If I die, you could indeed flee abroad to save yourself. But what about your status as heir to the Prodia Family? The family would never allow someone wanted by the state to become the family head, even if you bore the crime for the family's sake!"
I snorted coldly, stood up, and closed in on her. With one hand, I grasped her slender neck and lifted her slightly, raising her from the chair. Her breathing grew slightly rapid, but she showed no fear. Her eyes even held a challenge. "Accompanying you on shopping trips—is that the reason for their sacrifice? You are a beautiful woman, what a pity.
You scheme and calculate, but have you ever considered the possibility that I don't care about being the Prodia Family head at all? And what if yesterday's assassins were sent by my grandfather? My presence at the scene was purely coincidental. Perhaps those assassins retreated because they recognized my red hair?"
I released my grip. She landed heavily on the floor, her skirt swaying. A faint, pungent odor rose from the ground—had she been so frightened she lost control? I cursed inwardly, vaguely suspecting this woman might have deliberately provoked me. Damn it, she got her thrill again.
I hadn't actually uncovered the truth about yesterday's assassins, but I deliberately raised the possibility of my grandfather's involvement to make Ariel understand that using me to restrain him was futile. If she continued to use me as a shield, she would only find that we were both mere pawns to be discarded in the political game. Before family interests, any familial bond can be cast aside.
Yet she did not back down, meeting my gaze directly. "Then kill me now!"
Seeing me remain silent, she pressed forward, her voice low and forceful. "What's wrong? Afraid? Daolin, if you were content to be a discarded pawn, you could have stood by and let the assassins take my life yesterday. But you didn't. Daolin Prodia Grellat, you and I are already on the same boat!"
Her words struck a nerve. Feeling both irritated and ashamed, I grabbed her like a chick and flung her toward the wide, velvet-covered bed ten meters away. The bed curtains swayed as she landed on the soft mattress, her hair disheveled. I leaned over her, my voice husky with threat. "I may not dare to kill you, but I can make you experience what it means to be a woman before you die. Ariel, you haven't tried that yet, have you?"
Unexpectedly, she showed no panic. Instead, she slowly propped herself up on the bed, striking a seductive pose. A challenging fire burned in her eyes, and the corner of her mouth curled into a meaningful smile. "Come on then, Daolin. Do you dare?"
"You're truly insane," I gritted my teeth and muttered under my breath, though a strange stirring arose in my heart. This woman always managed to provoke my anger and other emotions with ease.
I turned and walked away, my steps heavy as I headed for the door. Just as I grasped the handle, her magnetic, bewitching voice came from behind. "Daolin Prodia Grellat, come again tomorrow. I need you to train my guards so they can protect me. You won't be late, will you?"
I didn't reply. I yanked the door open and left without looking back. Her laughter seemed to echo in my ears, carrying the lingering tone of victory.
Her voice continued from inside the room. "If you don't come, I'll have my father write to you and send someone to fetch you. Hahahaha, just thinking about it is delightful!"
Her laughter was loud enough to be heard throughout the entire Silver Tear Palace.
When this woman goes crazy, she really goes all out.
There was no choice. The next day, I resumed my duties as Guardian Knight, which I had neglected for three years.
Upon arriving at the garden, Ariel's little companions were already prepared in advance.
Karram, whose life I had saved last time, along with several of his close friends, came forward to bow and express their gratitude. I responded amiably.
Among them were some of Ariel's guard knights, some were her guard mages, and others were ordinary attendants or personal attendants.
(Note: Guard knights and Guardian Knights are different. Guard knights are more like hired bodyguards from the populace. The relationship between a Guardian Knight and their charge is largely equal, with a higher status level and a more complex protective contract.)
With so many different statuses, I couldn't be bothered to distinguish them all. Even if they were reluctant, this was Ariel's affair. I left the task of persuasion to her.
Then I divided them into groups.
I had the guard knights and physically robust attendants learn swordsmanship. Those learning Water God Style would focus on close-quarters defense for Ariel. Those learning Sword God Style would engage in assaults against enemies. Those learning North God Style would serve as covert guards.
There were only three guard mages. I had each of them specialize in a single type of magic and taught them some magical combinations, allowing them to coordinate their attacks in groups.
The remaining personal attendants and those less physically robust were taught Healing Magic and detoxification magic.
These spells, while simple and easy to learn, consumed a significant amount of mana. An ordinary person could cast them two or three times before needing to sleep for half a day.
And so, I occasionally went to instruct them, teaching them intermittently over the course of a year.
During this year, Ariel didn't cause me any trouble. She probably realized that in the face of absolute strength, other petty schemes were futile.
Without ensuring one's own survival, any prestige among the common people or the military is merely a mirage.
Knowing the history, I wasn't worried at all, because I knew the secret to her success didn't lie within Asura. When the time came, even if Darius didn't try to assassinate her and force her out of the capital...
I would take the initiative to drive her out myself.
I hope that, with my efforts this time, her little companions won't be reduced to just three survivors.
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