In the end, the fight between Shien Buztout and Leisha, although seemingly intense, was inconclusive.
This was unbelievable. With Shien’s current strength, crushing a magician below level eighty should be easy.
However, this magician was incredibly elusive, using Spatial Magic for teleportation and combining various other magic for support, making it impossible for Shien to catch her.
Of course, if Shien used lethal force, the outcome would be different.
But could he?
No!
Using excessive force was unreasonable. Not using enough force meant he couldn’t catch her.
In the end, Shien simply stood still, letting Leisha bombard him with magic, turning the battlefield into chaos.
This made Leisha frustrated. Although she was good at escaping, her magic couldn’t even scratch Shien, protected by [Inner Manifestation of Heaven’s Decree]. He didn’t even need to teleport, just standing still and letting her attack.
This drove Leisha mad, almost to the point of tears.
After half an hour, having exhausted her magic power, Leisha collapsed on the ground, panting and crying, questioning her life choices.
“Why did I provoke this bastard?”
Leisha was filled with regret. Why did she go to Larmigion? Why was she interested in the Holy Sword’s magic power? Why did she bring this upon herself?
Her regret was like an endless ocean.
Shien, looking like he had just woken up, stared at Leisha blankly.
“Are you done?” he asked casually.
“…”
Leisha didn’t want to talk to him.
After recovering some magic power, Leisha stood up shakily and glared at Shien, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
“Tell me,” she said, “What are you going to do?”
She seemed to be demanding justice or an explanation for Lasha.
Shien felt awkward. He wanted to tell Leisha that he was just teasing and that nothing happened between him and Lasha.
However, he hesitated.
Nothing happened?
Was he sure?
What if something did happen without his knowledge? Wouldn’t denying it make him a scumbag?
Shien decided not to clarify. After all, he wasn’t at a disadvantage.
“Just give Lasha to me,” he said, revealing his true intentions.
“No!” Leisha refused without hesitation.
Shien wasn’t surprised. It would be strange if she agreed so readily.
“Then what do you suggest?” Shien said, “I’ve done what I should, and what I shouldn’t… uh… maybe… perhaps… might have… done. What do you suggest we do?”
Shien wanted to make things difficult for Leisha and force her to compromise. If she really gave Lasha to him, he would be overjoyed.
While other protagonists sought powerful warriors, Shien only wanted this “ordinary” maid. She was incredibly capable, even without combat abilities, and having such an eye-catching maid at home would ensure peace and order.
More importantly, Lasha was perfect for him, always making things easy, and her other qualities more than made up for her lack of combat ability.
If there was anything unsatisfactory about her, it was her effect on his heart. But that was a good effect, and Shien welcomed it.
Therefore, he truly intended to “abduct” this little maid. After all, “daughters” would eventually marry, and this young lady should be able to let go, right?
But Leisha showed unprecedented distress, hesitation, and even struggle. Finally, she sighed deeply.
“I don’t know what to do anymore,” she said, her tone filled with an unspoken difficulty.
Seeing this, Shien’s playful expression disappeared.
After a moment of silence, he said,
“Is it because Lasha has a big secret?”
“…You know?” Leisha asked after a long silence.
Shien shook his head.
“I don’t know the details,” he said, “I only know that Lasha isn’t as simple as she seems. She has a significant background, right?”
This was undeniable. Many influential figures had reacted strangely, even losing their composure, upon meeting Lasha.
Airi, Lid, Millu, Lucy, even Sophie, the Elven Queen. Their attitudes towards Lasha were strange. Even Sara and the Three Goddesses showed some interest in her. How could this not arouse Shien’s suspicion?
He simply didn’t pursue it, not because he didn’t care. He wasn’t blind or stupid. After witnessing so many strange reactions, he could guess there was a reason.
Shien had some guesses about Lasha’s origins.
“Milady,” Shien looked directly at Leisha, “Is Lasha’s secret related to the Demon King?”
This was the most reasonable guess. Otherwise, why would Airi and the others react so strangely? Why would Lucy and the others have such serious expressions whenever Lasha was mentioned?