Chapter 1059: Orion's Principles



"My principles aren't for sale, and I won't bend them just to appease your sense of moral superiority," Evaline said, her face draining of colour as a profound fear gripped her.

"I... I..." She wanted to speak again, but Orion interrupted. "Be bold with your words."

Evaline immediately felt the fear within her dissipate as an overwhelming sense of calmness washed over her, followed by a surge of confidence.

"Can you please undo this command?" Evaline asked, grinding her teeth. Though the words reflected her true feelings, she would have preferred to keep them to herself rather than reveal them so openly.

"I'll do so when I feel it's the right time," Orion replied.

Hearing his response, Evaline felt a wave of weakness wash over her. She glanced at her bare body and then closed her eyes. Tilting to her left, she fell onto the bed and turned onto her back, her forelimbs raised in the air, arms spread out, exposing her most intimate areas. She turned her head toward Orion and said, "I've opened my arms for you, Rion. Take me as you wish. Since I'm doing this of my own will, it shouldn't conflict with your principles." Orion's frown deepened beneath his mask. "Why are you so fixated on this?" he asked. "I don't recall doing anything during our conversation that would make you so focused on this matter."

"It's because I don't trust you," Evaline admitted, nibbling on her lip. "I believe you might use your Divine Art on me while you're supposedly waiting for whatever connection within me to spark. So, while I'm still myself, the best solution is to take advantage of it immediately. As a Centaur, there are certain ceremonies we must go through before we copulate. But since that's impossible right now, I'd at least like to be aware so I can do it myself."

Orion nodded, understanding. From Evaline's demeanour at the beginning of their conversation, he suspected he was crossing a cultural threshold, and her words confirmed it.

"Let's first handle the ceremony if that's the case. I'm curious about what it involves," Orion replied.

Evaline swiftly stood up and turned to sit on the bed, forelimbs folded under her. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her astonished eyes fixed on Orion.

As she did, Orion considered that he could always look through her memories if he wanted to uncover what she'd been up to. Still, he had already compelled her to be truthful when answering his questions, so she was free to live as she pleased as long as she didn't break his commands.

"I'm done," Evaline said as she approached him. She was now dressed in her lightweight armour and sky-blue robe and adorned with her previous jewellery, exuding a subtle aura of authority.

"I'll send someone to deliver a personal mask to you next time," Orion said, leading the way to the door.

"What are the uses of the mask?" Evaline asked, curiosity lacing her tone as she followed behind him and closed the door behind them.

Orion glanced back at her. "You'll know when it arrives," he replied, smiling before turning his attention forward.

Evaline nodded, her expression thoughtful. She had already suspected that the masks worn by Paradise's warriors and Key Leaders weren't simple, so his words didn't surprise her. Though she doubted the mask's capabilities could surpass all she had witnessed, she mentally prepared herself for whatever it might reveal.

Soon, they arrived at an open space outside the building filled with numerous paths leading to other locations within the Royal Cave.

"What is your relationship with Kerensa?" Orion asked, turning to look at her. Her close resemblance to Kerensa made it clear they were closely related, and he was curious about

their connection.

"Kerensa is the daughter of my twin sister," Evaline replied, her tone tinged with melancholy. "She's always harboured a deep animosity toward the nobles, blaming them for the conspiracy that led to her mother's death. At first, I wanted to keep her under my protection, but she preferred to open a bar in the most impoverished section of the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City rather than accept any help from me."

"The only thing she ever asks of me is information on the happenings within the Runaway City, under the pretence of wanting to stay informed and protect herself from any arising problems. I agreed, under certain restrictions, and it seems that decision has finally paid off," Evaline added, smiling wryly.