Monster Girl Development Master

Page 9

The simple sentences were stretched out into extremely long, fragmented phrases, and the nun's fair face beneath her black veil had turned crimson, as if dripping with blood. Zhuang Sen could understand this feeling, because at that moment, both of his heads felt almost the same way.

Especially the small head that has already been choked.

"I remember it said in the book..."

Dantalian muttered very softly, but because they were so close, Zhuang Sen still heard her. However, he didn't have time to care about that; his attention had already shifted to his younger brother. Although the movements of that hand were very clumsy, far inferior to the skills Zhuang Sen had honed, the strange pleasure was completely different.

After all, this was the first time Zhuang Sen had been caught red-handed, and the feeling was completely different.

It was softer, cooler, and the movements were more careful. It awkwardly enveloped the front part, slowly moving up and down. Most importantly, there was no sense of urgency to finish on its own.

…………

After some time, Zhuang Sen arrived.

Chapter Twenty: The Dwarf Girl

Zhuang Sen's carriage stopped at a manor. Unlike the luxurious, residential manor of Zhuang Sen's family, this was a typical production-oriented manor. Inside and outside the pointed wooden walls was farmland, with several buildings scattered around. Everywhere one could see serfs bending over to work and overseers carrying whips. A dozen or so guards patrolled the area with spears, and carriages could often be seen coming and going, some empty and some fully loaded.

In short, it is thriving.

Zhuang Sen got off the carriage first, then extended his hand to Dantalian. The pure nun squeezed her clean little hand, feeling that it was still a little sticky, but she still took Zhuang Sen's hand.

After getting off the carriage, Dantalian looked around. Several carriages bearing the same black raven emblem made her thoughtful, and the gazes from all around confirmed her suspicions.

This is Jem Leon's estate. Is Johnson here to show off? No, he said he came to find the master blacksmith, but he actually wanted to take advantage of Jem Leon's death and seize his inheritance.

This...this isn't quite right, is it?

Besides, it's not feasible at all. No matter what, it's not like the murderer would inherit it.

Dantalian, who still had a high moral standard, thought this, but she didn't show it at all despite the various complicated gazes around her. Instead, she stood next to Zhuang Sen with a smile as always, inadvertently revealing the priest's scepter at her waist.

Regardless of the circumstances, she would definitely stand by Zhuang Sen's side!

The gazes around them shifted, their anger and fear intensifying!

Zhuang Sen naturally noticed this covert confrontation and gave a mocking smile to those who were trying to kill with their eyes: "Dantrian, look at them, don't they look like a pack of dogs without a master?"

Dantalian felt that what Johnson said was a bit inappropriate and advised, "Johnson, dogs are very loyal."

Zhuang Sen almost burst out laughing. He hadn't expected Dantalian to answer like that, and he couldn't help but chuckle: "Yes, yes, I shouldn't have insulted dogs."

Dantalian smiled and nodded, then looked at the others.

It wasn't that she was being harsh, but that was simply the reality. The other black crow carriages here already proved that they clearly belonged to different Leons, indicating that several Leons had come to compete for them. However, before they disembarked, these people had at least been overjoyed, if not weeping bitterly, and clearly showed no signs of resistance.

Of course, there's really nothing to criticize about this; you can't expect a group of serfs and servants to be truly loyal to their master and follow him to the death.

But Dantalian couldn't tolerate their politeness towards everyone else while being so cold and indifferent to Zhuang Sen, feigning loyalty. The Church of Vengeance despised such hypocrites; even if they directly attacked Zhuang Sen, Dantalian might have held them in higher regard.

Of course, those who deserve to be killed should still be killed.

The cold killing intent of the bloodline cultivator instantly dispelled the cold stares around them. Those hiding behind the crowd could no longer remain concealed. Several men and women, some with black hair and others with black eyes, clearly nobles, stepped forward and began to mock: "Zhuang Sen, how dare you, a fratricide, come to your brother's house? You are a cold-blooded and ruthless villain. No wonder you are close to the Church of Revenge, a church that likes to attack people from the shadows and befriends inferior mortals."

Zhuang Sen's gaze was originally on the blue-haired Angela Leon, but after hearing these words, he shifted his gaze to a man who bore a striking resemblance to Jem Leon.

Tim Leon, Jem Leon's younger brother by both parents, is currently eleventh in the line of succession. He's the brother who's always been favored by their mother and envied by Jem Leon. He's also awakened his bloodline, but only his mother's second-tier bloodline, the Firetail Hound. Despite his relatively high position in the line of succession, he'll likely never ascend to the throne unless all the third-tier bloodlines die out.

Zhuang Sen was too lazy to pay attention to this loser and turned to An Jie again: "An Jie, what business opportunity did you see this time? Share it with your brother."

