CH326 Royal Friend

***

"Don't be so sure about that," Prince Caesar said with a knowing smile. "You — an Intermediate-rank mage — led the defence of your territory against a surprise assault, and played such a crucial role that a Legendary assassin had to be sent to eliminate you.

"Then, because of you, the Mad Earl was willing to kill the Unfettered, a Legendary figure with friends all across the Empire… as well as Earl Kellerman, a noble who swore fealty to the Imperial Sun — all without caring for the political storms that would follow.

"And if that wasn't enough, I now hear that you've managed to capture the heart of House Ludevicus' most eligible spinster — the Flower of the Empire herself."

He gave a playful smirk. "Tell me, Alex Fury… how could I not be curious about you?"

Alex gave a wry smile.

To him, the Prince sounded less like a political powerhouse and more like a bored, nosy aunt.

"In truth, we only held the castle because one of my father's hounds — Dark Knight Jared Rivia — defeated the enemy commander," Alex said humbly. "As for Lady Eleanor… we're still just talking. Nothing's set in stone. And my father… well, he was just being a father."

Prince Caesar's expression suddenly hardened.

"Don't do that."

Alex blinked. "Do what?"

"That fake humility," Caesar replied. "Do you know what I like most about your father — and your family as a whole?"

Alex straightened. "No, Your Highness."

"It's that none of you play the hypocritical games the rest of the nobility do," the Prince said bluntly. "So stop pretending. Unneeded humility can rub people the wrong way… especially someone like me."

Alex stared at him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Understood. I'll speak frankly with you from now on— at least while we're in private."

"Only in private?" Prince Caesar raised a brow.

"Yes," Alex said firmly. "That's as far as I'll go. The members of my family you have met are likely my father and our Counts. While they might have the personal strength and standing to speak casually with you in public, I don't."

Caesar sighed. "Very well. I suppose I'll take what I can get."

Alex smirked. "You sound like a bored old man."

"That's because I am bored. The old part, though—that's a bit of a stretch."

Alex chuckled. "Maybe generally. But to me, you are indeed old."

The Prince glared at him in mock outrage. "You brat. Did you just make fun of your superior?"

Alex froze for a second, instinctively wanting to step back. But then, he caught the playful glint in Prince Caesar's eyes.

"Forgive me, Your Imperial Highness, whose glory shines supreme across the Empire as one of its brightest stars," Alex said with mock solemnity, bowing slightly. "This humble peasant apologises for overstepping his station. I will—"

"Stop, stop, stop! I yield!" Prince Caesar raised both hands in mock surrender, laughing. "You're no fun to tease at all."

"You're just bad at it because you don't have anyone to practise with," Alex replied smoothly. "I, on the other hand, have plenty of experience."

"Did you just brag at my expense?" the Prince demanded, half-amused. "What happened to that courteous brat from earlier?"

"Someone said they didn't want him. You get what you paid for," Alex quipped.

Prince Caesar chuckled. "As expected, you're a fun one."

Just then, the Prince glanced over his shoulder and saw his chamberlain signalling to him.

"Looks like our time's up," he sighed. He pulled out a rune phone. "Give me your ID — we'll talk later."

"Alright." Alex obliged, sharing his contact details.

The Prince turned to leave, but paused mid-step.

"You should be careful with Alric," he said quietly. "Don't compare him to that idiot brother of his. Alric is… on a whole different level of insidious."

"I know." Alex nodded solemnly. "Thank you for the warning, Your Highness."

Prince Caesar nodded back, then walked off to join his chamberlain, who led him toward another group of guests.

Alex remained still for a moment, mulling over the Prince's words.

He remembered the brief handshake he'd shared with Alric. There was something off about that man.

Darkness.

A darkness unlike ordinary darkness-attribute mana or Internal energy — it was something else.

'No, it isn't darkness,' Alex thought, his eyes narrowing. 'The right words are… evil, malicious, insidious, impure—'

His eyes glinted.

"Corrupted," he muttered. "Yes, corrupted."

It was unlike any energy he'd ever encountered or read about. But one thing was clear — AetherKindle absolutely despised it. The primal flame within him had nearly surged out of control, eager to burn Alric to ashes.

Alex had to divert a portion of his Spiritual Force just to calm it down.

And it wasn't only Alric. His two guards reeked of the same impure aura — even stronger, in fact. Their essence felt made of that corruption, while Alric was merely tainted by it.

Helmut, however, didn't carry the same energy signature.

'So, it's not something from the Wastelander House,' Alex concluded. 'More likely something Alric brought back from the plane he's been exploring these past six years.'

'Whatever...' Alex shrugged inwardly. 'Just don't try anything against me, Alric. Otherwise, we'll see just how much AetherKindle hates that filthy energy of yours.'

A cruel glint flickered in his eyes.

Of course, he hadn't missed the fact that Alric was already a Veteran-ranked warrior.

But Alex pushed the thought aside and returned to where the two ladies sat. The moment they turned toward him, both smiling sweetly, a shiver ran down his spine.

'Oh no... they're plotting something.'

Sure enough, they patted the space between them invitingly, wordlessly telling him to sit.

Even before he took the seat, he could already feel the waves of envy — and murderous intent — coming from several men nearby. Fortunately, Alex had grown a thick skin since coming to Pangea.

He ignored the stares and confidently sat between his two(?) women.

"Thanks," Zora whispered with a subtle grin.

He returned her smile.

"How did it go with Prince Caesar?" Eleanor asked.

"It went well, I think," Alex replied, smirking. "Pretty sure he likes me."

"Did you get his phone ID?" Eleanor asked, clearly fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

"I did."

"That's good." Eleanor exhaled in relief. "You seem to have a knack for getting yourself into trouble, so it's wise to have friends who can bail you out. Having Prince Caesar on your side will make things much easier. He can also introduce you to people who might be... useful allies. Just remember — if you expect their help, you'll need to help them in return."

"That's a given." Alex nodded. "Thanks for the introduction. Prince Caesar seems like someone I'd get along with."

"That's true. He's just as... enigmatic as you," Zora added.

"He is," Eleanor agreed with a soft laugh. "You two are quite similar — only that he's a bit more mature and a lot less annoying."

Ding!

A soft chime echoed across the grand hall.

All three looked up to see the doors of the building closing as the auction staff descended the six staircases surrounding the hall, guiding guests upstairs to the main auction chamber.

"Let's go. The auction's about to begin," Alex said, rising to his feet.

With a gorgeous woman on each arm, Alex swaggered up the staircase where a staff member awaited. They were handed a VIP card and escorted to a luxurious private room on the top floor, where they would enjoy a perfect view of the event below.

***

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