Card Apprentice Daily Log

Chapter 2971: Good Son-in-law

Date: Unspecified

Time: Unspecified

Location: Myriad Realms, Card World, Southern Region, Blossom District, Sky Blossom City

“What does all of that mean, Seraphina?” Aqualas asked, completely unable to follow the cryptic conversation passing between Seraphina and me.

Even so, she could clearly sense the shift in the atmosphere. Seraphina was a lot more at ease than before, even a little relieved—but underneath that relief, she was also burning with a profound, quiet rage. That was the power of Aqualas’s innate ability, Ocean Heart. She could read the shifting tides of a person’s emotions just as effortlessly as Petra could perceive the truth.

Turning entirely to Seraphina, Aqualas pleaded, “Are you joining that criminal-whatever program? Tell me we are going to be together!”

“No, honey. I’m sorry, but I won’t be joining the program,” Seraphina answered gently, her tone laced with genuine sentimentality. If it were up to her, she would vastly prefer staying right here with her old friends over returning to the freezing, treacherous atmosphere of the Royal Palace. But some debts had to be collected.

Seraphina’s eyes hardened as she added, “I will be returning to the Southern Capital to settle a few outstanding scores. However, with His Highness’s permission, I will make absolutely sure to visit you guys frequently.”

She had to get even with her grand-niece. It was time to show the young princess exactly why the mere mention of Seraphina’s name used to breed absolute dread in the hearts and minds of her enemies.

“Seraphina, you are the Southern Heir. There is no need for you to be so formal around me,” I remarked generously, offering her a warm, perfectly crafted smile. “Considering my relationship with Anna, we are practically family. That makes you my elder, so please, feel free to come and go as you please. Furthermore, when you are ready to depart for the Southern Capital, just give me a heads-up. I’ll have a few of my best men escort you and your squad of demigods back home.”

I had yet to actually meet my future mother-in-law, but I was already giving her side of the family an incredible amount of face. She would never be able to find a better son-in-law for herself than me.

“No, no, you are being far too polite, Your Highness,” Seraphina hurriedly interjected, waving her hands in denial.

Where she came from, age didn’t truly dictate status—strength did. And I possessed an abundance of it, easily several times more than her. Beyond that, she looked deeply awkward, clearly suffering from severe whiplash due to my sudden enthusiasm. Just a few minutes ago, I had been coldly threatening to imprison her in an isolated sub-reality for all eternity; now, I was acting like a doting nephew. She had absolutely no idea how to adjust to my new attitude.

“Please, I insist you call me Wyatt. If my future mother-in-law were to hear you addressing me so formally, I’m certain she would scold me for completely overlooking proper family etiquette,” I said.

My words carried a deliberate undercurrent, a sharp reminder to Seraphina that my sudden hospitality was entirely a product of my relationship with the Southern Princess—and that she shouldn’t mistake my warmth for genuine charity.

“Also,” I added, my tone smoothing out into something resembling genuine fondness, “please make sure to stop by and meet with Anna before you leave. I wouldn’t want her getting homesick.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. I will be sure to inform my grand-niece that she found herself a truly remarkable son-in-law,” Seraphina remarked, catching the hidden venom in my hint perfectly. Catching the immediate frown on my face at her choice of words, she quickly corrected her address. “Excuse me—Wyatt. If you don’t mind, once I return, I would like to push the royal court to lift the restrictions on your teleportation hubs and formally open trade between your new empire and the Southern region.”

“Ah, you really are a lifesaver, Seraphina. That would be fantastic, thank you,” I replied smoothly. In truth, I didn’t think much of her grand promises just yet—words were cheap until she actually wrested control back from the Princess.

Checking the time, I excused myself and Veerott. “I’m running a bit short on schedule today, so I won’t be able to entertain you and your friends any longer. Petra will take excellent care of you all while Veerott and I take our leave.”

“I will?” Petra blinked, utterly confused.

She opened her mouth to refuse—desperate to get back to Bloodette’s side—but the words died in her throat. She found she couldn’t actually bring herself to say no. Without even realizing it, she had willingly stepped into the role of my subordinate, all for the petty satisfaction of being able to boss Aqualas around. Hopefully, that minor perk was worth it to her. Because now that I had her under my thumb, I fully intended to work her to the bone.

The funniest part of the whole situation was that even though Petra knew exactly how she had been played, she deliberately chose to act ignorant, choosing to see only the gains and not the cost.

The moment I laid eyes on those massive subterranean caves she had built on the first day we met, I knew I had to recruit her. I had braced myself for a monumental challenge, but against all odds, I finally managed it. To my utter delight, securing her labor turned out to be a hell of a lot cheaper than I had ever anticipated.

Meanwhile, Veerott looked at me, hanging on my every word. He wore an expression that suggested he had anticipated exactly what was coming next. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t be further from the truth. I had no intention of talking to him about my Viltronian side just yet. This particular move I left it for him to make. It would be easier for me to retain control over the conversation that way when the time comes.