect towards Denise, even bordering on filial piety, was the complete opposite of Nancy, who used to argue with her constantly. This had already made Denise secretly determined to distance herself from Raven. She wanted to wait until tomorrow, when Lux was also there, before spending time with Raven. That way, she could escape Raven’s clutches.

“Hey,” Raven said, pulling her along without a word, “My aunt has been handling the affairs of the Dragon Gold Shop all along, and this is what I’m most concerned about.”

Seeing Raven calmly and confidently offering a plausible excuse in front of everyone, she naturally couldn't refuse any longer. She could only hand Melovie over to Jenny and nod awkwardly.

As Jenny took Melove from her, she simultaneously felt Denise deliberately squeeze her hand. Years of mistress-servant interaction had forged a deep understanding between them; this was a signal for Jenny to appear and rescue her. This gesture had saved Denise countless times before. But when Jenny looked up, she suddenly saw Raven's meaningful, warning gaze, and her delicate body trembled involuntarily. She inwardly groaned. At that moment, she desperately hoped her husband, Simon, would appear instantly and rescue her from this predicament, caught in a dilemma.

Upon entering the study, which was spotless, Raven took off his trench coat and hung it on a hanger, tossed his sunglasses onto the table, then sat down on the sofa, crossed his legs, and asked, "Fiona, how's the economy in the territory lately?"

This granddaughter of old Gordon, who used to be skin and bones and extremely socially awkward, has finally taken on a presentable appearance after so many years of training. And when she dresses up, she's quite pleasing to the eye. She's just too thin. But having not seen Raven for many years, Fiona seemed a little nervous, pushing up her glasses and saying, "Everything's normal."

"Ok?"

Raven was somewhat surprised, then realized that it was probably because his return was so sudden that Fiona was caught off guard. Overjoyed, he quickly smiled and said, "Am I that scary to you? Here, you go ahead and compile a report on the economic situation over the years, then come back in a few days to report back."

Raven got up and shooed Fiona, who was about to say something more, out of the study. That little brat really didn't understand any social etiquette. With a "bang," the study door was slammed shut by Raven, followed by three crisp "click-clack-clack-clack" sounds. Those were the sounds of the wooden door being locked from the inside.

Denise stood up abruptly. "Raven, what are you doing!" she shouted sternly.

"hey-hey"

Raven couldn't help but chuckle wickedly. In all the years he'd known Denise, the only times she'd taken the initiative were during the weakened period when Raven was cursed and on the verge of death. Otherwise, she'd never cooperated. She'd even used magic against him once. "Aunt, do you know my nickname?" He gazed at Denise's unusual, even slightly voluptuous, figure—stockings, red-soled high heels, a gray skirt, and a business-style top. Her hair was neatly styled in a bun. She perfectly matched all of Raven's fantasies. To be honest, all she lacked was a pair of rimless gold glasses; otherwise, the image of a "beautiful headmistress," a "perfect stepmother," or a "seductive stepmother" would be vividly displayed before Raven's eyes. But now, she wasn't bad; she had a touch more innocent girlishness and less seductive allure.

"I'm warning you, Raven! Don't you dare do anything reckless! I'm your aunt! Can't you show me any respect?!" Denise stormed to the door, trying to leave, but she was no match for Raven's strength. She was quickly pinned against the wall by Raven.

"Who are you to me as my aunt?" "Viston is your daughter with someone else." "You only married Uncle Donald for titles and benefits; it was all a mutual exploitation." "You two never even slept together." Raven sneered repeatedly, "Now, I'm going to let you know."

"Please, please, please spare Raven." "Please, spare your aunt!"

……

"The blood curse has been lifted?" Denise asked, frowning.

"Ah."

"I had no idea you went to the Elven Empire," Denise clicked her tongue lightly. The pain was still overwhelming for her.

"Mmm." Raven was exhausted, but lying in his arms really made him feel like he was back in a safe harbor.

