A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1493 - 1008: Unlock!

Chapter 1493: Chapter 1008: Unlock!

For Duanmu Huai, the incident involving Liliath’s engagement was considered resolved—however, the truth was not that simple.

The very next day, Liliath showed up at Duanmu Huai’s doorstep with a large pile of luggage. According to her explanation, although the Jimongli Family had abandoned the engagement, they had essentially kicked her out as an apology to the Phoenix Family.

So, she sought out Duanmu Huai.

"After all, since Naruse and Banriya can live here, I suppose there’s no problem for me to do the same, right?"

With Liliath putting it that way, what could Duanmu Huai say?

While Naruse Mio seemed a little displeased, she couldn’t openly oppose it. After all, she herself was living here as a guest—she couldn’t very well claim it was okay for her but not for Liliath. And as for Duanmu Huai, he didn’t mind too much, since he was planning to use Liliath’s connections to keep an eye on the situation in the Devil World. So, he agreed.

The result? By the next day, Duanmu Huai was already regretting it.

"...Liliath, what’s the meaning of this?"

Staring at Liliath lying next to him, completely naked, Duanmu Huai was left speechless. When he had woken up, he indeed noticed the sweet scent of a young woman and the sensation of warm, soft skin against his. At first, Duanmu Huai thought it was Banriya sneaking in again, but quickly realized something was off.

After all, this was way bigger than Banriya!

Then Duanmu Huai opened his eyes—and there she was, Liliath, lying beside him, grinning mischievously.

"Sorry, I just can’t fall asleep unless I’m holding onto something, so I thought I’d use you as my body pillow while you were asleep."

As she spoke, Liliath leaned forward and kissed Duanmu Huai’s cheek.

"How does it feel, professor? Waking up to the sensation of a high school girl?"

"I’m still a man, you know. Aren’t you worried I might do something to you?"

"Of course not. I mean, didn’t I ask you before? Besides, you helped me escape the engagement to the Phoenix Family, so..."

As she spoke, Liliath leaned closer to Duanmu Huai’s ear, whispering in a teasing tone.

"You can do whatever you want to me, professor."

"Oh? That’s what you said."

Hearing her words, Duanmu Huai’s gaze sharpened. This little girl was getting daring—did she really think he wouldn’t act on her provocation? Haha, just wait until I bring out my inherited Edo 48 Techniques from Ling’Nu; let’s see how composed you’ll be then!

Just as Duanmu Huai made up his mind and was ready to take action, Naruse Mio’s voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"Pro-professor... Are you awake? It’s time for breakfast..."

"........."

Talk about timing.

Before Duanmu Huai could say anything, Liliath sat up and turned toward the door.

"Oh, Naruse, sorry. You’ll have to wait a bit—we both need some time to get dressed."

"What?!"

Hearing Liliath’s words, Naruse Mio let out a scream from outside. Moments later, the door to Duanmu Huai’s bedroom burst open. When she saw Liliath sitting on Duanmu Huai’s bed completely undressed, Naruse Mio’s face turned beet red.

"W-wait, wait, wait! Liliath, what’s going on here? Why are you in the professor’s room?!"

"Because I’m used to cuddling something when I sleep, so I came to borrow the professor. His muscular body is quite comfortable to hold, you know."

"If that’s the case, please just buy a pillow! You’re a high school girl for heaven’s sake—how can you just barge into a man’s bed like this?!"

"I don’t mind. After all, the professor helped me, so little things like this are nothing as a form of gratitude."

"No—that’s beside the point! There’s a limit to what’s acceptable!"

Duanmu Huai naturally stayed out of the argument between Naruse Mio and Liliath. He finished dressing and walked out of the bedroom, only to find Banriya peeking around the corner, grinning at the spectacle.

"I thought you’d stop Liliath."

"Why would I spoil the fun, Lord Duanmu?"

Banriya, looking smug as ever, flashed Duanmu Huai a proud smile.

"To be honest, I’m quite happy that Liliath moved in. After all, Lord Mio needs a rival—it’s only fair, isn’t it? I didn’t expect Liliath to be this bold, though. This might make Lord Mio reconsider doing those things or trying that stuff she was too shy about before! Hehehe..."

"Why am I not surprised that you, you lustful Nightmare, are up to no good..."

Watching Banriya practically drooling with excitement, Duanmu Huai was utterly speechless.

Is there anyone normal in this house besides me?

