Chapter 5 - A "Ploy"

Things were awkward… to say the least.

I was now in a room sitting beside my soon-to-be wife, and standing before me were the Patriarch and the King, both wearing polite smiles. At least, that's what it looked like on the surface.

"You must be wondering what we want to talk about, right?" the King said, his smile oddly warm for a man with so much power.

I nodded slightly, choosing to stay quiet. My father — the Patriarch — continued to glare at me like he was seconds away from drawing a sword. He was clearly not happy with the King's choice.

"Don't worry too much about all this. You're not actually marrying my daughter," the King said, waving his hand like it was all some minor detail. "This is just a ploy. A smart one, I think. Both your father and I agreed on it."

He looked pleased with himself — smug, even. Meanwhile, I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. A ploy? To what end? Still, I couldn't deny the wave of relief washing over me. Elena was beautiful, sure… but she was also a magnet for problems.

"So… what am I supposed to do?" I asked, glancing toward his daughter, who was blushing and avoiding eye contact. "Just act like we're close?"

"You've heard of the Royal Academy, right?"

"My memories are a little fuzzy," I admitted, scratching the back of my head. "Can you give me a refresher?"

The Patriarch groaned, clearly at the end of his patience. "I told you. He's not fit for this. You want someone reliable? He's the last thing you'll get."

"Alex is a better choice," he added, voice sharp.

But the King only clicked his tongue. "My daughter made her choice, and I intend to respect it."

He turned back to me, tone shifting back to pleasant. "The Royal Academy is the most prestigious institution on the continent. Every nation, every race, sends its best and brightest there. It's where the future is shaped. Elena has just turned eighteen, and now she'll be attending as a representative of the Royal Family."

I nodded along, starting to get a sense of where this was heading — and not liking it.

"But inside the Academy…" he continued, voice lowering just slightly, "let's just say not everyone supports the crown. There may be… attempts to harm her."

I placed my elbows on the table and stared down at the polished wood, resisting the urge to groan.

This is so much worse. So much worse.

Why would he choose me to protect his daughter?! I can't even protect myself!

The King chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. "Hahaha! I like you. You're honest." He leaned in. "Yes, you've figured it out. This 'engagement' is just a cover. Your real duty is to serve as her personal guard at the Academy. Keep her safe. Watch her back."

I stared at him flatly. "You do know my reputation, right?"

This was my best shot to get out of this mess.

But the King didn't even hesitate.

"Yes, I know. And I also know you're the most talented son Eddie's got." He smiled again. "You've just never had the right motivation. Until now."

"…Do I get a say in any of this?"

The King laughed — a full, unrestrained laugh that made even the guards outside probably flinch. "You're the first to ever ask me that. Even your father never dared. I like that spirit." Then, with a grin, he added, "But no. You have no say. You're Elena's guard, starting immediately."

I turned toward her as a system panel appeared.

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[Name]: Elena Beaufort

[Age]: 18

[Stage]: Third Mana Circle

[Affinity]: Ice (Pinnacle), Poison (Low), Light (High)

[Stats]

• Strength: B

• Agility: B-

• Vitality: C+

• Charm: A

[Skills]

• Icicle (Common) [Comprehension: 100%]

• Ice Manipulation (Rare) [Comprehension: 100%]

• Ice Bridge (Very Rare) [Comprehension: 64%]

• Ice Body (Legendary) [Comprehension: 6%]

• Poison Ivy (Common) [Comprehension: 3%]

• Light Beam (Very Rare) [Comprehension: 32%]

• Royal Presence (Passive)

[Loyalty]: 45/100 — Curious about you.

[Mental State]: Curious. Shy. Anxious.

[Hypnosis Resistance]: Very Low

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She was eighteen and already stronger than Alex. Her skillset was terrifying, and her potential was clear.

If anyone needs protecting, it's me.

Still, what caught my eye wasn't her stats — it was her Loyalty and Resistance. With low resistance and that kind of early interest, I could work with this.

This might be a better idea than I thought.

"N-Nice to meet you," Elena said quietly, finally extending her hand. "I'll be in your care from now on~"

I took her hand and gave her a calm smile.

[Elena's Loyalty has increased: 45 → 46.]

My eyes widened slightly.

It went up… just from a handshake?

I resisted the urge to grin.

This is going to be easier than I thought.

"So, two weeks from now, huh?" I asked.

The King chuckled. "Yes, the Academy's entrance ceremony is then. But you'll leave with us tomorrow. You'll escort Elena back to the Royal Capital and start your duties there. Is that fine with you?"

I looked at Elena — beautiful, powerful, and completely unaware of the fact she'd just become my biggest opportunity — and nodded. "Of course. That's perfect. But… could I make one request?"

The King raised a brow. "Go on."

"Can my maid come with us? Her name is Aria. I'm close to her, and I'd prefer to bring someone I can trust."

"Hmph. That's something you should ask your father," the King replied. "But I have no objection."

The Patriarch studied me carefully, as if trying to read some deeper intention. After a long pause, he finally nodded.

"Fine. Bring her. If it makes you feel better."