Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1014: We are... currently lovers of the same Mighty Dragon Emperor

Emberlyn... Mother of two idiots who had abandoned their duties—especially the one who was supposed to be the Empress of this Empire—was now likely wandering off somewhere, enjoying her time without even a hint of concern for the state of the Empire... And Emberlyn was also the unfortunate Mother-in-law of someone who had just vanished without informing a soul.

Now, currently, Emberlyn was overseeing the Empireʼs affairs... Though she was far from perfect, for the time being, and with the much-needed support of the Drakhairs, she had managed to take control and keep the structure from crumbling.

Emberlyn, with a weary expression, was sitting on the chair placed in the yard, her arms folded and her gaze lost somewhere in the distance.

”Arrh... I cannot believe this... They left just like that? Without warning, without responsibility?” she muttered to herself, clearly agitated. ”If it were any other Empire, it wouldʼve collapsed already... crumbled into dust under this kind of neglectful leadership...” she sighed deeply, her tone dripping with frustration as she shook her head in pure disappointment.

The only reason this Empire hadnʼt been reduced to ash was because of the presence of the Dragon Emperor himself. His authority alone had held everything together.

His power was so absolute that even if he left the Empire unattended for years, nobody dared to usurp the throne... After all, only a true royal possessed the might and presence to control the ones beneath them!!

”Just what am I supposed to do with them now...? Theyʼve become so irresponsible—no shame, no burden, just vanishing like children running from chores—”

”I am sorry?”

The familiar voice cut through her words. Emberlyn suddenly flinched, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widened as she turned around slowly—only to see Aether, the Dragon Emperor himself, standing there in the flesh.

Her face immediately went pale. Her heart skipped a beat. She had just been badmouthing him... and now he was right in front of her!

Panic kicked in instantly. She jumped off her chair, dropping to the ground on her knees, bowing low, ”P-Please forgive me, Dragon Emperor... I-I was just... I didnʼt mean any offense...”

”Itʼs fine,” Aether said casually, shaking his head as he looked at her kneeling form, ”Stand up already. You donʼt have to keep doing this every time. Youʼre not some servant.” H

Emberlyn gulped. Her throat felt dry as she slowly stood back up, brushing her knees. ”I... I will be more careful with my words hereafter,” she muttered, lowering her gaze.

Aether sighed, running a hand through his hair, ”Anyway... thank you, Emberlyn. I really mean it. Thank you for taking care of the Empire while I was gone,” he added, giving her a soft smile—one that actually looked genuine.

Emberlynʼs expression grew more serious. She straightened her posture and gave a respectful nod, bowing her head slightly. ”There is no need to thank me. I simply did what a Mother-in-law is supposed to do during such times of crisis.” Her voice was firm, but as she finished, her eyes wandered behind Aether, narrowing as they caught sight of two young women peeking out from behind him.

She frowned sharply. ”...Who might they be?”

”Well, Xa—” Aether began, glancing back at Xara and Selene, who were now acting unusually shy all of a sudden, as if they were hesitant to step forward.

”What are you... doing?”

Xara, with a soft blush tinting her cheeks, stepped half forward, ”Well... Itʼs your house, and weʼre just entering it like this... It feels kind of strange, you know? A little awkward,” she said softly, trying to find the right words.

Selene gave a shy nod in agreement, fidgeting a bit with her fingers. Even though she had been here before, this time it felt entirely different. She was walking in with Aether by her side... like a woman arriving at her manʼs home, with new meaning behind her steps.

A quiet flutter of emotion danced in her chest, one she couldnʼt express aloud—especially not in front of Aether.

Seeing both of them act like bashful brides, Emberlyn blinked. Her gaze slowly shifted from the two women to Aether, raising a single brow.

Aether met her gaze and simply gave a subtle nod, as if silently answering her question before she even voiced it.

”...Oh...” Emberlyn muttered under her breath, ”Raven and Thalia have very high competition, I suppose,” she added with a weak smile.

She took a step forward, approaching Xara and Selene, her demeanour now turning composed. Bowing her head respectfully, she gently held the hem of her usual clothes and introduced herself properly, ”My name is Pyra Emberlyn, Mother of Raven Noir and Thalia Crimsonclaw. Also...” her eyes flicked to Aether once more, and when he gave a second nod of silent approval, Emberlyn smiled proudly and said, ”...Mother-in-law of the Mighty Dragon Emperor.”

ʼWell... thatʼs a bit exaggerated, but... whatever,ʼ Aether thought, suppressing a sigh. He never craved titles or glorification—but with Emberlyn, resistance was futile.

Xara blinked, and just like that, her shy expression vanished. She straightened up, her face turning serious. Just like Emberlyn, she held the hem of her gown and bowed deeply. ”...My name is Xara Seraphine, and this is my daughter, Selene Frostblade,” she said clearly, and Selene too bowed politely, holding her hem in a respectful gesture.

Then Xara added with a calm but proud smile, ”We are... currently lovers of the same Mighty Dragon Emperor.”

Emberlynʼs head tilted slightly, her mouth opening to respond, ”Oh? Grea—” but she suddenly froze, frowning. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced between Xara and Selene, then pointed at the younger woman. ”...Excuse me? Did you say... she is your daughter?”

