Chapter 9
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Exclusive Demonkin Maid
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The Emperor's declaration of slave emancipation had thrown the entire Imperial Palace into an uproar.
She'd really turned the place upside down.
With the palace in chaos, it was only a matter of time before all of Ion followed suit.
Soon enough, the whole world would be buzzing.
"Your Highness, suggesting the emancipation of demonkin slaves to Her Majesty was far too reckless."
As I walked down the corridor, a man openly voiced his dissatisfaction.
He was the same guy I'd seen in the throne room a few days ago.
Grumbling about the emancipation of demonkin slaves.
I could understand worrying about the chaos from such systemic change, but it still pissed me off.
'Starting this shit first thing in the morning when I'm still shaking off sleep?'
I wanted to respond nicely, but my face soured anyway.
I just couldn't see it in a good light.
"We can't cover a parent's sins by pinning them on their kids."
"That's true, but demonkin are off-limits. They're dangerous."
So basically, demonkin are dangerous, end of story?
What flimsy logic.
They say even the most talented get trapped by emotions and prejudice, no better than fools.
This guy was the perfect example.
"Then nobles whose relatives or ancestors screwed up must be dangerous too, right?"
The moment I brought up nobles, the man clamped his mouth shut.
Dead silence, like a mouse staring down a cat. Felt pretty good.
"I think the late Emperor and Her Majesty now knew that injustice and judged accordingly. Just like today."
Anyone who should've felt that rage is already dead.
Those raging now just learned it secondhand—they didn't live it.
And the demonkin who deserved that rage? Executed back then. No way any survived this long.
Winner takes all, loser gets screwed.
Standard in this game world, but there's a limit.
"I'll be going now."
I brushed past the now-mute man.
He looked out of words, and I was too tired and annoyed to wait.
So I headed straight to my room.
Yanked off my clothes haphazardly and dove onto the bed.
'What the hell kind of morning debate club is this?'
I stared at the ceiling, slowly catching my breath.
On the surface, it looked like logic won, but really, it was authority.
Without the Crown Prince title, would he have listened?
If our statuses were reversed?
He'd have crushed me with his own authority or shut me up outright.
Still, a win's a win.
Way better and fresher than losing.
—If you're gonna be a dumbass no matter what, at least be the winning dumbass.
As I savored the victory, an old quote popped into my head.
That's how good it felt.
"Lord Niu, may I come in?"
As I lay there nursing my drowsiness, the Wet Nurse knocked.
She'd popped in often while tending to Antiope, so no surprise.
"Yeah, come in."
I sat up yawning just as she entered.
With an unexpected guest in tow.
"Ah! Sorry!"
The guest with her spun around quick and shut the door.
Looking closer, it was Antiope.
Luckily I hadn't stripped down to my underwear, so less embarrassing. Still awkward.
We were too young to flaunt our bodies like that.
"Lord Niu, you should probably get dressed first. Showing this child your bare form is a bit too stimulating."
The Wet Nurse approached with a smile, gathering my scattered clothes from the bed.
Meaning: stand up so I can dress you quick.
"Guess you're right."
I sighed and got out of bed.
I could dress myself, but she'd get genuinely sad if I did.
No exaggeration.
"Antiope, you can turn around now."
She stood there frozen like a doll, waiting a moment.
The Wet Nurse dressed me in what I'd taken off, then turned to Antiope.
"Yes, Wet Nurse."
Antiope turned cautiously, bowing her head.
Just like the Wet Nurse as a kid.
Petite build in servant girl's clothes.
Skin and hair tones matching the Wet Nurse's.
Uncannily similar.
"It's like seeing the Wet Nurse as a little girl."
"You think so too, Lord Niu? I was shocked when I dressed her today."
We both recalled old memories and smiled in unison.
Like we could read each other's minds.
The annoyance faded, leaving a warm vibe.
"So why the servant girl outfit? No other clothes?"
"I figured it's time to give her some work."
"What? Already?"
My eyes went wide without thinking.
Kids working wasn't rare in the Sex Survivor world.
Not modern times.
But I was shocked because it'd only been days since she arrived at the palace, and she was already ready.
"She's picked up and remembered way better than I expected. Basics of etiquette and manners are all down."
The Wet Nurse patted her chest proudly.
Looked almost like she was flaunting her ample bosom seductively.
I stared mesmerized for a sec, then blinked.
Get it together.
"Already? Way faster than I thought."
"Yes. So easing her in with work should help her adjust to palace life. If you permit it, Lord Niu."
