Chapter 24 Chapter 23 Expedition
Faced with George’s core question, Jima was already prepared. She said:
“No.”
Jima, who knew her own value well, only wanted, and dared to think, about using the equipment for a while to fulfill her wishes, and after tossing aside the fragment of the Demon King’s crown, continue fleeing.
For this reason, Jima felt she was not greedy enough.
George nodded.
Jima sighed in relief.
George then asked:
“Alright, do you have any plans to take the fragment of the Demon King’s crown?”
Jima closed her mouth, falling silent. The atmosphere between the two became awkward.
George exchanged glances with Jenna and shook his head.
“Yes, I do.” Jima suddenly spoke with some indignation, “Why can’t I use the Demon King’s crown to fulfill my own wishes?”
“We cannot take the risk of forever being chosen by the divine to obtain all the fragments of the Demon King’s crown; it is irresponsible to the people of the world.”
“Responsible? What responsibility have they taken for me? Can they heal my soul’s wounds? George, why should I work hard alongside you, fighting for the people of the world for free?” Jima pointed at her chest, “Isn’t it just to heal the wounds of this place?”
“In the end, it’s just for a possibility, a chance that the people of the world might perish. Must I make way for that? Am I to suffer the torment of soul wounds for the rest of my life?”
“Really. Since the people of the world are so weak, they might as well be slaughtered early by the demon army.”
“Jima!” George’s tone became serious, “This is for the greater good.”
“Kid.” Jima provocatively tapped his chest, “That’s your greater good. Do you think, since we’ve slept together and have some feelings, I have to fight alongside you? Do you take me for a combat pet picked up in the dungeon? Last night, you didn’t even ask for my opinion, only arguing with others in the sanctuary.”
George turned to Jenna, the Saintess, and said, “I want to talk to Jima alone.”
Saintess Jenna nodded.
Jima raised her hand, activating the “Silent Secrecy Barrier,” then put her hands on her hips, glaring at George with a look that said she would not cooperate.
George asked: “Do you like being with me?”
Jima recalled the strengths of Eve Frostleaf and Saintess Jenna, then nodded:
“Like.”
“And what about me?”
Jima couldn’t help but think about George’s strengths.
She turned her head away: “Just okay.”
“Alright.” George asked: “Do you want to go to the demon realm and be with the demon clans, or do you prefer to be with me? Which way of life do you prefer more?”
Perhaps having lived among humans for too long, Jima softened. Just thinking about the intense competitive relationship among the demon clans made Jima feel it was better to stay by George’s side. A bunch of kind people—didn’t that amount to being sheep that wouldn’t bite back when bitten?
Jima’s tone softened a bit: “Here.”
“Okay, let’s not talk about justice and goodness.” George said earnestly, “Think about it, if the demon army comes to annihilate, destroys the empire, wipes out the sanctuary, and burns down the entire Knight Bartok nation—where Jenna and I come from—we could also die in the battle to defend our homeland.”
Jima said: “I will observe three seconds of silence in the direction of your demise.”
“Are you willing to protect your way of life?”
Reluctantly, Jima said: “Willing.”
“You love good food; think about it, if the world is destroyed, which merchant will provide you food? Where will your cat-eared maid settle?”
If the mortal world were indeed destroyed, Jima’s happiness would be halved; her friends would die, and the food she enjoyed would also be gone.
Jima felt unhappy because she found that George was indeed good with words and she was somewhat persuaded. She murmured:
“Actually… the blessing of lust can grant what mortals cannot. It can provide a palace of eternal comfort where fresh and delicious ingredients always appear in the kitchen, and the maid it provides will always be youthful and beautiful.”
“Mortals always think the demon realm is a barren wasteland, yet they do not know that the palace granted by lust provides a way of life that surpasses the luxury of mortal palaces. Thus, many of those who are addicted to pleasure in the mortal world are actual followers of lust.”
After saying that, Jima’s golden eyes fixed on George.
In response to such heretical words, George was not angry; he said:
“I see, but I believe in you, Jima.”
“Believe in me for what?”
“To this day, you are still willing to be with me, without spreading your wings to pursue a more pleasurable life.” George said: “This shows you are willing to give it up.”
“Alright, alright, kid… you really know how to flatter people.” Jima said: “I wouldn’t want the Eternal Chosen Marus to take the fragment of the Demon King’s crown, and I also think even if he can’t get it, as long as the Dark Four Gods are willing, what’s one fragment of the Demon King’s crown? Who knows, they might even forge a new one.”
“But if you’re willing to compensate me, I could consider it, to be a combat pet, and join your harem group.”
George was about to speak.
Jima interrupted and reminded: “Think it through, in terms of wealth, I’m much richer than you. What else can you offer me?”
George reached out and pressed his hand against Jima’s chest.
Jima snorted but didn’t stop him, saying: “Such a perv, wanting to touch me like that? How troublesome.”
George’s palm emitted a faint white light, a warm sensation penetrating Jima’s chest. She looked into George’s eyes, focused, sincere, and caring, and in that moment, she felt the warmth truly sealing the hole in her chest, making all her pain and suffering vanish without a trace.
George said earnestly: “Then I will always be with you, helping you heal your wounds until they are fully healed, or until I reach the end of my life. Whatever happens, I will fulfill this promise.”
What if I betray you?
Jima didn’t ask; her heart trembled, warmth flooding her chest.
Damn it, why is George becoming so much more of a scoundrel, and better at fooling women?
She averted her gaze from George’s face, her cheeks flushing red, and said: “Quick, take your hand away. I really can’t stand you.”
“Are you blushing?”
Before she could respond, Jima felt her chin tighten as George held her chin, gazing into her eyes.
“You’re quite arrogant.” Jima said, her face turning even redder. She really wanted to dig a hole and bury herself.
“Sure.” George hugged her suddenly, “Jima, are you willing to join me in healing your soul wounds? As compensation for your renunciation of the plot.”
Jima’s tail wrapped around George’s calf: “It’s settled then.”
“Mm.”
The two of them released their holds.
Jima had a bit of second thoughts; she realized she must have let her heart race too fast and overheated her head.
She said: “You must remember your vow.”
“I will remember it for a lifetime.”
“Okay then.” Jima looked around; they were outside the White City, not far from a crowded street where Saintess Jenna was still waiting outside, “Let’s make someone.”
George was startled: “Huh?”
Jima wiped her face, then hugged him, saying: “I’m feeling passionate; I’ll try my best to conceive and give you an egg, right now, before I have a change of heart.”
George pushed her away.
“Hey! Are you still a man? You beast.”
“Ahem, this place isn’t suitable.” George said: “Let’s save it for later.”
