Chapter 144: Little Esdeath

"Hmm...?"

Zalama raised an eyebrow. "Master Kahn, have you taken a fancy to me?"

"Of course. Who wouldn't be drawn to a woman as beautiful and powerful as you?" Kahn replied seriously.

In truth, from the first moment Kahn laid eyes on Zalama, he was captivated. No man could resist a woman with her beauty, strength, and status.

"Hehehe." Zalama chuckled softly, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "To be honest, Master Kahn, I also have a fondness for you. You were the first person to dance with me, and you are the first Grand God of Destruction I have served."

"Since you've spoken so directly, I have no objections. But there's no need for a wedding ceremony—it's too much trouble."

This was true. Although Zalama was a divine being, she was not devoid of emotions. She had spent countless eons alone in the Dragon God Realm, her heart burdened by solitude.

But with Kahn's arrival, her loneliness had been replaced by companionship. Even a divine being like her could succumb to emotions when she finally felt understood and valued.

Moreover, Kahn possessed unparalleled talent and had risen to the highest ranks of divine power. Both in strength and status, he was more than worthy of her.

Additionally, as Kahn's personal guide, she would always remain by his side. Becoming his wife would not interfere with her duties—in fact, it was the perfect arrangement.

"Alright, then we'll do as you say," Kahn said with a bright smile.

Zalama's quick agreement surprised him. He had expected some hesitation, but this outcome was even better—it saved him the trouble of convincing her.

That night, Kahn relaxed in the hot spring on the third floor of the Grand God of Destruction's palace. Steam rose into the air, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Kahn leaned back, exhaling in satisfaction. "There's nothing better than a hot spring soak."

Creak.

The door to the hot spring room slowly opened.

Dressed in a refined yet stylish outfit, Zalama walked in, carrying a new set of Grand God of Destruction robes for Kahn.

Placing them on the stone platform beside the pool, she smiled. "Master Kahn, your clothes are here. You can change after your bath."

A sudden impulse struck Kahn. "Zalama, how about joining me for a soak?"

Zalama's lips curled into a charming smile, her expression radiant like a blooming flower in spring.

Zalama's lips curled into a charming smile, her expression radiant like a blooming flower in spring. She stepped forward, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Oh? Is that an invitation, Master Kahn?" she teased, tilting her head slightly.

Kahn leaned back against the smooth stone, the warm water rising to his chest as he smirked. "It would be a shame to let this bath go to waste alone."

Zalama chuckled, her fingers trailing along the edge of the pool as she studied him. Then, without another word, she reached for the silk sash of her robe, loosening it with a slow, deliberate motion. The fabric slipped from her shoulders, cascading down her body like water, pooling at her feet.

Kahn's breath hitched. Even under the soft glow of the chamber, her beauty was otherworldly—flawless skin, curves sculpted to perfection, and an elegance that made it impossible to look away. She stepped into the water, the ripples spreading as she moved toward him.

Settling beside him, Zalama let out a soft sigh of contentment. "The water is perfect," she murmured, dipping lower, her bare shoulders glistening.

Kahn reached out instinctively, brushing a damp strand of hair from her cheek. Her skin was warm, smooth beneath his fingertips. Zalama's eyes met his, a silent challenge in them, daring him to continue.

"Do you always tease like this?" Kahn asked, his voice rougher than he intended.

She leaned in, her breath warm against his neck. "Only when I know the other person enjoys it."

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension, their proximity charged. Zalama's fingers skimmed lightly over his arm, tracing the muscles with featherlight touches. Kahn's pulse quickened, a deep heat stirring within him.

He let his hand drift lower, resting against the small of her back, pulling her just a little closer. Their lips hovered mere inches apart, the anticipation crackling like a storm waiting to break.

"Tell me," Zalama whispered, her fingers now trailing down his chest. "Do you regret inviting me in?"

Kahn's grip tightened. "Not in the slightest."

She smiled—a slow, knowing curve of her lips—before closing the remaining distance between them.

---

The next morning, Kahn and Zalama departed from the Grand God of Destruction Realm.

Their first stop was Earth. Kahn introduced Zalama to Vados, Bulma, and Android 18, announcing their relationship. He also informed them that they would be away for an extended period.

Vados and the others understood. After all, Kahn had just ascended to his new position and had responsibilities to fulfill. Additionally, he and Zalama needed time to grow closer in their newfound relationship.

After saying their goodbyes, Kahn and Zalama left Earth to embark on their journey—to find attendants for the palace.

In reality, this was more of a honeymoon trip.

Along the way, they arrived at a planet in the Milky Way similar to Earth.

"The civilization here appears to be quite primitive," Zalama observed as they flew over the landscape.

They saw no advanced cities—only villages and tribes scattered across the land.

"That's fine," Kahn said. "The goal is to find suitable attendants."

By "suitable," he meant individuals without strong familial ties. He had no intention of forcefully taking anyone against their will—after all, he was once human himself and had no interest in such cruelty.

As they continued northward, they encountered a snow-covered region dotted with small villages.

One particular village caught Kahn's attention.

The entire settlement had been burned to the ground. Flames consumed the wooden structures, and lifeless bodies were strewn across the ground.

It was a scene straight out of a nightmare.

Zalama scanned the ruins. "It looks like this village was attacked."

Kahn nodded. "Conflict among mortals is inevitable. Where there is competition, there is war. And war, for better or worse, is often the driving force behind a civilization's advancement."

Just then, their attention was drawn to movement in the distance.

A young girl, petite yet striking, approached the village. Her ice-blue hair cascaded down her back like a frozen waterfall. Draped over her small shoulders was a massive prey—hundreds of times larger than her own frame.

The sight was almost surreal.

However, when she saw the burning village and the lifeless bodies of her people, she froze in place.

Her bright, excited expression quickly transformed into one of horror and despair.

A second later, she dropped her prey and sprinted into the village, ignoring Kahn and Zalama entirely.

She had only one thought in her mind—her father's fate.

Kahn and Zalama followed as the girl rushed into a small, straw-covered hut.

Inside, a dying middle-aged man lay on the floor, blood pooling around him.

He was the village chief—and her father.

Despite his impending death, he showed no pain, only a faint, self-deprecating smile.

"Father…"

The girl's icy blue pupils trembled as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Esdeath..." the man murmured weakly, looking at his daughter. "I suppose this is the fate of the weak. We lost because we weren't strong enough… But you, you must survive… Esdeath…"

With those final words, his life faded away.

The girl sat frozen, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.

Kahn observed her reaction, intrigued.

"What do you think, Zalama?" he asked.

Zalama glanced at Esdeath, then at Kahn, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "I think we may have found someone interesting."