MIGHT AS WELL BE OP

Chapter 1089: Felt Free

So, despite her not liking Anthony’s words, she acknowledged that they were the truth; his battle with the demon named Lilith was still fresh in her mind, etched into her thoughts with unnerving clarity.

Although weaker individuals had watched the confrontation through the StreamGhost livestream, she had not needed such a medium; as an Apexus Mana Ranker, her perception was sharp enough to follow their speed and movements, albeit with difficulty, and what she had seen was more than enough to solidify her understanding of Anthony’s strength.

Her mind couldn’t help but race through the various things Anthony might need; some she didn’t want to bring out, some were among her deepest and most guarded treasures, items she had obtained through centuries of accumulation and conquest.

But, unlike many others, she cherished her son far too much to hesitate entirely. Although Blue Planet was cruel, and parents were often ruthless toward their children when it came to resources, Elara Bloodmoon was not that type of woman, at least, not when it came to her son.

She would sacrifice almost anything for him, even if that meant parting with things she had sworn never to relinquish.

But still, with Anthony’s ridiculous and almost unfathomable power, she couldn’t help but imagine that Anthony was already extremely wealthy, far beyond what she could reasonably comprehend, and that she might not be able to offer anything of true value.

That lingering uncertainty was precisely why she had initially suggested a favor, despite not wanting to owe Anthony anything at all. After all, a favor owed to someone like Anthony could very well become a blade hanging over her neck, one that could fall at any moment depending on his demand.

”I will lead you to a waiting room while I sort through some things,” the Blood Queen spoke with a calm and controlled tone despite the storm raging within her mind. With that, the group walked toward a room; it was enormous, to say the least, designed specifically to accommodate individuals of great power and influence, its structure grand and imposing.

Anthony walked to a couch and sat down with calm ease; the Blood Queen excused herself and walked away without another word. Within minutes, various Vampires began to serve an assortment of dishes, particularly human delicacies; even among the cuisine presented, there was a jug of blood placed neatly among the offerings, something Anthony noticed but did not question.

Anthony didn’t waste time; he began to eat, as he was alone, given that the Blood Queen had left with Tiara.

’She is cautious,’ Anthony mused to himself, his thoughts calm and observant.

Up until now, Elara Bloodmoon hadn’t even shown him the corpse of her son; Anthony was certain she was being extremely careful and calculated. After all, one could never be entirely sure what someone capable of resurrection might do to a corpse prior to or during the process, especially someone whose power and methods were not fully understood.

’I wonder what she will bring,’ Anthony thought to himself as he ate in peace, his expression relaxed. He was ninety-nine percent certain that the Blood Queen would present items that wouldn’t interest him in the slightest; as for the remaining one percent, he left it open in case she managed to surprise him.

After all, there were countless Ancient Ruins and long-lost civilizations scattered across the galaxy, currently being explored by various Apexus Mana Rankers from different races, and it wasn’t entirely impossible for her to possess something unique.

’I hope she isn’t pouring her anger out on Tiara,’ Anthony thought as he chewed his cake, not bothering to check on her. She had survived without him until now; surely she could endure a little longer. Besides, she had Beru with her, and if the Blood Queen made any rash or impulsive moves, Beru wouldn’t hesitate to kill her on the spot... although, given her level, she would likely revive herself shortly after.

’Sigh, a nice and lazy life truly is the best,’ Anthony thought as he continued eating.

’I can never understand those Young Masters who go around bullying people. Even if you lack talent, why not simply sit back and enjoy your family’s wealth? You don’t even need to work hard or earn money; just eat, sleep, relieve yourself, and perhaps visit a few brothels now and then, that’s the ultimate life of an untalented Young Master, a life of ease and indulgence without unnecessary conflict.’

Anthony thought to himself as he crossed his legs on the table, completely at ease, behaving as though he wasn’t within the Blood Queen’s castle at all.

But while Anthony was busy enjoying himself, the Blood Queen and Tiara were walking together through the long, ornate halls of the Blood Castle. The silence between them was heavy, yet it wasn’t awkward, it was simply silence, filled with unspoken tension.

”Your fiancé died, and you did nothing. You didn’t even rush to his side or attempt to beg Anthony to save him; you simply continued enjoying your time on your space exploration trip,” the Blood Queen spoke as she walked, her tone calm yet laced with subtle judgment and restrained emotion.

Tiara didn’t hesitate to reply, her words swift, sharp, and direct, ”Why should I? We never loved each other. I’ve always known the daily morning gifts were nothing more than part of a calculated plan. Just like Anthony said, why should he care about the death of someone he never even knew existed? In the same way, why should I care about the death of a fiancé whom I never loved, nor who ever loved me back?” her words were direct, carrying no hesitation or fear.

The Blood Queen’s blood-red eyes turned toward her, narrowing slightly, ”Your tongue seems to have gotten sharper. You never dared to speak like this before. Are you now so confident because you’ve managed to barely escape your circumstances?” she stated, her tone probing and subtly oppressive.

”Maybe, maybe not,” Tiara replied with an indifferent expression.

”Then let me remind you that the engagement was what protected you. If Anthony fails to resurrect my son, then you will no longer serve any purpose to me. I will kill you on the spot; compensating your Master afterward would not be difficult,” the Blood Queen spoke, her threat direct, cold, and entirely unhidden, as though stating a simple fact.

”Then I would like to see you try, Blood Queen,” Tiara responded, her confidence ever-present. Normally, she would never dare to speak in such a manner, but with Anthony’s shadow soldier by her side, she refused to retreat or show weakness. Besides, she was soon heading to the military, a place where the Blood Queen held no influence.

The Blood Queen remained silent for a brief moment before asking, ”Is it Anthony’s presence that is giving you this much confidence? I hope you understand that you are nothing more than a classmate to him, nothing more than a fleeting connection in his path.”

”You will find out when you try something reckless,” Tiara replied as she continued walking, her tone calm.

For the first time, she had spoken her mind without restraint, words she would usually bury deep within herself, never daring to voice aloud. Now that she had spoken them freely, without fear or hesitation, she felt something unfamiliar yet liberating spreading through her chest.

She felt... free, unshackled from the invisible chains that had bound her for so long.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE: Super gifts? Golden tickets? Another 8 Chapters typed, my fingers and brain need some ice and massage.