Chapter 1998 - 540: Not Only Bats Sneak Snacks_3

By the time she realized it, she was already overwhelmed by the alcohol, and her emerald green eyes became blurred, the swaying figures began to merge.

Oh?

She actually got drunk?

Edward keenly noticed his sister's state, revealing a smile of "understanding" on his face, and quietly moved to Colin's side.

"Your Highness, I'm afraid I must trouble you to help me with a task, you know I can't leave here—"

"Alright, leave it to me."

Luo Yan couldn't possibly say he was busy, especially with Erin's precarious stance, seemingly ready to trip over her own skirt at any moment.

He returned the champagne to the tray held by the waiter, expertly wove through the crowd, and gentlemanly supported Erin's drooping arm.

"Your Highness, you're drunk."

His voice was gentle and warm, simultaneously blocking Erin from the next baron trying to toast her, guiding her to the edge of the ballroom.

"Let me escort you back to your room to rest."

Erin did not resist.

Quite the opposite, she welcomed it, obediently leaning her body weight into the sturdy arm, allowing him to lead her away from the bustling ballroom.

"Thank you…" she murmured softly, burying her head to hide the crimson spreading across her cheeks, "I… might be acting a bit strange today, I'm not usually like this."

Watching the indelible blush climb up her swan-like neck, Luo Yan couldn't help but smile, yet he chose not to tease her further.

"Perhaps you're tired."

That wasn't the response Erin wished to hear, yet she remained silent, quietly following by his side, letting him support her up the stairs.

The hallway on the second floor was tranquil and cool, with the noise and hubbub downstairs seemingly belonging to another world.

Luo Yan led Erin to a guest room.

Yet even as the door to the guest room closed softly on the second floor, Erin did not let go, instead tightening her grip.

Alcohol is the best truth serum.

The things usually unsaid and acts seldom performed, all gained validity amidst the nerve-homing aroma.

Underneath the dim and ambiguous lamplight, Erin finally summoned the courage, draping her other arm around Colin's neck, her breath drawing closer to his collar.

"... I… am not tired."

Luo Yan paused for a moment before coming to his senses; that stubborn voice was responding to his words spoken as they climbed the stairs.

As he pondered what to say, Erin slightly lowered her head, hiding her nose under his collar.

The longing suppressed in her heart broke like a flood, taking her back to that helpless night, where everyone was surprised by her transformation except for that person, who resolutely stood before her, choosing to unreservedly believe her words even when faced with a dwarf's threat—

'I believe in Erin Campbell's character, including her piety, loyalty, bravery, as well as her generosity and kindness… all beautiful qualities.'

'I also unconditionally believe every word she says. The situation unfolding is definitely not her intention, perhaps... this is the will of God!'

'Whether she is human or of the Blood Race, I will stand with her!'

Even now, those voices echo in her mind, the greatest driving force allowing her to persevere in front of the Judicial Court.

And the subsequent words—

'If you are truly hungry, my neck is available to you.'

Supposing she is indeed hungry.

She just wants to cling to his neck now, without thinking or doing anything, simply letting time flow gently.

"Can… I stay like this for a while? Just a little longer…"

"Of course, Your Highness."

Listening to that soft voice tinged with a slight tremor, Luo Yan was silent for a moment before responding with a quiet voice.

It's just a matter of time.

The Demon King's corruption of the Hero couldn't possibly end with mere words; besides, he wasn't someone of principle—how could a principled person end up in Hell?

Despite not wanting to admit, Luo Yan's heart beat fast.

The Evil Demon King was not only adept at manipulating others' minds but also skilled at deceiving himself, which is why he could composely face any situation.

As Luo Yan attempted to convince himself, the girl with her nose buried in his collar slowly raised her head, closing her eyes.

That gently trembling eyelid seemed to hang a crystalline memory, finally succumbing to the stirring within her soul, she stood on her tiptoes, slowly inching closer.

As it turns out—

"I just want to hold you like this" and "I just want to snuggle without going further" share the same underlying essence. Humanity's inherent nature is to yearn for more, even the Hero imbued with the Light of Praise is longing for the next victory!

Luo Yan continued contemplating whether to step back, but as he pondered, a softness approached until almost touching.

After the endless chase and retreat, their breaths finally intertwined.

Soft, warm, carrying the unique fragrance of a young woman, recklessly darting through the walls like charging hooves.

It was now the Demon King's turn to widen his eyes.

While Erin's eyes closed tighter, she was unperturbed, her arms around his neck seemingly summoning all her strength.

"Sss—"

Amid the mellow champagne mingled with strawberry's sweet-tartness, she likely just sampled a piece of cake, its sugary flavor lingering amid the softness.