Lilith couldn't help but smile when she saw how indifferent Richard was toward those who looked down on their relationship.

Although this engagement wasn't something she had originally wanted, she truly had been waiting for him to grow up—to eventually become her lover.

At the very least, his behavior as a child made her optimistic that he would become quite an interesting man once he matured.

"Then let's go," Lilith said, waving her hand as Richard naturally followed beside her.

After observing for a moment, he noticed that Lilith was no longer that much taller than him.

Perhaps he had simply grown taller.

At eight years old, his growth had begun to accelerate.

In this world, children truly matured faster—ten years old was already the age when they began working, and by fourteen or fifteen, commoners could already marry.

Magus tended to live busier lives, so they matured slightly slower, yet even they often tasted the sweetness of love around that age.

"You see, people don't like you very much," Lilith said to Richard.

"They're just jealous. But that won't change the fact that you'll be my wife," Richard replied casually, not even lowering his voice—causing several men who had been glaring at him with envy to now glare daggers at him.

Lilith chuckled upon hearing that and then pulled his hand toward a table to sit down.

"Boy, I think you're big enough now—you can drink wine," Lilith said, placing a cup in front of him before pouring some wine into it.

Richard rolled his eyes. He hadn't expected her to suddenly offer him wine.

"Will this make me drunk?" he asked.

"This wine is strong for ordinary humans, but you're not one of them. I suppose you'll only get a little tipsy—it's perfect for your first time," Lilith replied.

"Is that so?" Richard wasn't so sure, but with the current mood, he felt like trying it.

"Go on, try it…" Lilith urged, and Richard finally took the cup, which was cold from the ice within.

The aroma was rich and intoxicating, tickling his senses and almost guiding his hand to bring the cup to his lips.

As the wine touched them, a small amount flowed into his mouth—cold and warm sensations mixing together with a sweet-sour flavor that was far more pleasant than refreshing.

Once he had tasted it, he found himself wanting more, tilting the cup further until the liquid poured freely into his mouth.

"Ahh…" Richard drank until half the cup was gone before setting it back down.

Warmth spread through his throat, coloring his neck and cheeks a faint red.

"How does it taste?" Lilith asked with a smile, though Richard felt her smile had a shadow to it—or perhaps his vision was wavering due to the haze in his mind.

Either way, his body felt incredibly light—so light that even a gentle breeze made him feel like floating.

Luckily, his mind remained somewhat clear.

At worst, he simply felt a strong impulse to act on whatever urge popped into his head.

"I think I shouldn't drink any more," Richard said.

Of course, he knew he was already drunk. If he drank more, he might lose control completely.

"Oh, come on. Why not have one more?" Lilith protested.

More than that, she filled his cup again until it was brimming.

"Wait—Sist, Your Highness, I…" Richard tried to refuse, but suddenly Lilith leaned closer, her face mere inches from his, startling not only him but everyone watching.

Even the King and Queen turned their heads toward them.

"One more cup and one kiss on the cheek. I know you enjoy it when others envy you," Lilith whispered into his ear.

As she whispered, Richard happened to notice the guest he had been waiting for.

Who else could it be but Prince Charles—with his golden hair and handsome face that could make anyone mistake him for an angel.

Richard saw him walking slightly behind a middle-aged man clad in a dark crimson robe.

The man's face was ordinary, yet his sharp gaze carried an intimidating weight that could silence anyone it fell upon.

The nobles immediately stood when they saw him enter.

The man, however, only acknowledged the king and a few powerful figures.

Prince Charles, on the other hand, looked directly at Lilith.

Naturally, his eyes turned cold when he saw her face so close to that of a boy.

Without thinking further, Richard lifted his cup and downed it all in one go.

Heat rushed through his body, his skin flushed crimson, and his head spun as if it might detach from his neck.

"Sister, let's do it!" Richard said boldly.

"Boy, as I thought—you really are a naughty one," Lilith replied, chuckling softly.

Then she actually placed her soft red lips on his cheek.

Though it might have looked like an affectionate kiss an adult would give a child—perhaps because Lilith genuinely found him adorable—it still caused an uproar, drawing everyone's attention back to Richard.

People restrained themselves from commenting, not wanting to appear rude in front of the Lord of Crimson Veil.

Even if that faction had little to do with them, its power was far too immense to provoke.

Throughout the entire Land of Humans, few dared challenge the Order of the Crimson Veil.

Naturally, the situation felt rather awkward.

Lilith, however, remained perfectly composed—she took a sip of her wine, acting as if she wasn't obligated to acknowledge the Lord's presence at all.

Meanwhile, the King and Queen, though they had been in conflict, still approached the man together.

The Lord of Crimson Veil didn't seem to care about Lilith's actions—he likely regarded them as nothing more than harmless amusement.

Prince Charles, on the other hand, had his hands trembling, though his expression remained composed.

"Lord of Crimson Veil!" The King, Queen, and several elite nobles greeted the man respectfully.

The King smiled brightly as he said, "It is an honor for our humble kingdom to receive such a distinguished guest."

"The Holy Star Kingdom and the Order of the Crimson Veil share deep ties. Your Second Grand Ancestor is also one of ours, so it is only natural that we visit each other," the Lord of Crimson Veil replied kindly.

Despite his intimidating aura, his tone was surprisingly friendly.

"Hahaha, indeed, indeed…" the King laughed. "But if I may ask, is our Second Grand Ancestor still with you?"

The King's question made all the nobles perk up their ears.

The Second Grand Ancestor might have failed to obtain the World Magic Aether, but he had survived—and later continued his path within the Order of the Crimson Veil, where greater opportunities awaited him.

However, it had been ages since he last appeared in or returned to the Holy Star Kingdom.

The King and everyone present wanted to know whether he was still alive.

If he was, it meant the Holy Star Kingdom still had a formidable backer.

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