QT: Against My Will

251 4.73 – All Eyes On Her – Dangerous Angels

The moment Mao An appeared in her bright and graceful presence, all women looked tacky in comparison. Her simple skirt embroidered with blue heart lilies bloomed alongside her steps as she walked towards the Royal banquet. Her only ornament was the modest blue lily hairpin impaled in her thick black hair. Catching a few curious glances from the male’s side, she sat next to one of her sisters, ignoring the general’s intense gaze coming from the opposite table.

(Zeku kingdom uses cushions and tables with short legs similar to kotatsu.)

Full of envy, one of Mao An’s sisters leaned forward, “Dear sister, you, clothing so plainly... others will think that our father Emperor is mistreating you! Where are the dress and jewelry I gifted you? How about this... I still have a beautiful bright red dress in my room; I will order my maid...”

Mao An’s sister was always concerned about her dark complexion as it was not pale enough like Mao An’s. It made her feel inferior and anxious. Her prospects of finding a decent husband were bleak. She heard that Tian Shi, whose skin was a few shades darker, could still catch the attention of the most prominent men. This little thought made her feel a little better about herself as one couldn’t influence the innate color of one’s skin, no matter the amount of care one put into it.

Mao An looked at the fake concern on her sister’s face, “How can I wear bright colors and jewelry when the poor are pouring all their hard work on the fields to bring food to our tables while the soldiers are fighting bloody battles to keep our homeland safe? Clothing plainly is to show my honest appreciation for their hard work.” Full of elegance, she showed her act of filial piety with her lips raised up, “Today is a day to admire other’s talents, what does it have to do with how one looks and dresses?”

Nobody expected such an eloquent speech coming out from a notoriously spoiled Princess. She indeed grew up from the time they last met her. The last time she made such a scene, the Royal Family forbade her from attending every public event for four years!

*Clank*

As they thought about Mao An’s words, a glass of wine fell from a young man’s hand, following his line of gaze, unable to utter a sound, everyone gulped down their saliva when they saw the imposing pair, “...”

While her long, aqua green hair calmly pursued the wind’s direction, her black, two-piece dress conveyed a strong statement. It showed an integral part of her powerful persona, not only hers but also her patron’s. Tian Shi’s presence bolstered Ru Quan’s terrific position up a notch.

.....

Though it revealed her collarbone and a few inches of her waist, the dress still looked tasteful, classy, and somewhat conservative.

The design expressed the creative nature of the group of females that worked on it days and night. It was their statement of personal individuality, artistic identity, and a reflection of their culture.

The emerald crystal chain around her hips emphasized her silhouette, the movements of her pelvis, and buttocks.

The fluttering skirt was made out of layers of black chiffon with hand-beaded green motifs. To make this wonderful and rare fabric for Tian Shi, the women actually weaved small crystal beads and crystal decorations right into the material. A very costly piece that shined beautifully under the daylight.

Her neckline and black bra were wrapped in a gold and emerald body chain. Always best to leave more to the imagination, the unique piece adorned her attractive body shape and at the same time, enhanced her shimmering skin tone.

The sheer veil fastened to her wrist gauntlets and gold shoulder pads were made of black lurex fabric.

Portraying the harsh reality of human desires, the woman before them was an embodiment of luxury and unattainable.

It reached the point where no matter how high the bid; she could make her own choices.

Tian Shi, the woman with the most freedom in the world, finally accepted a new patron.

. · · — · ???· — · ·

Bing Shi followed Ru Quan to their designated banquet tent; their seats were next to the general of the Zeku kingdom.

Mao An nodded at Tian Shi with an awkward smile. She hoped that Tian Shi couldn’t hear the words she said a few moments ago. ‘Sorry! I didn’t mean to attack you!’

Before sitting at the fluffy cushion behind the low table, Bing Shi waved cutely at Mao An’s direction opposite her, mouthing out with a giggle, “It’s alright.”

