Becoming a wet nurse is not the end of the story.

"Xueyin, are you shy?"

"No, no, how could I be shy? How could I be shy?" Like a girl with her hair standing on end, Lin Xueyin jumped right out of bed.

Her already somewhat disheveled clothes slipped off her shoulders as she moved vigorously. Half of her slender, fair shoulder was exposed to the air, revealed to the public eye.

Irabell's eyes flashed with intense light, causing Lin Xueyin, who was slow to react, to exclaim in surprise and straighten her clothes.

Watching this rare spring scenery gradually disappear under Lin Xueyin's actions, Irabel could only silently say "what a pity" in her heart.

"Okay, we're all girls, there's no need for that."

Her response was the rustling sound of clothes being tidied and a blush gradually rising on Lin Xueyin's pretty face.

The girl, having straightened her clothes, pouted. After all, she had watched several Japanese-style romance films, so she knew she had just been tricked. Lin Xueyin then put her clothes back on properly.

"I'm going back now. I guess Lilia and Kassael must be worried because they didn't see me at the academy."

Speaking of the four little girls that Lin Xueyin adopted, two of them were clearly under the care of a teacher. However, because of Lin Xueyin's appearance at this time, the teacher also made it clear that he was a man and that it was somewhat inconvenient to take care of children.

So, Kalier and Kashaer were given to Lin Xueyin. Of course, there were no special procedures involved. Now, Lin Xueyin has four little girls under her command.

However, Irabelle deeply resented this, not because the little girls were unlikable, but because they were too strict with Lin Xueyin.

It's completely impossible to tell who the adoptive parent is. Every day, they become very unhappy when they see Lin Xueyin in the wrong place. This also makes Lin Xueyin's space for movement increasingly narrow.

This was especially evident in Ariel and Lilia, but seeing that the little girl was completely oblivious to this and still obeyed those little girls without question, Irabelle felt a surge of bitterness.

"Yukine, I think we can go out and have fun today, there's no need..."

"Forget it, if Lilia and the others come looking for me and can't find me, they'll cry again. There's no need to make those children sad over such a small thing."

Those little things? You going out with me is a little thing? Irabel suddenly felt hurt, but seeing the doting expression on Lin Xueyin's face, she knew that it was useless to say anything more, so she could only swallow her grievances.

However, the frost on her face did not return in the slightest. But, being the Ice Princess, her expression at this moment was perfectly normal in Lin Xueyin's eyes.

"Your Highness, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

"Okay, you should go back first." If you don't go back soon, I'm afraid that in a fit of anger, I might just take advantage of you.

With a flick of her long golden hair, Lin Xueyin turned and left. The independent dormitory where Irabel lived was not very close to the Holy Priest Academy, but with the giant beast as her means of transportation, Lin Xueyin still arrived at the academy quickly.

Sure enough, at the door I saw Lilia, who was waiting so long she was about to cry, and Kassael, who looked very impatient.

"You're here so early?"

He gently placed his hand on Lilia's little head, looking at her face that was about to cry, and couldn't help but chuckle. That aggrieved little expression was just too cute and adorable.

"Hmph... Sister Lin is a bad person, a really bad person."

"Yes, yes, sister is a bad person, a really bad person. But aren't you still waiting for the bad person to come? Then what are you? An accomplice of the bad person?"

Lin Xueyin chuckled, her voice sounding as if she were teasing the little girl, which made the already aggrieved little girl's face look even more wronged.

"Sister Lin is such a bad person, she just bullies me..."

Seeing the little girl suddenly rush into Kassa's arms and bury her face in Kassa's shoulder with a wronged expression, Lin Xueyin was both surprised and a little puzzled. When did these two little girls, who didn't get along at first, become so close?

"Sister Xueyin, let's not bully Lilia like this. We've been waiting here for so long, and Lilia even made it especially for you..."

"Don't say it, don't say it! I hate Sister Lin the most! She's a big bad girl! I don't want to give her any more treats!"

Seeing the girl stomping her feet and acting coquettishly, Lin Xueyin chuckled dryly, then squatted down and looked directly at Lilia, whose cheeks were flushed with anger or annoyance.

