性瘾者

Neoma knew she was very beautiful, but the moment she became an adult was her PEAK.

No wonder she looked absolutely gorgeous tonight.

[It’s such a shame that Ruto can’t see my pretty face, but it’s alright. I’ll just admire my own beauty for the two of us.]

“Princess Neoma, you’re really extra beautiful tonight.”

It was Paige who did her makeup, and yet the mage still looked starstruck by Neoma’s appearance.

She could have done her own makeup, but Paige wanted to do it for her.

Hence, she let the mage use the cosmetics that she brought from Korea. She also taught Paige how to do the trending makeup among Korean movie and pop stars.

As a result, Neoma looked like she was about to attend a prestigious acting award ceremony.

.....

“I wasn’t so sure about the dress because it looked weird at first,” Juri, her hairstylist for tonight, said. “But now that Your Royal Highness is wearing it, the dress suddenly looks really stunning.”

[I know, right?]

Neoma’s red dress for tonight was made from tulle fabric because she wanted to look like a fairy. The dress had an A-line shape with a corset style busier and embellished roses at bodice and on the sleeves. It had sheer off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, too.

But the highlight was the fact that it was a high-low dress.

Which meant the dress had a shorter hem at the front and longer at the back.

[This also means that my long, creamy, and shapely legs are exposed.]

She thought of pairing the dress with a pair of pretty heels with straps, but she wanted to be edgy. Hence, she ended up wearing black ankle boots with kitten heels.

“But the skirt... are you sure you’re not cold, Princess Neoma?”

Neoma grinned while shaking her head. “I’m fine, Juri. I don’t get cold since I have the fire attribute. My legs are fine.”

Well, the ladies in the empire often wore light dresses or skirts that were floor-length. But dresses or skirts that hit at the ankle were still okay. Anything that hit at midcalf was already considered short and “too exposed,” though.

[But here I am, wearing a mini-skirt.]

Well, it was a high-low skirt. But the hem at the front fell mid-thigh. Hence, she was glad Papa Boss wasn’t there at the moment.

[Papa Boss got used to me wearing modern clothes when we were in Korea, but he would probably be anxious if he learned I wore a dress considered “racy” here. After all, it’s true that as a royal princess, I still have an image to protect.]

“Thank you for making me prettier, Paige and Juri,” Neoma said sincerely, then she looked at her reflection in the mirror while touching the crown on her head. “I can’t wait to see Calyx’s reaction.”

She was wearing a crown, so Juri wanted to tie her hair in an elegant bun at first.

But she wanted everyone to see the pink strands in her hair, hence Juri chose a half-braid for her hairstyle tonight. It still held the pretty silver crown on her head, so everything was fine.

The crown on her head was simple, but everyone who took History lessons in the empire would recognize the silver crown and the ruby gem in the middle. After all, it was the long-lost crown of the empire’s first emperor.

[My “children” found it in the villa on the island that I inherited from Grandma Roxana.]

Compared to the current crown at the moment, this one had a simple design. It was just plain and it didn’t even have any gems on it. But despite the bland appearance, every Mana-user in the world could tell that the crown was crafted from the moon.

Yes, the moon itself.

[This crown is that precious. I can’t believe the long-lost crown of the first emperor was just lying somewhere in the villa. Why was it hidden there?]

Anyway, aside from the crown, she was also decorated with expensive jewelry pieces from head to toe. Diamond necklace, dangling diamond earrings, a diamond bracelet, and the Lynx Ring that Uncle Dominic gifted to her when she was young.

Heh.

[I look immaculate.]

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a knock.

When the door opened, Hanna and Dahlia entered the room.

Neoma beamed while looking at the two ladies. “Wow,” she blurted out, amazed. “Hanna and Dahlia, you both slay tonight!”

Dahlia looked really beautiful in her lavender dress that matched her lavender eyes well. The ruffled dress was made of delicate tulle fabric with an A-line silhouette on the waist, and a bustier-style bodice. It had a pleated and tiered floor-length skirt, and cold-shoulder sleeves.

The Black Witch had a simple make-up look that she pulled off well because of her face. And her red hair was braided prettily.

