[122] Master of Fate

Sima Yi's expression was dark and despondent.

The femboy pressed his crimson-stained lips together, his dark eyes glimmering with a hint of watery sorrow. His legs, encased in thin silk stockings, were drawn together and slightly curled inward.

He turned his gaze away, looking at the winter landscape outside the carriage. The ethereal falling snow was no match for the melancholy in his heart.

It was almost as if... he truly felt lost...

Seeing Sima Yi in such a pitiful state, Reinhard couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, as if he had wronged him.

Why do you look like I've abandoned you? This path isn't accessible to me!

While showing affection is natural and teasing Reines and Gray is fine, but having a man join in was too much. Reinhard thought to himself, he didn't have a dual-gender charm.

How could even a man be swayed by him... Reminded of the already deeply feminized Dr. Heartless, Reinhard couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.

Could it be that he truly had the blood of an incubus? Or is it all because of Slaanesh?

Slaanesh is inherently attractive to both genders, famous examples include Nero and Zeus.

Nero was appealing to both genders, while Zeus would seduce anything attractive, even if it was a cow. This idea was hard for Reinhard to accept.

Clearly, he was only engaging in normal conversation, expressing his views, and discussing openly. He wasn't some gentle and caring person, rather, he was adept at mass purges, genocide, and neutron extermination... a pure disaster-class war criminal.

Why did it always feel... like he was in a dating simulation where the girls were being won over? His interactions with other senior brothers were normal, but Sima Yi was excessively dramatic. Even Zhuge Liang didn't act like this, he slept like a log every day.

So, what made Sima Yi different from the others?

Was it because... Reinhard vaguely realized... Sima Yi was an evil person?

The debate between the inherent goodness and evilness of human nature was intense, and Reinhard had no interest in discussing the philosophical arguments and implications. However, his current companions, in the worldly sense, were all considered evil.

Simply put, they were inclined to break the order, belonging to the camp of chaos or evil.

The Witch of Britannia, the Darkness Devil Goddess, the Violent Maiden, the Fallen Hunter Princess, the Witch of Betrayal, the White Death, and the Beast of Regression...

Even the King of Knight, originally of lawful good, had been twisted by him into Blackened Artoria.

He was a pure villain, no doubt about it.

His current companions and those yet to be conquered, the women who coveted him, all bore traits such as: ominous, demonic, twisted, obsessive, deranged, sadistic... A veritable gathering of wicked women.

Unfortunately, Reinhard would not allow them the chance to fight amongst themselves. He would hone his skills, ensuring that their protests were merely playful, like fish out of water.

Preferred by the wicked.

Because... they lacked love?

Those deprived of love, walking in the shadows, often became more obsessive. Given a sliver of hope, they would rush toward it like moths to a flame.

Unintentionally, when he gifted Sima Yi the women's attire, it was indeed with a hint of teasing. He found it amusing, and it showed how devious he was.

Unfortunately... remorseful as he might be, Reinhard wouldn't change, because seeing Sima Yi's defeated expression was too amusing.

Reinhard indulged in admiring his feet. Despite his slender frame, the lower body fat due to his gender made the lines of his feet more pronounced.

Faint blue veins were visible through the thin stockings, like exquisite jade, inviting one to touch and play with them. The proportionate and graceful curves of his feet were a true masterpiece.

Noticing Reinhard's gaze, Sima Yi's melancholic expression softened into a slight smile. He deliberately lifted the hem of his skirt that covered his knees, revealing his slender, silk-clad legs. 

The pearls and gems decorating his moon-white embroidered shoes swayed slightly, sending ripples through Reinhard's heart.

Feeling a sense of helplessness.

Ha... Sima Yi, if only you were a woman, these legs would look great in black stockings, and there would be so much more to discuss.

Reinhard, nestled in his senior sister's embrace, closed his eyes.

Wait...

Reinhard suddenly remembered an important detail.

Currently... he has the Pure Heart!

If he repeated to Sima Yi every day, like he did with the plump fox, "I think you're a great woman."

Could it be that Sima Yi might actually... no, fully feminize?

Thinking this way made him feel guilty.

However, deep inside, there was an undeniable sense of pleasure, his mind uncontrollably drifting in this direction.

