Chapter 249: Applauding Your Thick Skin Afternoon, Rose Iron Prison. "...And that's the gist of it," Aiden said in the visitation room, facing a stunned Ophelia. Behind him, the amalgam golem stood in human form, with arms crossed, acting as a bodyguard. As agreed with Kyle, upon returning to the prison, Aiden had specifically recounted Kyle's past story to Ophelia. "Something like that... You're lying!" Ophelia stared into Aiden's eyes, but her expression clearly betrayed her wavering conviction. "If I were making it up, how could I possibly get the details of your past correct?" Aiden's single sentence shut Ophelia down. He promptly added Kyle's specific instruction: "After he told me, he specifically asked me not to tell you." This update is available on novel⦿fire.net "Then why are you telling me?" Ophelia eyed Aiden suspiciously. "To laugh at you, of course. Need you ask?" Aiden put on that familiar smile that always made Ophelia grind her teeth. "You've always been my source of joy, Ophelia." Ophelia's face turned incredibly gloomy, but she couldn't utter a single rebuttal. In the Core Area of this prison, foul-mouthed female demons were everywhere. Aiden felt that after working here for five years, his thick skin and talent for sarcastic remarks had significantly improved compared to his previous life. This remark struck Ophelia's pride squarely. She glared angrily at Aiden: "I didn't ask him to do that!" "If he hadn't, you would have long rotted in some wilderness," Aiden replied expressionlessly. "Can't you use your brain a little? This world never lacks idiots. People desperate to become blood-kin for immortality are a dime a dozen. Give them a chance to bid for the title of blood-kin Prince, and they'd probably start fighting on the spot... What necessity did the Progenitor have to expend effort turning both of you into his kin? Let you go free after two years of service? The Blood Progenitor who sustains himself by drinking human blood is apparently such a kind person? Even I use demon contracts when I make inmates work for me." "I..." Ophelia opened her mouth. "You never thought about it because you've always lived : self-centered, willful, acting on whims. You were probably spoiled rotten since childhood. I've seen plenty of inmates like you. Though you keep calling yourself Princess this, Princess that, in my eyes, you're just an ignorant young lady. Truly impressive. The Princess title you flaunt before me every day was bought by your brother becoming someone else's hound." Aiden suddenly smiled and clapped his hands. "I almost want to applaud your thick skin." He did his utmost to trample Ophelia's highly-regarded Prince title into the mud, precisely to make her realize the title was worthless. This woman still possessed considerable pride. Learning the truth should make her feel ashamed of this Princess's title instead. "That's enough!" Ophelia slammed the table in shame and anger, reacting exactly as Aiden predicted. "No matter how much you don't want to hear it, the facts are right here," Aiden remained unfazed. "In about another month, your observation period will be over. He'll likely apply to visit you then. What are you planning to do?" "I... I don't want to see him," Ophelia averted her gaze. "Afraid, are you?" Aiden mocked her relentlessly. "You had the guts to participate in a riot, yet you don't even dare to see your family?" "Fine, I'll think about it myself! Stop talking!" Ophelia refused to meet Aiden's eyes. "Whether you see him or not has nothing to do with me," Aiden said calmly. "I only advise you not to cause any more trouble. Your sentence has already been extended considerably. Another escape attempt, and even if I wanted to help you, death would be hard to avoid. Think about it. How would your family feel when they finally receive your remains?" Ophelia lowered her eyes and remained silent. "However, whether he'll be alive to see you in a month... is another matter," Aiden suddenly added. Hearing this, Ophelia shot up as if electrocuted, staring intently into Aiden's eyes: "What did you say!?" "Hmm? Didn't you say yesterday you didn't care if he lived or died?" Aiden feigned surprise. "Cut the crap! Tell me now!" Ophelia slammed the table, urging him on. Aiden smiled, then unhurriedly explained the plan he and Kyle had concocted to root out the God of Death's Agent sent by the Blood Moon Cult. However, for dramatic effect, Aiden applied a little "artistic license"—he deliberately omitted the detail about Kyle "possessing immortality granted by the Progenitor" and their plan to have the "Apex Witch" Abigail deal with the enemy. "A blood-kin whose lineage isn't below Duke, and also has the God of Death's protection!? Is he insane, provoking that kind of opponent?" Ophelia stood up agitatedly before he finished speaking. "Shouldn't this kind of thing be left to the Inquisition?" "Because he can't disobey the Progenitor's orders. Besides, the Blood Moon Cult also attempted to break you out of prison; in a way, it's partly thanks to you," Aiden pointed a finger at Ophelia. "Honestly, I don't care what happens to a troublesome inmate like you if you get abducted, but I can't help it; my duty is to manage this prison properly. Since a blood-kin Prince offered to help, I have no reason to refuse." "Let me see him!" Ophelia stared into Aiden's eyes. "Impossible. You're still under observation," Aiden replied calmly, snapping his fingers. "Also, sit down. When a guard is questioning, inmates should avoid unnecessary movements!" The amalgam golem standing behind Aiden lowered its crossed arms, looking ready to act at any moment. Only then did Ophelia sullenly sit back down. "All you can do now is wait quietly in prison. At least while others are risking their lives outside, try to behave like a decent person in here," Aiden stared at Ophelia and said slowly. He figured after this verbal barrage, she should have gained some sense. However, somewhat surprisingly to Aiden, after a long silence, Ophelia made a new request: "Say, since you want help so badly, then let me out to give you a hand!"