Chapter 54: A Chance Encounter

Vi had gone out of her way to find a watch for herself so she could accurately track Sephine’s daily habits.

However, the watch had not been calibrated yet.

It was only then that the Demon King discovered there wasn’t a single watchmaker in the Imperial Palace who could help her set the time.

As a result, she had to make a trip to the city center.

She knew a decent watchmaker there who was both skilled and kind.

After calibrating her watch, Vi could finally head to Sephine’s home to play with the children.

She went to Sephine’s house so openly every day that she wondered if she would eventually be caught.

‘But Sephine didn’t even recognize me last time, so it shouldn’t be a big deal,’ she thought.

‘If she asks, I’ll just say I’m looking for Aglis.’

The streets seemed exceptionally lively today, especially near that tavern she used to frequent.

It was packed.

Had the owner come up with some new product?

In Vi’s memory, the landlady was quite traditional and didn’t like experimenting with new things.

Most of the alcohol sold there was brewed by the landlady’s own family.

While the crowd wasn’t so large that it required a line outside, it was significantly busier than usual.

“Hey, did you see that girl inside? She’s absolutely stunning.”

“Is it really okay for us to come buy a drink just to get a look at her?”

“Honestly… one look isn’t enough. I’m coming back later.”

Walking along the street and listening to the by passers’ chatter, Vi felt she needed to conduct a collective public opinion survey of the Royal Capital’s citizens.

The values of these people seemed a bit too twisted.

However, she was curious.

What kind of girl could be so beautiful that people would buy a drink that wasn’t particularly cheap just to see her?

Looking up, Vi caught a glimpse of snow-white hair that stood out brilliantly under the sun.

‘No way…’

Sephine had indeed been clamoring about finding a job lately, but given her temperament, she wouldn’t choose such an undignified position.

At the very least, she would want to be a manager, wouldn’t she?

Once Vi entered the shop, she realized it wasn’t that there was no line; it was just that everyone was squeezed inside, making the exterior look deceptively clear.

The tavern wasn’t large, and the stairs were incredibly crowded, posing a bit of a safety hazard.

However, this level of popularity likely wouldn’t last forever.

Sephine didn’t usually stay cooped up at home, so why hadn’t she attracted this much attention on the streets?

Vi couldn’t wrap her head around it.

She had originally intended to just grab a drink, but now she was stuck halfway through the crowd.

“Actually, the wine in this tavern is pretty good. It’s surprisingly delicious.”

“It’s the middle of the day. Drink less.”

A couple walked out of the tavern, satisfied and flirting as they went, which irritated Vi.

After a long wait, the tavern finally became less crowded, and Vi was able to actually get inside.

The tavern was divided into two floors.

The second floor was where orders were placed, while the first floor was for waiting and dining.

The customers on the first floor preferred the tavern’s snacks, while those on the second floor came specifically to taste the wine, as the view and atmosphere were better up there.

“A rare guest,” the landlady remarked upon seeing Vi.

“What is this? Does the Demon King finally have the energy to grace our little shop with her business?”

When facing old acquaintances, the Demon King would drop her Disguise Art.

Seeing the landlady, Vi gave a knowing smile and teased, “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? Didn’t I set this shop up for you in the first place?”

The landlady was an old friend of the Demon King.

Vi had met her back when she was still hunting in the forest.

In those days, Vi would go to her every day to get wine to bring home to her father.

Later, after becoming the Demon King, Vi had specially secured a shop in the city center for her to manage.

Vi had paid the first month’s rent, but after that, they had managed it entirely on their own.

“Where’s Xiao Yi?”

“She’s busy. I’m supposed to be on a break, but I ran over to take your order since I saw you come in.”

“Auntie Xue, stop with the jokes. Tell me, what did you do to bring in so many customers?”

The owner leaned against the wall, shaking her head with a sigh.

“I just hired a new clerk. Who knew she’d be this popular?”

Auntie Xue pointed toward Sephine, who was sitting by the window.

The customers had a tacit understanding to stay away from her, leaving her to gaze out the window with a melancholy expression.

She looked like a canary staring at the free blue sky.

“Why is she… here?”

“Oh, you know her? She said she was looking for work but no one would take her, so I hired her.”

Auntie Xue’s intentions were good, but it had technically disrupted the Demon King’s plans.

Of course, Vi supported Sephine being able to live a better life.

“She’s my wife.”

Pfft—

Auntie Xue, who had been drinking water, sprayed it all over Vi’s face.

Fortunately, there was a towel nearby, and she rushed to help wipe the water off Vi.

“Mom, don’t make a mess if you’re not going to help,” Xiao Yi complained as she passed by.

“You’re married? Why didn’t you tell me such a big thing!”

“We’re divorced.”

“So she’s your ex-wife?”

“I’m still pursuing her.”

“You play quite a complex game. Your whole family is exactly the same.”

Auntie Xue took another sip of water and then looked at Sephine in the distance with a different gaze.

Although people would occasionally try to strike up a conversation with her, they all returned empty-handed, muttering things like:

“That is a woman who could be my mother…”

Sephine sat there, unmoving, lost in thought.

“Your father used to pursue your mother the same way.”

“Don’t mention them.”

Seeing Vi’s strong reaction, Auntie Xue stopped talking about it.

Airing out other people’s family troubles wasn’t her style.

“So, what’s your plan?”

She changed the subject and continued her conversation with Vi.

“Well… I’ll start with the kids first, then slowly win her over.”

“You have kids already?!”

Auntie Xue instinctively covered her mouth and looked at Sephine again.

She leaned in closer and whispered, “How old?”

“They were just born a few days ago, but they’re already about as big as 5-year-old children.”

“Is there really such a thing? Your family’s genes are truly explosive.”

“That might not be the reason. I looked into it, and normal children don’t grow that fast after being born.”

“Did you really need to ‘look into’ that?”

“Precision is my attitude.”

At that moment, Sephine had silently walked up to the landlady and suddenly spoke.

“Could I have another glass of milk?”

“Sure, coming right up.”

The landlady turned and went into the kitchen.

Vi was left alone, keeping her head down and staring at the wine in her glass, hoping Sephine wouldn’t notice her.

“Don’t drink too much alcohol; it’s bad for your health,” Sephine said.

“Milk is here!”

Sephine took the milk and returned to the window.