MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1089: Felt Free

Even though she disliked Anthony's words, she had to concede they held the truth; the clash with the demon Lilith remained vividly imprinted in her mind, seared there with disturbing sharpness.

While lesser-powered people had observed the battle via the StreamGhost livestream, she hadn't required that channel; as an Apexus Mana Ranker, her senses were keen enough to track their velocity and motions, though it strained her, and the display she witnessed firmly cemented her grasp of Anthony's capabilities.

Her thoughts involuntarily darted over potential items Anthony could require; certain ones she was loath to reveal, others ranked among her most treasured and protected possessions, acquired over centuries of gathering and triumphs.

Yet, in contrast to most, her devotion to her son prevented total reluctance. Blue Planet might be merciless, with parents frequently merciless to offspring over resources, but Elara Bloodmoon wasn't such a parent—at least not toward her own flesh and blood.

She'd surrender nearly everything for him, even treasures she had vowed to never let go.

Nevertheless, given Anthony's outrageous and nearly inconceivable might, she couldn't avoid picturing him as vastly rich, exceeding her wildest imagination, possibly rendering her gifts worthless in comparison.

This persistent doubt explained her initial offer of a favor, even though she despised incurring any debt to Anthony. Indeed, owing a favor to a figure like him might prove a sword suspended above her throat, liable to drop anytime based on his wishes.

"I will lead you to a waiting room while I sort through some things," the Blood Queen stated in a steady, composed voice, belying the turmoil churning inside her. Following that, the party headed to a chamber; it was colossal, without exaggeration, crafted expressly for hosting beings of immense authority and stature, its architecture majestic and formidable.

Anthony strolled to a sofa and settled in with relaxed poise; the Blood Queen took her leave silently and departed. Moments later, several Vampires started presenting a variety of foods, favoring human specialties; prominently featured among the spread sat a pitcher of blood, which Anthony spotted yet chose not to probe.

Anthony got right to eating, since he dined solo, the Blood Queen having departed alongside Tiara.

'She's being cautious,' Anthony reflected inwardly, his mind serene and perceptive.

To date, Elara Bloodmoon hadn't unveiled her son's body; Anthony knew she proceeded with utmost wariness and deliberation. After all, no one could fully predict what a resurrection expert might inflict on a corpse before or amid revival, particularly one with obscure powers and techniques.

'I wonder what she'll offer,' Anthony pondered while dining tranquilly, his face at ease. He felt ninety-nine percent confident the Blood Queen's items would fail to intrigue him at all; that slim one percent he kept for any potential astonishment from her.

Countless Ancient Ruins and forgotten civilizations dotted the galaxy, under exploration by diverse Apexus Mana Rankers of varied species, so it wasn't out of the question for her to hold something extraordinary.

'Hope she's not venting fury on Tiara,' Anthony mused, savoring his cake without glancing her way. She'd managed without him so far; she could hold out a bit more. Plus, Beru accompanied her, ready to slay the Blood Queen instantly for any reckless act... though at her tier, revival would follow soon enough.

'Sigh, a laid-back, indolent existence is truly supreme,' Anthony contemplated as he kept feasting.

'I can never fathom those Young Masters who strut about tormenting others. Lacking talent? Why not lounge and savor your clan's riches? No toil or coin-chasing needed; merely feast, slumber, void your bowels, and maybe hit a brothel occasionally—that's peak untalented Young Master bliss, pure leisure and pleasure minus pointless strife.'

Anthony mulled this over, propping his legs atop the table, utterly relaxed, acting as if the Blood Queen's castle weren't his surroundings.

Meanwhile, as Anthony savored his leisure, the Blood Queen and Tiara traversed the elongated, lavish corridors of Blood Castle. The quiet between them hung thick, but lacked discomfort—it was pure stillness, charged with unvoiced strain.

As she walked, the Blood Queen declared, her voice steady but infused with quiet reproach and bottled-up sentiment, "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."

Tiara shot back without delay, her retort quick, piercing, and straightforward, "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 statement rang clear, devoid of doubt or dread.

The Blood Queen’s crimson eyes shifted to Tiara, narrowing faintly as she probed, "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?" Her words carried a searching weight and faint coercion.

"Maybe, maybe not," Tiara answered, her face a mask of apathy.

"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 warned, her menace blunt, frigid, and openly displayed, like an indisputable truth.

"Then I would like to see you try, Blood Queen," Tiara countered, her assurance unwavering. In ordinary times, she’d never risk such bold speech, but Anthony’s shadow soldier lingered nearby, fueling her refusal to yield or falter. Plus, the military awaited her soon—a domain outside the Blood Queen’s sway.

After a momentary hush, the Blood Queen questioned, "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 responded steadily as she pressed on.

For the first occasion, she’d unleashed her innermost thoughts without holding back—sentiments she typically sealed away, too timid to utter. With them now flowing freely, unburdened by fear or pause, an odd yet empowering warmth surged within her chest.

She felt... liberated, released from the hidden bonds that had confined her for years.

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