From Pawn to King: Ruling a Harem of Chaos
Chapter 189: The Empty Office, A Scolding Lady, and What Would You Do? (2)

Chapter 189: The Empty Office, A Scolding Lady, and What Would You Do? (2)

The Next Day

The academy’s plaza bustled as the first-year students gathered in preparation for their mission.

Ella stood at the forefront, dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress. Her mature allure and graceful demeanor captivated the crowd, every movement exuding effortless charm.

She even overheard murmurs among the female students.

"Doesn’t Professor Ella look extra gorgeous today?"

"Yeah, she seems even more stunning than usual."

"What kind of beauty secrets is she using? Her skin looks flawless!"

The comments reached Ella’s ears, and her cheeks turned a soft pink.

To hide her embarrassment, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

The gesture was simple, yet it only served to amplify her appeal.

In the midst of this, her gaze drifted seemingly unintentionally across the crowd, landing squarely on a certain someone.

It’s all his fault—his awful behavior last night, rambling about "rejuvenating beauty treatments."

But now that she thought about it... was there some truth to it?

---

Shia, on the other hand, paid no mind to the murmurs. He was quietly observing the people around him when he spotted an unexpected figure among the team leaders—the Sword Saintess, Sistine!

This revelation caught him off guard.

Yesterday, Ella had only mentioned that an upperclassman would be leading them. He hadn’t expected it to be her.

Sistine stood beside Ella, her long white dress resembling a wedding gown. Her golden hair fell in graceful waves, and her eyes were blindfolded as she clutched her sword.

Despite her serene composure, Shia’s casual greeting sent a ripple through her.

"Senior Sistine, I didn’t expect you to be our leader. Please take care of us."

Hearing the familiar male voice, Sistine stiffened.

Her scalp tingled, and a wave of unease surged through her heart.

Her posture grew even more rigid, her demeanor colder than ever. She barely managed a curt nod and an icy "Hm."

But her blindfolded gaze flickered with a complicated light, recalling Shia’s previous suggestions.

Even with just a few words exchanged, the other students were already dumbfounded.

The Sword Saintess, renowned as an unattainable "ice queen" and the bane of all men, actually responded to a boy?

Their perception of Shia began to shift, awe replacing any initial envy.

First, he was the top-ranked freshman, capable of swaying even the aloof Silver Moon Princess.

And now, it seemed his charm extended even further.

Their gazes sparkled with admiration.

---

In the crowd, Rong scoffed at the starry-eyed girls swooning over Shia.

"Seriously, you’re all fangirling because he exchanged two sentences with her? Pathetic."

Her disdainful remark earned her a light flick to the forehead.

"Focus on the task at hand. Stop worrying about them," Nia scolded gently.

Rong grumbled, rubbing her head, but obediently quieted down.

Standing in front of her, Nia patiently gave her instructions, her tone full of concern.

Though she desperately wanted to join the mission herself, the academy’s rules forbade it.

Monthly trials were meant as evaluations for students, and even with the special allowances for first-years, only one senior was permitted to accompany them.

Unfortunately for Nia, Sistine had secured that spot.

Her only option now was to repeatedly remind Rong to look after their "master."

Rong nodded resolutely, a serious expression on her face.

She knew the weight of her responsibility this time.

---

Just as Ella finished briefing the students and the group was preparing to depart, a striking figure entered the plaza.

Lilith’s vibrant red A-line dress hugged her figure, her long, shapely legs accentuated by sheer black stockings.

Her golden curls cascaded over her shoulders, and her delicate makeup gave her an angelic glow. She exuded a radiant warmth that drew every eye.

Her gentle, serene smile remained as she approached Shia, her gaze filled with a mix of reliance and reluctance to part.

"Shia."

Her voice, soft and sweet, carried a hint of longing as she walked up to him.

Stopping before him, she tenderly adjusted his collar.

"Stay safe, okay? This time, I can’t be by your side... but I’ll be thinking of you."

"I’ll wait here for your triumphant return."

Her demeanor was perfectly in line with Shia’s earlier coaching: demure, affectionate, and devoted.

Lilith’s performance was flawless, her act so convincing that whispers of admiration spread through the crowd.

Shia’s lips curled into a small smile, his voice low as he praised her.

"Well done. This is exactly the effect we needed."

Lilith’s heart swelled with pride at his compliment. If she had a tail, it would surely be wagging furiously, lifting her into the sky.

She tightened her hold on his hand, pouring even more tenderness into her expression.

After their dramatic farewell, Lilith stood by the gate, watching Shia as he left.

Even as he disappeared into the distance, her figure remained rooted in place, like a devoted wife waiting for her husband’s return.

Some students couldn’t help but be moved.

"Shia really is incredible, isn’t he?"

Deep in her performance, Lilith maintained her tearful gaze until the group was out of sight. Then her lips broke into a triumphant smile.

Standing beside her, her white-haired maid, Tia, seemed hesitant, as though debating whether to speak.

Seeing her mistress’s smug expression, she finally gave in and offered a cautious reminder.

"Miss... is it possible that he’s manipulating you?"

"Impossible!"

Lilith lifted her chin slightly, brimming with confidence.

“He loves me deeply. How could he possibly do something like that?”

She gave Tia a pointed look as she spoke.

Shia, her most loyal dog? Pua her?

What nonsense.

Absolutely impossible!

Tia felt a mix of frustration and helplessness.

How could the young lady not see such an obvious truth?

Even with her straightforward hints, Lilith remained so self-assured.

Completely hopeless!

Tia’s thoughts wandered to Shia’s gentle smile.

He radiated refined elegance, yet instinctively made her shiver.

She knew all too well just how terrifying that man could be.

Tia’s gaze landed on Lilith.

Lilith, at that moment, still wore a slightly smug smile, imagining a beautiful future.

Tia couldn’t help but shake her head and sigh inwardly.

A young lady like this—falling would only be a matter of time.

A thought began to take root in her mind.

If that’s the case, why don’t I act first?

After all…

Tia slightly lowered her head, her expression turning peculiar.

The darker side of her thoughts expanded further, swallowing the Tia who had once loyally served her master.

Since she’s destined to fall, wouldn’t it be better if I stepped in earlier?

At least then, I can preserve the purest part of the young lady.

But these subtle changes in her demeanor escaped Lilith’s notice.

To her ever-loyal maid, Lilith remained blind, unaware that her loyalty had started to take a darker twist.

Meanwhile, on Shia’s ring, the panel showed the Dreamer progress had already reached 70%!