Princess, Don't Make Me Kiss You!

The noble youths in the hall erupted in a clamor. "He refused!? Heavens, he actually refused to kiss Princess Yuna!?" Even Steve's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Du Chen.

Du Chen merely smiled, turning to pick up a glass of crimson liquor from a nearby table. He sipped it slowly, as if the potent drink held more allure than the princess across from him.

He couldn't help it. What else could he do, having cultivated the Pure Yang Scripture?

He was a normal man; beautiful women stirred his heart. But such stirring often led to mistakes, and even a single misstep would result in the Precious Lotus Scripture ruthlessly transforming Du Chen into a living eunuch!

Moreover, the Precious Lotus Scripture forbade him from 'proximity to women'. What exactly defined this 'proximity'? The technique's creator was an ancient, after all, from a bygone era of strict Hua Xia etiquette with countless rigid rules governing interactions between men and women. What if kissing a woman counted as 'proximity'?

He dared not risk it. His lifelong happiness, and indeed, his very manhood, hung in the balance!

Thus, Du Chen had only one policy when it came to women, especially beautiful ones: willful blindness, eliminating any and all possibility of error!

A hint of embarrassment flickered across Yuna's face, yet she smiled gracefully. "My name is Yuna, the Imperial Princess of the Lanning Empire. It's a pleasure to meet you, Francis Saint Sigurd Cain!"

Those versed in Imperial etiquette knew that a noble addressing another by their full name in an informal setting was a subtle sign of displeasure. But Du Chen, still learning the nuances of this world's customs, was utterly oblivious.

Still, Du Chen gave a light cough, a flicker of understanding dawning on him. His earlier refusal had been rather disrespectful to Princess Yuna. He raised his glass and emptied it in one gulp. "Princess Yuna, I offer this drink as my apology, but... I genuinely never kiss anyone's hand!"

"Francis!" Steve hissed a warning, reminding Du Chen not to offend the princess. Internally, he was a mix of exasperation and amusement. *Ancestors of Sigurd, my dear brother is far too… unconventional. He's the first on the Aethelgard Continent to reject Princess Yuna!*

Yuna smiled, her faint smirk blossoming into a soft chuckle as she tilted her head slowly to the left. "I understand. You may use an alternative form of etiquette!"

The noble youths gaped in astonishment. *Heavens, Princess Yuna is implying Francis can use an even more intimate form of greeting – a kiss on the cheek!*

Du Chen maintained his smile, but a trace of annoyance flickered within him. *Is this Princess Yuna ill in the head? Why is she so insistent on a kissing gesture? Can't we just shake hands or bow? It's as if not kissing her is simply not an option!*

"Princess, my sincerest apologies," he said, feigning earnestness. "I've only recently recovered from a grave illness, and I'm still in the process of re-learning etiquette. Many of my movements are unrefined. If I were to offer a greeting rashly now, I fear it would be quite uncouth!"

He had refused again. Steve wore a droll expression, a mix of laughter and tears, thinking, *Tomorrow's Imperial Capital Daily headline is set: 'Francis Rejects Princess Yuna's Kiss!'*

Yuna, however, misunderstood completely. *Who said Francis was the disgrace of the Saint Sigurd Cain family? Playing hard to get—isn't that exactly the flirtatious trick my playboy royal brother often speaks of!?*

*This Francis is not only not an idiot, but quite 'wicked'!*

Pondering this, Yuna feigned indignation. "Do you perhaps desire to use an even more advanced form of etiquette?"

Beyond a kiss on the cheek, that could only mean a kiss on the lips!

But Du Chen, feigning bewilderment, asked, "What is an even more advanced form of etiquette?"

Princess Yuna's face flushed slightly as she glared at Du Chen, exasperated. "Do you mean to say you wish to kiss my lips?"

*Even if I offend the princess today, I absolutely cannot kiss her! The cultivation of the Precious Lotus Scripture takes precedence over everything... This princess, honestly, why must she insist on me kissing her?!* Du Chen thought to himself.

"Princess, I apologize, but I also do not wish to kiss your lips!"

The crowd was astonished into numbness.

Princess Yuna's expression turned a little subdued. "Very well then, it seems I truly cannot receive a kiss from Young Master Francis." She flicked her golden hair and turned to leave Du Chen's side.

Steve, growing anxious, quickly shot Du Chen a meaningful glance. The entire purpose of tonight was for Francis to lay the groundwork for his future career; offending the princess was out of the question.

Du Chen glanced at Steve, thinking, *Big Brother has been very kind to me. I can't cause him trouble!* So, Du Chen grabbed another glass of potent liquor, swiftly moved to Yuna's side, and downed it. "Heh heh, Princess, I suppose I should be honest. I truly cannot kiss you, because... I ate garlic today! See? Haven't you noticed me using strong liquor to mask the scent?"

Yuna covered her mouth, stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Heh heh, Francis, you truly are amusing! So you like garlic! That's the most delightful joke I've heard all day! What else do you enjoy eating?"

Under the envious gazes of the other noble youths, and to Steve's astonished expression, Du Chen found himself engaged in an intermittent conversation with Yuna.

After a while, Steve seemed to have an epiphany. Leaning close to Du Chen under the pretense of toasting, he chuckled slyly, "My dear brother, was that your strategy to win the princess's favor? Very impressive, truly inheriting my cunning. It seems my brother has finally awakened!"

Du Chen replied indifferently, "It wasn't a strategy. I have no interest in her whatsoever."

