Chapter 830 - 21: And Then?
And at the same time, the surrounding spectators began to buzz with excitement.
"Oh oh oh, three times, three times..."
"I didn’t expect the Dragon God to be such a person..."
"Even Zi is one of them? That’s really impressive..."
Various whispers and discussions filled the air, carrying a mix of shock and justified surprise, disdain shaded with a trace of unspeakable thrill. Among the chaos, there was all manner of pointing and gossiping, as the spectators felt like the drama was becoming even more interesting.
Kamishirasawa Keine, who had grown horns under the full moon, was also surprisingly reminded of something. She subconsciously exchanged a glance with Hieda Akyu next to her, each seeing the strange meaning in the other’s eyes.
After all, they were both directly involved in the registration and invitation of this "outsider", so naturally, they had some impression of what was recorded in the material.
—It was just that at the time, they hadn’t taken it seriously or paid much attention.
—Just as back then they only thought this person was an ordinary outsider, who could have imagined he was the Supreme God of fantasy...
But looking back now, this mysterious and remarkable Dragon God seemed to have been trying to release some kind of signal through that registration step?
At least from Yakumo Zi, the Demon Sage’s words and actions, it seemed to be the case, right? The so-called three marriage prospects, could it be...
People like Kamishirasawa Keine or Hieda Akyu, intelligence and intuition personified, naturally noticed this. Even those lacking the proper information and naturally carefree, although they couldn’t make the same judgment, they understood how to read the room.
Even if they didn’t know the specific details, they at least knew how to enjoy the moment, each watching with excitement and enthusiasm.
Filled with anticipation, waiting to see how things would unfold next.
"Three... marriage prospects?"
The silver-haired, silver-eyed girl first paused for a moment, then remembered that there was indeed such a thing, her bright silver eyes immediately bursting with burning light.
That’s right! That’s right!
There indeed was such a thing!! She almost forgot; she returned from the Demon Realm to Fantasy Land after such a time to ensure part of the victory spoils was rightfully hers!
If it wasn’t for Yakumo Zi mentioning it now, she nearly would have let it slip by!
So... what is the answer?!
In that instant, unmatched passion and joy burst forth, causing Miss Shinki’s eyes to open wide, filled with hope and expectation as she stared at the white-robed, black-haired Daoist in front of her. No matter what happens, she must get her share now!
Just now, she knew—
The person intended to define Xiao Ai as a product created through hair, blood, and technique, trying to deny this matter, stating it couldn’t count as a formal descendant. Feeling sad and helpless, struggling with anxiety and bitterness, she didn’t know what to do.
Yet what was the final outcome? Miss Shinki didn’t need to do anything; he ultimately couldn’t say it and couldn’t bring himself to deny this matter...
—That was already enough!
At this moment, the silver-haired, silver-eyed girl felt reassured, filled with intense confidence!
"Princess, you..."
In the group from the Eternal Pavilion not far away, Yakumo Eirin also frowned and then looked at Penglai Mountain Kaguya beside her.
Just like the two on the opposite, once suspicious and concealing due to the five treasures for marriage proposal, as Kaguya’s guardian, she too had such doubts. This wasn’t about mistrust or paranoia; it was purely a logical conclusion.
What are the chances of pure coincidence being so significant? Doesn’t this show that it was truly meant to be?
As the Moon Sage, the most relied upon intellectual brain of the Moon Capital, Yakumo Eirin was naturally more inclined to question if her princess had formed a connection with this guy during her years on Earth post-exile, just too shy to mention it, which explains such a clumsy plan...
"What’s the matter?" Penglai Mountain Kaguya blinked, looking at Yakumo Eirin.
"It’s nothing..."
The Moon Sage paused in silence and shook her head.
In her heart, she sighed softly; regardless of whether it was true before or not, it probably would be thereafter. The princess had a good relationship with him for quite some time after all; talking about it, her five toxic attributes as a homebody were cultivated by this guy.
The girl with long black straight hair turned around, her dark hair fluttering slightly, choosing not to say anything more and continued to watch the scene expressionlessly.
......
"Three marriage prospects..."
Gu Mo blinked and also mumbled the same question, then pressed his forehead with a headache, looking heavenward with a tired expression.
So what did he do again, was this another pit he dug for himself? Hmm, that’s not quite right, because to be honest, the reason he said that at the time was actually part of another plan, just laying some groundwork for the upcoming plan.