Each slight movement of Tian Shi was under everyone’s scrutiny. Despite her extraordinary first impression, her behavior was surprisingly as easygoing and down to earth as one could imagine.

Tian Shi stole all the attention from the three handsome men beside her. Not for long as Ru Quan suddenly grabbed Cheng Young by the collar and threw him at the podium in the middle. Successfully snatching the spotlight, he leaped forward and threw a sharp right hook at Cheng Young’s face.

And that was how a bloody dog fight between two men emerged, out of nowhere.

Followed by a few shrieks and gasps here and there, Bing Shi assured the imperial guards that nobody was going to die.

A few moments later...

“Fuck, that felt good...” Cracking his neck, he licked the blood at the corner of his lips. Spitting it out, Ru Quan hopped down the stage. Walking next to the siting general, he too, sat down at the cushion, “General, would you mind sending the injured to the infirmary?”

“My sister, Gu Min, should be there to assist you,” Bing Shi chimed in, winking at Mao An who sent her a relieved thanks.

The reason Mao An was so terrified of all the male leads, Bing Shi had a few inklings here and there.

When the general left the table, Ru Quan supported his chin with his palm, blinking a few times at Bing Shi, asking for her attention.

‘A madman. A true madman.’ Went through everybody’s mind as they observed how the ferocious man suddenly became calm, the pleased expression and the dangerous glint in his eyes never left his attractive face.

Sitting next to him, Bing Shi nudged Ru Quan’s leg with her shoe as she studied his expression. Nobody but her noticed. It became truly hard to treat him as three individuals when they were similar in so many aspects. She could swear to god that those three became one person!

Xuan Mu appeared right after Zhao Rong triggered Bing Shi’s past trauma. It was not Ru Quan’s kiss that invoked Xuan Mu’s arrival, but Bing Shi squirming in fear and misery that made Ru Quan lose control.

Xuan Mu hated himself for how he behaved towards Bing Shi in different lifetimes. He loved her to a point where he found fault in everything he did, every little detail. That accident changed Xuan Mu beyond recognition; it resulted in his split personality. Only time would tell when he’ll finally accept himself wholly with all his faults and shortcomings.

But... Someone, please answer her. How could one still have a split personality after regaining all his memories?! Was he in a delusion?

Unless...

|Mrs. Xuan Bing Shi, huh?|

Bing Shi clenched her chopsticks, picking a slice of banana, she placed it before his lips. Holding a wet napkin, she reached her left hand towards his cheek and wiped the bloodstains off.

[Xuan Mu, the last one had to be for Droolius, right?]

“Mm...” Accepting the food silently, he looked ahead as he chewed on a banana slice, sneaking his left hand under her skirt, he gripped Bing Shi’s bare ankle.

?Mr. Jelly:? Don’t sit on your legs.

Sliding her legs in his direction to prevent her legs from going numb, Ru Quan caressed her ankle, finding this little skin to skin connection more intriguing than the chorus play on the stage and the majestic food displayed on the table. Only when the servants came to refill the table would he let go.

People would occasionally look at how Tian Shi spoke casually to the unpredictable madman. As if those two were in their own bubble; nobody dared to interrupt them.

[Xuan Mu...look at me.]

“Hm?” Ziek looked at her direction, parting his lips for another banana.

“...” Bing Shi had an urge to squeeze that provocative sly smile of his.

[Xuan Mu, for how long are you planning to act this way?]

+—- Author’s note —–+

I think it’s important to clear some misunderstanding that in the first chapter of this arc, when Ru Quan couldn’t read Ting Zi’s eyes, it was because Ting Zi decided to change her mind in the last second, thus her words ‘...I don’t deserve anyone’s help...’

Each kingdom has great linguistic diversity. Though there are many dialects, the grammar rules are mostly the same; vocabulary is very similar in character, too, making learning the language of every kingdom an easy task.

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