A sin, a si... such a desire was too advanced, filled with worldly lust.

When was Sima Yi at his most beautiful?

The answer was... when his beauty was corrupted.

As if he had grasped his junior brother's fetish.

The femboy, with his graceful and slender legs crossed, leaned against the carriage window, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

...

The carriages came to a halt, the sun was setting, and the sky gradually darkened.

Reinhard brought Yu Mei-ren and his group back to the commandery of his province. From afar, he could see his parents standing at the entrance of the mansion, waiting to welcome him.

As he stepped down from the carriage, he was greeted by the sight of townspeople lining the path, cheering for his return. The streets leading to the commandery governor's mansion were decorated and bustling with thousands of people.

With the new year approaching, every household was adorned with festive decorations, transforming the dark winter night into a vibrant and warm celebration.

Fireworks flickered all around, and lanterns adorned every corner. The grandeur of the mansion gleamed under the soft glow, the red hues filling the sky with a joyful tide, as people moved about in high spirits.

Amid the enthusiastic cheers, the slender Reinhard, holding a plump fox in his arms, walked hesitantly yet politely, with a subtle smile, towards his family home.

"Father... why all this extravagance? It's really too much." Reinhard said with a wry smile, feeling somewhat uneasy with the overwhelming welcome.

"You misunderstand, Jue'er. This wasn't my doing."

His father stroked his beard with a gentle smile.

Reinhard paused, puzzled by his father's words.

The crowd outside the mansion cheered louder, calling out Reinhard's name, welcoming him back home for the new year. This wasn't just a spectacle.

"They are here because... you saved them." His father explained. "This province has received aid from various provinces, specifically requested in your name. In the past six months, not a single person in the commandery starved. I ensured that the refugees were settled properly, thanks to your efforts."

The cheers echoed down the long street. Hearing that Young Master was back, people gathered, converging towards him.

Reinhard looked around at the people surrounding him. Many faces seemed familiar yet strange. The young healer didn't remember the people he had helped, but they remembered him.

He lifted his hand and accepted a kite from a little girl who ran up to him. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he patted her head.

"Thank you, the kite is beautiful."

The girl, beaming with joy, ran back to her mother. The woman, who sold kites, covered her mouth, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

Realizing he should have refused from the start, Reinhard felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude.

"A bouquet of flowers would have been enough, really! Alright, alright, I can make wine..."

"I'm not hungry now. I can't eat such a large cake! Really, I'm not hungry! And wine? At my age? I'm not allowed to drink! I'm just here for the new year, we have food at home..."

"Chickens? Madam, you should keep them for yourself. Huh? Short people should eat more eggs? Am I really that short... Wait, don't run, madam! Be careful not to fall!"

"I can't carry any more, really, not a single piece more..."

"Alright, alright, everyone disperse, please. I truly appreciate your kindness, but please, I won't dare to step out next time if this continues!"

Though it was the deep cold of winter, it felt warmer than summer.

The long street near the commandery governor's mansion seemed to burst into a carnival.

People gathered enthusiastically, piling simple yet heartfelt gifts into Reinhard's arms, then hurried away, waving, leaving not a trace behind.

Bouquets, dates, food, wine, even a few painted kites...

Another young man standing behind Reinhard wasn't spared either.

Equally slender and petite, Zhuge Liang, mistaken for his brother, looked bewildered at the pancakes and sweet lotus roots filling his arms.

They smelled quite nice.

With a helpless smile, holding an armful of specialties, Reinhard wanted to scratch his head but had no hands free.

Yu Mei-ren and Sima Yi, standing nearby, were stunned by the celebratory scene, unsure what to say.

Never had they seen such a spectacle, it was completely beyond their comprehension.

Sima Yi, born into a merchant family, had seen more than the noble sons of the Water Mirror Manor, and was not easily shaken even by barren fields.

Merchants value profit over parting.

Sima Yi had calculated the costs of the world. His family involved in various provinces, had a better grasp of the number of people who died of hunger and disease than the court.

In these times, the palace eunuchs, emboldened by the current emperor's favoritism, acted lawlessly, amassing power and wealth, and disregarding all rules.

The so-called laws were meaningless to them, their greed boundless. They weren't satisfied with the confines of the capital but extended their reach to the thirteen provinces.

