Volume 8, Chapter 22 – A Proposal Upon First Meeting?!

“What about me?”

Although she wanted to ask that, the expression on the undead queen’s face made it a little hard for Fia to say it. It felt like kicking someone when they were down.

She placed one hand on her hip, her tone resigned.

“This was your own misunderstanding. Besides, you’re the queen ruling the Kingdom of Death. Can’t you just say one word and make everyone change direction? The way that maid backed down the moment she met your gaze earlier says enough. More importantly, I need to confirm something. Are you the Lucitine I met before, south of the Netherworld? The one with only first-rank strength?”

“Well… thanks to your help, I was the ghost from the fourth district, third hour,” Lucitine said, looking unusually embarrassed as she spoke. “As for why I was there at the time… it was because… because I found the world of the undead too dull, and I wanted to see the outside world…”

Lucitine didn’t finish her sentence, but she was already too ashamed to explain her actions. As the queen ruling the Kingdom of Death, she had abandoned her responsibilities just to see the outside world, leaving her magical power stored at home. But after she got out, she realized her strength was too meager, that she would be canceled out by the immense life force of the outside world. She then realized she would never, in this lifetime, be able to leave the unchanging Netherworld. So she decided to end herself, not even preserving her memories, letting the next queen replace her.

Such a cowardly and foolish act was too shameful to speak aloud.

But even if Lucitine didn’t finish, Fia could somewhat understand her thoughts. The difficulty one faced after becoming the strongest wasn’t from others, but from oneself. The loneliness of being misunderstood by no one was enough to turn even the most spirited person gloomy.

For Fia, just knowing that Lucitine was the ghost from that day was enough. It made the initial distance between them fade considerably.

She sighed helplessly.

“So what was your purpose in summoning me here? It couldn’t have just been to make me queen, right?”

“O-Originally, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you. Before, I could only know from books and other undead’s accounts what the sensations of appetite and sleep felt like. The outside world is vast and mysterious. In comparison, the world of the undead is always the same. Even though my consciousness has only inhabited this body for less than three years, it still made me feel weary. You helped me experience what sensation is, letting me perceive how colorful this world is. If it weren’t for you, I would surely have jumped into the Abyss, missing the chance to come into contact with a world that sparkles like a gem.”

Lucitine paused, using her height advantage to cautiously observe Fia’s expression.

“Also… you’re an elf, right? You’re the first living person I’ve ever encountered. I’m not quite sure what ‘like’ means, but I feel that through our encounter, I have come to like you. Since then, your image constantly lingers in my mind. Even in my dreams, I see the moment you bestowed the name Lucitine upon me… So, so inviting you here was also to seek your opinion. I mean, I already had feelings for you from the beginning. Now that we’re in this situation with the queen consort… may I ask… would you become my queen?”

By the end of her speech, Lucitine’s face was completely flushed. Yet she still kept her moist, pink eyes wide open, trying hard to gaze upon Fia’s delicate features, unwilling to miss even the slightest change in expression.

“…”

All that was missing from this proposal was a wedding ring.

Fia’s previously resigned expression instantly froze.

Come to think of it, since arriving in this other world, apart from her own confessions to Claire and Anastasia, it seemed she was constantly on the receiving end of confessions. She found herself momentarily speechless. Those old fossils in Blossom weren’t wrong after all—even the Queen of Death had been won over by her inexplicable charm.

Just to be safe, she’d double-check.

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Fia cautiously raised her eyes and happened to catch sight of Lucitine’s face, usually so queenly, now filled with shyness. Her blush seemed entirely genuine.

This one’s serious.

Fia deeply recognized this point.

From a standpoint of pure benefit, agreeing to Lucitine here would only bring advantages. Lucitine lacked understanding of the outside world, and there was no binding rule that once you agreed to become queen, you had to stay in the Netherworld forever. She seemed rather easy to deceive, so with the right timing, Fia could even turn the tables and bring Lucitine to the world of the living.

The benefits of doing so were obvious. Elves and undead would never have conflict again, and Silvar would gain a powerful, freely disposable asset. For Fia personally, Lucitine’s appearance was on the same level as Claire’s. By showing Lucitine just a little kindness, Lucitine would become utterly dependent on her, doing whatever Fia said. Fia could enjoy the blessings of multiple partners.

From both a national and personal perspective, there were only advantages.

However, this choice was too selfish and too pragmatic. Someone like the Eldest Princess, who had almost no emotions, might have chosen this path. But Fia was not the Eldest Princess, nor was she that AI. The existence named Dofilia was not a machine wrapped in an elf’s skin. She wouldn’t ignore the process just to achieve the goal. Therefore, she wouldn’t make the same choice as the Eldest Princess.

That is, she would not exploit Lucitine’s naivety.

Once she took that step, she wouldn’t be herself anymore. Call it stubbornness, call it foolishness, but a person without principles is no better than a beast. At the end of the day, the foundation for cooperation between them didn’t have to be built on her becoming queen. She was already strong enough; other methods were equally viable.

