For a mont, ti seed to freeze.
The nobles and spectators stood still, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. Why? Because Alisa, the Fourth Princess of the Orthodox Kingdom, had just spoken. And not just anyone—Alisa was renowned for her Bright Yellow Talent, a level so rare that it symbolized a once-in-a-generation genius.
Always quiet, always expressionless, Alisa had never shown interest in anything—or anyone—before today.
Her mother, Queen Lorraine, one of the continent's most powerful warriors, stood beside her. A revered 7-Star Knight, Lorraine's aura alone commanded respect. She was the only person Alisa ever seed close to, as her sisters were too preoccupied with politics or training, and the King was stationed at the empire's border, guarding the frontlines against a possible demon invasion.
Alisa's petite fra and doll-like face remained stoic, but her bright amber eyes were locked onto .
She stood calmly, waiting for her mother's verdict. Despite her cold exterior, she was clearly expecting her mother to buy —especially since the slave mark on my neck confird my status.
Given my unusually delicate features, nearly ethereal face, and the fact I was dressed in a maid's outfit, it wasn't surprising she had taken interest. I looked more like a beautiful ornant than a warrior.
Lucy, standing beside , narrowed her eyes. Though she didn't seem overly worried, I could see a twitch of emotion. Still, she treated the princess like a child—certainly not a rival.
She gave a polite, distant smile and said to the Queen, "Your Majesty, he is my property. I can't simply hand him over to your daughter."
Queen Lorraine, her brown hair tied into a simple yet elegant ponytail, tilted her head. Her graceful white neck was exposed, enhancing her regal aura. She was breathtaking—on par with Lucy herself.
She nodded calmly. "How about one hundred thousand gold coins?" she asked, her voice full of anticipation.
Lucy gave a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in money. However—" she paused, calculating sothing in her mind "—I'll allow your daughter to spend ti with him once a month for a week. In exchange, I want your support in the upcoming Queen Selection."
The Queen's gaze flickered in thought. She glanced toward Alisa, who still stared silently at , her usual blank expression slightly tilted in a pout.
Sighing, Lorraine finally nodded. "Since my daughter seems to care for him... I can agree to that."
Alisa didn't protest, but she clearly wasn't satisfied. She puffed her cheeks ever so slightly before walking up to and grabbing my hand.
I blinked. "Uh... okay?" I muttered as she led away.
She took outside to what looked like a royal training playground—a spacious, open garden with everything from obstacle courses to spell-testing targets and even a sandbox, where she was currently building sothing out of clay.
I knelt beside her and helped shape a castle. She didn't speak for a while.
Ever since she was young, Alisa had never shown interest in people or toys. She had trained hard—until one day she realized becoming stronger wasn't as fulfilling as people made it seem. And so, she had stopped. Emotionally detached and chanically efficient, she was the perfect noble daughter.
But now... she found herself staring at .
She didn't understand why she felt drawn to . Was it my strange, almost otherworldly beauty? Or perhaps it was my eyes, which lacked arrogance, fear, or even servitude—just... softness.
Her voice broke the silence, robotic and curious. "Why are you wearing a maid outfit? You're a boy... right?"
I chuckled awkwardly. "My Lady punished ... She made wear this." My cheeks flushed.
Before we could continue, sothing felt off.
My instincts scread. I turned just in ti to see two caped n erge from the shadows, moving with inhuman speed. One mont Alisa was beside , the next she was gone.
"Alisa!" I shouted, panic surging through my veins.
Without hesitation, I activated my Exorcist Form—my understanding of the spell had deepened, and now I could boost my physical capabilities nearly threefold. I dashed after the kidnappers, casting a spell I had develop in my dire situation—"Call of the Wind."
A gust exploded beneath my feet, propelling forward. I was gaining on them... but not fast enough.
Alisa struggled in their grip, trying to resist, but was quickly subdued. I gritted my teeth. I had to catch them.
But suddenly—a giant white spider, easily the size of a carriage, dropped from the treetops. Its aura was oppressive. A 6-star beast, nearing a breakthrough to 7-star.
The two caped n cursed. "Damn it! This wasn't in the plan!"
One drew a sword—clearly a knight. The other began chanting—a mage, forming a glowing barrier. But it was useless.
The spider devoured them both in an instant.
Then its many eyes turned to Alisa. It hissed in satisfaction. She had a powerful bloodline—it wanted her to trigger its evolution.
"No—" I whispered.
Alisa, trying to resist, was struck by a venomous thread. She collapsed, unconscious. The spider gently lifted her with its legs and crawled into a dark cave.
I followed it, carefully and silently.
The deeper I went, the harder it was to breathe. Its aura alone made nauseous, threatening to crush my spirit. Hours passed.
Then I heard it—Alisa's scream.
I ran.
Inside the massive cavern, lit by glowing crystals, I saw it all: mountains of gold, piles of weapons, ancient armor... stolen from past victims.
Alisa was cocooned beside the spider, her skin pale, her breathing weak.
I scanned the room. My eyes landed on a legendary-tier spell scroll, half-buried near a staff.
No ti to think. I grabbed the staff—its aura surged through , boosting my magic nearly fourfold. I roared, casting fireball after fireball, burning away the silk bindings.
Each spell drained . My mana dwindled to fus.
But finally—finally—the cocoon broke. I collapsed beside her, chest heaving.
She stirred faintly. Her fingers twitched.
"I'm... here," I whispered.
The spider turned it was seemingly annoyed soone intrrupting its breakthrough.
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