Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1034 1034: A Simple Date with Archpriestess

”This is where I should build a house... maybe a small farm, some agriculture, and then...” Aether muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the vast, dry land with a strange mix of seriousness and excitement painted across his face.

His expression looked almost too interested, like a child dreaming about a future kingdom made of toys. He had already started planning for this land, mentally sketching his future.

Behind him, after Sera took her sweet, dramatic time with people. Her steps were slow, deliberate, like a cat approaching prey—not that she was going to eat him... yet.

Finally, she came up behind him, wearing a haughty and sly smile that stretched across her beautiful lips. ”Aether~” she sang, and without warning, she leapt onto his back like an excited girlfriend clinging to her clueless boyfriend.

”Ah—!” Aether flinched, almost losing his balance. He glanced over his shoulder with wide eyes, ”Ms. Archpriestess… You really should be careful doing this kind—”

Before he could finish, Sera placed a teasing finger on his lips, her grin playful and full of secrets. ”You talk way too much… Letʼs go on a date~”

And just like that, she spun around and began dragging him back toward the abandoned city... Aether barely had time to blink.

”A date? What do you mean by that?” he asked, his voice cracking slightly with a mix of confusion and nervous curiosity. But she didnʼt answer—not with words. Her fingers simply tightened around his wrist, pulling him faster.

She only looked back with a mysterious smile that didnʼt explain anything at all.

”First Restaurant Date!” she suddenly declared like a proud queen presenting her throne. She stood before what looked like a nearly collapsed restaurant, its sign hanging off one hinge, and walls that looked like they hadnʼt been cleaned since who knows when.

Aether blinked several times, then stared. ”Are you… sure this is the place?” His voice was laced with disbelief, and his eyes studied the broken windows and cracked door frame.

Sera just nodded like this was some five-star establishment and walked right in with confidence that didnʼt match the surroundings. Inside, the dusty air shifted as a pair of old folks—clearly the owners—greeted them with surprisingly warm smiles.

”Welcome to our humble restaurant... Please, sit here,” the old lady said, gesturing toward the only table that wasnʼt falling apart.

Somehow, it looked... decent.

Maybe even romantic?

Sera gave the couple a charming smile as she sat down, patting the seat next to her for Aether.

After Sera ordered a few simple dishes, the elderly couple nodded politely, muttered something about how young love was beautiful, and left them alone.

Aether sat stiffly, casting occasional glances around the half-broken interior. Meanwhile, Sera rested her chin in her hand and gave him a cheeky smile that looked far too amused.

”What?” Aether finally asked. ”What are you planning now?”

Sera shrugged, twirling a strand of her long hair between her fingers, ”Nothing evil~ Just enjoying some alone time with my favourite Man,” she replied sweetly, though the glint in her eyes said otherwise.

Aether narrowed his eyes slightly but didnʼt press.

After a moment, Sera suddenly asked, ”So... how many missions have you completed so far?” Her tone was casual, but there was a tiny, almost invisible flash of something—was that jealousy?

A sliver of killing intent?

Aether raised an eyebrow but answered with a soft chuckle. ”Six, so far.”

”Oh?” she replied with mock surprise, but her voice had a slightly dangerous edge. ”Only four left then, huh? Thatʼs... impressive.” Her tone sounded impressed but also like someone ticking off targets on a list.

”Hopefully they go better,” Aether muttered under his breath, not sounding too confident. But then his thoughts suddenly jumped.

ʼWait! The Prophetess! I forgot about her!!ʼ Aether panicked internally.

Before he could recover, Sera leaned closer, her voice suddenly cold and sugary sweet. ”I suppose youʼre very fond of those six girls too, arenʼt you?”

Aether chuckled nervously. ”If weʼre on a date... I donʼt think talking about other girls is the best idea, right?”

Sera pouted, puffing out her cheeks. ”Fine! Be like that!” She crossed her arms but peeked at him from the corner of her eyes. ”Anyway... tell me more about you. I never really got the chance to hear your story properly. Pretty please~”

Aether sighed but smiled warmly. There wasnʼt much he could hide from her anymore. She already knew the major pieces of his life, but still, he began telling his story again—this time in more detail, in his own words.

Sera listened intently, her expressions constantly changing—surprise, amusement, anger, pity, wonder... She didnʼt even interrupt once.

She couldnʼt believe everything Aether had been through. The torture, the isolation, the endless cycle of pain—his life had been pure hell, and yet he still smiled like none of it had touched him. It made her chest ache.

Sera blinked as her eyes locked on his face. That calm smile… that gentle tone… How could he still be this soft after all that?

Aether noticed her expression and gave a small, knowing smile. ”Donʼt pity me,” he said, his voice gentle but steady.

Sera quickly shook her head, ”N-No... I would never pity you… youʼre my love,” she whispered, her voice tight as the memories of his pain clung to her like fog.

Just then, the old couple returned, placing their humble meal on the table. Nothing extravagant—just rice porridge, a boiled egg, hot beans, and warm milk. But somehow, in the dusty glow of the broken restaurant, it felt almost magical.

Aether smiled as he stared at the food... This takes him back… iteration No.25. He used to live off this stuff.