“Thank you, Princess Neoma,” Dahlia said shyly. “I wanted to wear black in support of your declaration of war against Calyx Dalton tonight, but I fell in love with this lavender dress.”

“It’s alright, Dahlia. You made the right choice since you really look good in that dress,” Neoma assured the Black Witch. “And, to be honest, I’d prefer it if you don’t openly stand with us tonight. Not yet, at least. The Black Witches still have a bad reputation in the empire, so it won’t do you well if you take my side openly. And I want to protect you, Dahlia. So, let’s lay low for now.”

Dahlia smiled and nodded. “I understand, Princess Neoma.”

“Very well,” Neoma said, then she turned to Hanna. “Our future Crown Princess.”

Hanna laughed softly at her greeting.

“Damn,” Neoma cursed. “You’re really too good for Nero, girl.”

Hanna looked so pretty in her classic ruby red gown made with designed brocade fabric. It had a corset with long puffy sleeves, an A-line silhouette, and an inverted box pleated skirt that was floor-length with a court train. The dress also came with a red silk cape.

The future Crown Princess’ black hair was tied in an elegant bun, and a pretty tiara sat on top of her head.

[Hanna looks pretty, but why do I feel sad for her?]

Neoma actually saw the emerald dress that Hanna wanted to wear before the royal tailor decided to make Nero and Hanna wear matching clothes.

[I think the emerald dress would fit Hanna better, but I respect her choice.]

“I know what you’re thinking, Neoma,” Hanna said, smiling at her. “I’m really weak against Nero. I can’t believe I’ve been deluding myself that I am a strong woman all this time.”

“You’re strong, Hanna,” Neoma said firmly. “People would usually think that a strong woman should be like me– someone who speaks her mind and takes reckless action right away. But, to be fair, being rude and foul-mouthed doesn’t necessarily make me a strong woman.” She put her hands on Hanna’s shoulders. “Hanna, you don’t have to be loud and assertive like me to be considered a strong woman. You carry yourself with grace all the time, you’re kind, and you’re very resilient. Moreover, you can give up on things you value to put up with the person you chose. Not everyone could do that– not even me.”

Hanna became teary-eyed as if she was touched. “You’re making me cry, Neoma.”

Neoma just smiled while looking at Hanna and Dahlia who looked like they were finally getting along well.

[I love Nero, but I still think he doesn’t deserve Hanna or Dahlia.]

Did thinking that way made Neoma a bad sister?

***

NEOMA didn’t know if she wanted to cry or laugh while looking at her “children.”

Hanna already left since she still needed to greet the Empress Dowager before heading to the banquet with Nero.

[Duke and Duchess Quinzel have already left the estate, too.]

Neoma didn’t get a chance to meet the ducal couple yet because they were practically hiding their presence.

[Anyway, it’s our turn to leave now.]

“Are you sure you all want to dress up like that to the banquet?” Neoma asked for the last time. “You’re really going to dress up as my bodyguards?”

Modern bodyguards, to be precise.

Lewis, Paige, Jeno, Juri, Xion, and Greko were all wearing the same uniform: black suit, white button-shirt underneath, black pants, and black shoes.

Paige and Juri wore black pumps while the boys wore black loafers.

But the cutest part?

All of her “children” wore oversized sunglasses and a bluetooth earpiece in their ears.

[They really look like the bodyguards of a chaebol.]

It was Tteokbokki’s fault.

[That damned donkey made the kids watch a K-movie that revolves around an heiress and her cool bodyguards.]

And that was the reason why her “children” wanted to wear that uniform.

“We like this uniform, Princess Neoma,” Jeno, who rarely expressed himself with words, said with sparkling eyes. “This is a lot better than a royal knight’s uniform.”

That wasn’t true in Neoma’s eyes.

[I mean, the knights’ formal uniform is cooler… but, of course, my “children” look ten times better than the royal knights.]

However, she just kept quiet because the kids looked happy.

[Well, it’s fine since they’re wearing black anyway.]

“Okay,” Neoma said, smiling. “You all look good, my babies.”

Her “children” didn’t look too thrilled to be called ‘babies.’

“You’re finally done, Princess Neoma.”

Oho?

