Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 283 - 270: Diana
After a while of walking, they finally arrived at a massive door flanked by several elf guards, each standing tall and alert. Their gleaming armor reflected the sunlight filtering through the glass canopy above.
As Jade and Aurianna approached, the guards exchanged quick glances before stepping aside in unison. The heavy door creaked open, revealing a grand hall adorned with beautiful elven designs and glowing crystals that illuminated the space with a warm light.
The moment they entered, Aurianna’s gaze swept across the room, noting the presence of familiar people there. Everyone engaged in quiet conversations. Everyone seemed to be there—everyone except Saem’s group.
"I guess he left once he got what he wanted," she mused silently, her expression neutral as she moved to join the others.
Her eyes were inevitably drawn to the throne at the middle of the hall. Seated on it was a tall, muscular elf with dark brown skin and a kind smile on his face. His frilly blonde hair cascaded over his shoulders, framing a pair of piercing green eyes that bore a striking resemblance to Peter’s.
"Is that Peter’s dad?" Aurianna wondered, squinting slightly. The resemblance was somehow similar and not similar at the same time.
"Presenting His Majesty, Modred Diondraff, the Elf King of Nervon," announced a fair elf woman standing beside the throne. She wore luxurious yet simple garments that was elegant without being too flashy.
"Welcome to my humble castle, Princess Aurianna Vanluad and Juvin Mintresh," Modred greeted warmly, his hearty smile putting everyone at ease.
"The honor is mine," Aurianna and Juvin replied, stepping forward gracefully before offering a deep, respectful bow.
As she straightened, her curiosity got the better of her. Leaning closer to Peter, she whispered, "Damn, Peter, is that your dad? He’s... really good-looking."
Peter’s eyes widened in mortified disbelief. "Aurianna, don’t you dare—he’s my uncle!" he hissed, his hands darting out to pinch her cheeks.
"Stop pulling my cheeks! All I did was compliment your uncle," Aurianna huffed, rubbing her sore face. Her gaze flickered back to Modred, before giving an approving nod. "Still, impressive genes."
Modred chuckled heartily, his laughter echoing through the hall. "Ahaha, it’s refreshing to see how well you and my nephew get along. He used to be such a quiet boy, you know?"
"Uncle, stop teasing me!" Peter groaned, his face flushing as he pouted like a petulant child.
"Wait, he’s really your uncle?" Aurianna asked, genuinely surprised. Peter nodded.
"Well then," Aurianna said with a mischievous grin, "I still have a chance."
"No, you do not!" Peter practically yelled, grabbing her cheeks again. "He’s married—with kids! Stop eyeing my uncle like that!"
Undeterred, Aurianna turned her attention back to Modred, her expression curious. "Mister Elf King, could you raise your arm for a moment?"
Modred arched a brow but complied, lifting his arm to reveal his well-defined muscles. "Like this?" he asked, amusement playing in his voice.
"Yes, just as I thought," Aurianna said, nodding as a sudden trail of blood dripped from her nose. "Good muscles!" She gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up, oblivious to Peter facepalming beside her.
"Aurianna, control yourself!" Peter groaned, dragging her away by the hand.
Modred, clearly amused, leaned back in his throne with a deep chuckle. "You’ve brought an interesting companion, Peter. She’s quite... spirited."
"That’s one word for it," Peter muttered under his breath, shooting Aurianna a glare. "And you’re not meeting my cousins."
Aurianna just smirked, tilting her head playfully. "We’ll see about that. By now I’m satisfied seeing the masterpiece before me."
"Aurianna, he’s too old! You should be looking at people your age!" Peter yelled, stepping in front of her to block her view of Modred. Aurianna’s playful grin faded into a frown as she crossed her arms.
"You’re blocking my view, Peter," she huffed.
Before she could say more, Elena chimed in, giving Aurianna a thumbs up with sparkling eyes and an unmistakable nosebleed. "Aurianna, I understand what you mean."
"Elena!" Aurianna called out, her eyes shimmering in delight. "For the first time ever, we can agree on something!"
"Wait, what’s that supposed to mean?" Elena asked, confused and a bit flustered.
Before their exchange could spiral further, Modred let out a booming laugh, his voice beautiful, "Wahahaha! You youngsters are so funny and full of energy!" His hearty tone filled the hall.
"So, enjoy your stay in my castle," he continued. "Take this time to rest before we head to the World Summit. Feel free to roam around as you like—I give you permission."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" they all replied in unison, bowing politely before going out of the hall.
The moment the grand doors closed behind them, Modred’s jovial expression darkened. His bright, laughing eyes narrowed sharply, and a serious tone crept into his voice.
"That child..." he murmured, tapping his fingers against the armrest of his throne. "It should be impossible for someone her age to be a Grand Human. And yet, she is. Meanwhile, she’s clearly not some old woman posing as a child."
