The Lustful Villain: Every Milfs and Gilfs are Mine!-Chapter 92. Helena Paid for My Room. I Will Use This Time Wisely and She Won’t Like How.

Chapter 92: 92. Helena Paid for My Room. I Will Use This Time Wisely and She Won’t Like How.

"Nargh?!" Diana made a noise that could have been a strangled protest.

Theo’s face changed from mild confusion to dawning realization that he was being set up. "M-Mother, I don’t think—"

Aurelia pushed, "You don’t think Diana would be a great match?" Her voice was innocent, but her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Oh no... you broke your mother’s heart by saying that, but...! I think she’s great."

"N-No, of course I didn’t say she’s not a great match, b-but yeah...! I think she’s great too," Theo said quickly, but then he seemed to remember what he had said and tried to take it back.

"N-Not that I’ve been thinking about it that way, I just meant that she’s a very capable person and—"

"Objectively capable," Iris said again, this time not even trying to hide her laughter. "How sweet."

Diana had apparently decided that the ground was fascinating and didn’t want to look at anyone, and she was also trying so hard not to scream loudly or die right now because of embarrassment.

Lily was almost shaking with laughter that she was holding back.

Rex found the whole conversation very interesting and stored away all the information he could about how things were going. Theo was genuinely unaware of what was happening; however, he already knew he was a dim-witted, incompetent individual.

And he can clearly tell Diana was embarrassed, but she was also clearly interested. Aurelia was having a great time teasing both of them.

’It’s either Diana or Elaris... but at least both of them are connected to that loser, so it’s still a win-win situation for me’

And everyone else was having a good time with the show.

Elaris interrupted, feeling sorry for Theo, and said, "I think what my dear daughter is trying to say is that it would be nice if the younger generation spent more time together getting to know each other and making connections."

She stressed the word "connections" in a way that made it very clear she was talking about romantic relationships. Theo finally seemed to get that she was really teasing him.

He said, "I will certainly keep that in mind," in a way that was so neutral that it seemed like he was trying to get out of the conversation as quickly as possible.

"D-Diana, maybe we could train together this week? I’d like to see how you’ve improved your archery skills."

Diana finally looked up, and her face was carefully blank. "I... I’d like that."

"Great," Theo said, taking advantage of the chance. "Iris, we should probably check on the housing assignments for the refugees."

"Rex, maybe I have to say this again with full respect..." Theo held his chest. "It was nice meeting you, so I’m sure we’ll have more time to talk later on."

Rex nodded. "Likewise."

He practically fled, and Iris followed, though not before shooting Diana a look that was pure mischief.

"That went well," Aurelia said cheerfully after they left.

Diana said, "You’re terrible as always, Miss Aurelia," but there wasn’t much anger in it.

"I like ’lovingly direct’ better." Aurelia said, "Plus, that boy needs a push, or he’ll be sixty before he gets it."

Rex saved the whole conversation as useful information. The family dynamics were complicated, the teasing was good-natured, and it seemed clear to everyone but Theo that Diana liked him.

This information is useful for future reference, and he can leverage that psychological dominance over Theo after increasing Diana’s desire level to 100.

’For now... I need to adapt to the capital first so that I can see more clearly future plans.’

...

The next few hours flew by as we met people and went on tours. Helena insisted on giving them a proper tour of Aethelgard, pointing out important places and neighborhoods.

The crafting quarter was where magical items were made and enchanted. The merchant district is home to large markets that offer a wide range of products, from everyday necessities to unique imports.

The residential areas encompassed a wide range of housing options, from modest apartments to luxurious estates. The various government buildings were integral to the functioning of the city.

Rex took it all in, making a mental map of where things were, writing down security measures, and generally getting ready for the next few weeks.

They had seen most of the city by the time the afternoon turned into evening. Helena finally took them to what she called "one last stop before we settle everyone in for the night."

The inn they were going to was huge, at least three times the size of the Broken Wheel in the village. It took up the whole corner block in what looked like a wealthy area near the business center.

A sign that said "The Silver Rest" hung over an entrance that could fit several groups at once.

Helena said, "This is where Marceline works," as they walked in.

"We studied together at the Academy years ago, but she chose to run a business instead of practicing combat magic."

The inside was cozy and welcoming, with a big common room with tables and a bar that ran along one wall. The place was busy but not too crowded.

People were eating, drinking, and talking, which made it clear that they were regulars.

There was a woman behind the bar who looked about Helena’s age. She had short light brown hair pulled back in a practical way and an apron that made it look like she had been working in the kitchen.

When they came in, she looked up and smiled with real joy when she saw Helena.

"Helena! My goodness~! It’s good to see you made it back safely!" She quickly came around the bar and wiped her hands on her apron. "I’ve been listening for you since your letter said to expect you today or tomorrow."

Helena said, "Marceline, it’s good to see you," and they hugged for a moment like old friends.

"Let me introduce you all."

She gestured to Mara and Garrett, who had been silent all day but were now surveying the inn. "This is Mara and Garrett Kesson."

"I wrote about them in my letter because they used to own the Broken Wheel Inn, but it was damaged in a bandit raid. You got it, right?"

"Of course!" Marceline’s smile was warm and real, and she turned her attention to them right away. "Helena wrote that you were experienced innkeepers looking for temporary work while you got established in the capital."

"I can’t tell you how perfect the timing is. We’ve been so busy lately with all the traffic from the Apostle gathering preparations, and I’ve been in desperate need of reliable help."

"We’d be happy to help," Garrett said, and Mara nodded in agreement, looking relieved.

"Wonderful!" Marceline said as she put her hands together. "You’ll get a place to live and eat, as well as regular pay for your work."

"If you’re not too tired, I can show you everything tonight, or we can wait until morning and start over."

"Tonight works," Mara said, looking at Garrett to make sure. "We’d like to get started."

"Perfect." Marceline turned her attention to Rex. "And who is this young man?"

"Rex Rexilion," Helena said. "He’s been helping Mara and Garrett with work and odd jobs."

Rex looked at Marceline, and yet again he was pleased to see many women that he could take. ’She really reminds me of Mara, but she looks more motherly... what I fucking love the most, of course.’

"I was hoping you could find room for him, too, but I’d like to pay for his stay directly as payment for the work he did while we were traveling."

Rex began to complain because that seemed too much, but Helena stopped him with a look.

"You saved my son’s life." She said, "You helped keep my family safe through many dangers."

"The least I can do is make sure you have a safe place to stay while you get settled here. That’s all there is to it."

Marceline looked back and forth between them, clearly sensing that there was more to the story but not wanting to get involved. "I have a few rooms on the third floor that are quiet, private, and away from the noise of the main common room."

"They’re perfect for someone who needs a place to study or train."

Helena asked, "So how much for... umm... three months?"