When the plot-skips players into the game world

Isabel was lying at the very edge of the bed.

It would be more accurate to say that only a corner of the back of her head rested against the side of Aiwass's thigh, rather than lying on his lap.

It was like leaning her head against the headboard of a bed, almost about to fall off. Moreover, her neck would feel uncomfortable.

It was not because she was shy or felt that there should be a distinction between men and women—it was simply because she was worried about pressing against Aiwass, or her head being too heavy on his leg—after all, she knew that Aiwass usually needed to use a wheelchair, so she was reluctant to lie too comfortably on him.

Instead, she was using her own neck strenuously, trying to maintain a somewhat awkward yet barely balanced posture.

"Doesn't your neck feel uncomfortable?"

Aiwass asked softly, his voice like a whisper in her ear.

He reached out to support the back of Isabel's head and used his other hand to steady her shoulder, quietly commanding, "Lean up a bit. Yes, a little higher..."

It was only when Isabel was fully lying on his legs that he let go.

But unconsciously, Isabel exerted more effort.

She tensed her neck and shoulders, trying to make her head appear not so heavy.

"Ah..."

Aiwass sighed with resignation, "Relax."

He placed one hand under Isabel's chin and the other on the back of her head—if he had applied pressure with both hands, the princess's life would have been at risk at that moment. This intimate physical contact made Isabel instinctively want to scream, but she immediately controlled her reaction, which made her face turn red on the spot.

However, Aiwass merely shook her head gently, softly saying, "Relax, relax some more... just like you're sleeping, let your body relax, don't tense your hands... don't shiver... this way, you resist my Light, and it's difficult for me to treat you..."

Aiwass comforted her for a while, and although Isabel still hadn't completely relaxed, at least she was now genuinely lying on Aiwass's legs.

She didn't dare open her eyes at the moment, because Isabel could feel Aiwass's gentle and slightly warm breath on her face. Simply maintaining deep breaths to stay calm was already taking all of her effort.

"Good, very good..."

Aiwass said quietly.

For some reason, Isabel felt that Aiwass's voice... was like she was taming a pet. Just the thought of that made her heart beat intensely. She could even hear her own heartbeat and feel the throbbing of her veins by just lying on Aiwass's legs.

Right after that, she felt a warm palm placed on her forehead.

A wave of warmth flowed from the palm into her brain.

It was as if her head was receiving a massage, as if immersing her head in warm water to wash it... but it was even more warm and comforting than both combined. There was a feeling of an invisible heat permeating her flesh and skull, causing her to moan softly, and in an instant, her body relaxed.

Headaches, dizziness, dry eyes... those many uncomfortable symptoms disappeared without a trace, as if they were fresh stains being washed away by hot water, vanishing before one's very eyes.

Meanwhile, Isabel could clearly feel another hot flash starting at her neck and swiftly snaking its way downward. It made her unconsciously tighten her legs and draw in a breath of cool air.

The heat first surged into her heart, and then her lungs, stomach... every organ within her body was traversed. Usually, Isabel might have immediately stopped such a treatment out of embarrassment, but the incessant heat from her forehead ushered in a drowsy sensation, making her desire for the treatment to continue for a bit longer.

Following that, she felt the fine stream of heat expanding at her heart. A more intense rush of warmth pulsed through her body with the beating of her heart, reaching every limb.

But soon, she felt a cool sensation on her forehead.

—It wasn't cooling; it was Aiwass removing his hand.

When she opened her eyes, all she saw was clarity, her mind exceptionally alert; symptoms like headaches and dry eyes had completely vanished, leaving her feeling more comfortable than if she had slept a deep sleep. Her brain, just recently bathed in heat, now felt refreshingly cool.

It was like having taken a hot bath, followed by a cool and refreshing feeling.

"Don't you usually seek a bishop for healing?"

Gazing down at Isabel, who had opened her eyes and wore an expression of curiosity, Aiwass was somewhat puzzled.

Isabel had quite a few minor issues, unlike a member of the royal family.

—Logically, shouldn't the royal family be the kind to urgently summon a bishop for treatment over the mildest illness or even the slightest discomfort?

Many Knight Families did just that... for instance, the Moriarty Family. Every time Yulia felt unwell, her foster father or older brother would go seek someone. Back then, Aiwass was still young and unsure of what to do, so he could only look on worriedly.

But now, things were different.

He truly had the ability to help others, to heal their pain—no need to seek others out, he could do it better himself.

But Isabel just flashed a foolish grin, dodging a direct answer.

Aiwass didn't insist on a reply, having asked only casually.

"You have a bit of a cold, your heart isn't too good, and your stomach's not in great shape either... Have you lost your appetite recently? Your nutrition seems to be poor... Your menstrual cycle is a bit irregular, which I've also taken the liberty of regulating for you. But all are recent minor issues; remember to eat more."

As a makeshift doctor, Aiwass still seriously advised her: "Also, your neck might not be great. But I've healed it too with Illumination Art. It's a problem from looking down too much—remember to lift your head more often. Using Illumination Art too much might overdraw your health, so it's up to you to ensure you're getting the right nutrition."

