Evening.
The small seaside villa was bathed in the warm golden hues of the setting sun, the waves gently lapping against the shore, creating a low, rhythmic sound.
A breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea brushed past.
Su Muwan stood on the villa's balcony, facing the shimmering sea, where the sunlight danced on the water's surface like scattered gold.
She closed her eyes slightly and stretched out her arms, taking a deep breath.
The sea breeze~ the sunset~ the aroma of Qin Luo's barbecue~
"This is what life is all about!"
Su Muwan couldn't help but exclaim.
"Miss, stop daydreaming and come eat dinner."
"I've grilled some meat."
Qin Luo's voice came from the side.
"I feel bad for imposing on you all. I haven't eaten in two days."
So...
Su Muwan turned her head to look at Jiutian Dudao, who was holding a bowl and chopsticks inside, and complained, "Why are you still here?!"
She was shocked. How could someone still force their way in after being clearly rejected?
Upon hearing this, Jiutian Dudao swallowed a piece of grilled meat, her eyes red and teary as she choked out, "The Black Dragon Organization has been disbanded, and I don't want to go back to that awful home!"
"So why did you come here?!"
Su Muwan ran over to Jiutian Dudao, grabbed her arm, and tried to pull her off the chair. "Get out of here already!"
This is supposed to be my and Qin Luo's honeymoon time, okay?!
Jiutian Dudao, however, clung tightly to the table.
She shouted, "No... no! Miss Su, please take over Cherry Blossom City!"
"Hey! What does me kicking you out have to do with me taking over Cherry Blossom City?!"
"Please, I beg you!"
"Is this how you beg someone?!"
"I... I got it!"
Jiutian Dudao raised her head, took a deep breath, and her expression turned resolute.
"What... what are you going to do...?"
Su Muwan was taken aback by her sudden intensity.
"I know this. I've seen this kind of scene in my father's video tapes."
Jiutian Dudao reached out and grabbed the button on her collar, tilting her head to expose her fair neck.
Her face flushed, and her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to undo the button. "Miss Su, please... do as you wish with me..."
*Slap!!*
"Ugh—!"
Before she could finish.
Su Muwan had already rushed over and angrily slapped her.
"Wuwuwu..."
Jiutian Dudao fell to the ground, covering her face, and looked up at Su Muwan in disbelief. "Miss Su, you want to play this kind of... but... I haven't learned how..."
"Learn your sister! What the hell is wrong with your brain?!"
"I... I get it... you want to watch me and Qin Luo..."
"Bullshit!"
"If anyone's playing that kind of game, it's me and Qin Luo! What does it have to do with you?!"
Qin Luo, who was grilling meat nearby: "......"
What kind of outrageous things are they talking about?
A moment later.
At the dining table.
"So you're saying (chew chew) as long as I (chew chew) take over Cherry Blossom City."
"Things like anime crossovers, or getting the next season of the shows I want to watch, will all be up to me?!"
Su Muwan held up a skewer of grilled meat, her expression one of shock.
Jiutian Dudao nodded fiercely. "Exactly! Because in Cherry Blossom City, any decision requires the signature of the highest authority!"
Wow! Wow!
*Sizzle—!*
Qin Luo, grilling meat nearby, watched with interest as Su Muwan's expression turned to one of excitement.
This just happened to hit Su Muwan right in her sweet spot.
"Then! Then I can even make a crossover episode where I appear in *Detective Conan*?!"
Su Muwan pointed at herself, her eyes sparkling.
"Uh... theoretically, yes..."
Jiutian Dudao was stunned. She had prepared so many benefits, but Su Muwan was already this excited after just the first one?
"Or what about throwing Doraemon's magic pocket into *One Piece* or *Naruto* and seeing what happens?!"
"Uh... theoretically, yes, but wouldn't that upset the fans...?"
"Who cares about them!"
"I've decided!"
Su Muwan took a bite of the grilled meat, turned to Qin Luo, and her eyes sparkled as she declared, "Qin Luo!"
"I've made up my mind!"
She stood up, holding the skewer of grilled meat, her gaze shining. "I will! Take over Cherry Blossom City!"
Jiutian Dudao's face lit up with joy. Though she wasn't sure which part had convinced Su Muwan, it didn't matter.
This is great!
I can rebuild the Black Dragon Organization...
"You think I'd say that?!"
Su Muwan's expression instantly changed as she glared fiercely at Jiutian Dudao. "Do I look like I have nothing better to do than meddle in your mess?"
"Do you think I'm stupid? I just came here for a vacation! After a few days of fun, I'll head back to Jiang City with Qin Luo!"
Jiutian Dudao was dumbfounded. "How can this be?!"
"What do you mean 'how can this be'? One more word and I'll send you flying!"
"Wuwu..."
Qin Luo chuckled softly, took a wet wipe, and walked over to Su Muwan.
"Mm!"
He gently wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth and said with a smile, "Miss, don't get so worked up. Sit down and eat properly."
"Look at your little mouth..."
Su Muwan's face turned red. With the wipe covering her mouth, she mumbled in protest, "Qin... Qin Luo! You're treating me like a child!"
"Anyone unmarried is a child."
Qin Luo tossed the wipe aside and looked at the flustered Su Muwan with a smile.
Hmm, the young miss is so adorable.
Meanwhile.
Ma... marriage?
Jiutian Dudao was stunned, then looked at Su Muwan and Qin Luo in shock.
Huh?
Weren't they just employer and bodyguard?
Why do they seem closer than before?
What happened in Jiang City while I was away?
As if realizing someone else was still present.
Qin Luo turned to Jiutian Dudao and said, "Since we've rejected you, could you kindly roll out of here?"
He still wanted to spend some quality time with the young miss.
Jiutian Dudao snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. She reached out and grabbed another skewer of grilled meat. "I... I have nowhere to go..."
As soon as she finished speaking.
"Is that so?"
Qin Luo smiled kindly, then flicked his finger.
Before Jiutian Dudao could react, she felt an itch in her nose. She looked down.
In an instant, her face turned pale.
A centipede was crawling out of her nostril.
"Ah—!!!"
"Yamete!!"
"I'm leaving!!"
Jiutian Dudao ran out in terror.
Wuwuwu! This guy is still as horrible as ever!
*Click—!*
The door closed.
Su Muwan sighed. Why are there so many weirdos everywhere?
After the person left, she helplessly held her head. "Ugh! I really want to see those crossover anime!"
"But taking over Cherry Blossom City is just too ridiculous!"
"I don't have time for that!"
As soon as she finished speaking.
[Activation conditions met! The third stage of the "Path to Kingship" series quest has begun!]
[Please, Master, conquer 108 cities in the Eastern Kingdom!]
[1/108]
[Quest reward: Emperor's Seal (special item)]