Tim Leon's face turned pale as he glared at Zhuang Sen, but seeing Dantalian standing behind Zhuang Sen, he held back. There was no way he could win. He was only a level two bloodline user; with the same number of awakenings, he couldn't possibly contend with a higher-level bloodline. As for relying on numbers… well, who knows who actually had more people?

Ange ignored poor Tim and Zhuang Sen's flirting, replying with a smile, "There's no business opportunity left. I'm just here to collect the remaining payment that Brother Jim promised~"

Zhuang Sen nodded, then looked at the other silent Leon, but as soon as his gaze swept over them, they either looked up at the sky or at the ground; none of them seemed to want to talk to him.

At sixteen, I experienced emotional abuse and bullying from my family.

But Zhuang Sen couldn't do anything about this passive-aggressive behavior. After all, it was broad daylight, and he couldn't really take action. He could only proceed according to plan. He casually pointed to someone who looked like a manager and asked, "I remember there's a girl named Nia in your manor, the blacksmith's daughter who can forge magic iron equipment. Where is she now?"

Before Zhuang Sen could even finish speaking, and before the trembling steward could reply, the gazes of the others in Leon changed.

This time, Ange took the initiative to speak, her face all smiles, but her tone became somewhat impolite: "Zhuang Sen, the Harper family are legitimate knightly vassals, not something you can take away just by saying a few words."

Zhuang Sen wasn't surprised at all, because the most valuable part of this manor was the blacksmith knight family named Harper. They inherited a first-level bloodline called the "Iron-Eating Rat," whose combat strength was rather average, but they were extremely skilled in forging and were among the few blacksmiths in the entire Leon Territory who could forge magic iron equipment.

So-called magic iron equipment refers to equipment forged using magical materials. It not only surpasses ordinary equipment in hardness and sharpness, but also often possesses special abilities. A complete set of magic iron armor and weapons can sometimes be worth several years' income from a baron's territory.

It was because of this "vassal" that Jem Leon was able to raise over two hundred armored soldiers on his own; otherwise, even selling his hook wouldn't have been enough. Of course, the Harper family could only forge the most basic white-grade magic iron equipment; otherwise, Jem Leon wouldn't have been able to raise over two hundred men.

Therefore, Zhuang Sen was not surprised by the other Leon members' wariness. He simply shrugged and said with a mocking smile, "So what? You think you can offer a higher price than me?"

Apart from Ange, Leon's face darkened, and he cursed inwardly, "Damn mama's boy!"

The Farau family is very wealthy. Although Lia Farau can no longer freely access her family's assets, she can still easily crush these younger generations, even with her own private assets.

So what's mine is mine too? That's why I'll crush these poor bastards!

Zhuang Sen raised his head confidently and waved his hand at the manager: "Go and find him quickly, or else..."

The steward jumped up and ran to the manor's blacksmith shop. He dared not offend Zhuang Sen. In fact, he dared not offend any of Leon's men, but if he weighed the options, Zhuang Sen, who even dared to kill his former master, was the one he dared not offend the most.

Offending others might only result in being dismissed or whipped, but offending Zhuang Sen could mean being sent to the deepest hell.

Watching the manager slip away, Zhuang Sen looked at Anjie, who had a calm expression: "It seems that Anjie is very confident in her bargaining chips?"

Anjie snorted, her previous friendly demeanor gone. After all, they had already fallen out, and she genuinely looked down on Zhuang Sen. Indeed, even though Zhuang Sen had demonstrated his combat prowess and intelligence, she still felt he was inadequate.

In her view, Zhuang Sen must have bribed the Revenge Church with money, and where did this guy who couldn't do business get the money? It was all from his mother! Bah! Mama's boy! And to make matters worse, he didn't follow the rules and committed murder. For Anjie, who was determined to develop the economy, she admitted that Zhuang Sen was very strong, but she just couldn't stand him!

Dantalian looked at Ange's cold face, her eyes narrowing slightly, but she was quickly disturbed by a light scratch from her palm.

Soon, Harper and his family arrived, a total of three people: the robust but aging Knight Harper, his wife, and a petite but voluptuous girl.

In Zhuang Sen's eyes, the little girl had a chibi-style red-hatted dwarf on her head.

Chapter Twenty-One: Awakening (4620 words)

Nia Harper

[Bloodline: Dwarf]

[Development Progress: Not yet awakened]

[Development Rewards - Beginner: Random Demi-human Bloodline *1, Dwarf Race Encyclopedia Unlocked]

This was the real reason why Johnson came here. As for how he knew, it was because he had seen little Nia go out before. Unfortunately, she was the daughter of Jem Lyon's retainer, so Johnson did not immediately kidnap her.

Now that Jem is dead, he naturally wants to come and poach his men. It's just that Jem's funeral was a few days ago, so it wasn't a good time to make a move. The Harper family, as retainers, couldn't possibly switch sides at that time, so he came today.

