Draven had clearly underestimated the value of Violet Carpenter Bee honey—and never expected Selene to come down in person to inspect!

  Draven stood motionless at the entrance of the leader's hall. Selene walked in as if she owned the place, taking the seat at the head of the long table, as if she were already familiar with the rules and atmosphere here.

  He glanced around and noticed several maps hanging on the wall. Selene immediately noticed him looking at the maps and narrowed her long phoenix-shaped eyes, smiling with a hint of mockery.

  "Looks like your ambitions aren't small, huh?"

  Draven turned his head to follow her gaze at the maps: not only the borders of Black Flag Territory but also the Divine War Hills and an outline of the entire World of Aurelia.

  He quickly cleared his throat and awkwardly explained,"These are for teaching the little ones."

  Selene had already learned some of the situation from Linda's secret reports. Draven was clearly doing something unconventional—teaching the kids about maps. In her view, it was unusual, but interesting.

  Selene stood up, and as if entering a private space, reached out to take down a map of the World of Aurelia from the wall. She rolled it up and stored it in her storage ring, without a word of courtesy, as naturally as if it were her own possession.

  "Show me your territory," she said in a softened tone, but it was a command.

  A fragrant breeze suddenly swept in, making Draven shiver involuntarily. At that moment, he was the only one left outside, but he knew he couldn't fall behind, so he followed Selene, ready to lead the way.

  At the entrance, Titus was on guard. When he saw Selene approach, his expression shifted from surprise to a mix of nervousness and vigilance.

  Today was the day for the troll Ade's hunting, so Titus was on normal patrol duty, not expecting to suddenly receive the lord in person. Instinctively, he gripped the short sword at his waist tightly—no matter who, anyone threatening the leader must be stopped first.

  Selene's gaze then fell on Titus's face, a look that seemed to pierce his heart. Titus was instantly shocked, as if struck by lightning, collapsing straight down from the feet to the ground.

  Draven hurriedly waved to have the other goblins carry away the fainted Titus.

  Titus was unconscious but seemed otherwise fine; however, if he woke up and tried to disobey Selene's orders again, it wouldn't be so simple.

  "Your subordinates are not well disciplined; I apologize for offending you, my lord," Draven cautiously stepped closer to Selene, explaining the current situation.

  Selene merely snorted and walked into the village without further comment. Draven followed her. She was like a curious child, fascinated by everything she saw. Every time she discovered something new, she would observe it closely.

  The rabbit hut was no exception—she bent down and peered inside. Then she moved toward the potion garden, gently holding a strange flower, sniffing it, and then catching a little fairy in her palm to play with for a while.

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  She didn't stop there; she even ventured into the village's outhouse, holding her nose as she went in. Then she pointed at the cesspit beside the toilet and forced Draven to open it for her to see. Draven couldn't help but laugh and cry as he lifted the stone slab, and a wave of foul stench instantly hit them.

  Selene flicked her sleeve disdainfully, her face full of contempt, and coldly commanded,"Hurry up, put the lid back on!"

  Draven had no room to argue and could only comply helplessly. After all, Selene standing before him was not someone to be trifled with.

  Selene then requested to go see the new kiln Viola had built. As Draven was about to lead the way, he suddenly saw Liliana dart over like a launched arrow, grabbing Viola and pulling her toward this side.

  Viola looked flustered, her hair messy, cheeks flushed, fingers unconsciously twirling strands of hair.

  Draven caught the sparkle in her eyes and secretly observed her. She was sneakily looking at Selene, her gaze filled with admiration and reverence, as if she were staring at an idol.

  Of course, who hadn't heard the legends of Selene from the succubus clan? Among various female demi-human races, Selene was almost a godlike figure, representing the ultimate power, wisdom, and charm.

  Liliana, however, was different. She didn't put Selene in her eyes at all. She felt no awe toward Selene, instead seeing her as a potential threat.

  Yet, even so, faced with Selene's overwhelming aura that couldn't be ignored, Liliana felt a bit insecure. That was why she had to pull Viola back, as if relying on her older sister's support.

  At the same time, Martha also arrived, albeit a bit late—she had learned about Selene's personal visit from the goblin guards.

  Martha's eyes were filled with almost overflowing admiration and awe.

  Draven felt a sting in his heart, unable to understand what had gotten into this family. Even the once aloof Sylvia was captivated by Selene. Selene's influence was far beyond what he had imagined.

  At that moment, Liliana quietly crept closer and tightly wrapped her arms around Draven's sturdy arm, as if asserting her claim.

  Draven felt much more at ease, but suddenly a cold gaze was cast directly at him.

  Instinctively, he wanted to push Liliana away, but she held on tightly, refusing to let go.

  "Liliana is a half-elf, already 210 years old, fully grown…" Draven froze, explaining with a hint of helplessness and guilt.

  The main reason, though, was that Selene's stare was terrifying—looking at him like he was some kind of pervert, making him feel chilled all over.

  Selene's gaze swept over Liliana's fearless, even somewhat provocative expression, and surprisingly, she did not quarrel with her. Instead, she turned her eyes away and leisurely looked toward Martha.

  Upon seeing Martha's long, healthy deer legs, Selene's eyes lingered a moment with a touch of appreciation. Finally, her gaze settled on Viola.

  The fire-fox girl's fiery red, silky long hair and flawless skin greatly pleased Selene.

  Draven stared dumbfounded as Selene beckoned Viola to link arms with her, then the two of them walked together toward the fire-fox clan's new kiln.

  He opened his mouth, then glanced back at the equally stunned Liliana.

  Liliana quickly snapped back to reality, fiercely shook off his arm, and with a determined look vowed,"I have to watch closely. I can't let Sister Viola get hurt!"

  With that, she ran toward Viola like the wind and linked arms with her other arm, looking both stubborn and resolute.

  A complicated feeling welled up in Draven's heart—both comforted and worried.

  Fortunately, Martha was there to accompany them, though the deer girl's face couldn't hide her disappointment. Selene didn't even say a word to her.

  Draven walked over and gently stroked her, trying to offer some comfort.

  He quickly took Martha's hand and hurried after the already departing Selene and Viola.

  Draven knew clearly that he would never believe Selene came to Black Flag Territory just for sightseeing. She must have her own plans, or was hiding some unspeakable secret.

  He had to keep a close eye on her, even though he knew no matter how much he did, it might not be enough.

  Unlike before, this time Selene felt even stronger, more unpredictable.

  He sighed quietly to himself, knowing the days ahead would likely be far from easy.