Chapter 91: The Endless Uses of an Imperial Slave Princess, and the Loyal Dog Knight’s Fierce Onslaught (3)

Chapter 91: The Endless Uses of an Imperial Slave Princess, and the Loyal Dog Knight's Fierce Onslaught (3)

"I'm going to teach that person a lesson and stand up for you," Aph declared firmly, without hesitation.

This was the princess she had protected since childhood, never allowing her to face such hardships. Her failure to be by Violet's side was a lapse in her duty. But more than anything, Aph's heart ached for her. This was the princess she had cherished and spoiled like a younger sister. However, such feelings had to be suppressed. She was a knight, and Violet was royalty. The line between their roles couldn't be blurred.

"Shouldn't you ask for the reason first?" Violet questioned, genuinely puzzled. Her earlier words had been vague, with no specific mention of who had wronged her. Yet Aph's resolve was so decisive.

Aph's response was unwavering. "I don't need to know the reason."

She turned, her eyes meeting Violet's with steadfast determination. It was this gaze, this unyielding Aph, that made her Violet's strongest support and warmest harbor.

"Your words are my command," Aph stated. Whether right or wrong, she would obey unconditionally. It was not merely a matter of knightly duty but an expression of her loyalty to the princess—an absolute devotion.

Violet felt a spark of joy at Aph's words. Having such a devoted knight was undoubtedly a source of happiness. Yet, beneath her joy lay a trace of disappointment. This wasn't the kind of loyalty she wanted. Their bond, forged through growing up together, transcended the simple relationship of master and servant.

Finding Shia wasn't difficult. As the academy's freshman top student, he was a prominent figure. Aph's inquiries quickly revealed his location, including details about his victory over Violet and their peculiar duel. She also learned he resided in the Alinger Villa District.

Thus, Shia soon found himself confronted on the road. The green-haired knight with sun-kissed skin, clad in black armor that hugged her curves, stood before him. Her heavy sword pointed directly at him, her intentions clear.

"What brings you here, big sister?" Shia asked with feigned ignorance.

Aph's expression was cold and serious. "Shia, you have tarnished the dignity of the Silver Moon royal family. I am here to bring you before the princess to atone for your actions." Her voice was firm, filled with righteous determination. Her aura radiated overwhelming pressure.

Shia sighed inwardly. He had expected this. "Aren't you afraid of the academy's repercussions for acting against me?"

"I will bear the consequences," Aph replied without hesitation. Her loyalty and commitment to her princess outweighed any potential fallout. Even if it cost her greatly, she was resolute in her decision.

Just as Aph was about to strike, the golden-haired elf standing beside Shia intervened. Her green eyes shifted to silver, her golden hair turning the same shade. A dangerous presence enveloped her, her beauty taking on a menacing edge.

In a flash, Aph's instincts kicked in. She redirected her sword to block the elf's claws. The clash of steel against flesh echoed like a metallic chime. The two exchanged a flurry of blows, their combat mesmerizing in its speed and intensity.

On one side was the elven princess; on the other, the Silver Moon Kingdom's knight. Watching their duel, Shia couldn't help but marvel. "Is this the privilege of being a kept man?" he mused. With influential figures stepping in for him, he hardly needed to lift a finger.

Within moments, the battle's outcome was clear. Despite her exceptional skills, Aph was no match for the elven princess, one of the academy's most formidable figures. Her heavy sword was knocked away, and she fell to one knee, her armor cracked in several places. The damage revealed glimpses of her toned, curvaceous body beneath, making her vulnerability strikingly poignant.

The elf princess stood over her, her silver hair flowing gracefully to her ankles. Her disdain was palpable. "With such meager skills, you dare challenge my master?" Her voice dripped with scorn, and her growing killing intent was undeniable.

Just as she was about to act, Shia gently grabbed her hand. She turned, her gaze cold and haughty, clearly displeased. Shia simply smiled. "A lady should know when to show restraint."

Her icy glare lingered for a few moments before she reluctantly averted her eyes, yielding to his words. Though defiant and wild, she ultimately obeyed him, a stark contrast to her usual merciless demeanor.

Her hostility toward Aph, however, didn't fade.

Shia turned his attention to the knight. "Have you considered the consequences of opposing me?"

Aph's defiant gaze met his. Though defeated, her spirit remained unbroken. If given another chance, she would make the same choice, driven by her unwavering duty to the princess.

Before the tension could escalate further, a commanding voice rang out. "Stop this at once!"

Aph's head snapped toward the source, her eyes widening in shock. "Princess?!"

Violet approached, her expression stern and resolute. "I instructed her to act. She knew nothing of her own accord. If you want someone to blame, blame me."

She stepped in front of Shia, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. The elven princess looked at Violet, her fingers itching to strike but restrained.

Shia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Violet, do you dislike me that much? This is the third time you've caused trouble for me."

"I want to talk to you alone," Violet replied, her gaze shifting briefly to the elf princess before returning to Shia.

"Very well," Shia agreed. He offered the elf a reassuring smile before heading toward a nearby grove.

Aph, anxious and worried, called out, "Princess!" She moved to follow but was effortlessly restrained by the elf princess.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine," Violet reassured her before following Shia into the forest. Aph could only bite her lip, helpless against her concern, and wait anxiously.