Chapter 116

Last Night.

It was a quiet night within the Empress's chamber, the stillness broken only by the soft rustle of curtains as everyone retired for the evening.

"Mother, I know you must have some knowledge about that slave," Princess Aqualina confronted her mother, her gaze intense as she watched the Empress in her nightgown, leaning on the bed.

"Aaahhhh..." The Empress let out a tired yawn before meeting her daughter's unwavering gaze. "Can we perhaps discuss this at a more opportune time, my dear?"

"Nope, we can't!" Princess replied firmly, determination evident in her tone.

"Sigh..." Empress sighed before looking at her daughter and said with a straight face, "I don't know"

Veins appeared on the Princess's forehead as she exclaimed, "Mother!"

Princess wasn't naive; when Aether caused a lot of problems, her mother didn't oppose him, as if implying he should do as he pleases. Allowing a slave to act without restraint in her territory was total nonsense if she knew something others didn't.

And most of all... Aether's stranger powers.

"Haha.... Fine, Fine!" the Empress chuckled before continuing, "He is someone who was protected... no, perhaps favoured... Yes, He is favoured by the Arcane."

Princess's expression was one of shock. "Really, Mother?!!" There was no one in this universe whom the Arcane favoured.

"Yes," the Empress nodded.

"Why a slave? Why him? If he were a noble or even a commoner, they might have become the most prominent figures all over the five worlds!" Princess exclaimed with a serious face.

The Empress turned silent for a second before responding, "My dear, can you fully comprehend my doings?"

"Yes," Princess nodded without hesitation.

"Oh? Really?" the Empress asked with a smug face.

"W-Well, maybe a little," Princess awkwardly admitted, eliciting a giggle from the Empress, who then said, "Even though I am your mother, you cannot entirely grasp my intentions....

Just as we are mere parts of the Arcane's play, the god who created us... We cannot fathom her methods."

"I see..." Princess nodded in understanding and inquired, "So, what kind of approach should I take to him under me?"

"Hmm? Why are you asking me?" Empress asked back.

"Come on, Mother! You must have already planned, right? Please give your daughter a hint," Princess pleaded.

"A hint... ah? Then tell me first, what are you planning to do with him?" Empress inquired.

Princess sighed, knowing her mother wouldn't relent until she shared her thoughts, "Well, I initially thought of manipulating Kai and transferring ownership to me. But it seems that might take some time and that idiot was totally Papa's boy. So, I considered using a 'carrot and stick' strategy to gain control over Aether. If possible, I might even resort to coercion until he obeys me..."

"Hmm... That's a well-thought-out plan," Empress acknowledged, feeling a touch of pride that her daughter was strategizing effectively. However, she added, "Yet, you risk losing his loyalty."

Princess remained silent, knowing this was precisely why she sought her mother's advice.

Sighing, the Empress continued, "My daughter, please don't follow my path. Look at me, even though I have more powerful subordinates everywhere, they serve me out of fear, not loyalty."

"I just want you to remember when you face death, those who fear you would flee without a second thought. But loyalty... you cannot buy it even if you sacrifice an entire empire. So, think carefully before making a move on Aether, who was favoured by the Arcane."

Princess slowly digested her mother's words and then asked for one last hint, "Any hint?"

Empress sighed again and muttered, "He is just an idiot who does what he wants, loves freedom, smiles when treated well, fears being used and discarded, and above all..." Empress couldn't help but smile, "He loves.... eyes..."

"Hmm?" Princess frowned at her mother's smiling expression, which was quite rare.

Sensing her daughter's confusion, Empress cleared her throat and said, "That's all for now... Now go!" She was visibly exhausted after the day's events.

However, instead of leaving, Princess moved closer to the bed and nestled into her mother's embrace.

"Hmm?" Empress flinched at first, but then a smile spread across her face as she hugged her daughter and whispered, "There are many things you need to learn, my dear... I am always beside you."

".... Yes, Mom," Princess replied with a smile. They embraced each other before drifting off into dreams together.

Present!

Aether rose from his seat and approached the princess. He had heard every word she spoke until now.

In truth, if any other slave or servant had been treated to such lavish foods and been graced by her heartfelt words alongside her mesmerizing face, they would undoubtedly have pledged their loyalty to her, even willing to lay down their lives.

And Aether was no exception.

'Thud'

Aether knelt before her, taking her hand in his, akin to a knight pledging his devotion to a princess in a fairy tale, "I shall protect you with my life, My Princess," he declared, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand.

The princess smiled faintly.

However,

Did Aether care for her pitiful act or whatever?..... No.

Was his heart stirred by her beauty?..... No.

Did her offer bring him happiness?... Bitch, No way!!

He going to remain a slave unless he finishes his missions!!

Aether may not have been aware of the nightmares looming on the horizon waiting for him.... nor did he particularly care, for his life had been nothing short of a nightmare itself.

But one thing was certain... He would survive.

He was willing to face those nightmares again to live his existence without any regrets. This was his second chance, and he would do whatever was necessary to survive.

Behind his gentle smile, there lurked a cunning smirk as he gazed upon the princess's serene face, so different from the day before.

Did he truly concern himself with her facade?

Not in the slightest!

'If you wish to use me... Go ahead, but be prepared to be used in return... Little girl. I will conquer both your mind and body,' Aether resolved with unwavering determination... His pupils flickered with black before settling down to blue.

The princess smiled, interpreting the resolve in his expression as evidence of her success, 'I suppose I've won his heart,' she mused, content with the outcome of her plan. Though it was rooted in truth, she had spoken from the depths of her heart and the result was far better than if she lied about something.

+10 Affection

Survival rate: 7.5%↑

'I suppose that's what it takes to earn one's loyalty,' she pondered, unaware of Aether's true intentions.

'I will make her yearn for me! I will dominate her thoughts! I will etch myself into her mind! Drive her sanity to the brink! Soon, I will claim her heart... This girl will soon be mine and mine alo-- Wait?' Aether was startled by his own inner dialogue.

'What the fuck! This is not me!!'