"It's all my fault, Lilia, please forgive me..."

"Hmph, Sister Lin has no sincerity at all. I won't believe you so easily."

Watching Lilia gradually return to her childlike nature, Lin Xueyin suddenly felt a sense of relief. She wondered if this was an overflowing maternal love or an unyielding paternal love.

"Okay, how about your sister takes you out to play today?"

"Huh? Really? Then, sister, I want to, I want to, I want to go to that swimming pool outside..."

"Lilia, don't make things difficult for Xueyin-nee-san. She's still in school, how can she have time to take us out to play?"

Seeing Lilia lower her head in disappointment again after being criticized by Kassaar, Lin Xueyin realized that she still hadn't done enough for them.

"I'm not going to class today. I'm taking you to the amusement park. Come on, call your sister, we're coming right now."

Looking up in surprise, both Lilia and Kassael had eyes full of anticipation. Lin Xueyin knew that she had really made the right decision this time.

Volume 7 The Collapsed Alliance: Chapter 5 The Loyal Knight

Since she had already decided to take the children out to play, Lin Xueyin prepared to ask the teachers at the academy for leave. Of course, there were many reasons, such as needing to go out to replenish some raw materials for medicine.

As an alchemist, she did have this privilege; after all, even the academy itself needed a large number of potions to replenish its supplies. Of course, her primary function was to provide special protection to some of the most talented students.

Upon learning that Lin Xueyin had come to ask for leave, Andariel quietly looked at the girl in front of her, a genius she had known before but had gradually forgotten because of her truancy, and could only offer a wry smile.

I really wanted to give up on her back then because she wasn't willing to work hard, but I never expected that this girl would make such a name for herself.

"Xueyin, do you really need to go outside to collect some herbs?"

"Um, I'm taking the kids out to play."

What I said earlier was just to give the academy a way out. Since they intend to ask for details, I might as well just tell the truth. Anyway, I don't need to learn those pitiful basics here.

Besides, can the basic theories here be compared to those in the library? I learned far more there than here. As for those teachers, besides teaching therapy, they also teach students how to dedicate themselves to those ridiculous gods of life and light.

Lin Xueyin just wanted to say, I'm sorry, I'm only responsible for the holy light in my heart. As for those gods you're talking about, they're not my thing.

As if sensing Lin Xueyin's disdain, Andariel assumed that Lin Xueyin's current abilities had already surpassed the basics, and therefore looked down on the knowledge being taught at the academy. Little did he know that her original power system was completely different from his own.

"In that case, go ahead, and be careful on the road."

Originally, I wanted to offer to find some people for her, but then I thought about the guards who had come back with her before, who were probably much stronger than the students at the academy.

Orichils, along with Ariel and Kaliel, had already joined up with Lilia and Kasha. As a member of the Feather Clan, Maca was supposed to return to the capital after Lin Xueyin returned, but for some reason, she chose to stay.

Lin Xueyin wasn't short of money at the time, and after learning that Maca had also stayed, she happily let her live in her house.

Thus, her properties in the capital city now had elves, winged people, and lolis as tenants, making her home much more lively.

After taking leave, Lin Xueyin happily walked to the door, only to see Olihirs and Aria chatting happily, while Maca and Irabelle were facing each other with cold expressions. The four little girls seemed to be discussing something, their expectant tone and happy appearance always bringing a sense of healing to those who saw them.

However, isn't this line a bit too big? Lin Xueyin scratched her head. If this were to happen at that magic amusement park in the capital, wouldn't it be too crowded? She probably wouldn't have a very comfortable time there.

"Yukine, over here..."

Irabelle noticed Lin Xueyin coming out of the academy and raised her hand to greet her. Seeing this, Maca gave a displeased snort.

"Irabelle, what brings you here too?"

Somewhat bewildered, she looked at the princess. Similarly, she didn't seem to have invited Aria, so why were they all here?

"Not welcome?"

Although his tone was somewhat cold, his expression remained unchanged. Looking at the girl's shy smile, Irabel simply gently stroked Lin Xueyin's fair face.

