“But before that, there’s something even more important I need to do.”
Alexia turned around and looked at Simon.
Simon looked at Alexia in confusion.
“Is it something you need me to do personally?”
Something more important?
He really couldn’t think of anything left undiscovered or unresolved at this point.
If he had to say, it would be those things he kept hidden from Alexia…but could he really confess those to her?
He feared that Alexia would raise her hand and cast a forbidden magic on him the very next second.
“It does require you, Simon, but first you need to remove your armor…”
Alexia walked towards Simon, a hint of exasperation in her expression.
She flicked her hair, perhaps intentionally, perhaps not.
“Ah?”
Simon didn’t understand, but still removed his armor as she instructed.
She approached, and even then, Simon didn’t show any reaction.
Her gaze became scrutinizing.
“I have a question for you, Simon. You must answer truthfully.”
“What?”
Simon felt himself grow tense under her stare.
He had never seen this side of Alexia before; it seemed even more daunting than her anger in the study.
“Am I beautiful?”
Alexia finally couldn’t resist asking the question.
Last time, she hadn’t let Simon answer, but this time, she couldn’t hold back.
Simon nodded without hesitation.
“Beautiful! Alexia, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
No sooner had he spoken than Alexia’s expression became somewhat ‘sinister’, a faint dark line appearing on her forehead as if she was on the verge of anger.
“Then why don’t you have even the slightest reaction to me?”
Alexia could feel the contract’s feedback.
As before, Simon’s desire was absurdly low, almost inhuman.
Alexia grabbed Simon’s hand and placed it on her chest.
“…Is it really so dull for you? You blockhead, do I have to initiate everything…”
She mumbled softly, a bit embarrassed.
She knew it was due to the contract, but when she reviewed its terms, it only stated that Simon would remain absolutely loyal to her, not that it would suppress human desires.
Alexia glanced down at Simon’s lower body.
This made her wonder if Simon was impotent, or if her own feminine charm was lacking, such that he’d never reacted to her despite being by her side for so long.
Every so often, she had to confirm that Simon’s contract was still intact.
After all, Simon was one of the few she could truly trust.
She couldn’t bear betrayal from anyone, especially her personal knight, Simon.
It was only then that Simon realized what Alexia meant by something more important.
Indeed, to her, he was clearly more crucial.
He was the blade maintaining her rule, the empire’s most powerful force in the open.
If something happened to him, all the empire’s current problems would be laid bare.
The softness in his hand told Simon exactly what he was holding.
That thin layer of sheer cloth only enhanced the unique sensation.
He looked at Alexia again, feeling that even if he crossed the line a little more, she wouldn’t say anything.
But right now, he probably had no time to enjoy it.
His hand slid down slowly as Simon embraced Alexia’s slender waist, gently holding her.
“Alexia, are you afraid?”
Because someone needed comfort first.
There was no trembling in her body, but her unusual behavior earlier betrayed her unease.
Clearly, the intervention of a fourth party had drawn Alexia into uncharted territory.
Normally, just dealing with Pandas was enough to give her headaches; the appearance of the Witch Council had brought its own challenges, but within controllable limits.
Yet, above all this, the presence of an unknown fourth made the situation hard to grasp.
“No…”
Alexia averted her gaze, tightening within Simon’s embrace.
Feeling the warmth of skin pressed against his chest, Simon couldn’t help but think how dishonest she was—just like him.
Still, it was rare to see Alexia shy; it was rather cute.
“Alexia, do you remember the oath I swore to you back then?”
“I said that no matter what storms the future may hold, I would always stand before you with my sword, protecting you from harm.”
Even without the contract, he would protect Alexia just the same.
The existence of the contract only made it easier for him to get close to her.
Given her personality, and considering the things he’d done, it was hard for her to truly trust anyone.
“Knight’s Oath…”
Indeed, Alexia had made Simon swear a Knight’s Oath to her that day.
But she didn’t believe such an oath would hold.
Because it was made under the binding of the contract—a flawed and incomplete oath.
Once the contract was gone, with Simon’s strength, he could easily break free of the Knight’s Oath.
So she placed no real hope in it.
Still, Simon’s words did bring her some comfort.
Alexia gently pushed his arms away and took a few steps forward, then turned her head and spoke softly.
“About Belinda…that foolish little sister of mine, Simon, your teachings weren’t bad.”
Hearing her suddenly mention Belinda, Simon’s lips curled into a slight smile.
This was a secret of the Royal Family, and the fact that Alexia was willing to share it with him showed her growing trust and favor.
Though Simon knew Belinda’s true identity, hearing it from Alexia’s own lips was still uncommon.
It seemed his earlier decision was correct.
Compared to one gluttonous feast, consistent nourishment was more important.
How could Simon have no designs on Alexia? He certainly wasn’t a eunuch.
In terms of both appearance and status, Alexia was outstanding.
Throughout the empire, many coveted her and sought to defile her, and Simon was no exception.
Even so, Simon was in no hurry.
As her bodyguard, if Alexia developed feelings for someone else, he’d simply remove that person.
He wasn’t generous enough to share his treasure with others.
When it came to matters of the heart, Simon was extremely selfish.
Most importantly, Alexia, as the BOSS, was never meant to be conquered.
Even knowing the background and understanding Alexia’s personality, it remained uncharted territory for him.
A single misstep could mean total defeat.
Therefore, rather than exhausting himself trying to please the capricious Alexia, it was better to use the contract’s limitations to draw her closer to him.
Being passive didn’t mean losing the initiative.
“Compared to her status as the former king’s daughter, Belinda’s deeper secret is that she’s actually the reincarnation of the empire’s founding empress. This has been confirmed by many.”