King Adriale was not wrong when he said all I had to do for the maids to prepare me a bath was ask them to do it. It took them about 30 minutes to set up a bathtub and everything inside my room, and it seemed like such an easy task! How long had it been since I hadn't taken a whole-body bath?
It's too late to think about that, so it's time to take a well-deserved hot tub bath alone in my room. Uhhhh! Oh yeah, baby, that's what I am talking about! Now, this is a bath! Goddamn, it felt so great on my skin. Now, regarding Adriale and his suggestion to become his concubine, I have a feeling that isn't an option.
I may be stupid and not know what women have to go through in this world, but I know a threat when I see one. I don't dare to ask the King where he heard all the information about me, but I have a feeling the Emperor might have something to do with that, and if that's the case, I have a feeling he will surrender me to him if I don't agree to his proposal.
Maybe I am being too cautious, and Adriale really is just purely a good guy, but I doubt it, not after seeing how things can change in the blink of an eye. I am enjoying a relaxing bath today, but tomorrow, I might get kidnapped or killed at random. This world is just too unpredictable to have anything guaranteed.
{Sigh} I best not think about it too much and just enjoy the moments if I am to keep my sanity. Things are good right now. Why overthink it and ruin the mood? The bath water is warm, and my body hasn't felt this relaxed in months. I've not been this calm in a while.
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{King's Office}
"Sir, are you sure this is a good idea? The Empire could retaliate against your defiance, " my assistant asks me as I pour a glass of aged wine from my desk. "The plan carries with it a high risk indeed, but then again, have you wondered why that guy wants her so bad? I've already tested her powers, and they're as scary as he said."
"Do you mean to tell me the girl can resist strong magical attacks?" My assistant asked me again, to which I responded in detail. "I tested her on the way here with one of my strongest illusion spells, but my rune immediately disappeared when it came close to her body. Yet she didn't even appear to struggle against my strongest magic."
My assistant looks horribly surprised when I finally reveal the terrifying truth about Annabel and the reasons why it would be best to have a friendly relationship with them. "The Emperor wasn't lying about Annabel's power. However, I don't believe his goal is so noble; a man like him would use her to conquer the world, so I can't let that happen, not after seeing how easily she can deflect me."
"I understand, my lord, but still, do you think it's wise to make her your concubine? Isn't that a little too much?" He asked again, to which I followed up on my argument. "I hardly think so; making her one of my concubines would force the Emperor's hand to back down or think it before trying to kidnap her, for it would mean instant war, giving him no time to radicalize her to his side. It places Meidas in Check one step away from Mate."
"Brilliant as always, my lord! Very well then, I shall ensure she falls in love with you." I almost laugh when my assistant says that back, for I've already done that. "That won't be necessary; while Annabel has a more mature mentality, her naiveness, and young mind still pierce through a lot. She is already quite fond of me, I can tell. Just make her feel welcomed, that's all."
"As you wish, sir!"
