Chapter 182: The Princess's Pursuit and Cremation Scene – Exclusive Black Stockings Appreciation Club (3)
Meanwhile, back in the villa…
After sending Sistine off, Shia turned around and immediately found himself under the intense gazes of two women.
The sharp-eyed duo backed Shia onto the sofa, standing before him as if preparing to interrogate him.
"You're making a move on Senior Sistine now?!"
Nia's usually dazed expression was now tinged with indignation. Her big, innocent eyes locked onto Shia, reflecting his face.
Shia was at a loss for words. Against Nia, with her innate ability to detect lies, anything he said would likely sound like a flimsy excuse.
"Exactly! This is too much! Aren't we enough for you already?"
Rong clenched her small fists, her accusing gaze filled with the frustration of a betrayed wife.
"Yeah, aren't we enough for you?" Nia echoed without hesitation.
Before Shia could respond, a magnetic and alluring voice interjected.
"What a wonderful soap opera… though the performance could use some work."
All three turned toward the source of the voice.
Diana was lounging leisurely on a chair, her long legs clad in black stockings crossed elegantly. Her high heels only amplified her commanding presence, adding a touch of authority to her already seductive aura.
Her curvaceous figure seemed to meld into the chair, and her beautiful face wore a look of detached amusement.
Resting her head on one hand, she lazily commented, "With a scatterbrained airhead and a socially awkward introvert, it's no wonder this interrogation lacks punch."
Her tone carried a tinge of disappointment, as if the spectacle had failed to meet her expectations.
Shia couldn't help but feel three metaphorical lines of sweat slide down his forehead.
'When did this damned woman show up?!'
'This is supposed to be my house, isn't it?'
Although Diana had made herself at home here many times, did she really have to add fuel to the fire right now?
The audacious woman!
Rong glanced at Diana's voluptuous figure and seemed a little deflated.
Meanwhile, Nia's gaze toward Shia grew increasingly suspicious.
At the same time, Drunken Dreams was continuing to stir up a frenzy across the continent.
With the impending launch, merchants had begun generating buzz on their own initiative.
In just two short days, the name Drunken Dreams had spread far and wide, reaching an unprecedented level of fame.
While the news was easy to uncover, it hadn't yet reached the secluded academic grounds of Seven Shields Academy, where Violet remained engrossed in her studies.
When Aph learned about the commotion, she immediately set out to inform Violet.
Naturally, any intelligence gathered by the knightly Aph wasn't limited to mere hype about Drunken Dreams.
The report she delivered was thorough, covering discussion trends, market penetration, and even a detailed analysis of the target demographic.
After flipping through the thick stack of papers, Violet fell silent.
For the first time, she fully realized the explosive potential of distillation technology.
Its significance wasn't just limited to its commercial value; it held immense importance for the Silvermoon Kingdom as a whole.
Currently, the Silvermoon Kingdom was fragmented and struggling with governance.
At its core, the nation's problems stemmed from poverty.
Violet's mind wandered to her aunt, who constantly worried about the kingdom's finances.
When a nation's coffers are empty, all other efforts amount to nothing more than a drop in the bucket.
With Drunken Dreams garnering such fame, its eventual profits could undoubtedly alleviate the kingdom's immediate crises.
However, Violet soon recalled the dismissive remarks she'd made when asked to assist Shia in the past.
'Regret? Oh, absolutely.'
'Why did I have to be so stubborn back then?'
Now, if she approached Shia for help, wouldn't it be incredibly embarrassing?
Worse, would he even agree to help?
Despite her doubts, she knew she had to try.
So during class, Violet took the initiative to approach Shia.
She placed her bag down and sat beside him.
While organizing her books and stationery, she carefully pondered her words.
Although she had resolved to seek his help, now that the moment had come, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
Shia raised an eyebrow as Violet took the seat next to him.
"Shia, I have something I'd like to ask of you," she began.
Once the first sentence was out, the rest became easier to say.
Violet pursed her lips, suppressing her embarrassment.
For the sake of her kingdom, she was willing to endure the humiliation.
"Regarding your distillation process, on behalf of the Silvermoon royal family, I'd like to propose a collaboration."
Her voice grew quieter as she spoke, her eyes darting nervously around to ensure no one else could hear.
'How mortifying.' If it weren't for her kingdom's dire need, she wouldn't have come here at all.
Shia stroked his chin, feigning deep thought while sneaking glances at Violet's reddened cheeks.
"Oh? And what was it you said to me before?" he teased, his tone dripping with mock seriousness.
Violet's blush deepened, and her fidgeting betrayed her growing unease.
As expected, asking for help felt like throwing herself into a pit of humiliation.
Violet knew there was no way she would escape without being teased today.
Closing her eyes, she decided to drop her pride completely.
"I'm begging you, please help me."
Though her face flushed crimson and her heart swelled with embarrassment, her gaze was filled with earnest pleading.
The once-proud princess of the Silvermoon Kingdom, now resorting to begging—such a sight was rare indeed.
After some time spent interacting with Shia, she had already let go of much of her former arrogance. But to see her lowering herself to this extent was still a rarity.
If it had been anyone else, they would have been so flattered they would have agreed immediately.
But Shia?
When else would he get a chance to take advantage of the proud princess's desperation?
"Oh? But I don't really lack collaborators right now," Shia said, stroking his chin with a contemplative expression.
"Besides, with the Silvermoon Kingdom's current finances, what kind of reward could you offer that would tempt me?"
He paused and added, "Can your kingdom even compete with the major merchants and wineries?"
His leisurely tone and deliberate provocation made Violet's lips tremble with humiliation.
"Of course, we're good friends, classmates even. Naturally, I would be inclined to help," he said with a faint smirk. "But since you're asking me for help, shouldn't you show some sincerity?"
"How persuasive you are depends on how many sweet words you can offer me, Violet."
Leaning back in his chair, Shia raised an eyebrow, his gaze playful.
Violet's face turned an even deeper shade of red, resembling a delicate flower blooming atop an icy peak, an enchanting sight in its own right.
She tentatively tugged at the hem of Shia's sleeve, glancing around nervously. Her voice was barely audible.
"Shia… I'm begging you, please help me this once."
She softened her tone, her voice turning tender and pleading.
'Oh no, this is the ultimate social death!'
Her eyes glistened with the beginnings of tears, shame welling up inside her.