The hall buzzed with a mix of disbelief and curiosity as two powerful senior figures volunteered for something like this. This was a move that broke the mold of traditional expectations.

Naida was standing with a graceful smile while Rebecca’s eyes were intense as they bore into Asher, ‘Choose me, you bastard.’

The tension was palpable as Asher deliberated, his eyes shifting between the two ladies.

He finally sighed and said, “I appreciate you two stepping forward, but unfortunately, I can only choose one. So…”

Rebecca held her breath as she narrowed her eyes. She made sure to let Asher feel her gaze burrowing into him.

“Lady Naida, it would be my pleasure to have you join me,” Asher completed his sentence with a light smile.

Naida’s smile never wavered as she inclined her head in acknowledgment, her voice calm and gracious, “I am honored, Your Majesty.”

Rebecca’s face contorted with barely concealed fury and disappointment.

The choice was a clear snub, a deliberate exclusion that left her seething.

She glanced at Oberon, her worry for her son now amplified by Asher’s sly decision. Oberon returned her gaze, his expression etched with unease as the two knew Asher was up to no good.

Silvia was still pouting, wondering why she can’t go if her mother could.

Esther’s aloof gaze landed on Naida for a brief second before looking away.

Rowena, observing the dynamics at play, chose to intervene, her voice cutting through the murmurs, “This concludes today’s proceedings. You are all dismissed.”

As the crowd dispersed, Rebecca immediately walked over towards Naida and stared daggers at her back.

As if noticing such an obvious presence, Naida turned around with a subtle smile and asked, “Rebecca, is there anything I can—”

“Why are you doing this? You know that I should be the one going, not you. Just what did Asher tell you to make you do this?” Rebecca asked in a low, seething voice.

Naida took a slow step forward and said, while maintaining her smile, “Nobody told me to do anything. I am doing this as a senior concerned for her junior, who is our king now. He helped my daughter during the quest from getting killed by a certain person. So, shouldn’t I return the favor?”

Rebecca furrowed her brows and said, “Hmph, what a great time you picked to return the favor. Next time, you better give me a warning before making me lose face and look like a fool.”

Naida nodded with an apologetic smile, “Of course. I am sorry I wasn’t thoughtful. Don’t hold it against me, okay?” As she said this, she gently held Rebecca’s hand.

Rebecca looked down at her hand before raising her gaze, pulling her hand away, and walking away without responding.

Naida shook her head with a helpless smile as she saw her walk away.

—

Asher’s strides were measured and confident as he walked through the grand hallway, flanked by Ceti and Isola, while Rowena had left to take care of the steps needed after his coronation.

“Why did you not choose either of us?” Isola’s voice was tinged with a mix of concern and puzzlement, her eyes searching Asher’s for answers. She had wanted to ask him earlier, but she felt he must have a reason and waited to ask later.

Beside her, Ceti echoed her sentiments, her tone more direct, “And why pick Oberon out of all people? He is the last person you should trust.”

“If you are doing this to protect us, then don’t. Other than us wanting to, it is also our duty to support you,” Isola said with a soft gaze.

Asher paused, turning to face them, his expression calm yet confident, “It’s not about protecting anyone. I have a different plan in mind for both of you,” he explained, revealing the contours of his strategy.

Isola and Ceti exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting from surprise to understanding. But Isola, her concern evident, couldn’t help but object, “This still seems too risky.” Ceti nodded in agreement, her stance unwavering.

Asher offered a reassuring smile, “I know, but this approach minimizes the risk to all of us. Our enemies would be more inclined to strike if you two, especially the consort I married today. Draconians aren’t the only ones we should be worried about. Since it’s a long journey to the other side of the world, who knows what can happen.”

Isola let out a soft sigh while Ceti lowered her gaze, feeling he was right.

Seeing how they were still feeling uneasy, he added, “But don’t worry. Not only do I have Eradicator, but Naida is also accompanying me. So far, she has only helped me out, even when I needed it the most. A senior figure like her is enough to deter most of the fools.”

Ceti let out a resigned sigh and said, “That’s true. But…why is she helping you out like this? Even if you became king, she is risking more than she needs to. Are you…close with her?” Ceti asked with a suspicious look. Despite being a genius and a charming character, he was still a pervert in the end whose skin was thicker than that of a dragon. And for some reason, women just can’t stay away from him.

Asher chuckled as he shook his head, knowing what Ceti was curious about, “Ceti, come on. You can’t think I am that brazen. I am pretty decent compared to most men in this world. It’s just a friendly relationship we built over the years.”

Ceti harrumphed as she lifted her nose in the air, “Whatever. Just don’t forget she is the Lady of House Valentine,” She also couldn’t help but wonder what meaning the word ‘decent’ had in his mind to call himself as one.

Isola briefly covered her lips with her hand after seeing Ceti’s and Asher’s expressions.

“Of course,” Asher then looked at Isola and gently cradled her face in his hands, his gaze soft yet intense, “I’ll see you tonight after training. Spend some time with your people until then, and tell Callisa I will come to see her later,” He leaned in, sealing his words with a tender kiss, leaving Isola with a sense of fulfillment.

He wanted to spend the entire day with her, but with the journey to Draconis Kingdom coming up, both of them knew he had to focus on getting stronger first.