"What are your plans now?" Denise rolled over, gazing at Raven, who lay in her arms like a baby. She reached out her fair hand and lovingly stroked Raven's cheek. What could a woman like her do now? She could only accept the situation. To be honest, Denise's feelings for Raven were no less than anyone else's. It was just that her pride and dignity as a "strong woman" from childhood prevented her from letting go of this non-existent obstacle. Born in the slums, she had fought her way up to become a viscount; Denise had hardly ever lived a day for herself. The hardships and bitterness she had endured were known only to herself. How she longed for someone to care for her, cherish her, and love her! But fate had played a cruel trick on her; that person was Raven.

"Ugh--"

Upon hearing this, Raven suddenly sighed deeply, then sat up and leaned against the headboard, pulling Denise into his arms. "Next," he said, "we need a crushing defeat."

"A crushing defeat?" Denise looked up curiously. "Why?"

“I returned too late. This has put us in a very passive position, and we will inevitably be besieged by everyone.” “Especially Emperor Habsburg.” “Our foundation is too shallow. War is not child’s play, and politics is not a joke. We are simply not in a position to fight against the entire empire.” Raven said with worry, “If we don’t suffer a major defeat, these hyenas will never let me go.”

"Don't worry." "No matter what happens in the future, I...I will never leave you." Denise stammered, her cheeks flushed red. Clearly, saying these words to Raven made Denise incredibly ashamed. To this day, she still couldn't forgive herself or face her embarrassing identity. It made her feel that such behavior made her even more despicable than a prostitute.

Raven lowered his head, and the two shared a passionate kiss. After a long while, they separated. "If only one of me and Viston could live, what would you choose?" Raven suddenly asked with a mischievous grin.

"You," Denise said, a hint of displeasure in her voice. She immediately retorted, "Then if it were me and Lux, which would you choose?" Wasn't Raven's journey to the Orc Empire solely for Lux? Compared to Lux's importance in Raven's heart, Denise was well aware of her own position. Raven rolled over, pinning her beneath him, and looked directly into Denise's eyes. "I'd definitely choose you." "Because you're my aunt."

Even though she knew it was Raven's insincere statement, Denise couldn't help but tear up when she actually heard it. Her delicate, jade-like arms emerged from under the covers and tightly embraced Raven's head, everything unspoken.

"Aunt, there's something else I need to ask of you." Raven was almost suffocating from being choked. Luckily, he didn't have a favorability rating system, otherwise Denise's favorability rating towards him would definitely be off the charts right now! Women are emotional creatures, after all.

"Go ahead." At this moment, Denise had slightly lost her mind. What wouldn't she do for Raven?
“It’s the Angel’s Feather.” Raven revealed his concern. “No one is willing to represent it. How about Auntie makes a sacrifice?” As he spoke, Raven took out another set of clothes he had brought back from his ring.

A pair of socks with only pink toes and the rest being crystal clear, full of subtle details; a pair of Valentino socks; a pair of heart-shaped polka dot stockings; a black and gold phoenix ring with a circle of small bells; and a leopard print skirt that exposes a large area of ​​skin.

Denise: ...

“Absolutely not!” Denise refused with a serious expression.

"Didn't you just agree?" Raven asked, somewhat annoyed. Angel Feathers' best-selling products were from brothels, but how many orders could brothels possibly provide? If the factory's sales didn't pick up, they would be losing money every single day.

“That won’t work either,” Denise retorted.

“Alright.” Raven couldn’t force Denise, so he compromised, saying, “Then you can put it on now and let me admire it all by myself, okay?”

Denise blushed and, looking into Raven's pleading eyes, could only nod silently.

He then got up and changed into the clothes.

"I rely on"

Raven felt like his nose was about to bleed, while Denise, gazing at herself in the Angel's Radiance, felt a touch of delight. What woman doesn't love beauty? It's just too revealing; dressed like that, she'd look no different from a prostitute.

