Unholy Player Chapter 490 A Lost Princess

"Selina." Vivienne White took a step forward, a radiant smile illuminating her naturally gentle face. Her expression was transparent, overflowing with the joy and relief of finally reuniting with her daughter.

However, Selina gave her the cold shoulder. Offering nothing more than a fleeting, polite half-smile, she shifted her focus back to Marielle and Niva, waiting quietly for their response.

"It was an exhausting but wonderful experience, as you can probably tell." Marielle let out a laugh, gesturing toward the various bags held by the attendants who stood behind them like a small, mobile wall of shopping hauls.

This had been her first time shopping for anything beyond basic household necessities. The way the shop clerks had relentlessly pushed their merchandise—looking as though they might burst into tears if she declined—had made the ordeal even more draining. Niva, conversely, seemed entirely revitalized. She threw her arms around Selina in a friendly embrace, leaning in with easy familiarity as she asked brightly, "Did you come to join us?"

Over the past month, Adyr had rarely spent time with his family. In his absence, Selina had been remarkably attentive to Marielle and Niva, quietly stepping in to fill the void he left. Devoting nearly all her free time to them, she had gradually evolved into a protective older sister for Niva and a second daughter for Marielle.

Returning the hug, Selina lightly patted Niva’s back. "Of course," she replied. "I’m aware of a fantastic Velari cafe that serves surprisingly delicious cakes. What do you think? Should we go give them a try?"

While she spoke, her eyes flickered toward Vesha with a mischievous glint. She added with a soft chuckle, "That is, assuming Vesha hasn’t already taken you there to sample them."

Vesha looked slightly sheepish, her lips curving into a guilty grin that gave her away immediately. "My apologies, but that place is simply too good to keep under wraps."

This wasn't their first encounter. During Vesha’s various trips to the Human City, Selina had found several opportunities to converse with her, leading to a growing familiarity that had eventually blossomed into friendship.

In fact, the Velari cafe had been introduced to Selina by Vesha, so it was only natural that she would eventually bring Marielle and Niva there as well.

Observing their mutual acquaintance and the relaxed atmosphere between them, Niva became even more energetic, nearly bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"No big deal, we can just go for a second serving!" She turned to Marielle, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Right, mom?"

For a girl in her teens, the prospect of lounging in a cafe with new friends, gossiping about aliens over hot drinks, and savoring cakes that melted on the tongue was a temptation far too great to ignore.

Meanwhile, as the group engaged in casual conversation—perhaps too casual, depending on one's perspective—Thalira remained on the periphery of the small circle, watching in silence.

Her eyebrows knit together slightly as she observed each person speak, following a dialogue she had not been invited to join. To be ignored so thoroughly, treated as if she were mere background scenery, was a first for her. The heavy sensation it left in her chest was quite unpleasant.

Nevertheless, she maintained her poise. Keeping her shoulders squared and her chin raised, she attempted to remain dignified. "Might I ask who you are?"

She aimed the question directly at Selina, seeking to reclaim her attention.

Regrettably, Victor was the one who once again stepped in to provide an answer.

He moved into her line of sight, partially blocking her view, and bowed his head with an air of theatrical formality. "I am Victor Bates. The closest friend of Emperor Adyr Hellcraft and his most brilliant advisor. If you prefer, you may call me Master Bates for short."

Victor’s accent while speaking ancient Chinese distorted several words, making them sound clumsy and only reinforcing his image as an unserious buffoon.

Thalira ignored the irritation and the bizarre introduction. Focusing on a specific name, she regained her icy composure and asked, "You know Adyr? Then do you know the whereabouts of my father?"

"Oh, are you searching for your father?" Victor asked, his face lighting up as if a realization had finally dawned on him. "That’s simple. Give me a moment to make an announcement. Don't worry, we'll locate your father in no time."

He pulled a small walkie-talkie from his side pocket, its metallic casing glinting in the light. Raising it to his lips, he spoke into the device with a gravity that contradicted his previous demeanor.

"Team, Victor speaking. We have a lost little girl here with silver hair and silver eyes looking for her father, over."

He delivered the message in the Human tongue. Then, lowering the device, he looked straight at Thalira and switched back to her language, maintaining his somber tone. "Now then, what does your father look like?"

Thalira glanced first at the small gadget in his hand, noting how his fingers gripped it, before meeting his eyes again. Though she had no idea what the device was, she prepared to speak in case he truly could assist her.

"He..."

Before the first syllable could leave her lips, Selina intervened, cutting the moment short. Her voice was stern, laced with a sharp warning. "Victor..." It was obvious that Victor was amusing himself by treating the Lunari princess like a stray child, despite knowing exactly who her father was. Selina had no intention of letting the prank continue. Stepping forward to stand firmly in front of Thalira, she finally gave the girl her undivided attention.

"Lord Silverlight Zephan is currently occupied in the training area," she stated calmly. "As that is a restricted zone, I’m afraid you cannot see him until he concludes his business."

Henry had already issued a formal announcement regarding Zephan and his Elders to all PTF and STF personnel, broadcasting the notification through every official channel.

As the Player Commander, Selina had been briefed with even more specific details regarding the situation, including the fact that the Lunari were now officially recognized as vital future allies.

"I understand..." Thalira’s dislike for Selina was still evident, her lips pressed into a thin, tight line. However, she could find no cause to doubt the information. After a brief hesitation, she accepted the explanation as the truth.

Realizing a meeting with her father was currently impossible and that Adyr was nowhere to be found, she turned away from the group to depart.

"Wait." Selina called out, her voice softening this time. "We’re heading to a cafe for a bite to eat. You’re welcome to join us while you wait!" Hearing the invitation, Thalira looked back at Selina. The woman’s face was now adorned with a kind, welcoming smile—the polar opposite of the cold indifference she had shown moments ago.

The sudden shift in treatment was jarring, and Thalira found it somewhat suspicious. Nevertheless, she gave a curt nod of acceptance.

"Very well."

There was little else for her to do besides wander aimlessly through this strange city. Furthermore, as she weighed her choices, she admitted to herself a desire to understand this woman better—Selina had the makings of a formidable future rival.