“New dawn?”
Belinda softly repeated Simon’s words, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
She puffed her cheeks slightly, looking troubled.
“Simon, you’re talking too deep. I don’t understand.”
“I don’t believe anyone can seize the throne from Her Majesty the Empress.”
Given Alexia’s iron rule, it seemed impossible for anyone to replace her in the next ten years.
And as long as Simon lived, no one could get close to Alexia.
Belinda had heard many tales of Simon in the past.
His reputation as a king-slayer overshadowed an even more terrifying trait—he fought his way into the Imperial City from outside its walls.
From the moment he stepped into the city, he advanced with his sword, unstoppable.
It was said that on that bloody day, Simon slew thousands, yet not a single wound marred his body.
If not for the fear that made people shrink back, Simon might have achieved the fame of an army-slayer.
Even so, he became a figure who struck terror throughout the empire.
When people spoke of Simon, they often only remembered he killed the king, overlooking everything he did before that.
Because she understood Simon’s past, Belinda longed to learn his swordsmanship.
To her, Simon was the strongest person in the entire empire.
Simon gently stroked her head, his voice soft.
“Nothing in the world is absolute. Even Her Majesty the Empress is not eternal, nor is she omnipotent.”
From the fact that Alexia personally folded a page for Belinda and asked him to bring her to the birthday banquet, it was clear Belinda had caught Alexia’s attention.
“But she has you! You’re so strong!”
Belinda said with certainty.
“Strong? Me?”
Simon shook his head.
“I’m just a bit stronger than others. To say I can help her sit securely on the throne forever… I’m still far from that.”
In matters of governance, he knew he was inferior to Alexia, and to many ministers in the court.
Therefore, Simon never gave Alexia advice—he only did his best to fulfill her orders.
Even with the support of the entire Game Plot, he didn’t think he understood politics better than Alexia.
Everyone has their strengths; his was only force.
“Speaking of which, Belinda, you’re amazing.”
Simon looked at the mountain of Political Books piled beside the red carpet.
“Even I feel sleepy reading those, but you manage to read them word for word.”
Belinda’s cheeks turned a faint pink at the praise, and she smiled shyly.
“Isn’t it because you told me to read them, Simon…”
Simon looked aside, a bit embarrassed.
“I really wanted to take you out to relax. After all, you completed the goal I set for you, and I haven’t done anything for you—not even spent enough time with you.”
Compared to the self outside the screen, always centered on Belinda, watching her every move and seriously thinking about how to make her stronger, the current him seemed irresponsible toward Belinda’s actions.
Aside from being extremely busy, Simon didn’t want to interfere too much in Belinda’s life, because it was a path she had to walk alone.
He would always be by her side, shielding her in her hardest times, but most days, he wouldn’t be there.
In those times, Belinda had to find ways to overcome difficulties on her own.
“But right now, the situation in the Imperial Capital doesn’t allow it. And tonight, I might have to go out again.”
There was deep helplessness in Simon’s words.
“Belinda, can you trust me?”
“After this busy period is over, I’ll ask Her Majesty for leave and make time just for you.”
Belinda turned her head, staring blankly at Simon, disbelief in her voice.
“…Spend time with me?”
“You’re willing to take leave just for me?”
Simon nodded firmly.
“Mm.”
“Even Father never said that to me.”
Belinda spoke, but without true expectation.
For her, just hearing Simon say such words was enough.
As for actually making it happen, that was a luxury.
A person with a status higher than her father Pandas, and the Empress’s favorite, how could he possibly have such leisure to accompany someone as insignificant as her?
But since Simon said it, he probably wouldn’t refuse her request now, right?
Belinda asked Simon tentatively.
“Then, Simon, can you tell me a story now?”
“What kind of story do you want to hear?”
Belinda thought for a moment, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“I want to hear you explain the ‘Ten Faults of the Empress’ Decree.'”
She wanted to know how this book sounded from Simon’s mouth.
Simon’s mouth twitched; it was obvious he realized Belinda was deliberately making things difficult for him.
Because earlier, he had already made it clear he didn’t understand such books.
But he still nodded reluctantly.
“Alright, I can.”
Belinda cheered in excitement, then hugged Simon tightly.
“I also want to try pulling your sword again!”
“Then let’s go to the study.”
Simon immediately picked her up and headed to the study.
This time, Belinda managed to draw Simon’s sword more than two inches.
The clear progress filled her with immense joy.
“Looks like you’ve really worked hard!”
Simon observed the scene and realized Belinda truly hadn’t been slacking off.
“At this rate, how long until I can learn swordsmanship from you?”
“Maybe another month.”
Simon judged the length of the sword.
“So long!”
Belinda was a little disappointed at the thought of waiting another month.
But Simon saw it differently.
“Rushing only leads to setbacks. Learning swordsmanship is just mastering a skill—the real killing moves are hidden within those books.”
“But the books don’t teach anything!”
Belinda protested in confusion.
“Don’t worry. Listen to me explain it slowly.”
Only then did Simon begin to share his understanding of the ‘Ten Faults of the Empress’ Decree’ with Belinda.
“You can try reading this book from a different perspective…”
After Simon had spent two hours with Belinda, a knock suddenly sounded from downstairs.
Simon stopped talking and looked at Belinda with a hint of apology.
He stood and walked toward his armor.
“Looks like that’s all for tonight, Belinda.”
Belinda nodded in understanding.
“It’s okay, Simon. You said you’d take leave to spend time with me later. I’ll wait for you.”
Once Simon was fully equipped, he walked to Belinda, knelt down, and gently kissed her forehead.
“Don’t worry. As long as you stay here, no one can hurt you… Even if you do leave, remember to survive. No matter what, you must live on.”
“As long as you’re alive, it doesn’t matter where you are or what danger you’re in—I’ll come to save you.”
After speaking, Simon picked up his sword and walked toward the door.