Chapter 94: The Power of Sisterhood—It Was All This Princess's Plan! Please Have Mercy on Her Highness! (3)

Chapter 94: The Power of Sisterhood—It Was All This Princess's Plan! Please Have Mercy on Her Highness! (3)

Violet genuinely hoped to avoid further conflict with Shia. Before Aph's return, she had held onto a sliver of hope that her knight could take charge and protect her. But after today's attempt ended in another predictable outcome, resignation gnawed at her resolve.

Still, surrender left a bitter taste. Open confrontation was no longer an option; it only positioned her at a disadvantage. For now, she decided to observe her adversary. A moment's patience could unveil a fatal flaw, allowing her to strike decisively.

Rushing in blindly, as she had before, only invited repeated humiliation. Each misstep was a harsh reminder of her folly. Persistence without strategy was not courage; it was foolishness.

Her first step now? Lying low.

Biding her time, she would study her opponent and wait for the right moment to strike. Until then, any premature actions would only worsen her plight.

Without realizing it, the proud Silver Moon princess had learned the art of restraint.

Unbeknownst to Violet, Aph also nurtured private concerns. As a royal guard trained from childhood, she had stood faithfully by Violet's side for years. Beyond loyalty, their bond was forged through shared time and trust.

Her duty as a knight dictated that Violet's dignity be preserved at all costs. Yet now, Violet had shielded her from disgrace, taking on the burden herself. This act of self-sacrifice only deepened Aph's guilt.

Though Violet claimed reconciliation, Aph's defeat left little room for doubt: her princess must have made some painful concession to settle the matter.

Aph's loyalty stemmed from pure devotion, not naïveté. There were things she could—and must—handle herself.

Her warm smile softened as she spoke, her voice carrying a subtle mischief.

"Your Highness, someone as noble as you shouldn't lower yourself for me. Allow me to assist you instead."

Her smile turned playful. "Unless you think my hands, accustomed to swords and shields, are too rough for your service?"

Violet cast a mock glare at her before turning away. "Since when did we become so formal with each other?"

But Violet's thoughts were interrupted when Aph, without her knowledge, sought out Shia alone.

At that moment, Shia sat leisurely under the sun, his hat tilted to shield his face from the light. A shadow suddenly blocked the sunlight, drawing his attention. Moving his hat aside, he saw Aph standing before him.

The golden sunlight highlighted her tanned skin, giving her an almost divine glow. Shia sat up, arching an eyebrow at the knight's unexpected visit.

"What brings you here?"

"I wish to speak with you privately."

"Very well."

Their agreement was quickly reached. Meanwhile, a certain succubus princess fidgeted nearby, her nerves frayed.

As Shia prepared to leave with Aph, the princess finally broke, grabbing his sleeve with a panicked expression.

Shia gently patted her hand, his tone soothing. "We're just going to talk. You don't need to worry. If you're uncomfortable around others, stay here and try mingling."

Confident he had covered all possibilities, Shia left, unaware of her true concern.

The princess's anxiety wasn't over potential harm from Aph but rather the possibility of losing her "ally" to yet another woman.

Her gaze followed them—the dignified knight and the effortlessly charismatic boy—her frustration mounting as their figures disappeared.

Left alone, her helplessness stemmed from her shyness, preventing her from voicing her feelings.

On their walk, the contrast between them was striking. Shia's laid-back charm complemented Aph's poised and elegant demeanor. Her form-fitting armor emphasized her curves, exuding a mix of grace and strength that turned heads wherever they went.

Crossing into Shia's villa, they entered the sitting room, where Shia casually took a seat on the sofa.

"Alright, what did you want to discuss?" he asked, leaning back comfortably.

In response, Aph dropped to her knees with a soft thud. Her bow brought her low, her graceful curves accentuated as she assumed a position of complete submission.

The scene was both unexpected and captivating. Shia's curiosity was piqued.

"Shia, I understand there's been discord between you and Her Highness. For every mistake she's made, I take full responsibility. Whatever punishment you deem fit, I'll bear it. I only ask that you leave her out of it."

Her voice, though steady, carried humility and earnestness, underscoring her dedication.

Shia leaned forward, his interest deepening. The shift from her previous defiance to this humility was striking, and her loyalty to Violet was unquestionable.

"Aph, I think you've misunderstood me," Shia said, his tone calm but firm. "Everything I've done has been for Her Highness's own good."

Aph raised her head slightly, her confusion evident. Though Violet had never explicitly said so, Aph knew her princess had suffered under Shia's hand.

Shia smiled knowingly. "Do you think my actions were purely out of malice? On the contrary, they were to temper her."

"Violet is destined for greatness as a ruler, but greatness requires more than strength or intellect. It demands wisdom, compassion, and resilience—qualities born from hardship. Without understanding the struggles of her people, she risks becoming blind to their needs."