"My brother said he wanted to apologize today, so I brought him here. But just as we arrived, Father's messenger came here and said there was something important that needed my brother's attention."

"Huh? Apologize? What are you apologizing for?"

Lin Xueyin was even more confused. What had this prince done to make him come here in the early morning to apologize to her?

At this point, there was no time for Lin Xueyin to think about anything else, as Ailiya had already stood solemnly in front of her.

Kneeling on one knee, right hand on her chest, while she was so surprised that she couldn't speak, Aria's earnest and magnetic voice rang in her ears.

"I, Aria Lena, hereby declare that I shall become Viscount Lin Xueyin's guardian knight. I will face powerful enemies without fear, using my body as a shield to protect my lord. I will be courageous and loyal, never betraying my lord, speaking honestly and truthfully, never lying even unto death. I will live for my lord and die for my lord."

Terrified and completely at a loss for what to do, Lin Xueyin could still hear the other person continuing their oath (please refer to the knight's oath).

Wearing standard knight's armor, the already handsome Aria was now even more dashing and captivating.

"Yukine, take out your sword, uh, take out your staff, and accept Aria's allegiance, or she'll really be finished."

Seeing Lin Xueyin's bewildered expression, it was clear that this girl had no idea what kind of danger Ailiya was facing.

The staff landed on her shoulder, and Lin Xueyin's clear, cold voice trembled slightly, "I pledge my allegiance to you. From now on, we will share honor and disgrace, and never abandon each other."

Lin Xueyin had no idea what to say at this moment. Even though she had watched too many anime and read too many novels, her mind was still completely blank in the face of this scene.

"Aria, are you crazy? Aren't you afraid that if Yukine doesn't understand these etiquettes, she'll ruin your knightly career?"

Irabel stomped her foot in frustration, but didn't know how to talk to this blockhead.

"Aria, you don't need to do this. Isn't it better if we stay the same as before?"

Lin Xueyin was a little confused as to why things were so rushed. She was a person with a noble title, and being a knight wasn't that important to her, was it?

Seeing Ailiya's wry smile, Lin Xueyin knew that there was more to this story than met the eye, and that it was probably not a simple matter. Although the other party did not say it, Lin Xueyin did not intend to find out more.

"Alright, let's go out and have some fun. Since it's already a done deal, let's not dwell on it anymore."

Holding Lilia and Kassa's small, tender hands, Lin Xueyin happily walked forward.

Watching the departing girl, Orichils and Maca glanced quietly at Irabel and Aria, who were deliberately lagging behind, before following Lin Xueyin.

"Aria, are you really sure? Maybe, after Yukine knows the truth, she really will be with you..."

"I know, but I will give my life for her. I am just a knight." A faint sadness, a gentle sorrow. A grief never before felt appeared in her beautiful eyes.

Volume 7: The Collapsed Alliance: Chapter 6: The Royal Hunting Grounds (Two chapters published together)

The route didn't lead to the magical amusement park in the capital as Lin Xueyin had planned. Instead, after Irabel came over and took out a token, they arrived at a very spacious garden under her guidance.

"This is our royal hunting ground. How about it? Not bad, right?"

Looking at the vast grassland, Lin Xueyin had to admit that it was truly a great place to play, especially seeing Lilia and Kasha happily rolling around and having fun on it.

"Yukine, how about we go hunting? There's plenty of game over there, and we can ride horses and hunt."

She glanced at Irabel, who was now dressed in military uniform, with an annoyed look. "I am a holy priest. Do you think I can do something like this, riding and archery?"

Irabell chuckled twice, then loosened the reins of her white horse, preparing to go to Lin Xueyin's side and talk to her.

"Princess, you go and have fun first. I still have some things I want to think about."

Her soft, yet unwavering voice caused Irabel to pause slightly as she walked forward. Looking at Aria beside her, Irabel could only sigh helplessly.

"I'll go get some lunch first."

The white horse galloped away like the wind and quickly disappeared from Lin Xueyin's sight. Lin Xueyin then leaned on Ailiya's shoulder.