After all, Fantasy Land really feels quite suitable for recuperation. Although it is also an isolated paradise, there is still plenty of the same kind with whom to communicate, very knowledgeable demons, gods, spirits, etc., can be seen everywhere. Every now and then, everyone can have a lively gathering.
This is what he values the most and won’t be like in Moon Ring City or Penglai Island, where it’s always too quiet and unchanging, as if time stops in those places, day in and day out for centuries. Although they all have a nature that loves peace, Gu Mo thinks...
——Sometimes, there should be a combination of movement and stillness, that would be better?
Since he was already willing to find a place to settle down in Fantasy Land, where he could come and relax a bit, naturally, he wouldn’t leave them behind. But due to some issues on Fantasy Land’s side, it seemed inappropriate to bring them directly for a vacation, so he thought he’d lay some groundwork first.
One could say——
At the time, Gu Mo was indeed ready to try to send a signal through this action.
And according to his thoughts back then, there should be no problem with this.
Perhaps inevitably awkward, but since he and Miss Shinki and them are just very good friends, in such an ideal situation, getting them to know each other, become friends, should be relatively smooth... But facts proved, that was merely ideal.
Ideals are beautiful, reality is cruel, the process is tortuous, and the result is impossible.
At least judging from the current troublesome situation, it might be better to dispel this thought early.
He sighed deeply, glanced at Alice who was still staring dazedly, then at the expectant Miss Shinki beside him, and finally his gaze swept among the crowd, returned to the Boundary Demon’s opposite side.
In the moonlight, the latter’s long hair was shining like gold, glaring angrily at him, but besides the undisguised irritation in those bright eyes, there was also a touch of tension and unease, which made his headache all the worse.
"Why aren’t you talking? Are you praying?" Yakumo Zi discovered with great annoyance that the guy opposite seemed to have entered standby mode again.
As long as no one pushes him...
Is he planning to keep silent like this? Playing dumb to muddle through?!
"No, mainly because this problem is a bit profound, I’m actually seriously thinking..." Gu Mo put his hand on his chin, looking as if he was seriously pondering.
Yakumo Zi’s expression changed slightly: "Wait a minute! What’s so profound about this problem, why do you need to seriously think?"
Could it be that this hateful guy hasn’t decided what choice to make? How many girls has he attracted!! But even if he’s attracted many, choosing the three most entangled should not be so difficult, should it?!
For an instant, the Monster Maiden felt a bit of unease in her heart.
"Mainly this problem seems really hard to explain..."
Gu Mo laughed somewhat awkwardly, he probably had simulated it in his thoughts, knowing that Zi and the others might have had some preconceived notions, misunderstanding something. This kind of understanding bias perhaps resulted from him thinking he was already in a friendship above the level with them, yet not considering they hadn’t given up.
Even if Zi gave up, seeing Miss Shinki’s stealthy move later, she’d probably be unwilling?
But... but...
Alright, aside from saying anything else, how should he explain now that the signal he released initially was meant to introduce them to three people, instead of... wanting to choose three people from among them?
Speaking of which, if he goes to other worlds to post for help now and waits online, would it still be time?
Maybe not, after all, the flow speed of this Dungeon World is the fastest.
As Gu Mo tried to expand his thoughts, Yakumo Zi also took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the waves in her tone: "What’s so hard to explain!! Just with Miss Shinki... look at her now and tell her, will you choose to be with her?!"
This guy is truly annoying!
Having reached this point, what’s there to be shy about! If splitting the cake, then split it, the people have tacitly accepted this result, why must he be so indecisive, be decisive, cut through the mess quickly, isn’t that better?!
Years of deadlock, shouldn’t there be a conclusion?!
"If it’s me choosing..."
Gu Mo pondered for a moment, apparently seriously contemplating, looking at Miss Shinki with bright silver eyes filled with burning emotion, then at Alice, who was dazed and out of focus over there, finally sighed in his heart and gently nodded.
No matter what, he ultimately had to acknowledge Alice’s existence, could not deny the stir in his heart. And if so, Miss Shinki would naturally be an issue that cannot be bypassed, Alice is his daughter, and she is Alice’s mother... it’s just that simple.
"...!!"
Miss Shinki blinked, and her eyes suddenly sparkled brilliantly.
"So it works!" The golden-haired Monster Maiden snorted coldly, opened the folding fan in her hand with a flick, lightly covered the bottom half of her beautiful face, and her bright eyes also stared closely at the young man opposite, "So——what about the rest?"