Xara nodded without hesitation, ”Yes.”

Emberlyn blinked again. ”...That makes you her mother... right? I mean, her real, biological mother?” Her voice became slower as her eyes carefully shifted toward Aether again, suspicion creeping into her tone.

Xara clearly understood where this was going. With a small smirk, she replied confidently, ”Yes. I am her real mother. And yes... we both love the same man. Willingly, openly, and without shame.”

Selene blushed, ʼItʼs you who is being shameless, MOM!!ʼ she screamed inwardly.

There was a long pause.

”...” Emberlyn stood still. In truth, this wasnʼt completely unheard of among dragons. Their ways, their passions, and their bonds often defied mortal standards. There was nothing wrong with such arrangements, technically. Still...

She glanced at Aether once more—this time with a horrified expression as the full picture formed in her mind: the man had gone after both mother and daughter.

Emberlyn gulped as she instinctively stepped back from Aether, her heart pounding unexpectedly. A memory flashed through her mind—the day when... something happened. Something so vulgar, so intense, so raw... she didnʼt even want to recall it. But now, standing this close to him again, with him smiling as if nothing ever happened, she could feel that sensation crawling back over her skin.

Her throat tightened, and she gulped audibly.

ʼWas that part of his plan too?ʼ she wondered, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Aether, oblivious to the sudden storm brewing in her mind, turned toward Xara and Selene with a casual smile, ”Well, ladies, shall we take a look around? This place is massive. It can accommodate hundreds of people, easily. The rooms are big and well spaced—choose whichever one you like,” he said, gesturing for everyone to follow him.

Selene immediately stepped forward, eagerly following Aether like a kitten drawn to warmth. Her eyes sparkled as she looked around, curiosity blooming with every step.

Xara, however, paused for a moment. Her gaze lingered on Emberlyn, who still looked stiff and uneasy, her eyes darting around as if trying to escape something only she could see. Xara tilted her head slightly, observing her with interest.

ʼHmm... Interesting,ʼ she thought.

”Are you not coming?” Xara asked gently.

Emberlyn snapped out of her daze, blinking as if waking from a trance. She nodded quickly and followed after them, keeping a safe but respectful distance.

Aether began showing them around the palace, pointing out key areas and unique aspects of the architecture. The hallways sparkled under the soft stones embedded in the walls, glowing gently even in the dark. The entire palace was constructed with magic-laced materials, allowing it to shine through the night without the need for lanterns or artificial light.

Selene listened with full attention. She had already heard most of these details before, but now that the words were coming from Aetherʼs lips, she couldnʼt help but focus. Everything he said sounded precious to her, even if she already knew it—it was his voice, his excitement, that made it special.

Xara, on the other hand, wasnʼt all that interested. These lifeless walls, the grand halls, the polished floors—they werenʼt what excited her. But she still paid attention. Knowing the space theyʼd be living in was practical, if nothing else.

Eventually, after a long walkthrough, Aether finished the tour and stopped near the residential wing. ”Alright, rooms,” he said. ”Pick whichever suits you.”

Unsurprisingly, both Xara and Selene chose the rooms right next to his.

Of course, he expected that too.

He retrieved their belongings from his internal storage and handed them over once the rooms were selected. Selene had meticulously packed most of her things beforehand, and as she stepped into her grand new room, she immediately began organising everything.

Emberlyn watched for a moment, then stepped in and spoke softly, ”Can I help you with that?”

Selene turned to her and shook her head politely. ”Itʼs alright. I donʼt want to burden you with this.”

Emberlyn smiled gently, a faint warmth in her eyes. ”Weʼre one family now, Selene. I hope you understand that. Helping each other isnʼt a burden.”

Selene paused. There was something genuine in Emberlynʼs voice. After a brief moment, she let out a soft sigh. ”Well then... Mrs. Pyra Emberlyn, could you help me unpack these boxes?”

She smiled.

”Just Emberlyn is fine,” the older woman replied with a nod. But inside, Emberlyn was clenching her fist, her mind racing. ʼNow I get the details about them,ʼ she thought quietly to herself. She wasnʼt here to meddle—she just wanted to know more.

About the women... About their bond.

She wanted to support her daughters after all!

Meanwhile—

”Where are you taking me?” Xara frowned, confused as Aether led her down a corridor that didnʼt look familiar. It wasnʼt part of the main tour—this looked more like a secluded path and was hidden.

Aether grinned, that sly, charming grin that always made her suspicious. ”Iʼve got a surprise for you,” he said, a teasing note in his voice. ”Just wait.”

Xara blinked. Her curiosity piqued immediately. The last time he had surprised her... she ended up falling for him. What could he possibly be planning this time?

They soon arrived in front of a large, black metallic door embedded deep into the palaceʼs lower wing. It shimmered faintly with enchantments and looked ancient—like something not meant to be opened by just anyone.

Aether stepped forward and entered a password only he knew... The door let out a mechanical hiss and flickered with arcane energy as it slid open with a heavy metallic thud.

And what lay beyond made Xaraʼs eyes widen in complete shock and awe.