Volume 4 Chapter 40

Volume 4 + Chapter 40: The Bright And Cheerful Head Maid

Serra’s expression froze in astonishment.

She almost mistook the silver-haired loli before her for the actual Dragon Queen of the Dragon Kingdom—the aura was impeccable.

“Heh-heh-heh!”

Xia Yi burst into laughter, hugging her teddy bear with smug delight.

She felt that if Xia Lulu suddenly declared her abdication and made Xia Yi the new ruler of the Dragon Kingdom, it would be absolutely no problem at all!

“Even Serra is stunned! As expected, the outfit I picked out really works—utter perfection!”

Unfortunately, this regal aura on Xia Yi lasted only a short moment… before she promptly broke it herself.

Truly, expecting the princess to maintain such a commanding presence for long was a hopeless luxury.

“Your Highness’s attire is excellent, and your aura as well. You will certainly dazzle everyone,” Serra said.

Hearing Serra’s praise, Xia Yi grew even happier.

“I need to go show Xia Lulu!”

Brimming with confidence, she marched out of the room to find Xia Lulu.

When Xia Yi found her, Xia Lulu was in the rear garden.

A member of the royal maid squad was serving her tea.

It wasn’t Lucia—today it was Atiya.

“Eh? Ehh!!”

Atiya was shocked when she saw Xia Yi, her gaze darting back and forth between Xia Lulu and Xia Yi.

“Am I hallucinating?”

Xia Yi laughed, imitating Xia Lulu’s tone. “No, Atiya, this isn’t an illusion—this is… Shadow Clone Technique.”

“Shadow Clone Technique? Does that actually exist in this world?!” Atiya looked even more stunned.

“All right, daughter, stop teasing her,” Xia Lulu said, lifting her teacup.

“This is… Her Highness the Princess?!”

Atiya couldn’t believe it.

Only now did she realize that Her Majesty the Queen and the Princess looked almost identical!

If not for their drastically different personalities—and the Princess’s distinct behavior—she would never have noticed.

“Well? Well? Xia Lulu, I picked out these clothes myself! Even the styling—I personally instructed Serra!” Xia Yi declared proudly. “My sense of fashion is impeccable, you know!”

Xia Lulu examined her carefully and nodded with approval. “Mm. Not bad at all. Daughter, you have already become an excellent heir, fully living up to the royal training.”

“I’ll definitely complete the mission! Get the allowance ready for when I return!” Xia Yi proclaimed.

“In that case, I can rest easy—”

“Hm? What was that?”

Xia Yi felt like Xia Lulu had muttered something under her breath.

“It’s nothing,” Xia Lulu said after pausing. “For this trip to the Crimson Empire, aside from the diplomatic envoys, Serra and Atiya will accompany you.”

“Serra and Atiya are both coming with me?” Xia Yi blinked.

Until now, Xia Lulu rarely brought members of the foreign-race maid squad to official diplomatic events.

“Daughter, is it not enough? Then I can send Lucia and the oth—”

“No need! Two is enough!”

Xia Yi quickly cut her off.

“There’s no need for so many people. I know Flying-Mouse-Mouse—she won’t do anything weird to me!”

“Hooray! Going on a mission with the Princess! This is my first time!!” Atiya cheered with overflowing joy.

Xia Yi suddenly wondered—This overly clever Atiya…

Would she cause trouble later?

She opened her mouth, wanting to decline Atiya politely—But Atiya ran right up to her with a bright, sunny smile, like a big eager puppy.

Xia Yi suddenly felt too embarrassed to say no.

“Just a reminder, Atiya—you *can* come with me, but you mustn’t cause trouble, okay?”

“Atiya acknowledges!!” Atiya replied, saluting earnestly.

…

“…So that’s how it is, Serra. You and Atiya will be going to the Crimson Empire with me.”

Xia Yi explained everything to Serra.

Serra lifted her head, glanced at Atiya, and looked mildly surprised.

“Serra! It’s been forever since our last mission together! Brings back memories!” Atiya said nostalgically.

Xia Yi grabbed Serra’s hand and pulled her aside, whispering, “Serra, once we get there, you *have* to keep an eye on Atiya for me!”

“I’ll do my best, Your Highness.”

“What do you mean ‘do your best’?! Why does that make me uneasy? What exactly happened the last time you and Atiya worked together?”

“Your Highness… it’s better if you don’t know~”

A professional maid’s smile appeared on Serra’s face.

Xia Yi felt even more uneasy now.

“Your Highness~ It’s almost departure time! Don’t be late~”

Atiya waved cheerfully from behind.

“…Fine. Let’s go.”

After much internal conflict, Xia Yi still chose to bring Atiya along.

And so, as the representative of the Dragon Royal Family, Xia Yi accompanied by Serra and Atiya, two dragon maids, as well as the diplomatic envoys of the Dragon Realm—departed from the Northern Imperial Capital, heading toward the Crimson Empire.

…

…

The Crimson Empire’s palace was livelier than ever.

For today, the Vampires were holding the coronation of their new Queen—and rulers of all races across the land had been invited.

The former Vampire King, Herman, had ruled the Crimson Empire for over five centuries.

Despite being in his prime, he suddenly abdicated—causing massive waves across the continent.

Many races seized this chance to attend and gauge the Vampire Clan’s true strength.

Even before the ceremony officially began, countless guests had already arrived.

However, since the ceremony had not yet started, none of the Vampire royals had appeared.

No one could see Herman or Miu Miu yet, so the various races were stuck cautiously testing each other…

“From the Dragon Kingdom, the Dragon Royal Family has arrived to attend the coronation of the Vampire Queen. Representative—Silver Dragon Princess Xia Yi – Christie.”

Xia Yi arrived at the Vampire Palace.

Her diplomatic envoy submitted the invitation and formally announced their presence.

The Dragons.

How could the Vampires not have a deep impression?

Not long ago, the Silver Dragon Queen had caused chaos in their palace and kidnapped Miu Miu.

The Dragons were, to them, practically a clan of pure wickedness!

The Vampire palace staff tensed immediately.

They looked at Xia Yi’s group with clear hostility and wariness, as though facing a natural enemy.

But since this was a royal order, the Vampires were obligated to treat them with courtesy.

“Welcome, Silver Dragon Princess, to Her Majesty’s coronation ceremony,” the Vampire envoy greeted with a bow.

Afterward, the diplomatic envoy handled formalities with the Vampire palace, delivering the prepared gifts.

Xia Yi, with Serra and Atiya, prepared to enter the coronation hall.

“Serra, have you ever been to the Crimson Empire before?” Xia Yi asked casually along the way.

“No, Your Highness.”

“Atiya, what about you?”

Silence. No response.

“Atiya?”

Xia Yi frowned.

Why wasn’t Atiya answering? What was going on?

She turned around—and the scene that entered her eyes made the little princess freeze in place.