"Tsk." "Not bad." "Just an ordinary auntie in leopard print." "Hahaha."

Raven got out of bed and, amidst Denise's sudden scream, threw her onto the bed.

……

The next day, Raven slept soundly until the afternoon. Denise had already quietly left sometime earlier.

After getting up and washing up, Raven ate something and then called Mansani over.

"I want to establish the Light and Shadow Guard."

Raven took out a bottle of potion and slowly pushed it in front of Mansani. "This is a newly refined Tier 3 Battle Mother potion that can allow you to jump directly from Tier 2 to Tier 3. There aren't many bottles left."

"However, the price is high. If you agree, from now on you will never be able to show your true face again and will live in the shadows for the rest of your life."

Mansani picked up the potion without hesitation. "Assassination squad? The Nameless Ones?"

The Nameless One is the ultimate hidden weapon of Emperor Habsburg, which is also the real reason why everyone dares not disobey this young emperor.

Raven nodded.

“No problem.” Mansani nodded immediately. “But I’ve got my eye on that outfit of yours.”

Raven smiled and said, "You have your own uniform and mask."

Since he couldn't train his own superhuman force on a large scale, Raven planned to first train a superhuman assassin squad, starting with the twelve zodiac animals. Each one of them was a superhuman, equipped with enchanted weapons.

There's a saying that's very true—when you're an ant, you don't need to pretend, but when you become an elephant, you can't pretend anymore! The five-year period has ended. As long as Raven is alive, no matter how much he tries to fake his aging, it's useless. From today onwards, he's completely laid his cards on the table with the Emperor, and all sorts of monsters and demons are about to make their appearance. In this game, no rules are the only rule. Whoever survives is the ultimate winner. Perhaps this war will allow him to become the new king of the Keynesian Empire!
After Mansani left, Ernada entered. Raven, in front of her, took out the magic contract and threw it into the fireplace. "You're free," Raven said sternly.

"Thank you, Master." Ernada bowed deeply in gratitude.

"What are your plans?" Raven asked. He still wanted to know whether this Drow was going to stay or leave.
“I…” “I’m getting married to Horaz,” Ernada said shyly.

Looking at Ernada, whose eyes had brightened, it seemed the two had already shared a room sometime during their relationship. Raven licked his lips, his gaze somewhat unfocused and strange, and said stiffly, "Congratulations."

Ernada nodded without saying a word and gracefully departed.

The third person Raven called in was Margaret.

“I went to the Elven Empire and broke our soul contract.” Raven didn’t tell her directly that he had broken the blood curse, after all, this guy wasn’t trustworthy. Then, expressionless, he asked, “Are you going or staying?” Without the blood curse, Raven could no longer turn against or control Margaret.

"Really?" Margaret looked overjoyed, her eyes darting around. "Then of course I'll stay. How could I bear to part with such a good master like you?" As she spoke, she leaned forward, seemingly wanting to devour Raven alive.

Raven shoved her away, saying, "I, Raven, have never been interested in women."

Margaret rolled her eyes. "Then I'm staying too. You know how much I love William."

The thought of Margaret's licentious and extravagant behavior in Ganville sent chills down Raven's spine. "You'd better behave yourself. You've gained your freedom, but you've also lost my patience with you." "Where is Gregory hiding now?"

"Still in the Bloody Heights."

"Call him back and have him meet with Zolzahn. See if you can get any useful information out of him," Raven instructed. "Also, ask Gregory more questions about the Tomb of the Seven Deadly Sins."

“No problem.” “I guarantee I will complete the mission, my handsome and dashing master.” After checking her soul and finding that the blood curse had really disappeared, Margaret became even more excited.

"call--"

After Margaret left, Raven propped his feet up on the sofa, took a sip of Angel's Tears, and rubbed his temples. There were just too many things to deal with. But time was running out.

……

(End of this chapter)