A determined light dwelt in Fia’s ruby-like eyes. She spoke slowly and deliberately.

“I refuse.”

“Eh?”

Not expecting to be rejected, shock flickered in Lucitine’s pink eyes. Fia waved her hand, her expression filled with resignation.

“I won’t take advantage of someone in a vulnerable position. Although I feel like I’ve said similar things many times, I’ll emphasize it again: you think highly of me because I’m the only one you’ve met. I admit I’m indeed excellent, but the people in this world are as numerous as hairs on a head. Only after you’ve met others and found them lacking can I attempt to get along with you without shame. And even then, it’s just trying to get along, not a promise.”

“What I mean is, right now I feel like I’m deceiving a little girl. Don’t you think it’s too hasty to decide on a lifelong partner like this?”

It was like someone who had entered society dating, or even developing a physical relationship with, a minor student still in school. Their experiences and exposure were on completely different levels. The former was purely exploiting the latter’s naivety to satisfy their own desires. A simple example: a single silver coin meant nothing to an adult, but in the eyes of a student without financial independence, it was a small fortune.

Children often lacked many realistic considerations. The same thing, looked at again when they grew up, would mostly be viewed differently. Fia hoped the other party could make a decision while being rational.

“Besides, who confesses after only meeting twice? You don’t even know anything about my identity. We should at least get to know each other better first. I already have fiancées. There’s no way I could become someone else’s queen.”

Fia crossed her arms and cautiously observed Lucitine. She had expected Lucitine to be sad and cry, but unexpectedly, Lucitine just furrowed her brow, looking thoughtful, as if genuinely inspired by her words.

“Indeed, what you say makes a lot of sense. It would indeed be too hasty to decide before meeting any other living people.”

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From this perspective, Lucitine did possess the rationality of an adult. It was just her lack of understanding about the world of the living that made her seem not so clever.

“However, based on what I’ve learned from other undead, I don’t think there’s anyone in this world more perfect than you. The living people I’ve heard about are all pleasure-seekers, unable to resist the temptations of money and power. So when I said what I said just now, it never occurred to me that you would refuse me. I thought you would at least suggest starting with trying to get along, and allow yourself to return to your homeland whenever you wanted. But you refused me. That only further proves your uniqueness.”

“I refused precisely because I can’t take advantage of someone vulnerable.”

“But the result is that you chose principle over status. Just as I thought, you are the irreplaceable candidate for queen. I doubt there’s anyone else in this world who could resist temptation like you.”

What kind of logic is this girl using?

Fia couldn’t help but complain internally.

Then, with a smack , Lucitine placed both hands on Fia’s shoulders. Her voluptuous, full chest, adorned by the evening gown, was almost pressing against Fia’s nose. The warm fragrance rising from her snowy bosom made Fia’s breath catch.

“I’ve decided. You are the one and only queen of the kingdom of the dead. Whether you accept it or not, I will decree it thus. I have chosen you.”

“Impossible. I won’t agree to this demand.”

“Guh… c-could it be that I’m that undesirable? What kind of women are your fiancées? Are they better than me?”

“Of course. They are each unique women.”

“Them?”

Catching the key word, Lucitine’s expression sharpened. Then, as if she’d discovered a new continent, stars exploded in her eyes.

“So you have multiple fiancées! That simplifies things. I could invite your fiancées to live in the Netherworld too, and then we could all live together. Ahh, I really want to see what your fiancées look like…”

“Hey, do you take me for a fool? Don’t you dare target them, or I’m going back.”

“No, no, no, you misunderstand me. I just want to encounter different living people. How could I ever betray you? You are the one and only queen of this land. My heart will always belong to you alone. Ah…”

Seeming moved by the wariness and reluctance on Fia’s face, Lucitine was silent for a moment. After a brief moment of thought, she changed the subject without warning.

“It seems this request was too abrupt for you. I should first do as the books say and earn your favor. Then… may I ask you to agree to one small request? Actually, actually, the reason I’m so persistent has a reason. If you’re not my queen, my position will become very awkward…”

Lucitine told Fia about her predicament.

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In short, the Queen of Death had always been a dignified and commanding existence, forceful and not one to negotiate. In the eyes of outsiders, especially the undead, once the Death Queen issued a decree, it was never rescinded. And all the undead worshipped her, often misinterpreting her commands. Because of this, she bore a tremendous burden. Now, if Fia refused to become queen, those undead would definitely turn on Fia, and ultimately, the one caught in the middle would be Lucitine herself.

Ultimately, Lucitine had already said to her attendants, “Dofilia is my queen consort.” She was now in the awkward and difficult situation of having spilled water that couldn’t be taken back.

Due to her embarrassment, Lucitine’s body squirmed slightly, and her voice became a mumble.

“So I beg you, please help me… I won’t use this title to do anything improper. Just cooperate with me a little…”

This time it was Fia’s turn to frown. She took a small step back to avoid actually bumping her cheek into Lucitine’s chest, then replied helplessly.