"Alright, stop pretending!" Steve grinned mischievously. "But you must be careful. Princess Yuna is the most beautiful maiden in the Imperial Capital, and many eyes are on her. It wouldn't be wise to offend too many people for her sake!"

With that, Steve drained his glass of fine wine. "Have fun, dear brother. Big Brother is off to charm some beauties!"

He plunged into the dance floor, and before long, he had an arm slung around a girl's shoulder, swaying to the music.

*This big brother...* Du Chen sighed.

Princess Yuna was quite enthusiastic, and Du Chen, not wanting to cause trouble for his brother, kept up a desultory conversation with her. Suddenly, his rear began to tingle!

The Precious Lotus Scripture was signaling that a good deed could be done!

Du Chen's heart leaped with joy. He quickly scanned the surroundings. The hundred-plus youths in the hall were all gathered in small groups of three or five, or paired off, immersed in the festive atmosphere of the banquet. In such a situation, how could an opportunity for a good deed arise?

He did a quick sweep but found nothing amiss. Yet, the Precious Lotus Scripture was never wrong; there had to be a chance for a good deed! He channeled his Lotus Internal Force into his eyes, scanning everyone with keen, almost shifty eyes.

Princess Yuna was greatly puzzled. Just moments ago, Francis had been radiating a sunny demeanor. Now, he suddenly looked very… despicable? Like a lecher searching for prey?

She couldn't help but ask, "Francis, what are you looking for?"

"Nothing, just looking around. Hey! Frith, what are you doing!?" Du Chen shouted, rushing towards a dimly lit corner.

In the corner, Frith, the eldest son of the Minister of Finance—whom Du Chen had previously taught a lesson alongside Kaman—was walking arm-in-arm with a young woman towards a side door.

Though the girl's posture with Frith was intimate, her steps were unsteady, and the smile on her face seemed subtly unnatural, almost eerie. With Du Chen's past life experience navigating the underworld, he instantly recognized the problem!

Following Du Chen's exclamation, everyone turned their eyes to Frith and the young woman.

Du Chen dashed forward. With a quick, practiced swipe, his hand brushed past Frith, and he immediately detected something in Frith's pocket.

"Frith, what is this!?" Du Chen snatched a small paper packet from Frith's pocket, opened it, and tossed it to the ground. A handful of white powder spilled out.

Many of the noble youths present, those of similar moral standing as Frith, instantly grasped the truth of the situation.

Suddenly, the tingling sensation in Du Chen's rear intensified, spreading a delightful wave of comfort through his entire body. Clearly, the young woman was meant to be chaste, and Frith had intended to use despicable means to have her. As for Du Chen, he had preserved the virtue of a chaste maiden and thwarted a vile plot – this was indeed a grand good deed!

At this moment, the second lotus on Du Chen's rear had bloomed by ten or twenty percent, and his Lotus Internal Force was now more than double the potency it had been when first awakened.

Under everyone's gaze, Frith stood frozen in awkward embarrassment, unsure of how to react.

Du Chen approached him, lecturing him with feigned sorrow. "Frith, although you are not a Titled Battle God Scion, as one myself, I must say: if you wish to win a maiden's heart, you must display your best qualities and move her with your sincerity. But you... sigh, what a disgrace! Tonight, hundreds have borne witness to your utter shamelessness!"

"You!!" Frith, mortified and infuriated, had nowhere to hide his shame and could only direct his seething rage at Du Chen.

He abruptly tore off the necklace from his neck, preparing to activate his sacred artifact. But at that moment, Steve's cold voice cut through the clamor from the dance floor. "Charles, my dear second brother, it seems someone intends to challenge the honor of the Saint Sigurd Cain family!"

Charles initially didn't want to get involved with Du Chen's affairs. However, today, the three brothers collectively represented the Saint Sigurd Cain family; their honor was intertwined, for better or worse. He could only let out a cold snort and threaten, "Frith, you One-Star Red-Robed Fiend Warrior! If you desire a duel, I, Charles Saint Sigurd Cain, a Four-Star Green-Robed Martial Fighter, will gladly oblige!"

Frith froze for a moment, then sullenly reattached the sacred artifact to his neck. Just then, Princess Yuna's cold command rang out, "Guards! Escort this vile wretch out of here! From this day forward, he is forbidden from attending any of my banquets!"

The Crescent Archway suddenly swung open, and several fierce-looking warriors stormed in, driving Frith out with a flurry of blows!

Du Chen smiled. Tonight hadn't been in vain; he had accomplished yet another perfect good deed!

Yuna approached Du Chen, smiling. "Thank you. Such an incident occurring at my banquet would have been a great dishonor."

"Your Royal Highness, it was merely my duty! Forgive me, but I feel a little unwell and wish to rest." Du Chen, eager to avoid further conversation with Yuna, found an unoccupied corner and quietly savored his wine.

The banquet continued. Not long after, the young woman whom Frith had nearly victimized regained her senses. The sedative Frith had used was indeed potent, as she was completely unaware of the recent events upon waking. After being informed, she gracefully approached Du Chen, lifted the hem of her skirt, and offered a slight curtsy. "Francis, I sincerely thank you!" Her cerulean eyes, brimming with ardent admiration, met his gaze, and with a blush on her pretty face, she lowered her head and asked, "May I have this dance?"

Du Chen's heart skipped a beat. Looking into the distance, he saw Steve winking at him, a mischievous grin on his face.

*Heavens! Is this accursed girl trying to tempt me?!*