Then he looked at her. ”So… your turn. Tell me about you?”

Sera blinked. ”Me? Thereʼs nothing much to say…”

”Come on,” he leaned closer, resting his cheek in his palm. ”Weʼre on a date, right? No hiding.”

Sera fidgeted, her face turning a bit pink. ”O-Okay... but only because itʼs you”

Aether nodded, ”I know”

Sera smiled gently, her eyes reflecting a soft glow as she leaned forward, her voice tinged with eagerness. ”Well.... ” she began with a faint laugh, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

”I was born into a humble little home… nothing grand. Just a small house on the edge of a quiet town. My mother was a healer at the temple, tending to the sick and injured with gentle hands and endless patience. And my father… he was the local priest. He didnʼt hold great power or titles, but he was the kind of man who helped everyone—offering food, prayers, and comfort to the poor and grieving. People loved him for that.”

Her smile faded slightly as her voice dipped lower, ”I… wasnʼt good at many things. Not back then. Not like the other children. I struggled. I stumbled. But even when the world seemed to look down on me, my parents never did. They believed in me… every step, every fall. They were my everything.”

Then her voice cracked, if only just a little. ”And then… came that time… when Master went on a rampage. A massacre that tore through millions like they were nothing.” Her hands clenched in her lap. ”My parents were among them. I watched them… I saw them…”

She stopped for a breath, then exhaled. ”I was supposed to die too. I almost did. But the Mother… her blessing saved me a second time. Somehow, it wrapped around me, shielded me and... I grew stronger—but inside. My heart… hardened.”

She looked at Aether, her gaze now fierce and unwavering. ”I swore I wouldnʼt let myself suffer like that again. And I swore no one under my care would, either. I became who I am not to be feared or worshipped, but to protect. To shield this Empire with everything I have. Thatʼs why Iʼm strict. Thatʼs why I donʼt take things lightly. This Empire… Itʼs my home. My people… theyʼre my family now.”

Aether stared at her in silence, mesmerised.

The more she spoke, the more she revealed, the more radiant she became in his eyes. There was a light in her—a raw, unfiltered glow that shimmered with pain, strength, love, and something else. Something deeper.

It was like watching a fragile flower bloom in fire and still remain beautiful.

A small girl who had lost everything… forced to grow into something powerful and enduring—and yet, she held no bitterness. No hatred. Just… acceptance. And a will to protect.

Aetherʼs lips curved into a warm smile.

Sera noticed the look in his eyes and blushed, her cheeks taking on a soft pink hue. She looked away, then peeked back up at him through her lashes.

”Are you… going to kiss me?” she asked quietly, her voice filled with both teasing curiosity and shy hope.

Aether chuckled gently, shaking his head. ”Sweet,” he murmured as he glanced around—then noticed the old couple had momentarily stepped out.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, he slid his chair closer and leaned in—not for her lips, but her forehead. He placed a soft, warm kiss there, lingering just enough to make her heart flutter.

Sera pouted. ”Tch… just the forehead? Thatʼs cheating!” she grumbled, but her tone was playful. Even so… a kiss was a kiss, and more importantly—he had just shown affection.

In public!!

To her, that was huge.

With a big, silly grin on her face, she dug into the rest of her breakfast with renewed joy. The simple meal warmed her chest more than her stomach.

Once they finished eating, Sera clapped her hands in delight. The old couple returned right on cue, bowing their heads respectfully.

”Thank you for enjoying our humble food,” they said together, smiling kindly.

Sera stood, ready to leave—but Aether raised a hand.

”How much do we owe you?” he asked gently.

Sera blinked in surprise, as did the couple. The old man waved his hands quickly. ”N-No! Itʼs fine! Itʼs an honor—truly—a blessing that the Great Archpriestess herself dined here!”

Aether shook his head, his tone soft but firm. ”Food is food. It has value, no matter who eats it. And everyone deserves to be paid for their work.”

He placed a small pouch of Zenith coins on the table—more than enough for a yearʼs worth of meals.

The couple tried to refuse, but he gave them a gentle look. ”Please. Just take it.”

As he turned to leave, the old couple called out once more.

”Wait!” they said, raising their hands in blessing. ”May the Mother bless you with many more years of love and happiness.”

Aether nodded slowly, touched by their sincerity... even though he didnʼt like the ʼMotherʼ.

Then the old man added with a chuckle, ”Young man… just so you know… You two make a perfect couple.”

Aether blinked, his gaze drifting to Sera.

She was already looking at him—her face red, but her mouth stretched into a proud, teasing grin.

She winked at him.

Aether shook his head with a quiet laugh and walked out.

As soon as they stepped into the open, Sera immediately latched onto his arm, leaning in and purring like a cat in heat. ”Perfect couple~ Fu~Fu~”

Aether raised a brow, amused. ”Someoneʼs feeling extra happy, huh?”

Sera smiled brightly, practically bouncing beside him. ”Of course! Iʼm soooo happy right now~ Come on, letʼs go! Iʼve got our next stop all planned out!”

And with that, she grabbed his hand again—her fingers twined with his—and pulled him toward the next surprise with the energy of a girl in love, dancing through ruins like they were a kingdom built just for two.