Chapter 118: A Girl’s Playacting

“Ding dong, Humiliation Value +12,233.”

“Ding dong, Annoyance Value +12,233.”

“Daily Task: Kiss the Horned Demon 1/1, 5,000 Humiliation Value, Completed.”

“Wail…”

A strange sensation swept through her body, filling Su Nian with shame so overwhelming she nearly fainted.

Outside the door, the maids—just as the Horned Demon Bastard had planned—mistakenly believed they were a couple.

Though they had withdrawn, they still pressed their ears against the door, eavesdropping on their master’s private affairs.

Su Nian knew that from this moment on, her and the Horned Demon Bastard’s “lover relationship” would likely spread throughout all of Shadowmoon Manor.

Although this was nothing but a charade, not of her own will.

But in this world where strength was everything, the weak had no right to dignity.

She had to endure, had to accumulate enough Humiliation Value, gain power, and then change her fate.

Only then could she… take back everything that belonged to her!

Su Nian slowly closed her eyes, hiding the anger and resentment burning within.

When she opened them again, those sky-blue eyes had regained their calmness, deep and still like a tranquil lake.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions while quietly consoling herself that it was just… like being bitten by a dog.

***

Breakfast time.

Inside the dining hall.

The soft glow of crystal chandeliers reflected off the exquisite tableware, making them sparkle brilliantly.

The air was filled with an enticing blend of floral and food aromas, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

The maids bustled quietly, their faces alight with joy and envy as they carefully served one delicious dish after another.

“Mr. Mo Yuan, Miss Su Nian, please enjoy your meal.”

Emma’s voice was gentle and respectful, tinged with barely concealed delight.

She exchanged glances with the other maids, sharing an unspoken understanding.

Their hearts brimmed with blessings and envy, as if witnessing the prince and princess from a fairy tale finally united.

Today was different for Su Nian—she was seated next to the Horned Demon Bastard instead of at the far end of the long table.

She was like a needle on a pin, uncomfortable and uneasy, her head bowed low.

She dared not meet the maids’ eyes, afraid to see mockery or disdain hidden within their gazes.

She could feel the heat burning her cheeks, as if aflame.

‘Damn that Horned Demon Bastard.’

If it came to it, once all three of her Contract Beasts were summoned, she didn’t believe she couldn’t handle a four-on-one fight!

But for now, she had to endure, and pretend as if nothing was wrong.

She couldn’t let anyone see a crack in her act.

Because the Horned Demon Bastard had warned her: if she didn’t play the role of lover well, he would show the master-slave relationship instead.

If that happened, she would lose all dignity, lose everything, and become a laughingstock not only in Academy City but throughout the entire Continent.

By comparison, the lover relationship, though humiliating and embarrassing, at least allowed her to save face.

“Here, darling, try this.”

Chu Tian’s voice was low and magnetic, filled with an indescribable gentleness and indulgence.

He reached out, lightly taking Su Nian’s hand and bringing a delicate pastry to her lips.

Su Nian’s body trembled violently, like she had been shocked.

She wanted to pull away, but her body refused to obey, and she could only watch the man’s hand grow larger before her eyes.

“Mm—”

Su Nian was forced to open her mouth and bite down on the pastry.

The sweet and rich flavor spread across her tongue.

“Is it good?”

Chu Tian asked softly, his eyes full of anticipation.

Su Nian raised her head and looked at his handsome, sharply sculpted face, her heart a tangle of emotions.

She fought back her resistance, forcing a smile, and nodded.

“It’s good.”

Her voice was as light as a mosquito’s wing, barely above a whisper, trembling ever so slightly.

Chu Tian seemed pleased with her response; he reached out and gently stroked her hair.

His touch was soft and delicate, like he was caressing a precious treasure.

“As long as you like it.”

At this moment, Chu Tian felt an indescribable pleasure.

Though locking the girl up or putting a collar on her to control her could bring a similar sense of conquest and dominance, this was entirely different.

If only the girl before him was willing…

“Ding dong, absorbed disgusted emotion, Annoyance Value +14.”

“Ding dong, absorbed disdainful emotion, Annoyance Value +12.”

Unlike Su Nian’s unbearable torment, the maids nearby were like spectators admiring a masterpiece, their gazes lingering between the two.

“Wow…” Emma was the first to break the silence, holding her hands to her heart, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Her voice was low, but her enthusiasm could not be hidden.

“Mr. Mo Yuan is so gentle with Miss Su Nian…”

Her words caused ripples among the maids.

One after another nodded in agreement, exchanging knowing looks, their faces glowing with joy and envy.

“Yes, yes!” another maid responded quietly, her eyes flicking between Su Nian and Chu Tian.

“Miss Su Nian is so beautiful, like a goddess stepping out of a painting.”

“Look at the way Mr. Mo Yuan looks at Miss Su Nian—it’s so doting…” another maid joined in, her voice tinged with girlish shyness and longing.

“Like she’s a priceless treasure…”

“Hehe, don’t you think those two have probably been…” a young maid giggled, covering her mouth.

Her eyes shone with gossip.

Though she didn’t finish her sentence, the maids all understood perfectly, breaking into knowing smiles.

Their voices were low…

But in the quiet dining hall, Su Nian, with her Master-level Hearing, heard every word crystal clear.

‘Ugh…What are these idiots saying now!’

She desperately wanted to shout that things were not as they imagined!

There was no lover relationship between her and that Horned Demon Bastard!

It was—

Su Nian’s thoughts abruptly stopped.

She dared not think any further, fearing she might lose control and do something reckless.

At this moment, Su Nian could only silently endure all of this, burying every ounce of humiliation and rage deep in her heart.

After breakfast, Su Nian fled Shadowmoon Manor like a refugee, under the maids’ strange gazes, heading toward Magic Feather Fantasy.

Inside the carriage, Su Nian sat on the soft seat, eyes closed to rest.

Her mind replayed the morning’s events over and over, thinking about her next move.

At least, compared to the things the Horned Demon Bastard had forced her to do in private, this wasn’t so bad.

If she didn’t cooperate with the “lover relationship” act, she feared even worse things awaited her in the coming days.

Perhaps endurance was the right choice.

***

Meanwhile, inside Shadowmoon Manor, Chu Tian ended his demon transformation and strode toward Magic Feather Fantasy in his role as Captain Chu Tian of the Guard.