At first, people of Douluo Continent found this new type of novel hard to accept, but as time passed, more and more were won over by these fresh and intriguing stories. The number of fans of light novels steadily grew.
Now, Yae Publishing House had become the most prestigious publisher in the entire Star Luo Empire.
It's worth noting: under Yae Miko's encouragement, Castorice also became a light novel author at Yae Publishing House.
As expected, Castorice did not disappoint. With her exceptional literary talent, she became Yae Publishing House's undisputed star author.
Her stories seemed to possess magic, always capturing readers' hearts and making them lose themselves in her worlds.
However, there was one flaw: no matter how much Yae Miko tried to persuade her, Castorice refused to finish her stories. This drove readers crazy—they loved her and hated her at once, grinding their teeth but helpless.
After all, Yae Publishing House's chief editor, Yae Miko, was a powerful Title Douluo, and with the mighty Haiyuan City behind her, who would dare offend her?
Lu Jingming gently kissed the sleeping Yae Miko on the forehead, full of tenderness.
Then, he carefully got dressed and quietly left the room.
He planned to prepare some nourishing food for Yae Miko to help her recover.
Though with Yae Miko's robust constitution, a day's rest would be enough to restore her. But Lu Jingming felt this display of care was essential—a way to express his affection.
Just as he stepped out the door, he saw Zhang Lexuan waiting for him.
She held two lunchboxes steadily, her eyes full of concern and gentleness.
Seeing her, Lu Jingming couldn't help but feel a twinge of awkwardness.
Originally, he had planned to do it with Zhang Lexuan on his birthday, but midway, due to Yae Miko's tempting initiative, he had changed targets.
Though Zhang Lexuan knew nothing of this, Lu Jingming himself still felt a bit guilty, as if he'd done something wrong.
"I asked the chef to prepare these medicinal meals specially. Miko worked hard all night—she must be hungry. And this one's for you."
Zhang Lexuan smiled, handing the two lunchboxes to Lu Jingming as she quietly sized him up.
She keenly sensed that Lu Jingming's aura seemed more mature, as if he had undergone a transformation, exuding a new kind of charm.
Though Zhang Lexuan didn't hold a grudge about this, her eyes inevitably flashed with a touch of melancholy as she looked at him.
After all, the two of them had long been intimate, having done everything but that final step.
Yet, that crucial step was taken by someone else—and not even someone who was closest to Lu Jingming.
Neither Xu Jiujiu, nor Keqing, nor Castorice, nor Firefly, but rather the usually low-key, even somewhat lazy Yae Miko.
No one would have thought it would be Yae Miko who seized the opportunity.
In Haiyuan City, she had always kept a low profile. Though she occasionally helped Changli with chores, her presence was minimal, always on the periphery.
Lu Jingming took the lunchboxes with a warm smile.
Zhang Lexuan was always gentle and meticulous, handling everything perfectly.
Whenever he needed anything, she would be there like an angel, offering him unwavering support and care.
Lu Jingming felt a bit guilty—Zhang Lexuan should have been his first choice, but since things had turned out this way, if not first, she would be his second!
Since Yae Miko needed time to rest, tonight, he decided to go to Zhang Lexuan.
After all, once you've tasted meat, it's hard to be satisfied with vegetarian.
Yae Miko's seductive charm had given him a perfect experience, making him crave that feeling.
So, his inner fire hadn't been doused by a night with Yae Miko—Zhang Lexuan was the perfect fire extinguisher.
But before that, there was a tricky problem to solve.
Lu Jingming glanced subconsciously at the Command Spell on Zhang Lexuan's hand, sighing inwardly.
That's right—Zhang Lexuan, as a named supporting character from the original work, had top-tier talent and strength, so she naturally carried great destiny and was chosen as a Master.
However, the Servant she summoned was a real headache.
Not that her Servant was hard to get along with—quite the opposite. Though a ruler, she was down-to-earth, not arrogant, disliked red tape, and was straightforward and direct.
In this, Lu Jingming rather resembled her.
As a noble and lord of Haiyuan City, he also disliked the convoluted etiquette of nobility and preferred to get things done simply.
The problem was, as Zhang Lexuan's Servant, this person spent almost all her time with her—even at night, she stayed in Zhang Lexuan's room.
This made it almost impossible for Lu Jingming to be alone with Zhang Lexuan, let alone have any private, intimate moments.
It was a real headache—he had to find a solution if he wanted to enjoy a world of just the two of them.
Of course, this Servant wasn't clingy—she didn't follow Zhang Lexuan everywhere.
But due to the special Master-Servant relationship, being together greatly increased her ability to absorb negative energy.
And at night, when negative energy was most active, she and Zhang Lexuan chose to stay together.
Because of this, Lu Jingming found it tricky.
He couldn't possibly do such intimate things with Zhang Lexuan in broad daylight.
Never mind his own feelings—he had to consider hers, too.
This would be her first time, after all, and needed the right atmosphere.
How could you create a romantic, private mood in the middle of the day?
"I was wondering where you'd gone. Turns out you came to see him. The code you wanted—I've written it up! Of course, it's been adapted for your world's situation, so make sure to revise it—don't just use it as-is!"
Speak of the devil, and she appears.
Just as Lu Jingming was thinking about this Servant, she showed up.
Before him stood a petite, delicate girl.
She had long, silvery-white hair, styled into a low ponytail with gently curled tips and elegant bangs cut in the hime style. Several locks in front were dyed blue, adding a unique charm.
She wore a splendid golden crown adorned with dazzling blue gems, which sparkled in the sunlight.
In her hand, she held a scepter topped with a chess piece, emanating an aura of mystery and majesty.
She wore a deep blue, off-shoulder gown that perfectly showcased her fair, rounded shoulders.
A jeweled belt at her waist accentuated her slender figure, adding an air of luxury.
Her right leg was elegantly clad in black stockings, while her left leg was bare—a striking contrast.
Even her high heels were mismatched: one blue, one white, both inlaid with sparkling gems, each step radiating nobility.
Over her shoulders was a deep blue cape lined with golden patterns, fluttering softly in the breeze like a flowing painting.
Behind her, a pair of semi-transparent bat wings added to her mysterious and regal aura.
Though petite and doll-like, she exuded a natural divinity and imperial presence. Everything about her—her appearance, her bearing—marked her as a true monarch.
"Thank you, Cerydra! That's a huge help!" Zhang Lexuan's face lit up with joy.
These days, Haiyuan City was developing rapidly, almost fully autonomous.
The Star Luo Empire neither could nor wished to interfere with its internal affairs.
With soul technology advancing daily, Haiyuan City's territory and population were expanding at breakneck speed.
Under these circumstances, the Star Luo Empire's old laws could no longer adapt to the city's complex situation.
Thus, Haiyuan City urgently needed its own comprehensive legal system.
But neither Changli nor Jinhsi were experts in law.
Ningguang was skilled in legal matters, but she was stretched thin—the Jade Chamber she managed was opening branches all over Douluo Continent, demanding all her time.
So, the matter of new laws had been postponed.
It wasn't until Zhang Lexuan summoned this girl, and with Lu Jingming's reminder, realized the girl was an expert in law.
After establishing a good relationship, Zhang Lexuan sincerely asked her for help.
And the girl readily agreed.
Her name was Cerydra, a demigod of law and the Empress of Okhema.
Cerydra was highly responsible. Since she'd become Zhang Lexuan's Servant, helping her grow and ultimately win the Holy Grail was her duty.
She herself longed for the Holy Grail, too—her ambitions went beyond her own country, reaching for the boundless sea of stars.
Being summoned by someone from another world, even as a copy of her memories, was enough to excite her.