Foster and Dax sat upright on his hospital bed, staring at the message glowing on his light-brain display.
Rage surged through him so fiercely that he nearly crushed the custom-built device in his grip.
"Damn it! What is wrong with this Roanna? She's impossible! Does she not understand basic language, or what?"
His roar echoed through the room, leaving his assistant shaking in the corner. It had been years since anyone had seen Mr. Mayer this furious.
Dax slammed his fist into the pillow. "Prepare the car. We're heading to Veridan city!" If he couldn't deal with one poor, rootless female with no family or backing, then he wasn't Dax Mayer at all.
***
When Rory finally came downstairs, she blinked in surprise at the sight of three men still seated on her couch. "You don't mean to tell me… you've been sitting here since yesterday?"
The Grand Elder nodded miserably. They hadn't expected the female to sleep this long.
Astriumites only needed five hours of rest daily, yet she had slept through an entire day and night.
Still, he forced a gentle smile. "Ms. Roanna Smith, yesterday's comfort had remarkable results for His Majesty. We truly can't thank you enough."
Rory shrugged. "I took your star coins. I was just doing my job."
Her stomach growled loudly. All she wanted was for them to leave so she could raid the kitchen. But Seth didn't move an inch. "Actually, we discussed this last night. To make things easier for you—and more convenient for His Majesty's recovery—he would like to stay here with you. Just temporarily."
This villa was one of the Veridan's welfare benefits for female Astriumites—five hundred square meters, three stories high.
From appearances, it was furnished with the government's standard setup, nothing custom-made or extravagant. It felt plain, almost minimalist.
Compared to the Dragon Palace, it wasn't even comparable. Clearly, this female didn't have much savings. Still, she seemed diligent—the villa was spotless, everything carefully arranged.
Letting His Majesty stay here was undoubtedly a downgrade, but given the circumstances, there was little alternative.
Rory frowned. "You want to live in my house?"
"Not us," the elder hurried to clarify. "Only His Majesty."
"Of course, he won't stay for free. One hundred million star coins per month. What do you think?"
Rory nearly choked on her own saliva. She'd struggled for five years to scrape together barely three million. These people threw around a hundred million like spare change.
What choice did she have? She could only bow before the rich uncle himself and accept the generous offer!
"No problem at all." She flashed her brightest smile. "I'll take the third floor. The first and second floors have nine empty rooms. Choose whichever you like and stay as long as you want."
The elder's face lit up. "You're truly a generous and kind mate." He could see it clearly—this little female had a soft spot for star coins. As long as they paid, she'd be an angel.
Paros chose the largest room on the second floor. His men rearranged it, then installed an interstellar-grade shield—unbreakable, indestructible, except by Paros himself. "Your Majesty, the room is ready. Please rest."
The elder's heart ached. Ever since Rory left them the previous night, they hadn't dared intrude. They'd remained in the living room all night while their master lay sleepless.
Finally, Paros lifted his head, his gaze locking onto Rory. "Soothe me."
He'd been waiting. Yesterday's session had worked too well, but she'd slept through the entire day instead. Typical female—so fragile. Just five minutes calming him, and she was completely out.
Rory wanted nothing more than to get it over with, but hunger twisted her stomach. "I can't comfort you on an empty stomach. Let me eat first, then I'll do it. Give me half an hour."
If she ended up drained again like yesterday, she'd collapse. And she refused to choke down another nutrient drink.
Hungry? Paros' long fingers twitched. A green vial floated toward her.
The elder quickly explained, "Female Master Roanna, this is a nutrient elixir from the Aquadome, refined from deep-sea plants. Much tastier than beast-meat brews. Please try it."
Rory grimaced. Nutrient drinks never satisfied her. She was human, after all. She needed real food.
Even after five years in the interstellar beast realm, she couldn't break that habit. "I don't like drinks. Half an hour. That's all I need."
Without waiting for a response, she marched into the kitchen. Rory didn't bother with anything fancy—just a bowl of fried beast cutlet noodles, topped with a beast egg and some greens. The aroma alone made her mouth water.
"What is that incredible smell?" The elder sniffed the air, eyes widening. "She can cook?" Even the top chefs on the Central District couldn't produce food that fragrant.
Paros' gaze shifted toward the kitchen. The next moment, he rose from the couch and strode inside.
Rory had just set her noodles on the table and turned to grab some pickles when the light dimmed. She looked up into Paros' dark eyes. "What do you want?"
"Ten million star coins." His voice was deep and steady.
She blinked. What was he talking about?
The elder stepped forward quickly. "Female Master Roanna, His Majesty would like to eat your noodles. He's offering ten million star coins. Is that sufficient?"
Rory nearly swore aloud. This man… was perfection. Flashing her most professional smile, she gracefully set the fork in front of him. "It's my honor if you enjoy my cooking. Please, help yourself."
"Female Master Roanna, your account has received a deposit of 110 million star coins."
Rory's jaw nearly hit the floor. She looked at Paros, her eyes shining.
I've finally found the thickest thighs to hug!