Aiwass knew this issue all too well—cervical spine problems. He had this issue in his previous life... or rather, few office workers in the city don't have some neck problems.

Fortunately, the principle of Illumination Art is to "dispel pain," which involves abstracting the concept of illness, materializing it, and using light to dispel and enlighten it, thereby restoring the body to a healthy state.

As long as one knows what's wrong with another's body, they could directly infuse mana to heal it. Otherwise, Aiwass wouldn't know how to treat such issues.

Who would have thought that, in an era without cell phones, Isabel would have such an affliction... Perhaps it was due to the weight of her practice assignments from Yanis. After all, Isabel's profession is "Prodigy."

"I'll remember that."

Isabel spoke earnestly.

"Then you ought to get off my legs now, Isabel,"

Aiwass said with a smile.

It was only then that Isabel realized she was lying on Aiwass's thighs!

She hurried to her feet, her pale golden hair floating behind her, a few strands even brushing Aiwass's face. A delicate scent of roses emanated around Aiwass—it was the fragrance of the shampoo she used.

Aiwass was somewhat surprised by the scent.

Isabel is actually using such a mature fragrance...

"Would you like to join us? Want to witness Miss Meg's ceremony?"

Aiwass extended the invitation.

Although Meg was only waiting for Aiwass, he believed that if Isabel were asked, she would not refuse.

After all, Meg seemed to have a good relationship with Isabel. Or rather, given Isabel's personality, although she might struggle to find friends of her own age, she likely got along well with her elders.

"What ceremony?"

Though Isabel asked, she subconsciously followed Aiwass toward the door.

"The ceremony of rejuvenation,"

"...Huh?" Isabel was taken aback for a moment.

She wouldn't think Aiwass was boasting—in her eyes, Aiwass was so mysterious, knowledgeable, and powerful. That he knew some ancient rituals unknown to even the Court Ritualist seemed quite normal.

But rejuvenation... wasn't that a bit preposterous? And...

Upon hearing these words, her first thought was of her grandmother.

"Her Majesty... she..."

Isabel was hesitant, and her footsteps behind Aiwass slowed down a bit.

She had barely spoken when Aiwass guessed what she was thinking.

Aiwass shook his head and refused directly, "Her Majesty probably can't do it. The ceremony is very painful, and one needs strong willpower to endure it. Moreover, even if successful, one is no longer the person from the past—appearance, bloodline, voice, talent would all change. How then could Her Majesty govern the nation?"

A person suddenly appearing, completely different from the queen in age, appearance, bloodline, profession, and Path, claiming to be Queen Sofia rejuvenated...

Let alone whether anyone would believe it, this could serve as a pretext for neighboring countries to declare war or for internal rebellion.

"Besides, given Miss Meg's character, she would surely try out the ceremony first. If it was successful, she would certainly share it with Her Majesty—whether Her Majesty agrees or not, she would definitely speak of it. So, it's not our place to fuss over it."

Aiwass analyzed earnestly.
Find your adventure at empire

At that moment, Meg's hearty laughter was still audible, "Well said! You do understand me, little Fox!"

...How did you start calling me a fox like Sherlock?

Aiwass was somewhat resigned but couldn't be bothered to correct it.

As discussed with Sherlock in the dream before, Aiwass was quite fond of foxes. "Fox spirit" wasn't entirely derogatory for him; it was more like a compliment on his extraordinary allure.

Because he needed to be completely focused for this ceremony, he hadn't used his wheelchair this time. Instead, he had sent the Shadow Demon underneath Lily—the Shadow Demon, clearly, could not conceal itself successfully in front of Meg.

But he was becoming increasingly audacious.

Or rather, it was precisely because of the Shadow Demon's presence that the knowledge of such ancient and obscure rituals by Aiwass seemed much more plausible.

People may be unaware, but the Shadow Demon might well know.

—Many had been blamed on behalf of the Shadow Demon before, so this time it would be your turn to take the heat for me.

And indeed, Meg only glanced at Lily's shadow and said nothing throughout.

They quickly arrived at the chamber of the ceremony.

This place was two levels underground in the Hall of Silver and Tin, ensuring absolute quiet and a balanced atmosphere—"underground" also carried a "mysterious" implication; both sufficient depth and sufficient height could increase the success rate of a ceremony.

"Miss Meg, are you ready?"

Even though he knew it was a pointless question, Aiwass still needed to confirm one last time: "If the ceremony fails, there's roughly a one-third chance of death... Have you written your will?"

This was his first time presiding over a ceremony of such significance—and it involved Meg's very life.

It was impossible not to be nervous.

"Ha," Meg laughed fearlessly, "Don't worry about these things, young one. Anything you can think of, I have already considered. I've even taken care of things you couldn't anticipate. I've gone as far as to request a day off for all of you.

"Let's get started—daylight is soon upon us. Isn't it supposed to happen at the time when The Sun has not yet risen? I don't want to wait another day."

"Alright."

Aiwass nodded, took a deep breath, "Then let's begin."