"Oh."
Reminded by Lan'er, Abao finally remembered the little companion by his side. A bit awkward, he turned around to make introductions, but before he could, the breathtakingly beautiful boy had already spoken first.
"My name is Mendi."
"Mendi? I see. You must be the son of the Star Demon God Vasac that Father mentioned, right?"
Because she hadn't been very familiar with her peers before, she had made a special effort to cram. She hadn't memorized everyone, but as the descendant of Agares's best friend, she had kept a few names in mind—Mendi being one of them.
But no one had told her that Mendi would grow up to look like this!
She could only say that the genes of this Demon Race were truly excellent. The sons and daughters were all so stunningly beautiful. It didn't seem to be like her original world, where most of the Monster Race looked a bit haggard, with only a few exceptions.
"Yes."
Mendi appeared taciturn, answering her with only a single word, which left her a bit unsure of how to continue the conversation.
Fortunately, Abao was holding up well. Whether it was the camaraderie forged when he had stood up for her, she wasn't sure, but his rapport with her had improved significantly. She was grateful for his presence, as he kept the conversation flowing. Moreover, his every word and action showed care for her, which warmed her heart.
Honestly, having a sweet brother like Abao was really quite nice!
Lan'er was happy, and as a result, her interactions with Abao became even better. Although the bright and lovely girl had not yet fully matured, her childlike innocence made her stunningly beautiful. This was compounded by the fact that her powerful spirit as a half-monster was constantly nourishing this body, causing her beauty to reach one hundred and ten percent of its potential.
The confidence and pride between her brows were also things the former Yue Anlan had lacked. She was radiant and magnanimous, making her all the more delightful. After all, the less one has, the more one craves it.
The Demon Race had no shortage of bewitching, enchanting beauties, but a beauty as bright, magnanimous, and full of vibrant, indomitable spirit as her was rare indeed.
Even Mendi couldn't help but let his gaze linger for a few seconds. However, it wasn't just that which held his gaze; it was the star representing Anlan’s fate, which left him mesmerized. In those eyes that could observe all things, the star symbolizing Anlan was the most mysterious and beautiful one he had ever seen.
"Why can I not see through it? Such a mysterious, such a special star."
"Hmm? Mendi, what are you saying?"
Mendi’s gaze hadn't been hidden, so both people present felt it, especially Anlan, the subject of his scrutiny, who felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Yet, those eyes of his were simply watching; they didn't reveal a hint of impropriety. It was as if he were looking at her, yet also not looking at her at all. There was no trace of worldly desire in his eyes—just pure, straightforward, and intense admiration. Being looked at like that, Anlan found it hard to blame him. Because his gaze was so pure, she felt a sense of guilt even for accusing him.
Abao had also noticed, but no matter what, a moment was enough. Even for a good friend, he couldn't stand it for long. Having long since come to view Anlan as his beloved, as his lifelong pursuit, how could he allow it?
Just as Mendi spoke, Abao took the opportunity to interrupt, using the same tactic as before to block Mendi’s line of sight. Although he was only eleven, the Demon Race matured early. At this moment, Abao was already one meter seventy-seven tall, enough to block her completely compared to the one meter fifty-seven Anlan.
When Mendi saw his friend ask, he thought for a moment and then voiced his confusion, which left Anlan startled.
"The art of star-gazing prophecy?"
"How do you know about that?" Mendi looked at Anlan, who had blurted it out, with confusion. He hadn't said anything, and surely Abao wouldn't have been bored enough to tell her.
"Uh, I heard Father mention it by chance."
In reality, it was experience from her past life.
That explained it. No wonder she felt something was off when she saw Mendi’s eyes—it was the Eye of Insight. It was a natural ability. It seemed the Star Demon clan were demons born with the ability to foresee and manipulate the power of astral paths. She had heard of such races before, but she hadn't expected to see one with her own eyes in this world. How magical!
However, Anlan wasn't surprised that he couldn't understand her star of fate. In her previous life, she had been just one step away from becoming a god, having long since transcended the laws of the world. She belonged to a class of existence that could master the laws, so naturally, he couldn't see through her clearly.
Although she had come to this different world and lost all her cultivation, her spirit remained. Given the strength of her spirit, Mendi, who was still just a little boy at present, couldn't pierce through her with his fledgling predictive insight. But she couldn't reveal this truth, so Anlan had to play dumb.
"Who knows? Maybe I'm just special?"
Anlan blinked innocently, but to her surprise, this flimsy excuse was actually accepted by both of them.
Abao knew something about Anlan. That whipping had led him to reflect on things he had previously overlooked. Not to mention anything else, just the fact that his father had said Lan'er possessed the Divine Favored Bloodline was enough to make him shocked while simultaneously believing her words. The Divine Favored Bloodline—a situation that had never occurred since the Demon Race was born in this world. It was reasonable that it couldn't be peered into.
But this also made Abao’s sense of urgency even more pressing, for if he didn't work hard, he would be left behind by Lan'er!
As for Mendi, after witnessing the mysterious and overly beautiful star that was Anlan, he felt it was only natural.
"I have never seen such a special star, Anlan."
"Is that so? Well, you've seen it now, and you'll see it every day from here on out. After all, I'm afraid we'll be seeing each other often. If you don't mind, let's be friends! Brother Bao's friends are my friends too."
As she spoke, Anlan generously extended her hand toward Mendi.
Mendi glanced at the inexplicably happy Abao, then looked at Anlan, a smile appearing on his beautiful face.
"Very well. I am very happy to become your friend."
"Hehe, me too, Mendi. Please take care of me from now on!"
After shaking hands, Anlan quickly retracted hers. The touch was fleeting, yet the softness, which couldn't be ignored, left Mendi with a trace of reluctance. However, Mendi didn't notice this anomaly. After staying with Anlan for a while longer with Abao, he took his leave.
Mendi was as wise as a demon. Through their short contact, he had perceived his friend’s inexplicable feelings for Anlan. As they were leaving, Mendi asked, "Your Highness, do you have special feelings for Anlan?"
Abao was stunned, but that hesitation quickly turned into resolve.
"Yes. I like her very much. Not the way a brother likes a sister. I want to marry her when I grow up and make her my woman!"
Mendi: "..."
Mendi looked at Abao, feeling a sense of strangeness, as if a veiled pearl had finally shed its cover to reveal its brilliant luster, and a young, tender tiger had begun to show its dangerous fangs. But this didn't seem to have much to do with him. On the contrary, he should be happy, because His Highness had finally begun his path to kingship.
"Then, Mendi wishes Your Highness—"