The eunuchs' sons, mostly illiterate and incompetent, thrived due to their backing. Even if they were useless, they could hold high positions.

These sons of eunuchs were not only greedy but also ruthless, more vicious than typical corrupt officials. They bullied, killed, and treated lives as playthings.

Assigned to various provinces, they relentlessly exploited the people, causing immense suffering.

Natural disasters and man-made calamities. The so-called man-made disasters were these bloodsucking parasites. How could such people govern the dynasty properly?

Thus, people had learned to avoid noble sons like the plague.

After all, provoking one of them could bring disaster upon their fragile families.

But Zhang Jue was different.

He was like the warm sun in the cold winter, drawing people towards him, basking in his light.

In this decaying land, he was so dazzling, brilliant, and eye-catching, like a blazing sun rising in the dark night, making people instinctively look up to him.

The sun was too warm and bright, attracting even the dark, crawling insects, burning them as they sought its light.

Sima Yi lowered his eyes and slowly smiled.

Because he too was a moth drawn to the flame.

"Wait, why are your hands empty, senior sister? I'm the junior brother, remember?"

Noticing the maid's idleness, Reinhard promptly stuffed his gifts into Yu Mei-ren's arms.

"Here, hold these for me."

"Uh, what?"

The ancient vampire, who hated humans the most, felt incredibly uneasy in this crowd, but with her junior brother here, she had to protect him.

People's emotions often don't align, she thought. To Yu Mei-ren, the crowd just seemed noisy.

No one gave her any gifts, so she was content to keep her hands free.

However, watching the slender young Reinhard, bathed in the glow of fireworks along the bustling streets, Yu Mei-ren felt that the noisy crowd wasn't so annoying after all.

"...Alright, since I'm the senior sister."

Thanks to her ample chest, Yu Mei-ren could easily carry more than a ten-year-old boy. She took the gifts Reinhard was struggling with, lifting them effortlessly.

...So this is the advantage of a large chest?

Seeing that Reinhard's hands were free, the plump fox immediately jumped from his neck into his arms, curling up comfortably with a contented purr.

Yu Mei-ren sighed, feeling she had been tricked.

"Lady, let me help you." 

"I can carry them myself! My junior brother needs me!" 

"Father, please have the stewards tally the gifts and send money to each family who gave them."

His father chuckled, saying nothing. He wanted to tell him that no one would accept the money, but seeing his son so happy, he kept silent.

"Jue'er, who are these four?" 

"They are all fellow disciples from the Water Mirror Manor visiting our province with me for the new year. This is my senior brother, Zhuge Liang, this is my... senior sister, Sima Yi, and these are senior sisters Yu Ying and Yu Fu." Reinhard introduced them after a brief pause, deciding not to introduce Sima Yi as his senior brother to avoid shocking his father.

Sima Yi smiled faintly and bowed, his expression subtly nuanced.

His parents exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with joy.

"Good, good! Jue'er has grown up!"

Though their son hadn't grown much taller in the past year, he had brought three beautiful women home for the new year! Senior sisters? They clearly understood what meeting the parents meant. Each had their unique charm, fitting their family perfectly. Their family lineage was now secure!

Wait a minute...

His father felt something was amiss.

"Jue'er, are you truly developing your power?"

"Of course, I am." Reinhard replied. "Master Water Mirror is now my teacher."

His father was taken aback. "Ah?"

The slender young man held up a token engraved with 'Red.' smiling brightly at his father.

"When have I ever lied?"

...

The clinking of glasses and the scent of wine filled the air. Reinhard enjoyed a rare, carefree evening playing games with his father and friends amidst a festive atmosphere.

However, after a night of eating and drinking, Reinhard found himself facing an unexpected predicament as he headed to bed with a slight buzz...

The estate had plenty of guest rooms, each offering a serene lakeside view. But at the table, Reinhard had lost his trousers, feeling increasingly tense as the game continued. The others, however, were fiercely competing for the right to stay the night.

Why did this feel so familiar?

Gray, Reines, Touko Aozaki, and Olga Marie all had something to say about this!

In truth, the real loser of the night was already determined, as the winner was comfortably nestled in the master's arms.