Ceti, standing a little apart, felt a warm blush tint her cheeks at their open display of affection, a part of her envying their comfort with each other. They married just a couple of minutes ago and were already comfortable doing this before her. As Isola departed, Asher turned to Ceti, “Now, why don’t you lead the way to my new training chamber.” –

Ceti hesitated at the threshold of the training chamber, her eyes tracing the outlines of the vast, well-equipped space. It was designed for a king, and it showed in every detail. The dark mana in the chamber was thick enough to let one easily channel their mana in their mana circuits and comprehend higher abilities. It was only possible because of the expensive and rare Darkmoon stones that were harvested from the surface of the blood moon itself by the late king.

It was as good as the queen’s own training chamber, and this made Ceti realize the depth of Rowena’s love and care for Asher, holding nothing back.

As Asher perused the room, Ceti offered, “If there’s anything you need, just let me know. Until my mother arrives, I will be standing outside.”

Asher placed his hands behind his back as he casually said, “Well…I do need something now.”

Ceti’s curiosity piqued, and she tilted her head slightly, “What do you require, Your Majesty?”

“You,” he stated simply, his movements swift as he grasped her wrist and drew her inside, shutting the door behind them.

“Your Majesty!” Ceti exclaimed, a mix of surprise and embarrassment coloring her voice. But the moment she was dragged into the dark chamber, she found herself pressed against the wall, Asher’s presence overwhelming yet strangely comforting, “T-This isn’t something a king should be doing,” Ceti mumbled with pinched lips, her eyelashes fluttering.

“Oh? I think this is pretty tame for a king. Besides, we didn’t get to talk much after we returned. It seemed like you were avoiding me,” Asher’s voice was low, a teasing edge to his words.

Ceti’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her gaze darting away from his devilish smile that was looming over her, “I was just busy,” she muttered, her tone defensive yet soft, “I wasn’t avoiding you on purpose.”

Asher studied her for a moment, his smile deepening, “Is that so? Then why are you avoiding my eyes now?” Ceti harrumphed and said as she looked straight into his eyes, “Who said that? I just don’t want to get frustrated each time I catch you ogling at me.”

“Whoa. How can you make me sound like a crude man? I was only appreciating your beauty. I thought you liked that, don’t you?” Asher asked with a mischievous smile, making Ceti feel her cheeks warm up as she harrumphed, “Hmph, that’s nonsense.”

“But I know that is not the real reason. So why don’t you tell me the truth before I eat you up like a wolf,” Asher said as he slowly leaned his face forward, the warmth of his breath tickling Ceti’s skin.

Ceti winced as she struggled with her hesitation but upon feeling him getting closer, “B-Because…” Her eyes slowly shifted towards him with a look of sadness, and she felt like taking it off her chest, “…You are having a good time doing things with the others but…I can’t without looking over my shoulder,” She said in a mosquito-like voice as her gaze lowered.

She couldn’t help but wish she was as lucky as Isola or Rowena, who gets to do everything with him without any worry.

Asher’s eyes softened as he knew she had always been feeling sad about it, just like how he felt bad he couldn’t be with her in public.

He cupped her face as he said gently, “Who said we have to look over our shoulder all the time? Look at us now…Are we looking over our shoulders? We can do anything, and nobody will care.”

Ceti blushed at his words, knowing what he was hinting at, and couldn’t help but want to pinch him for being so shameless.

“But I know you didn’t mean only that. Soon enough, I will do everything in my power to proudly announce to the entire world that you are my woman. I will never make you feel like you will be abandoned,” Asher said in a fervid tone, making Ceti feel her heart flutter as she slowly raised her gaze to look into his deep yellow eyes.

Her hands, which were on his chest, suddenly clutched his shirt as she pulled him closer to kiss him.

Asher was a bit startled by her sudden passion, though he was quick to reciprocate by swallowing her silky lips into his mouth.

“Mmmhnnn~~” Ceti felt her heart pounding against her chest as she felt her senses getting drowned in this passionate heat.

The atmosphere around them became hot as they engaged in a steamy, passionate kiss, drowning themselves in their feelings for each other.

Asher’s hand slowly trailed down her abs and towards her lower garments.

But suddenly Ceti caught his wrist and broke the kiss with a gasp, her face as red as a berry, “Not….Not now…” Ceti still had a hold of her senses to resist the temptation before things got dangerous in a place like this. She knew this pervert knew no fear.

But she then added with an abashed face, “…Not until o-our union.”

Asher smirked as he smiled and said, “Then I shall work hard to make that day arrive as fast as possible.”

“Your tongue is too slippery,” Ceti said with pursed lips, though she couldn’t help but beam like a fool inwardly.

“Still, until then, you can pamper me a little, right?” Asher asked with a wink as he lowered his head to nuzzle her neck and taste her skin.

“I-I don’t think you need any pampering…” Ceti stammered as she weakly said with a softened gaze.

But despite her words, she held her breath as the heat of his lips and the air around them made her feel giddy. She could hear her heart drumming as his lips left wet hot impressions on her neck before they slowly trailed down the middle of her chest.

But right then, her ears twitched as she heard her mother’s footsteps getting closer.

“Ah!~ I have to go now!” Ceti rushed out of the chamber while leaving behind an amused Asher, who raised his hand to smell it, basking in the scent of her supple skin.