"Permit? What kind of work?"
I crossed my arms, tilting my head.
The Wet Nurse could assign her tasks anytime, so why ask?
As I waited curiously, she spoke.
"She wants to be your exclusive servant girl."
Ah... that explains it.
Exclusive servant girl: on-call nearly 24/7.
Mentally and physically draining.
But it had perks—she must be aiming for those.
"You serious? Exclusive duty's tough."
"Yes. I'd love to do it if you allow."
I locked eyes with Antiope, and she answered firmly.
Voice steady, gaze intense.
Fully resolved.
"What do you think, Wet Nurse? You think she can handle it?"
"Yes. I admire her drive to repay your grace through service. It's genuine, no pretense—that's what I like."
"Got it."
More trustworthy than scheming maids and servant girls.
They chase imperial prestige and my seed.
Some exceptions, sure, but loyalty's rare—easier to assume none.
"There'll be bullying too. They can't touch you directly, but glares and words can hurt. Still okay?"
"Yes."
Antiope's eyes burned even brighter.
The Wet Nurse just smiled in agreement.
"Alright. Start as my exclusive servant girl today."
"Thank you! I'll do my best!"
Antiope shouted with all her might, bowing deeply.
That 90-degree bend reminded me of a mob boss in a drama.
"Wet Nurse, tell Mother I assigned her as exclusive. She won't object."
"Yes. And?"
"Get her a room of her own. Sharing with other servant girls will be awkward for everyone—especially her."
"Spot on. I'll handle it right away."
The Wet Nurse left with a warm eye-smile.
No prejudice against demonkin, no hint of displeasure.
"Antiope, stick by me till I say otherwise. Need the bathroom? Just say so, no hesitation."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Good. Have a seat for now. Standing hurts your feet and legs."
"Thank you."
Antiope sat shyly, head bowed, cheeks still flushed.
Weird and bittersweet thinking this kid turns gloomy later.
Game didn't detail it, but she must've suffered hard.
'That's why the pattern's such bullshit?'
Abilities tailored to backstory.
If they aimed for fitting implementation, the design's meticulous.
For me, who just wanted the sex scenes, it was ridiculous and annoying...
'Ah.'
Lightning struck my brain.
Thinking game led naturally to magic.
"Antiope."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"One more duty. Let's learn some magic too."
I grinned crookedly, and her eyes went wide.
Antiope's Unique Magic is doping.
Adrenaline surges, aphrodisiacs, pain blockers—every drug effect imaginable.
In the game, it manifested as three revives and bullshit patterns.
A boss crueler than the Emperor, but on my side? Incredibly reliable power.
I realized that and sent letters.
One to the Old Mage.
Another to Ekyon, who might join lessons.
—The reason for this sudden letter is...
Old Mage lives near the palace, Ekyon too.
Replies should come today.
"Your Highness, a letter for you."
Early afternoon, as expected, responses arrived.
"Thanks for bringing it. Come in and hand it over."
"Yes, Your Highness."
A maid outside entered, gave the letter, and left quick.
Even brief eye contact seemed too much.
Two crisp white envelopes.
Replies from the Old Mage and Ekyon.
I pulled them out and read.
Both agreed, as hoped.
"Both are fine with it. Starting tomorrow, you'll train in magic too."
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll give it my all."
Antiope, sitting across from me, answered with fierce determination.
Fully geared up.
Game Antiope was gloomy and adult.
Fastest: months to years.
Slowest: under a decade for Unique Magic awakening.
Situation's changed from the game, so no guarantees, but she'll do fine.
"A healthy tension's good, but don't overdo it."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Next day.
Headed to the palace training hall with tense Antiope.
"You've arrived?"
The Old Mage inside greeted warmly.
Were we late?
"Already here? Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No need. I was just about to contact Your Highness—perfect timing."
I apologized quick; he laughed heartily and waved it off.
Not late—right on time.
"This the child from your letter...?"
"Yes. My exclusive servant girl since yesterday. Might be awkward, but please take care of her."
"No trouble at all. I was worried she'd be dead weight—now she'll earn her keep."
"Thank you."
He smiled, so I smiled back.
His genuine, relaxed expression put me at ease.
"Your Highness, Lady Claudius has arrived. She said to let her in right away."
Mid-chat, a servant girl outside opened the door.
"Crown Prince, Mage. Thank you for arranging this. I'll do my utmost."
Simple dress.
Red hair in twin braids.
Ekyon entered, different from usual, and bowed politely.
True to her reputation, fully determined.