"Purr~"

The plump fox snuggled deeper into Reinhard's embrace, her soft belly being kneaded in plain sight, which, from her transformed perspective, was quite an intimate act.

"You three fighting over this is one thing, but why are you getting involved, Zhuge Liang? Do you also want to share a bed with me?" Reinhard asked, sweating as he watched Zhuge Liang dominate the table with his impeccable skills.

Zhuge Liang's skill came from his expertise in mathematics. He had introduced various rules and had Sima Yi handle the commercial promotion. Over the years, the game had become wildly popular across the dynasty, and even the current emperor was reportedly addicted.

At the moment, they were playing the brutal blood fight variant. But Zhuge Liang had already calculated everyone's hands.

Casinos don't allow mathematicians for a reason, and here he was using his stargazing skills to win at game, leaving Yu Mei-ren feeling outmatched.

"Sima Yi paid me to stay and assist him." 

When it came to money, Zhuge Liang was wide awake. Having experienced many hardships, his ultimate dream was a peaceful life with a loving family, making him anxious to settle down.

With Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi on one side and Xu Fu and Yu Mei-ren on the other, the game was fierce.

Reinhard watched, giving tips to Yu Mei-ren while observing Zhuge Liang feed Sima Yi to victory.

It was clear Xu Fu was trying his best but was hampered by a weak teammate..

"Hah... losing the game but winning in life." Yu Mei-ren muttered. With Reinhard by her side, occasionally touching his arm or waist, she felt she had gained more than she lost.

She pushed the tiles away, giving Reinhard a knowing smile as she crossed her shapely legs. Her dress parted slightly, revealing her long, slender foot encased in thin black silk, which gleamed invitingly in the candlelight.

She had deliberately worn black stockings, playing her direct hand. Yu Mei-ren doubted Reinhard could resist her charms.

In the end, who stayed was up to Reinhard's decision.

Reinhard glanced at Sima Yi.

The elegant femboy sat quietly, his lips curving in a subtle smile. Not competing was his way of competing. Aggression was futile. Sima Yi felt confident he would win his favor over Yu Mei-ren's boisterous approach.

Tension filled the air.

"Ahem..."

Holding the plump fox, Reinhard cleared his throat and smiled, "Everyone, leave."

"Eh..." Yu Mei-ren clung to Reinhard's arm, her eyes brimming with tears.

Having won his money, Zhuge Liang weighed the gold coins he had taken from Sima Yi and stood up, laughing.

Sima Yi smirked at Yu Mei-ren, shook his head mockingly, and left.

"Senior sister, you too." 

"Why? We've just returned home and you won't even hold me? Rest, we'll rest! Nothing more! I just want a hug! I wore black stockings just for you! You sleep with that fat fox every night! What's so special about her? I'm big and soft too!" Yu Mei-ren complained, shaking his shoulders with tear-filled eyes.

Reinhard recalled their first meeting when she was regal and cold, her crimson eyes dazzling, her demeanor as distant as the moon. She had been irritable and unapproachable.

Yet, in just a year, this cold woman had revealed a softer side, pleading and affectionate. Teasing her was his favorite pastime.

Reinhard gently pinched her cheek, smiling, "Be good, senior sister."

"...Alright." Yu Mei-ren pouted, muttering softly, "I'm good, I'll listen. Rest well, and don't... don't overdo it with Jade... it's bad for your health."

Xu Fu facepalmed, embarrassed by her lady's words.

No, having never tasted victory, Yu Mei-ren couldn't be considered a true rival, more like a hungry dog eyeing a bone.

"Purr~" The plump fox made a triumphant sound, mockingly laughing at Yu Mei-ren.

Jade... it seems you misunderstood.

Reinhard placed the fox in Yu Mei-ren's arms, "Jade, you too."

"Eeek~?!"

Jade's mouth dropped open as if the world had ended.

"Hah…"

Hmph! Now it's your turn to lose!

Yu Mei-ren wore a faux smile, roughly pulling the fox's tail. Jade transformed back into her voluptuous human form, pleading with tears in her eyes.

"I won't drain you so much... I was wrong... at least let me sleep next to you..."

Jade's loose gown slipped, revealing her graceful collarbone and teasing curves, her black lace accentuating her allure.

Tempting, but...

