Truthfully, I felt a bit apprehensive about meeting Ariel this time. When I left Yars last time, it felt a bit like sneaking out. After all, I only notified her after I had already left. I didn't know if she was still angry with me.
I went to the Silver Tear Palace and found no one there. I then headed towards the Royal Palace Garden direction.
From quite a distance away, I heard the clanging sound of weapons colliding. Was it another assassination attempt? Was the palace this unsafe now? My steps unconsciously quickened a bit.
When I reached the courtyard by the tear-shaped lake in the garden, I discovered the reason. The retainers who used to stay by Ariel's side were all practicing swordsmanship. The magicians were also training their magic.
Ariel was sitting in the courtyard, leisurely drinking tea.
I ignored the retainers who stopped their training when they saw me approaching. Under their gaze, I walked up to Princess Ariel and knelt down to perform the Knight's Salute. "Princess Ariel, your Knight, Daolin Prodia Grellat, has returned."
It was a bit awkward, leaving me nowhere to go. Ariel showed no reaction, not even glancing at me. But this time, I didn't stand up voluntarily. After all, I had left without notifying her this time; I was somewhat at fault.
After waiting a while longer, I heard, "Oh, you still know how to come back? My Guardian Knight, Daolin Prodia Grellat. I thought you had already betrayed your country and abandoned me?"
"I wouldn't dare. My departure this time had a purpose. After leaving, I confirmed something. This matter can fulfill your dream."
Ariel looked at me with an unbelievable expression, then immediately composed herself. She walked forward and extended her right hand in front of me.
I didn't act too proud either. I directly cupped her right hand with both of mine and gave the back of her hand a loud, firm kiss, making a "pop" sound, and even licked her hand with my tongue as I released it.
The "pop" sound was a bit loud; perhaps this was a small retaliation for her ignoring me just now. The retainers behind her all heard the "pop." They looked at me with strange expressions. I remained composed, taking Ariel's small hand and walking towards the stone table.
Then, I sat directly across from Ariel.
This series of smooth actions caught everyone training outside and those standing behind Ariel slightly off guard. After all, I was Ariel's Guardian Knight, theoretically her subordinate. Why could I sit as an equal to Ariel? But seeing that Ariel didn't say anything and calmly sat across from me, the other retainers also kept quiet.
Luke seemed a bit angry, staring at me with an unusually malicious look. I glanced at him, and he dared not speak anymore.
After all, my reputation in Yars was notorious. He probably wouldn't dare challenge me to a duel even if he had ten times the courage. Now, he only dared to glare fiercely, not even daring to utter a single word.
After sitting on the stone chair, I poured myself a cup of tea. Ariel's servants were too tactless; I had to serve myself.
"Lady Ariel, I won't beat around the bush with you. I know you want to take that position. I can help you, devise strategies for you, and even face powerful enemies for you."
"Oh? Then what is your demand? You aren't coming to invest in this princess, whom no one favors, out of pure selflessness, are you? State your demand so I can feel a bit more at ease."
"Haha, saying no one favors you is a bit much. Haven't the Notos Family already placed their bet on you?"
I glanced at Luke with my eyes, then continued, "What I want to obtain is inconvenient to say here, and now is not the time to reveal my intentions to you. What I can tell you is that my goal is absolutely not to obtain you. My goal is not for myself, but for my entire family!"
"Oh, if your goal was to obtain me, then this matter would be simple. Isn't your grandfather Darius already one of my good older brother's most important allies? Has your family developed a rift?"
"Haha, no rift. In the eyes of any discerning person, you have no chance of winning. I am only here to help you as an individual. I will not use any connections or power from my family. However, don't worry, I'm not a fool. I wouldn't help you when I could easily coast to victory unless I have a perfect plan. As long as you do as I say, you will absolutely achieve your wish."
After painting this grand picture for Ariel, I tried to pick up the novel she had just been reading from the table. I waited for her to consider the matter and give me her reply.
When I took the book in my hand and glanced at it, I was slightly stunned. It was an erotic novel. Alas, I felt a sense of sorrow for my bleak future.
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