CHAPTER 274: 274. TOYS

The vehicle hummed to life, its ethereal glow reflecting off the palace gates as it rolled forward. Asher leaned back with a scoff, arms folded.

"So... why don’t you drop the act and tell us why you personally insisted on taking me back to Eldoria?"

The Duke sat poised, unbothered, eyes fixed ahead as his driver steered them out of the palace estate.

"I simply wanted to ask about what you saw... monsters." He waved lazily out the window to the women blowing kisses his way.

Asher’s brows furrowed. "Monsters?"

"Yes. The ones you claim to have seen at Yolie’s estate."

"I thought no one believed me," Asher muttered as the phantom chariot picked up speed, racing down the main road toward the Zephandrian gates.

"I do believe you," the Duke replied softly. He glanced back briefly, catching Sharon’s fiery glare before ignoring her and focusing on Asher again. "But belief aside... I have a question you might find interesting."

"A question?" Asher tilted his head. "Go on."

The Duke faced forward once more.

"Tell me, Asher... when the moth circles the candle, is it seeking warmth... or its own end?"

Asher gave him a blank look. "What kind of question is that?"

The Duke’s voice was calm, almost haunting.

"I see more than the man sitting before me, Asher. Souls are fragile things—easily scorched when they wander where they shouldn’t. But... I suppose it can’t be helped."

Asher narrowed his eyes at the cryptic words, taking in a deep breath.

"Tell me, old man... are you one of the Revolutionaries too? The aura around you feels strange and familiar. Though you’re restraining it."

"The Revolutionaries?" The Duke chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Hardly. I wouldn’t call myself that. I’m far more than that."

"Yeah, you’re a jerk," Sharon cut in, arms crossed, lips in a pout.

The Duke smirked. "A man of many titles... and yes, I’ve been called that one a few times. Nothing new to me."

Sharon scoffed, rolling her eyes as she folded her arms tighter.

Asher studied him with a cold gaze. "You’re a strange man. One that shouldn’t be trusted. And you’re right—I don’t trust you at all."

The Duke laughed softly. "I know. But tell me... is that why you’ve been stealing my toys?"

"Toys?" Asher’s brow arched.

"Yes. Toys," the Duke said smoothly, his eyes gleaming. "The fiery woman... and the idiotic prince."

Asher stiffened. The fiery woman? Could he mean Liloth Alvado, the GM who the Duke had cursed with a slave curse?. And the "idiotic prince" that, with no doubt could only mean Max.

So this old man knows. It was clear now. He must have been one of the cloaked figures who were working with Max in that demonic domain.... maybe even the one they called Number One. He’s strong—dangerously strong. Picking a fight now would be suicide. Asher didn’t want to go through the pain of feeling his organs getting twisted again. At least not before he knows how to counter that invisible attack!

"Your toys, huh?" Asher let out a faint grin. "Who would’ve thought an old man like you still plays with toys? Not that it’s surprising. But you know... when toys wander where they shouldn’t—like moths to a flame—they don’t find warmth. They burn."

The Duke’s smile deepened. "Is that so?"

"Pretty much how the world works! And l hope that answers your earlier question!" Asher responded.

The Duke smiled."l can’t say I disagree. I’m just... curious to see what happens next."

"Oh, nothing too exciting," Asher replied coolly. "You see, I’ve lost one of my toys too. And until I get it back, I don’t see why I should return someone else’s. Seems fair to hold on to them a bit longer."

Their eyes locked. Both men wore the same knowing smirk—neither needed to say more. They understood each other perfectly.

The rest of the ride to Eldoria passed in tense silence. When they arrived at the bustling market district of Eldoria, Asher and Sharon climbed out without so much as a thank-you. They didn’t look back.

The Duke watched them walk away, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Just a little longer," he murmured to himself. "The stronger the bond... the greater the collapse."

The phantom chariot rolled off toward his estate.

Asher and Sharon, however, didnt go home, but instead, veered into a nearby alleyway. With a swift gesture, Asher opened a shimmering dimensional door in front of them and stepped through with Sharon at his side.

They emerged near the harem town—right in the forest in front of Prince Max, barely clothed, tied to a tree root, thrashing helplessly.

"Mom should be in my mansion. Go on ahead. I’ll meet you there," Asher told Sharon.

