Clecia understood exactly why Sharlo could deceive so many noble girls. His eyes were simply too sincere. It was impossible to tell if he was lying or intentionally hiding something.
‘This expressionless man seems like he’s being serious about everything he does.’
She was in trouble; she felt herself falling for him even more.
‘No… I’m a princess. I’m the one using Sharlo. I can’t let myself get caught up in this…’
Clecia desperately denied the fact that Sharlo already had her wrapped around his finger. She was still resisting, still deceiving herself.
But if she truly believed her relationship with Sharlo was purely one of mutual benefit, she wouldn’t have bothered him every day at the Academy, nor would she have looked forward to him coming to her rescue whenever she was in trouble.
It wasn’t until the music echoing through the hall changed that Clecia snapped out of her daze. Had she really just finished a dance with Sharlo?
She hadn’t been conscious of it at all; she had simply followed Sharlo’s lead subconsciously.
She looked around the floor. Only she and Sharlo remained in the center of the dance floor. No one else dared to come up and make a fool of themselves.
One was the most beautiful woman in Kalishi, and the other was the most handsome man in Kalishi.
It could be said that these two represented the very peak of the Kalishi Empire’s younger generation.
Clecia had possessed outstanding magical talent since she was a child, and she was currently the only member of the Imperial Family attending the Kalishi Academy.
Furthermore, her beauty was flawless from every angle. Superior strength, an alluring figure, a noble and elegant temperament, and a gentle, virtuous personality — it seemed every beautiful adjective could be used to describe this princess.
She was the ideal partner for any man.
At 22, she was in the most mature stage of her life, possessing a unique charm.
As for Sharlo, there was no need to say more. Those who knew, knew. No one dared to stand beside him because doing so would automatically make them look inferior.
Those more powerful than him weren’t as young, those wealthier weren’t as handsome, and those who were more powerful, younger, and more handsome simply didn’t exist.
“Clecia, why don’t we take this chance to talk business?” Sharlo asked, continuing to lead Clecia through the dance steps.
Feeling his large hand on her waist, Clecia’s heart hammered wildly, as if ants were crawling all over it.
She looked into Sharlo’s eyes again and saw what she desired most.
Confidence and ambition.
His warm breath brushed against her face, causing Clecia to lose her focus for a moment.
“What business… ah… you mean that matter.”
“Although Duke Ryan didn’t give me a definitive answer, he will certainly choose to stand on our side. While popping the champagne at halftime is a bit foolish, I’m ten out of ten certain.”
“So fast? What did you do to him?” Clecia couldn’t believe it. How long had it been since she first spoke to Sharlo? He had already secured the support of a Duke for her?
“It’s simple. Just like what you usually do — analyze his personality, put yourself in his shoes, find out what he wants most, and then offer a price he could never refuse. Anyone will make a deal under those conditions,” Sharlo whispered.
However, his words were somewhat chilling.
“You’re like a demon…”
“Hahahaha…” Sharlo laughed without reservation. He liked it when people called him that.
When Bella called him a demon or a Faithful of the Evil God, he truly felt satisfied. He enjoyed the thrill of being an enemy of the world.
“You, who love to discuss the exchange of benefits every day, actually think I’m like a demon?”
Clecia’s pink hair swayed continuously, looking like brilliant silk under the lights.
“I at least try to save some face,” Clecia said, dissatisfied.
In Sharlo’s eyes, she felt as if she were a mercenary woman who only cared about profit.
“So, do you have any good news? I’m a busy man. If you’ve been idle all these days, I won’t cooperate with you anymore.”
Clecia replied, “First, I’ve found out who is colluding with the Holy Church.”
“Who?”
Sharlo lowered his voice. This was an answer he desperately wanted to know.
“First Prince Gelis. But don’t worry, I’ve checked. The Holy Church isn’t here for normal diplomacy this time; they simply sent that Saintess Highness here to see the world. Did you know the Saintess has already arrived in the Imperial Capital?”
“I know more than just that…”
Sharlo had actually already fought her once. However, Sharlo had no intention of provoking that Saintess again anytime soon.
Aetheran’s Divine Might had truly left him breathless. He would wait until he was more proficient with Fourth-Tier Magic.
Sharlo held Clecia’s hand, letting her spin in front of him. “Anything else?”
After spinning several times, Clecia returned to Sharlo’s arms. She said solemnly, “His Imperial Majesty’s health isn’t good. He might not be able to attend the Emperor’s Banquet. Guess who will be presiding over it?”
“First Prince Gelis. Roy is ultimately incompetent,” Sharlo answered without hesitation.
“It’s me.”
As the lights in the hall flickered, Clecia and Sharlo’s steps suddenly stopped at the same time.
A moment later, however, they returned to normal and caught up with the music again.
Sharlo and Clecia began a new round of dancing. “You truly are deeply trusted by the Emperor.”
Clecia replied, “Not necessarily. It’s just that my luck is good. When the Emperor fell ill, those two brothers of mine were still out recruiting soldiers and horses. Only I, his daughter, went to his bedside to look after him. How could he not choose me?”
Sharlo nodded in approval. “For our cooperation, that is indeed good news. But I have even better news for you.”
“What?”
“Standing before you is the youngest Fourth-Tier Mage in history, Sharlo Fogmoon, who already has one foot in the realm of the Transcendent.”
“You reached the Fourth Tier?”
The music ended.
The pair stopped their dance, leaving Clecia with a look of great surprise while Sharlo looked as if he were merely stating something ordinary.
Sharlo then left Clecia’s side without a hint of lingering sentiment.
He had only come to exchange information with Clecia. Now that it was over, there was no need to continue.
To the side, First Prince Gelis clapped his hands. “Truly excellent footwork, Marquis Sharlo. I really didn’t expect you to grace my banquet with your presence and show everyone your style.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Prince Gelis.”
Gelis was different from Roy. Roy only cared about saving face, but Gelis wanted to seize the empire. Their mindsets were completely different, and so was their treatment of Sharlo.
On the contrary, Gelis greatly admired Sharlo. He had wanted to recruit Sharlo for a long time, but he had never had the opportunity.
He was very pleased to finally have the chance to speak with him face-to-face today.
Gelis did not hide his admiring gaze. “Are you interested in considering joining my side?”