Chapter 22: A Different Alexia

Since Alexia chose Simon, he had already prepared himself to face the trials of the gods.

This was Alexia’s inevitable Ultimate Fate, with almost no hope of survival.

Although the contract was binding, Alexia was actually quite lenient with Simon, making no demands other than absolute loyalty.

Another trait of the contract even forced her to maintain a close relationship with him.

This made Alexia’s feelings for him complicated.

He had gradually changed from a simple tool to her twisted object of attachment.

This was evident from the fact that she needed him by her side whenever she rested.

In the past, Alexia never specifically sought him out after exhaustion.

His current strength and status were entirely thanks to Alexia’s favor; otherwise, he might still be just a Knights’ Order captain.

How could he have become the first under the Empress?

Reporting the will of the king atop the golden terrace, raising the jade dragon to die for the lord.

From beginning to end, Simon never felt anything bad about Alexia.

And he was truly dissatisfied with Alexia’s final ending.

In the eyes of most in the Empire, she was regarded as one of the most terrifying tyrants in history, an existence almost forbidden.

During her rule, she controlled everything with an iron fist, allowing no one to question her in the slightest.

Even the former king, who became muddled in old age and made policy blunders, could not compare with her.

However, people never considered that, had she not taken such strong measures, the Empire might have long since collapsed and disappeared.

Within the Empire, the dukes and lords held military power and ruled their own territories; external threats continuously battered the Empire’s borders, shrinking its space for survival.

Under the dual pressure of internal strife and external threats, Alexia had to deal with the various problems left by the former king, chief among them the Reformist Faction led by Count Pandas.

They believed the root of the Empire’s decline lay in the outdated monarchy.

They argued that the fate of the Empire should not rest on a single ruler.

But they failed to realize that the divisions caused by collective governance could lead the entire Empire to destruction.

Everyone wanted to express opinions and act as they wished; with no unified voice, it was naturally impossible to issue clear and effective orders to subordinates.

In an era when productivity was still lagging, this was undoubtedly a fatal weakness.

Magic could indeed increase productivity, but how many magicians were willing to lower themselves to work in agriculture or other basic jobs?

If magicians truly took up these tasks, who knew how many people would be displaced.

Because magicians took away the work of laborers and farmers.

This too was a great waste of talent.

After all, mediocrity always outnumbers genius in the world.

Miloya gazed at Simon with a complicated expression.

There was no sign of retreat on his face, and a hint of eagerness even shimmered in those steadfast eyes.

This showed that the Knights’ Order Captain before her was truly considering the possibility of defying the gods.

“Captain, I do feel fear. After all, that’s a god—how could I not be afraid? But if this is your decision, I am willing to follow you.”

Miloya took a deep breath, calming the emotional waves within.

“Just as you said to me that day, as your deputy, I shouldn’t question your decisions.”

“As long as you decide, I… I’ll stand by your side.”

She owed her current achievements entirely to Simon’s promotion.

If she left merely because of an uncertain future, how would she differ from a petty person?

Back when she became Simon’s deputy, she always feared she was unqualified, as she often seemed clumsy.

But as time passed, the longer she spent with Simon, the more she realized the Knights’ Order Captain was, in fact, easy to get along with.

His stern outward manner was only to build a fearful image.

It was all to instill awe and keep others at bay.

Although Simon rarely attended the Knights’ Order’s internal gatherings, he had secured generous benefits for its members.

Just equipping everyone with magic devices was enough to make other Knights’ Orders jealous.

Not to mention the holidays and other perks.

He also shielded them from the pressure of the Empress.

No one in the Blood Knights’ Order was willing to face that capricious and violent Empress—only Simon could withstand her whims.

Simon smiled with satisfaction but shook his head.

“No need to stand together—just stand behind me.”

If even he couldn’t withstand it, then no one else would stand a chance.

“That’s all for today’s search. Let the brothers go back.”

Simon waved his hand, signaling the end of today’s operations.

“I still have urgent matters to discuss with Her Majesty, so I won’t go with you.”

—

“Handsome, are you alone?”

A familiar and slightly mischievous voice came from behind, interrupting Simon’s thoughts.

Simon froze for a moment, then turned around, surprised to see the woman walking toward him.

She had long purple hair draped casually over her shoulders and wore subtle but exquisite makeup.

A black mesh dress clung to her figure, revealing pale, round thighs with each step.

“Alexia?”

Simon stepped forward at once.

“Perfect. I wanted to talk to you…”

“Shh~”

Alexia approached, placing her index finger on Simon’s lips.

“Her Majesty has already retired for the night. Whatever it is, save it for tomorrow.”

Tonight, she didn’t want to discuss any official matters, at least not tonight.

Even an Empress needed some private time.

“…Mm.”

Simon thought for a moment.

“All right. It’s not urgent anyway.”

Alexia smiled at Simon and pulled a slip of paper from her pocket.

“I’ve already requested leave from Her Majesty for you. Tonight, accompany me on a date!”

Simon looked down at the note in his hand.

Other than the two words “Approved Leave,” there was nothing else on the paper.

He shrugged, took a deep breath, and looked up at the completely different Alexia before him.

This playful, mischievous side was new to him, her smile more genuine and joyful than ever.

He’d also never seen Alexia in casual clothes.

An inexplicable thrill surged through him as if a mysterious veil had been lifted.

“D…Date?”

Simon felt utterly unfamiliar with the term.

Despite following Alexia for so long, it was the first time he’d heard the word “date.”

“What else would you do if not date? On such a beautiful night, are you going to spend it in bed?”

Alexia glanced at Simon.

“But first, we need to find a place to change clothes.”

“Who goes on a date in armor? It’s uncomfortable even to hold your hand.”

Simon looked down at Alexia’s hand tightly grasping his own and teased with a smile.

“Someone’s being a little dishonest~”

“Hmph! I’m just afraid you’ll run away! After all, you’re the one going on a date with me. I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle it!”