"Let's confirm there are no issues before we discuss the matter of resting."

"What are you planning, junior brother?"

"Don't ask, and don't look." Reinhard sternly instructed, then turned to the maid draped in a robe, "Miss Xu Fu, please stay behind."

"Me?" Xu Fu raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Reluctantly, Yu Mei-ren closed the door behind her. Reinhard summoned a spell that sealed off the room from any sound or light.

Xu Fu stood silently, smiling. Without the presence of her lady, she was no longer obligated to play any further role. Was it now her turn to take a more active part? Xu Fu understood his intentions.

Of course, she knew this wasn't about indulging in pleasure, although she wouldn't have minded. Her body was just a vessel, and while she could enjoy physical pleasures, she wasn't about to steal her lady's opportunity. Besides, her lady was still quite innocent, easily flustered even by a kiss from him.

"Young Master, are you certain?" 

"Yes. Please ensure nothing disrupts my concentration while I draw my spell."

Reinhard's mastery of the water mirror arts had reached an impressive level. He excelled in thunder magecraft and controlling the elements, and now his expertise in illusions had become almost undetectable. He was a versatile practitioner.

If given enough time to prepare, his A+-grade magic circuits could manipulate the geomantic energy of an entire city, enabling him to cast large-scale illusions or alter the weather drastically, much like Zeus summoning a storm. His skills had advanced to the point where he could be considered a walking weather machine.

Continuous exposure to electrical currents had strengthened his body, making it more resilient and compact, allowing him to endure an hour-long duel with Jade each night. However, this had also resulted in a leaner appearance.

Due to the lack of official authorization, the Water Mirror Manor had no specific instructions on summoning spirits, only basic elemental practices. Therefore, Reinhard had spent half a year mastering the fundamental spells and was now ready to attempt summoning a spirit.

He reached into his sleeve and activated an imaginary number magecraft, instantly unfurling a stack of yellow paper in front of him.

With ink and cinnabar, he swiftly drew the head, body, and limbs of the spell within seconds. It wasn't based on any existing system crafting but rather something Reinhard had devised himself, incorporating symbols from various sources.

He included the Mark of Khorne, the Mark of Nurgle, the Mark of Slaanesh, and the Mark of Tzeentch.

After all, he is the one who sits on the Throne of Chaos in this world. If he were to summon a spirit, it would be a facet of his own being.

Now, the final question remained: which spirit should he summon?

Alvin? Kratos?

Reinhard knew these spirits were seated on their thrones, but he couldn't be certain whether summoning them would lead to any adverse effects in this peculiar point in time.

After some contemplation, he inscribed on the spell in elegant script:

[Master of Fate Zhang Jue]

"Where is my fate?"

"The answer is clear: I am my own fate!

"Because I am the Pure Heart."

Reinhard muttered to himself with conviction.

"So, I firmly believe that my future self, seated on the Throne of Tzeentch, was the God of Wisdom and Change, will undoubtedly be able to assist me!"

As he finished speaking, it felt as if something had been drained from his mind. A wave of nausea and an intense urge to vomit overwhelmed his senses.

...

"Urgh!"

Reinhard gagged, expelling the sedative pills he had taken earlier. Even without the doctor's warnings, he would never consume such mysterious medications.

Having spent half a month here, he was convinced he wasn't ill, although no one else seemed to believe him.

Watching the capsules swirl in the toilet water, Reinhard was momentarily entranced. In the whirlpool, he glimpsed the fragmented reflection of his younger self.

"Zhang Jue?"

Reinhard murmured in a daze.

"So, that's how it is. I think I understand now."

He reached into the water, retrieving the soaked yellow paper. As he shook off the water droplets, he noticed tiny, blood-red characters scrawled on the surface.

[Write a question on this paper, and the outer entities will provide an answer based on the highest-voted response.]

The highest-voted response? What does that mean?

Though he could understand each word individually, their collective meaning eluded him. Nevertheless, the initial instructions were clear: pose a question to an outer entity, and receive an answer.

What would he have to offer in return? He wasn't sure.

Sitting on the hospital bed, Reinhard pondered deeply, waiting for the yellow paper to dry completely.

He had no pen.

So, Reinhard bit his lip, using his blood to write:

[Who are you?]