Of course, it’s not that Duanmu Huai disliked the situation. After all, whether it was Liliath, Naruse Mio, or Banriya, they were all beautiful girls staying under his roof. And every now and then, they did things that would make anyone blush—it was certainly enjoyable. But, unfortunately, at least for now, Duanmu Huai didn’t feel any strong desire to take things further.

The reason was simple: Naruse Mio had recently lost her parents, and Duanmu Huai had taken her in out of kindness. She was still uncertain about her future—whether to return to her family and inherit her position as Clan Leader, or to forsake her inheritance and live as an ordinary person. Until she made up her mind, Duanmu Huai wouldn’t cross that line.

What’s that saying?

"I’ll just tease but won’t go in."

As for Liliath... Duanmu Huai had a pretty good idea of her motives. Ever since he displayed his strength during the last ranking game, Liliath, unless she was a fool, knew she needed to latch onto his coattails. There might even be some behind-the-scenes direction from the Jimongli Family.

After all, for thousands of years, the Angels, Fallen Angels, and Demons had been tangled in unending conflicts. They barely maintained a balance of power, and now the unexpected emergence of the human faction’s Tribunal could be the tipping point.

So far, Angels and Demons seemed to pose minimal threats to humans. However, Fallen Angels were likely to become the Tribunal’s first demonstration target. In this context, it made sense for Demons to try to pull the Tribunal into an alliance on their side.

Duanmu Huai wasn’t opposed to such interactions, but he had his own considerations. If Liliath sought to seduce him, she needed to make her intentions explicit. Otherwise, while Duanmu Huai might tease her, he wouldn’t go any further. While he could accept the perks and reject the burdens—or even have the Jimongli Family send resources his way—he felt that might be too... well, hypocritical for his reputation as the Great Judge.

But if things continued this way, Duanmu Huai worried that his household might evolve into some chaotic "pleasure palace." Banriya and Liliath were unreliable, and Naruse Mio was too easily flustered by Banriya’s antics.

Fortunately, Duanmu Huai had a plan.

After the last ranking game, Duanmu Huai’s summoning list had finally unlocked!

Finally, he could summon his subordinates and convert them into God’s Favor!

In hindsight, it seemed that Liliath’s engagement was actually a main story quest... He’d need to pay more attention to the Devil World and ranking games in the future.

As for whom to summon? Duanmu Huai had already made up his mind.

Mary, of course!

Right now, his house lacked someone with common sense. He needed Mary, a true lady with poise and dignity, to restore some moral balance!

So, at the breakfast table, Duanmu Huai made the announcement.

"By the way, just a heads-up: In the next few days, one of my companions will be arriving."

"Huh?"

Upon hearing this, the three girls paused in surprise.

"Your companion, professor?"

"Naturally. I’ve told you I’m the Great Judge of the Tribunal. Did you think the Tribunal consisted of only me?"

Realistically, Duanmu Huai needed a few subordinates to avoid being seen as a lone commander.

"Your companion..."

Naruse Mio’s expression turned slightly complex.

"Is this companion just like you, professor?"

"Like me in what way?"

"Well, uh..."

"Don’t worry."

Seeing Naruse Mio’s nervousness, Duanmu Huai chuckled.

"They’re very easygoing and have a nice personality, plus I trust them completely. I think you’ll all get along well."

To Duanmu Huai, this was merely an announcement—nothing to dwell on.

But for Naruse Mio and Liliath, this was a big deal!

Naturally, during lunch, the group gathered in the Mystical Science Research Society and began discussing the topic.

"The professor’s companion—they must come from the Tribunal, right?"

Kiba Hiroto looked rather intrigued.

"Thinking about it, that makes sense. If the professor’s story is accurate, the Tribunal would be a substantial force... Maybe they’ve been hiding all this time, only revealing themselves now..."

"I wonder what kind of person the professor’s companion is. I hope they’re easy to get along with."

Liliath placed her teacup down, and Naruse Mio nodded, looking a little tense. While she didn’t like Liliath moving in, she was at least familiar with her after spending time together. Another Tribunal member, though...

"Uh... Banriya feels kind of scared."

Banriya voiced what Naruse Mio was feeling. After all, Duanmu Huai exuded an aura of danger—strict, intimidating, and most definitely scary. Everyone had only encountered Duanmu Huai as a representative of the Tribunal, and its draconian rules made it seem like the Tribunal was a band of cold, merciless, and raging beings.

Of course, only time would tell if those fears were justified.