Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 450 Matured? Maybe not...

As much as Aria wanted to doubt Aetherʼs story, everything seemed to fit perfectly.

His knowledge about.. ancient texts, the unfamiliar technological terms he sometimes slipped into conversation... all of it made sense now.

”I see...” She nodded slowly, snuggling deeper into his arms, though her lips trembled slightly as she continued, ”So, Iʼm just a mission to you? Something you want to clear and move on from?” The vulnerability in her voice betrayed her calm demeanour.

Aether gently lifted her chin, his fingers tender on her skin, ”What do you think?” he asked softly, his gaze steady.

Aria stared into his eyes for a long moment before pulling him closer, burying her face in his chest.... She didnʼt say anything, but her embrace spoke volumes. It was enough for Aether to understand her answer, but it felt strangely anti-climactic to him.

In the visions heʼd seen in the game, Aria.... ever the yandere—was supposed to react far more explosively.

He had braced himself for something intense, perhaps even violent, yet here she was, calm and rational. He couldnʼt shake the feeling that something was off, that her reaction should have been more... dangerous.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, Aether noticed something. His expression shifted from thoughtful to awkward as he glanced toward the kitchen, ”Uh, Aria... are you sure your motherʼs okay sleeping in the kitchen?”

Aria flinched, her face instantly mirroring Aetherʼs awkwardness.

Maelona, who had been peeking at them from the kitchen, slowly stepped out, her face flushed with embarrassment.

”H-Haha...” Maelona let out an awkward laugh, but it quickly died when she noticed Aether staring at her with a blank expression.

She sighed, her shoulders slumping as she approached them, ”As much as I donʼt want to meddle in your affairs... Iʼm sorry, Aether. But I canʼt let my daughter lose you.

Yes, I am disappointed in you, and Yes, she will get angry or... even more furious, but in the end, she loves you deeply. I know she would regret it if she let her anger push you away and... I definitely do not want that to happen!”

Maelona had visited Aria earlier, knowing full well that if her daughter found out about Aetherʼs involvement with Liora while in an emotional state, things could go terribly wrong.

So, even though she didnʼt want to interfere, she had told Aria the truth, hoping to prevent something irreversible.... Aria had been furious—on the verge of hunting down Liora—but Maelona had managed to calm her down, using her motherly influence to hold her back from doing anything rash.

Aether sighed, rubbing his face tiredly before looking at Aria, ”Even if she hates me, I will still love her. Iʼll do whatever it takes to win her back. Believe me, Aria... I know Iʼm not worth—”

Before he could finish, Aria placed her fingers on his lips, silencing him, ”I believe in my love, Aether. I would never hate you, not in this life or any other. I will always love you.”

”...” Aether bit his lip, overwhelmed by her unwavering devotion. He simply nodded and hugged her close, as Aria rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Maelona let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful that things hadnʼt escalated as she had feared. She glanced at Aether once more, thinking, ʼIt looks like he handled it well without too much intervention.ʼ

Just as she was about to quietly leave the room, Aether called out to her, ”Why donʼt you rest beside me?”

Maelona froze, her eyes wide in surprise. ”W-What?”

Aether smiled warmly, patting the empty space beside him. ”Letʼs sleep together... like a family.”

Maelona hesitated, her body stiff with uncertainty, but eventually, she nodded and slowly made her way to the bed, lying down on his other side. Her posture remained rigid, unsure of how to act.

Aether chuckled softly, ”Relax... Iʼm not going to do anything. You can trust me,” he said with a wink.

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Maelonaʼs heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing slightly, ”W-What are you talking about? I-I believe my son-in-law wouldnʼt touch an old lady like me!” she stammered, trying to regain her composure.

”Old lady?” Aether raised an eyebrow, genuinely confused, ”Are you serious?” while inwardly adding, ʼWith those curves?ʼ

Maelonaʼs face turned an even deeper shade of red, ”O-Of course I am!” she snapped, but the way Aether was eyeing her up and down made her feel strangely exposed as if she were lying bare before him. Instinctively, she covered herself with her hands, even though she was fully clothed.

Aether smirked, shaking his head, ”Well, I guess I have a thing for old ladies then,” he teased.

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Maelonaʼs cheeks were now practically glowing as she softly punched his shoulder, ”Y-You rascal! Teasing your favourite mother-in-law like that!”

”Favorite? Yeah... You are my favourite!” Aetherʼs lips curled into an amused smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Yet, Inwardly, he thought, ʼEverything went perfectly, just as I planned...ʼ He couldnʼt help but feel sly for how smoothly things had played out.

