My Celestial Ascension Chapter 910: Nothing Happen

A hush descended upon the chamber briefly, with everyone holding their tongues. The revelation that Princess Nerith had been defeated in the duel by Yuan left all those gathered utterly stunned.

"Even with his youthful looks, this human lad turns out to be a frightful beast," Duke Corvin whispered, his face turning grave as the truth began to sink in. "It's no surprise he managed to pass through that enigmatic storm wall."

"Couldn't have said it better myself. He's far too enigmatic, much like the rest of his companions," Duke Alric chimed in, giving a subtle nod of approval.

"No doubt about it—every one of them is downright fearsome... We'd be wise to forge strong ties with them, maybe even seal an alliance if the chance arises," Duke Cedric proposed, his features stern as he scanned the other dukes for their opinions.

"Lord Cedric's suggestion rings true. Our priority should be nurturing a solid bond with them. Who knows, they could lend a hand in our ongoing crisis," Duke Hexryn declared with resolute determination, then shifted his gaze to Rhex, awaiting his input.

Emperor Rhex pondered quietly for a spell before responding, "I think it's a smart move to cultivate friendly relations with them too. Looks like I made the correct call inviting them to the palace; otherwise, we'd have no clue about their real prowess."

Empress Varia overheard their exchange, offered a gentle smile, and remarked, "Hmm... forming an alliance with them could very well work out."

"Oh? Did they share something that could bring prosperity to our realm?" Rhex inquired, arching his eyebrows a bit while eyeing her.

The four dukes turned toward Empress Varia, their faces etched with astonishment and intrigue, eager to grasp what she meant.

"Not quite," Varia replied, shaking her head with a subtle grin, before adding, "It appears your sister has developed an interest in Yuan. She even pulled him along to the bathhouse right after coming back from the training area."

Once Varia disclosed this detail, the entire group gaped at her in sheer bewilderment, as though they'd heard an utterly implausible tale.

"W-What?! You mean that empty-headed fool obsessed only with drills and battles hauled a guy into the bathroom with her? Don't pull my leg like that, Varia!" Emperor Rhex refused to accept his wife's statement, yet he was profoundly rattled all the same.

Varia gave an eye roll and let out a light huff. "You really believe I'd jest about something this grave? They ought to have finished up in the bathroom by this time."

"You're not pulling my leg, are you?" Rhex pressed, his features still radiating utter incredulity.

'Has my wild sister truly made the first move to cozy up to a man? No way that's real!' he pondered silently, struggling to picture his sibling choosing to hang out with any fellow on her own.

"I'm dead serious on this," Varia affirmed, her countenance steady and resolute.

Silence enveloped the room anew, with no one daring to speak, since the idea of Nerith proactively warming up to Yuan—whom she'd encountered only today—seemed too far-fetched.

"Should she truly have bonded with Yuan, striking up an alliance with his group would be effortless," Duke Hexryn broke in, shattering the quiet.

"You're spot on," Emperor Rhex agreed, nodding with a grin. "This marks the initial occasion she's done something helpful for the empire. Normally, her antics just stir up problems."

"But things stand differently now. Backed by their support, we could at last wipe out those skeletal horrors for good." He wrapped up with a determined expression.

A while passed, and the gathering wrapped up.

The dukes each headed back to their domains to rally troops for the impending conflict. The undead's motives looked far from benevolent; battle loomed inevitable.

Sightings of them close to the frontier had ramped up. Neither the scorching desert blaze nor its freezing chills bothered them, and fatigue never struck them as it did the living.

Their edge lay in boundless endurance—regardless of distance covered, exhaustion eluded them. Over time, their might swelled, growing fiercer.

Forces had to be geared up for combat that could erupt anytime. Border strains mounted; the undead might overrun it without warning.

Should they pierce the line, turmoil would swiftly consume the Demon Empire, and each fallen soul would bolster the undead's power while their ranks swelled.

In the meantime, Nerith parted from Yuan and his spouses to seek out her brother and his wife, carrying vital matters to hash out with him.

Anna Grace perched on Yuan's knee, looped her arms round his neck, and gazed at him with a playful smirk.

"Spill it, love—what went down in the bath? Have you already charmed her?" she teased, her lips curving into a cunning smile.

"What on earth are you on about? Absolutely zilch of that sort occurred. We merely chatted and washed up together. End of story," Yuan answered with a sheepish grin, giving his head a small shake.

"We're not buying it," Lily shot back, her eyes narrowing sharply as she eyed him with doubt. "Something went on between you both for sure. Quit playing the pure one with us, big brother."

"Spot on. Given your lecherous thoughts, how'd you rein in your urges?" Emma piled on, sporting a mocking grin.

"Precisely. Facing a stunning, alluring lady like Princess Nerith, you'd never hold back from advancing. Come on, fess up what transpired," Julie urged with a broad smile, locking eyes with him.

"I agree," Mireya said, nodding and smiling. "You're hardly one to pass on a prime chance like that. That wide-eyed act won't trick us."

"No kidding. Mireya's nailed it—better come clean now. It's in your best interest," Valeria chimed, nodding along with a wicked smile aimed his way.

"..." Yuan gawked at his wives, his face frozen in shock.

'Do they genuinely see me as some kind of deviant...?' Yuan wondered, his expression full of astonishment.

"I'm speaking the honest truth. Zero hanky-panky happened in there. Trust me on this," Yuan insisted, shaking his head while feeling utterly embarrassed.

Anna Grace leaned in close, fixed her gaze on him for a few beats, then asked, "You're truly being straight with us?"

"Naturally, I'm being honest. Why won't you take my word, Mom?" He let out a sigh, resigned that his claims fell on deaf ears.

"This feels so odd... It's the very first instance you've skipped a golden opportunity like that. Hard to fathom...!" Anna Grace muttered, her tone laced with incredulity.

'Could this be my lustful boy for real? What's brought on such a shift?' Anna Grace stared at him, her look one of total bafflement.