.....

Neoma was quite surprised when Vespera, Aunt Nichole’s Soul Beast, appeared in front of her in his human form. “This is not the first time that I’ve seen your human form, but I’m still shocked by how much you look like my Mama Boss, Lady Vespera.”

Vespera was a male, but he preferred to be called a ‘lady.’

Back when they were in Korea, Vespera had long hair that made him look like Mama Boss’ twin sister. But after cutting his hair, Vespera looked like Mama Boss’ twin brother now.

“You can drop the ‘lady,’ Princess Neoma,” Vespera said, extending his hand to her. “At least for tonight, since I’m posing as your escort. Feel free to simply call me by my name.”

Neoma smiled and accepted Vespera’s hand. “As you wish, Vespera.”

***

“YOU look extra beautiful tonight, Hanna.”

“Thank you, Prince Nero,” Hanna said, smiling. “You look dashing, my prince.”

That wasn’t lip service.

Nero really looked good in his red and gold attire.

[Anyway…]

She addressed Nero formally because all eyes were on them.

Of course, the last to enter the hall was the current Royal Family: Nero, Calyx Dalton, and the fake Empress Dowager.

Now all the doors of the Callisto Hall were closed.

[But Neoma doesn’t need to use the doors.]

Hanna couldn’t greet the friends and allies that she saw in the hall because she was stuck to Nero. But she was at ease knowing that Lord Ruto, Jasper oppa, the Griffiths, and her parents were already there.

[We’re just waiting for you, Princess Neoma.]

“Why do you look restless, Hanna?” Nero whispered while holding her hand. “Is it because everyone is looking at you?”

“Yes,” Hanna whispered back, lying to Nero’s face. “Our engagement hasn’t been made official yet, but you already made me wear a red dress. Moreover, I’m also wearing the Empress Dowager’s tiara when she was a Crown Princess.”

He just smiled charmingly at her.

“My brother is right, Lady Hanna.”

Her smile froze when she heard Calyx Dalton’s voice.

God, it was annoying to admit this, but the fake First Prince also looked dashing in his red and white attire.

“My sister-in-law,” Calyx said, smiling cheekily at Hanna. “Did you prepare a present for me?”

Nero just scoffed at Calyx’s teasing. “You can ignore him, Hanna.”

That was what Hanna wanted to do, as well.

But she changed her mind when her earring vibrated softly. It was the signal that she was waiting ever since she arrived at the banquet.

Now Hanna couldn’t help but smile even at Calyx Dalton.

[They’re finally here.]

“How can I ignore the First Star, Prince Nero?” Hanna said, then subtly pointed at the ceiling. “My present is coming soon, Prince Calyx.”

In three, two, one…

***

CALYX WAS fuming.

He thought it was the night that he could humiliate Princess Neoma.

But just after he entered the Callisto Hall to celebrate his birthday banquet, the entire roof of the hall suddenly disappeared.

Like magic.

[No, it’s definitely magic!]

Now everyone, including him, was staring at the night sky. But none of them was actually admiring the stars or the full moon.

The Azure Dragon.

The Flaming Vermillion.

The White Tiger.

And the Black Tortoise with the black snake on top of it.

The Four Holy Beasts were floating above them while looking down at them as if every single person in the hall at the moment was insignificant.

No wonder everyone fell silent.

“Why are they here?” Calyx whispered to himself while clenching his hands tight. “Emperor Nikolai’s Soul Beasts…?”

He looked at Nero who was standing beside him.

Even the Crown Prince looked confused.

But Hanna Quinzel was smiling as if she already expected that to happen.

[That wench!]

“Attention!”

What now?

Calyx turned in the direction where he heard the loud voice.

[Lewis Crevan…?]

The fox boy was wearing some strange clothes and accessories, but his commanding presence while standing in front of the main entrance was undeniable.

[When did he get there?!]

“Her Imperial Highness, Princess Neoma Roseheart de Moonasterio has arrived!”

Calyx clenched his hands tighter because when the doors opened, he saw the most beautiful girl that he had seen in his life.

He was mesmerized, and so were the other guests.

[Who told you to be that beautiful, you hateful princess?!]

***