Ch. 521Aimier, Be My Woman
Chapter Summary: “Aimier, Be My Woman”
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Elven wedding ceremony reaches its climax with the arrival of the three Primordial Elves. Their blessing is necessary to formally recognize Queen Ke’er and Li Ziran as married and to confirm Ke’er’s authority.
- Li Ziran is emotionally troubled because Aimier is about to return to Oak Space after completing her mission. Their intimate relationship over the previous two days has created strong feelings between them, but he believes they may never meet again.
- During the ceremony, Ke’er publicly pledges her loyalty to the Elves and promises that Li Ziran will devote himself to the rainforest. When Aimier asks Li Ziran whether he accepts the marriage, he answers that he is willing, deeply hurting her.
- Aimier creates and places the Thorn Crown on Ke’er. The crown activates Oak’s blessing, transforming Ke’er and granting her powerful control over natural elements. Li Ziran also receives a blessing, but he uses his Devouring Curse to absorb and neutralize its potentially dangerous soul-eroding effects.
- Aimier announces that her mission is complete and prepares to return to Oak Space. Li Ziran, with Anjebel’s tacit approval, follows her after the ceremony.
- Pretending that there is a problem with his blessing, Li Ziran intercepts Aimier at the entrance to Oak Space. He forcibly prevents her departure and transports her to his private operating room.
- There, Li Ziran openly declares, “I want you to be my woman.” Aimier initially resists and fears the consequences of being discovered, but she is ultimately unable to oppose him. The chapter ends with her becoming his willing partner rather than merely being controlled as a puppet.
Character Developments
- Li Ziran: Although he maintains composure during the wedding and accepts Ke’er publicly, his attachment to Aimier proves stronger than his willingness to let her disappear. He abandons restraint, deceives the Primordial Elves, and takes Aimier for himself.
- Aimier: She shifts from controlled emotional restraint to visible heartbreak and desperation. Her longing for Li Ziran is revealed when she hopes he will reject the marriage. After being taken away, her resistance gradually gives way to happiness when she realizes he truly wants her.
- Ke’er: Ke’er is formally empowered as queen through the Thorn Crown and Oak’s blessing. Her body and soul are transformed, giving her enhanced authority over natural elements. She remains unaware of Li Ziran’s immediate pursuit of Aimier.
- Anjebel: Though largely silent, Anjebel understands Li Ziran’s intentions and silently permits him to act, signaling her acceptance or at least noninterference.
- The Primordial Elves: They serve as representatives of Oak and witnesses to the ceremony, but Li Ziran outmaneuvers them by sealing their awareness during teleportation.
Significant Themes
- Duty versus personal desire: Li Ziran fulfills his public duty by accepting Ke’er while privately choosing Aimier, revealing the conflict between political obligation and emotional attachment.
- Love, possession, and agency: The chapter portrays Li Ziran’s determination in possessive terms, while Aimier’s final happiness comes from recognizing that he chose her rather than merely controlling her.
- Transformation and power: Ke’er’s blessing changes her into a being closely linked with Oak and nature, while Li Ziran’s Devouring Curse demonstrates his ability to resist even divine or primordial power.
- Public ceremony versus private truth: The wedding symbolizes order, legitimacy, and political alliance, but Li Ziran’s actions afterward expose the hidden relationship and emotional reality beneath the formal event.
- Separation and refusal to let go: Aimier’s impending departure forces Li Ziran to confront his feelings and act decisively rather than accept their separation.
Important Character Interactions
- Li Ziran and Aimier: Their tense exchange during the ceremony reveals mutual but suppressed feelings. Aimier hopes he will reject the marriage, while Li Ziran hides his emotions until he later abducts her to prevent her return.
- Li Ziran and Ke’er: He publicly accepts Ke’er as his wife and kisses her forehead, preserving the appearance of a proper marriage even as he secretly leaves to pursue Aimier.
- Aimier and Ke’er: Aimier performs her duty by crowning Ke’er despite her jealousy and emotional pain, formally granting Oak’s support to the new queen.
- Li Ziran and Anjebel: Anjebel’s silent nod gives Li Ziran permission to pursue Aimier, making her an important, if indirect, supporter of his decision.
- Li Ziran and the Primordial Elves: He deceives and overpowers them during the teleportation, temporarily sealing their minds so he can take Aimier away unnoticed.