Yes, Indeed... Yup, This was all his doing, meticulously crafted from the very beginning.

To deal with Aria... he had to use Maelona as his safe card!

Manipulator?

Liar?

Didnʼt learn anything from the game?

Just like his stepfather?

You could call him whatever you wanted, but none of it mattered.

Nothing would change the outcome!

Death... He saw before his very eyes!

Death was an ultimatum!

He would not leave Aria!!

He alone had witnessed and felt the truth of those moments with his own eyes... No one else could understand!

He realized that if he hadnʼt acted if he hadnʼt taken control, everything he held dear would have slipped away...

This was how the world worked, how nature unfolded in this ruthless place.

But his emotions were genuine... Believe him he was barely holding back his tears... Itʼs just he didnʼt have any other options...

Suddenly, an icy, emotionless voice sent shivers down their spines.

”Mind telling me the names of those ʼbitchesʼ?” Ariaʼs indifferent voice pierced the air like a dagger.

Aether and Maelona froze, looking down to see Aria, who was now perched on top of Aether, her chin resting on her hand as she smiled... a dark, dangerous smile.

Aether blinked, staring at her for a moment before grinning, ʼAh, thereʼs the yandere side...ʼ he thought with a nod of satisfaction.

....

....

After spending the night, Aether returned to the Servantʼs dorm, feeling rejuvenated.

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”Masterrrrrr~” Snowflake hissed in happiness. It wasnʼt just because she saw Aether after a long time—well, maybe a little—but more because she was brimming with joy for another reason.

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”I missed you, Snow! Please, Hug me tighter, even more!!” Aether shouted, already wrapped tightly in Snowflakeʼs tail, which coiled around his entire body.

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They continued exchanging affection, their happiness bouncing off one another.

”Masterrr~ Loveesss~ meeeee~” Snowflake hissed, nearly vibrating with joy.

”Yes, I love you, Snowflake!!” Aether shouted back, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

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[Remaining AP: 1,736,532]

”Yaaayyyyyyyy~~~” She hissed with pure joy, her face glowing with happiness!

Celestia, who had been watching this from the side, couldnʼt help but smile. She was both touched and a little shocked to see how much Aether had grown, Though heʼd seemed unstable before, he was finally becoming more balanced—well, except for the sudden outpouring of affection.

Crack!

Celestiaʼs eyes widened. ”Calm down, Snow! Let him go, or youʼll break him!” she warned urgently.

Reluctantly, Snowflake loosened her grip. Aether chuckled as he looked at Celestia. Without hesitation, he walked over and hugged her, ”Iʼm back...”

Celestia smiled, her face softening with emotion as she returned the embrace, ”Yeah... Youʼve matured so much,” she said with a smile, her eyes shimmering with tears.

Whatever challenges he had faced during his visit to the Black market, he now possessed a stronger heart.

She could see it just by looking into his eyes, ʼYouʼve finally accepted yourself...ʼ she thought and with a gentle kiss on his lips.

”Donʼt forget,” she whispered, her lips brushing his cheek, ”your Celestia will always be here for you.... No matter what.” Find more to read at empire

Aether chuckled, feeling her warmth envelop him, ”Yeah... youʼve always been there, Celestia. Until the end...” He gently tucked her chestnut hair behind her ear, leaning in to kiss her forehead tenderly.

Celestia beamed with pride and love, ʼHeʼs truly Matur--ʼ she thought, cherishing the moment.

Yet,

”Hey!” She glared playfully at him as she felt his hands fondling her ass.

”I really like your ass,” Aether said with a cheeky smile, winking at her.

Celestia shook her head, half-amused, half-exasperated, ʼMaybe not that mature...,ʼ she thought before smirking, Her hand slipping down to fondle his crotch as she winked back at him.

”Haha...” Aether laughed, but just then...

!~Ding~!

[Both Body and Soul finally stabilized!]

!~Ding~!

[Initializing Soul Repair!!]

!~Ding~!

[Time period: 30 days 60 minutes 59 seconds]

”Aether, you need to pack your things since everyone is leaving for the Pyra Empire,” Celestia said, her face serious.

Aether, still fondling her ass with a playful smirk, didnʼt seem concerned at all. ”No need...” he replied casually.

Celestia furrowed her brows, clearly confused, ”What do you mean by ʼno needʼ?” she asked, her voice sharp with curiosity.

”Youʼll understand tomorrow,” Aether said, his grin growing wider. He leaned in closer, his voice softening as he added, ”But for now, I need your help with something... thereʼs something I want...”