“This won’t work either. I am the Eldest Princess of Silvar. Whether or not I become the Elf Queen in the future, I hold the status of crown princess. Becoming your queen would bring shame to Silvar. Outsiders would misunderstand and think Silvar was forced into a political marriage under pressure. It’s not that I can’t understand your predicament. I’ve had subordinates like that before. But after I honestly explained my situation, I resolved that trouble. You could try the same.”

“How could I possibly say something like that…”

Fia knew Lucitine would hesitate. She couldn’t help but find it amusing. As long as she didn’t have to become queen, anything was negotiable.

“We can be flexible. Right now, your subordinates think I’m your queen, but they don’t know what you’ll do next, right? You can tell your subordinates that I’m not yet qualified to be queen and need to be assessed. I won’t contradict you openly. And I’ll declare to people in my country that this is your unilateral assumption, that there’s no political marriage, and that I can freely move back and forth between the Netherworld and Silvar. That would alleviate a lot of pressure. What do you think?”

“There’s actually such a method. But b-but won’t this affect your reputation? You’re clearly the only one qualified!”

“It’s only the undead who think that way. As long as others don’t feel that way, it’s fine. Hey, you’re too close. If someone sees us—mmph.”

Before Fia could finish her words, Lucitine happily hugged her tightly. This plunged Fia into a state that was both blissful and not, making even breathing extremely difficult.

“You’re willing to help me even at the cost of your own reputation! You’re too kind! There’s no other woman in this world as kind-hearted as you. I knew I was right! Th-then, can I call you ‘Her Majesty the Queen Consort’ from now on?! Also, when I summon my subordinates in the future, should I have you sit sideways on my lap? That would feel more like having a queen. Oh, right, your body is petite. If possible, could you please hold my neck at that time? Preferably, you could look down at the undead below the throne with a contemptuous gaze, and I’ll play along too!”

What is going on in this one’s head?

Don’t get too cocky.

Fia wanted to reply like that, but because her face was buried between Lucitine’s ample breasts, opening her mouth would lead to an extremely delicate situation. She chose to push Lucitine away.

—For some reason, she felt like there was a pair of eyes watching her from somewhere, making her feel uneasy, as if thorns were pricking her back.

“Ahem.”

Fia coughed to hide her now burning cheeks. Although she had left Lucitine’s chest, the scent of Lucitine’s skin still lingered on her nose. It was a rich fragrance with a light sweetness, somewhat similar to rose, but more restrained and delicate.

Completely a girl’s scent.

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She really wished her photographic memory wouldn’t activate right now.

“Stop dreaming. We should probably get down to business.”

Fia brought the topic back on track. To hide her flushed face, she tried to put on a serious expression as much as possible.

“I came to the Netherworld to discuss dealing with Chaos. Even though Chaos is currently still below the World Tree Continent, the World Tree Continent is no longer safe. The newly appeared Abyss is not covered by the World Tree’s barrier. This means Chaos can climb up the Abyss onto the World Tree Continent at any time. To avoid being caught off guard when that day actually arrives, we need to unite and make some preparations—Lucitine will contribute to dealing with Chaos, right?”

Lucitine’s behavior earlier didn’t match the wise and decisive Queen of Death that Anastasia had described. Plus, considering there was a rule for replacing the Death Queen, Fia needed to confirm Lucitine’s resolve.

There was no denying that many rulers in the world would choose to sit tight even when a crisis arrived.

Hopefully, Lucitine wasn’t one of them.

“Deal with Chaos?”

In an instant, the cheerful atmosphere that had surrounded Lucitine vanished. As if she had transformed into a different person, the woman in the high-slit black dress revealed a cold ruthlessness in her eyes—only for a moment, before returning to normal.

“We undead have always been fighting Chaos. No, it’s not just ‘fighting’ anymore. To date, the succession of Death Queens has gone on for over a hundred generations. Nearly half of those successions were due to the previous queen being severely wounded by Chaos and having no choice but to step down. Our battle has lasted over ten thousand years.”

“Huh?”

Fia blinked. She had been to the Abyss many times and never seen any undead. Besides, the existence of the World Tree’s barrier separated the surface from the underground. How did the undead get to the Primordial Continent?

As if sensing Fia’s confusion, Lucitine took a deep breath. She turned her palm toward the great hall’s doors. With a slow creak, the massive doors opened, and light illuminated the red-carpeted path.

“If you have no other business, you can accompany me through the Wall of Sighs. You will understand everything there. Chaos’s power is far from as weak as you imagine. For now, we undead are sufficient to handle it alone. Please do not put yourself in danger. The hatred between us and Chaos runs deeper than that of any race on the continent.”

Having said this, Lucitine’s serious demeanor became timid again. She reached out her hand toward Fia.

“May I hold your hand as we go out together?”

“No.”

If Yulisha and Claire weren’t around, she might pretend nothing had happened and play along with Lucitine. But doing it in front of everyone was too embarrassing. No matter how she explained it, she’d never be able to clarify things.

Although the expectation in Lucitine’s expression immediately crumbled, Fia decided to pretend she hadn’t noticed and walked out of the dim great hall side by side with Lucitine.