The same applies to people like Anjie.

With the main figures arriving, the Leons naturally looked over as well. Old Harper, being a nobleman, didn't shrink back like the others. He politely bowed to each person and introduced himself: "Rome Harper, at your service. What are your orders, sirs?"

Tim Leon was the first to speak: "Uncle Rom, I want to sign a vassal contract with you. Don't worry, the treatment you agreed on with Brother Jem will not change, and I will even give you double the commission! And I guarantee to provide Nia with three bottles of Iron-Eating Rat Awakening Potion every year!"

The commission wasn't the point, nor even the awakening potion; the point was the address of "Uncle" and "Brother Jem"—purely an emotional appeal. And it was quite effective, because Jem Leon treated Rom Harper very well, and their relationship was actually quite good.

Rom Harper also clearly favored this approach. Although he was a noble knight, his primary profession was blacksmithing, and he preferred a stable and familiar job. However, feeling the gazes coming from all directions, he swallowed the agreement he was about to utter and gave a helpless smile.

Tim Leon looked grim, but he was powerless to do anything. There were four or five men present who could easily beat him up, and there was also a madman who might even dare to kill him. He dared not put on airs of nobility here; that would only bring him shame.

This is why Rom Harper conceded so easily. Tim is not Jem after all; he's only a second-tier bloodline, and the chances of him inheriting the Leon territory are too low. If he can't inherit the earldom, then a second-tier bloodline is at most a viscount, and whether he can afford the promised reward is questionable. In comparison, a third-tier bloodline is obviously the better choice, preferably the Shadow Raven bloodline.

As for pledging allegiance to no one and returning to the identity of a free knight?

Rom Harper is just honest, not stupid.

Seeing Tim's humiliation, everyone's smiles became more genuine, and they all offered their own terms, demanding salaries several times higher than before. Some even promised fiefdoms and titles, their confidence seemingly unfounded. Perhaps they simply knew they had no chance and were deliberately causing trouble?

Faced with these conflicting promises, Rom Harper was even more perplexed. He heard no promises of security or preferential treatment, only exploitation and hard labor—how far would he have to work to deserve such high pay? A fiefdom? He wasn't of the bloodline for fighting or farming; what would he need such a large territory for blacksmithing? Could he even defend it?

The honest man was completely dumbfounded.

At this moment, Ange stepped forward, her clear, melodious voice like a nightingale's, yet like a heavy drumbeat, directly drowning out the rest of Leon's buzzing: "Sir Harper, how about hearing my offer?"

Regardless of what Leon and the others were thinking, they all shut their mouths upon hearing Ange's voice. This was because Ange had awakened the Shadow Raven bloodline, because Ange was one of the wealthiest people in their generation, and even more so because she had just made a big splash in front of Kross a few days ago—yes, the time she led Kross around, causing Zhuang Sen's plan to fail.

Rom Harper, of course, could not refuse: "Of course, Lady Ange."

There are too many Leon characters to list, so I can only call them by their names.

Ange raised her head, her smooth chin resting on the sunlight, and said confidently, "Sir Harper, I won't beat around the bush. I know you've always wanted to forge better magic iron equipment. I guarantee to provide you with at least one ton of level three magic materials every month, at least half of which will be ore. In terms of salary, in addition to maintaining your current treatment, you can receive 10% of the income from every piece of magic iron equipment sold. In return, you need to provide me with at least ten battle axes, five longswords, and two sets of magic iron armor, including gauntlets, boots, helmets, and breastplates, every month. Furthermore, if you successfully forge even better magic iron equipment, we can discuss the treatment further."

Rom Harper was smitten.

Anjie's offer included not only opportunities for advancement and a generous salary, but also sales commissions and clear, moderately demanding work requirements—it was practically his dream job.

He tried hard to restrain himself, lest he directly agree and embarrass the other Lords of Leon. After three seconds, he spoke: "Marie, Nia, have you come to see... Nia?"

All eyes turned to Harper Knight's daughter, the adorable, rosy-cheeked Nia Harper. Then they saw Johnson, who was half-squatting in front of the little one, performing a magic trick of light and shadow using his bloodline abilities.

"How's it going? Does it look good?"

"Wow~ Brother Zhuang Sen is so amazing!"

Zhuang Sen's smug voice instantly raised the blood pressure of a group of people, while Nia's innocent answer further heightened their vigilance.

Rom Harper approached anxiously, but could only manage a forced smile and say, "Lord Johnson, my daughter was ignorant, please forgive her."

Zhuang Sen extinguished the light orb in his hand and was about to reassure his future second-in-command blacksmith when An Jie's voice rang in his ears, furious: "Hey! Zhuang Sen, you don't even spare little girls like this? Or do you lack the courage to compete fairly and only resort to underhanded schemes!"