"Alright..." She started to walk off, but then turned with a sharp grin. "Actually—hold on."

She stretched out a hand and flung a fire spell at Max, scorching his skin. He writhed and screamed as the flames engulfed his naked body!

"That’s for kidnapping my mom and ruining our big day!" she snapped. "If it weren’t for you and your actions, brother dearest wouldn’t have been dragged into all this trouble." With a hiss, she spat at him and walked away, the scent of scorching meat filling the air.

"You little brat!" Max roared. "I’ll—"

"You’ll do nothing."

Max turned his head sharply. Asher stood there, cigarette in hand, the ember glow lighting his cold expression. It had been long since he smoked, but after going through today, he couldn’t help but drag a cigarette out of his inventory. He took a slow drag before exhaling smoke.

"How dare you!" Max barked. "You kept me—me, a prince—locked up here! Are you asking for trouble?"

"You’re a prince of no one," Asher replied flatly. "Bring back my demon hound, or you’ll rot here. I could keep you forever until you starve to death, and I wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep. This realm is mine—I can commit any crime and return here to live in comfort for eternity."

"Tsk... What hound are you even talking about?" Max spat, gritting his teeth. He had no intention of giving the beast back—not when it would soon make the perfect mount for him.

Asher shrugged. "Fine. You’ll talk when you’re ready."

He exhaled a final puff of smoke, dropped the cigarette, crushed it under his heel, and turned away. Max’s furious thrashing faded behind him as Asher strode toward the harem town.

Inside the gates, he passed the quaint houses until he reached the main estate. The aroma of freshly cooked food welcomed him.

Stepping inside, he found Sharon lounging on a couch, hair dripping, wrapped only in a towel.

"You already bathed?" Asher asked, one brow raised.

"Couldn’t stand the smell of that rag I picked up and wore to conceal my face in Zephandria," she muttered, clicking her tongue.

Across from her sat their mother, Onalenna, who greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hey, honey."

Asher’s expression softened. "Hey, Mom."

She opened her arms, and he stepped into her embrace.

"Sorry for all the trouble..." she whispered.

He hugged her tight, gently caressing her back.

"It was no trouble at all. They didn’t do anything to you, did they?"

She shook her head. "They didn’t... thanks to both of you."

"Ah, come on already!" Sharon whined from the couch. "Let’s eat, I’m starving!"

Asher laughed, taking a seat beside their mother as Sharon eagerly uncovered the dishes. The three of them ate, chatted, and laughed like a family long reunited.

When the meal ended, Sharon leaned back with a sly grin.

"Go freshen up too, brother dearest. It’s not too late to celebrate your birthday, you know?"

Asher blinked, then grinned. "You mean it?"

Sharon nodded. "After everything today, what better way to end the night than celebrating my dear brother’s birthday?"

Onalenna agreed with a bright smile. "She’s right, sweetheart. We promised you this celebration—we won’t let a few problems ruin it."

Her heart swelled with joy. She’d waited a long time for this moment: her son turning eighteen, and her gifting him the most precious gift a mother would give her lovely son.

"Alright then!" Asher said, jumping to his feet. "I’ll take a quick bath!"

As he left, Sharon and Onalenna exchanged excited giggles, already picturing the long-awaited celebration to come.

Asher stepped into the bathroom, finding the tub already filled with inviting warm water. Steam curled lazily in the air, wrapping around him as he stripped off his clothes and sank into the bath. The soothing heat melted the tension from his shoulders, drawing a low sigh from his lips.

His thoughts drifted to his mother and sister waiting for him. He could already picture what they were about to offer, the anticipation sending a thrill through his body especially when he thought of Onalenna. Tonight, he’d finally get a taste of her incestuous sweetness.

A sly smile tugged at his lips. He washed quickly, excitement simmering beneath his skin. By the time he stepped out and dried himself, he was already half-hard with desire. Pulling on a pair of shorts, he left the bathroom, only to find the sitting room empty—the women had retreated to his bedroom.

This is going to be fun, he muttered under his breath, retrieving a Cougar’s Heat Potion from his inventory. He smirked as he swirled the vial in his hand.

I’ll need this running through my veins... it’s going to be a long night.

TBC