"Rare indeed brother," remarked the fair elf woman who had announced him earlier, now casually twirling a strand of his blonde hair between her fingers. Her long blue hair shimmered in the light, giving her an uncanny resemblance to Vivian, the Time Saintess. "So... would she make a suitable daughter-in-law? I’m sure Queen Irene would adore her," she asked with a sly smile. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Modred chuckled softly. "I don’t know about that. But another Grand Human in our ranks would be good."
---
Later, in the dining hall, Aurianna and everyone else were enjoying their meal when a small fair elf girl approached their table. She puffed out her chest, her tiny face set with a determined scowl, and jabbed a finger in Aurianna’s direction.
"Since you’ve seduced my big brother, you must take responsibility!" she declared boldly, her voice loud and clear.
Aurianna blinked in confusion, her fork halfway to her mouth. "What?"
’Don’t worry, big brother Peter, this little cousin of yours will handle it!’ Diana thought smugly, glancing back at Peter with a wink. Her rosy cheeks puffed slightly as she struck a confident pose, her fair skin glowing under the hall’s light. Her short blonde hair and long elven ears gave her an adorably defiant look.
"Diana, don’t embarrass me," Peter groaned, burying his face in his hands, his voice trembling as if on the verge of tears.
"What do you mean, Brother Peter?" Diana gasped, looking utterly betrayed. "I’m helping you!"
"Helping me how?" Peter muttered, his tone nearing despair.
Meanwhile, Aurianna waved her hands frantically. "I—I don’t know what you mean, Diana! And I definitely can’t take responsibility for something I didn’t do!" she stammered, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
Diana crossed her arms, her gaze unrelenting. "You’ve already charmed him! Admit it!"
"I have not!" Aurianna protested, her voice rising as Peter sighed loudly, muttering something about needing more time away from his family.
"Why not?" Diana asked, puffing out her cheeks in defiance.
"That’s because I like someone else," Aurianna stated, folding her arms with a sly smirk.
"Who’s that?" Diana tilted her head curiously.
"Myself," Aurianna declared, flipping her hair dramatically. "After all, I’m the most beautiful, the most pleasing to look at, and the most fabulous. Who could ever match up to me?"
"She sounds like a narcissist," Zeche muttered, shaking his head.
"Yeah, totally," Elena agreed, nodding solemnly.
"I’m not a narcissist," Aurianna said proudly, her chin held high. "I’m just confident in my looks."
"No fair!" Diana grumbled, crossing her arms and glaring at Aurianna.
Before Aurianna could retort, Diana pulled out a delicate fairy doll with sparkling wings and a glittery dress. "Wanna see my fairy doll collection?!" she asked, her tone bright and eager as she raised the doll for Aurianna to admire.
Aurianna stared at the doll with a forced smile, her inner thoughts far less polite. ’Ugh, brat, leave me the fuck alone.’
"Oh, you have the fairy doll collection," Aurianna said sweetly, pretending to be impressed.
"Hehehe, yes! My father gave me the money to buy all of them!" Diana said with pride, her little face glowing.
"I’m jealous," Aurianna chuckled, though the corner of her smile twitched.
"Let’s be friends!" Diana declared suddenly, thrusting her hand toward Aurianna.
Aurianna blinked at the sudden proposal. "Uh... sure," she replied hesitantly, shaking Diana’s tiny hand.
"Hmm, Aurianna, how old are you?" Diana asked curiously, tilting her head again.
"Thirteen," Aurianna replied with a smile. "And you?"
"Hehe, I’m fifty years old! And big brother Peter is 118 years old!" Diana announced proudly, her tone brimming with pride.
’Heh once she knows big bros age she’ll like him more! After all, most girls like smart guys and big bro is smart!’ Diana thought with pride.
"Wait, what?" Aurianna’s smile vanished as she whipped around to glare at Peter. "Peter, you’re a hundred years old??"
Peter waved his hands defensively, his face flushing. "I didn’t technically lie! I mean, I’m a teenager in elf years," he stammered.
"I see... Old man," Aurianna scoffed, turning up her nose.
"I’m not old!" Peter yelled, his ears twitching.
Suddenly, Zagan’s voice echoed telepathically in Aurianna’s mind. "Master, if he’s an old man, then wouldn’t that make you a great-grandma, considering all the time you spent in Eva’s space?"
"That doesn’t apply!" Aurianna snapped internally, her cheeks flushing faintly.
"Well, it doesn’t matter anyway," she muttered aloud, waving a dismissive hand.
Meanwhile, Diana’s eyes sparkled mischievously. ’Hehe, don’t worry, big bro Peter. This little sister of yours shall act as Cupid!’
"Diana, don’t get any stupid ideas," Peter said, appearing behind her and holding her head firmly.
"Diana would never!" Diana replied, putting on her cutest, most innocent face as she clasped her hands together.
"I don’t believe you," Peter sighed. "Just go eat and go and finish your lessons, okay?"
"Okay," Diana pouted, dragging her feet as she walked away, but not before casting Aurianna one last sly glance, her eyes twinkling.