Zhuang Sen reluctantly got up, and before leaving, he pinched Nia's rosy cheeks, causing Nia, who had been looking puzzled, to puff out her cheeks.

Ange was even angrier, but Zhuang Sen spoke first this time: "First of all, Miss Nia is the same age as you, Ange. Although the difference in your figures is as great as the difference in your height with Dantalian, you can't judge a book by its cover."

Ange's words caught in her throat.

Zhuang Sen continued, "Besides, you guys are having such a lively discussion, it's not appropriate for me to interrupt, after all, we should be polite."

Ange, who had just interrupted everyone, blushed, of course, out of anger.

"Since you're so polite, Zhuang Sen, then please don't touch a lady so casually, especially one of my retainers."

Even though she was furious, Ange still mixed her own agenda into her words, trying to achieve the established fact directly.

Zhuang Sen slowly reached into his robes and said, "No, no, Sir Harper hasn't sworn an oath to you yet, and I haven't stated my conditions either."

Ange was so angry she almost laughed. What kind of conditions could Zhuang Sen offer? Copying mine? But you're not of the Shadow Raven bloodline. Even if you raise the price, the Harper family will still prefer the Leon lineage to the Faraus hybrid eagle from the Holy Light Territory!

Most people now believe that Johnson has awakened the sacred eagle bloodline of the Falau family.

"So, what's your offer?"

Anjie was ready to watch the show. She didn't believe that Zhuang Sen, this mama's boy who relied entirely on despicable schemes, could offer a more tempting deal than him!

Zhuang Sen's hand, which had been inside his robes, reappeared, now holding a glass bottle filled with a yellowish-brown, viscous liquid that trembled as Zhuang Sen gently shook it, looking more like some kind of sweet jelly.

Ange suddenly had a bad feeling; this kind of medicine seemed to be...

Zhuang Sen flashed a bright smile: "My offer is that I can help Miss Nia awaken her bloodline..."

Anjie's heart skipped a beat, then she gave him a look as if he were an idiot: "Were you not listening to us at all? Polite Zhuang Sen? It's just an awakening potion, and you only gave me one?"

Throughout, Zhuang Sen maintained a caring gaze until Ange finished speaking before adding, "I wasn't talking about the Iron-Eating Rat, you impolite little sister Ange. Miss Nia possesses a level three bloodline—I think Knight Harper should know why?"

Rom Harper looked up blankly. He had no idea. His family had been at the first level of Iron-Eating Rat for five generations. His wife was an ordinary person without any extraordinary bloodline. Could she actually be a noblewoman with a third-level bloodline? That didn't make sense either. Couldn't a great noble with a third-level bloodline afford to raise a daughter?

Or is Nia not his daughter?

But whether his daughter, who has a third-level bloodline, is his or not seems unimportant.

Zhuang Sen shook his head, speechless at the illiterate people present. Just as he was about to explain, An Jie's voice rang out again: "No, it's also possible that your ancestors had this bloodline, but no one has awakened it, so it hasn't been passed down."

Intermarriage among noble bloodlines is perfectly normal. Some less ethical families even train their women to seduce men and produce offspring, thus stealing their bloodline, and many noblewomen are quite willing to do so. Although the Harper Knights are of first-class bloodline, five generations is not a short period, so such a situation is indeed possible.

However, it's usually okay if it's just a little bit off, but the difference between level one and level three is too big, and even if you awaken, you might not be able to keep it.

Rom Harper's expression changed again, not because he lacked composure, but because this matter was far too important.

Zhuang Sen withdrew his surprised gaze from Ange and added, "Don't worry, Miss Nia's bloodline is not from our kingdom, at least not in the records I have."

A completely new bloodline?!

Those present suffered another devastating blow, and their gazes toward Zhuang Sen became incredibly complex.

It's important to understand that every extraordinary bloodline possesses its own unique characteristics. Even the Iron-Devouring Rat, with only a level one bloodline, has its own special strengths in forging and metalworking. Therefore, every new extraordinary bloodline represents the potential for innovation, and even signifies an improvement in a nation's overall strength, potentially filling a weakness—especially a level three bloodline! This is a high-level bloodline that guarantees at least a viscountship and strives for an earlship!

Anjie's arrogance almost vanished, leaving only her last bit of stubbornness: "Heh, who knows if what you're saying is true or false? Awakening can't be tested immediately, and bloodline level can't be confirmed either."

Zhuang Sen understood An Jie's taunts; after all, she had almost died at his hands, so it wasn't surprising that she was exhibiting symptoms of stress-induced breathing.

"How about we make a bet? Let's bet whether this potion can awaken Miss Nia's level three bloodline." Zhuang Sen looked at Hagi and Ange, shaking the dwarf awakening potion in his hand. "If you win, I'll give you all my shares in the Falao Merchant Guild. If you lose, well, you'll give me half of your guild's shares. How about that?"