The eminence of a true king

"Your Highness, there are two people following us."

"Don't worry, they're my alibi. Just ignore them."

The plan was moving smoothly. After returning to the mansion, Leon glanced at the wall clock. The moment had come—it was time to enter the final phase of the battle.

He opened the door and stepped into his room.

A second later, a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind. The soft press of her body, her soothing scent, and the rhythm of her heartbeat against his back were all too familiar. Even without looking, Leon knew exactly who it was.

"It's been a while, Alpha. It's rare for you to do something like this."

"You clearly noticed I was here... but you let me do it anyway."

"Because I think it's cute."

He gently held her hands and turned to face her.

She was a flawless elven beauty—long golden hair shimmering like sunlight, doll-like features carved with divine precision, and a body whose curves could defy mathematical perfection. Every time he looked at her, she seemed even more stunning.

"Huh? That outfit...?"

"I found it in your closet. I tried it on on a whim. What do you think?"

"Shame I don't have any miniskirts."

Leon couldn't help but admire her in his male school uniform. If she walked around campus like that, both men and women would fall at her feet—and a certain silver-haired princess would pale in comparison.

Alpha twirled confidently in the uniform, looking effortlessly cool and striking.

"You can keep those clothes."

"Haha, I don't want them."

"Seriously? But I still want to see you wear them."

"Well..."

Alpha smiled, saying the uniform itself didn't matter. What mattered was that wearing it made Leon look like her classmate.

And that was enough.

Right now, she looked exactly like a classmate visiting a friend's house. In the same room. Just the two of them. And naturally, their relationship was that of lovers.

---

"How's school life?"

"Very interesting. And your mission, Alpha?"

"A bit dangerous this time, but I'm safe—thanks to your protection."

"But I didn't do anything."

"No... you did. You protected me."

She nestled her head against his chest. The truth was, she had only made it out safely because of the strength and support this man gave her.

Even when he wasn't there—he still protected her. That alone made her heart overflow.

Leon sat back on the sofa and pulled her into his lap, one arm wrapped gently around her neck.

"Stay safe. Don't make me worry too much."

"I'm happy... that I can make you worry about me."

"You're the one who keeps making me fall harder, Alpha. If you get hurt, it breaks my heart... I might even do something reckless."

He ran his hands along her waist, inspecting her carefully, as if trying to confirm there were no wounds.

"What kind of reckless thing?" she whispered, her heart racing.

Leon pulled her closer, a subtle grin on his lips.

"Let me think... Maybe I'll lock you up in my dorm room forever so nothing bad ever happens to you again?"

"That actually sounds... kind of nice."

Alpha smiled—no fear in her eyes. Instead, she blushed.

She had come to discuss the final phase of the plan.

But now, that didn't matter.

She had missed him so much that all her emotions overflowed in a single breath.

She closed her eyes and tilted her head.

Leon got the message—and kissed her deeply.

---

"Three hours left until sunset..."

"Let's save just two and a half, then."

"We need to talk in thirty minutes."

"Plenty of time... probably."

She smiled through the kisses, her eyes full of longing. Leon lifted her gently, guiding her to the bed as the soft light filtered through the curtains, casting warmth around them.

Clothes fell, one by one, each telling a story of longing, distance, and reunion.

Familiar touches felt new again. Every inch of her skin was rediscovered like a forgotten melody.

Their sighs and whispers intertwined, time slowing to a crawl. In that quiet moment, no wars, no plans, no titles existed—just the two of them. Two hearts, beating as one.

---

Hours later...

She rested on his chest, fingers lazily tracing circles on his skin.

"I wish we could stay like this forever..."

Leon smiled, his eyes half-lidded.

"That day's not far off, Alpha."

He kissed her forehead softly.

No matter how cold he could be—his feelings for this elf were undeniable.

---

A little over ten minutes later...

Leon and Alpha were dressed again, their slime suits returning to form. But unlike their clothes, the mess in the room would take longer to clean.

"Alright... back to business."

"Yes. It's almost time."

They were both calm by nature—but when alone, they had a habit of getting carried away.

No regrets. But Alpha mentally scolded herself.

They really should've waited until after the mission...

"Ahem. Just as you planned, Leon... with all the chaos, we've now pinpointed the cult's bases in the capital."

"How many?"

"Thirty small fortresses. Fifteen medium. Three large."

"Ha... The royal capital of Midgar has completely turned into their nest."

Leon chuckled. The Kingdom's shining crown... rotten at its core.

"We've also tagged every known cult spy. Almost a hundred in total."

"Wow~~"

The plan had worked. After making a show with the Knights, the cult would surely try to stir conflict between Midgar and Palettia.

A golden chance. Not only to weaken Midgar, but to further infect it from within—and maybe even re-enter Palettia.

"The cult will fan the flames. I bet those warmongering nobles and officers are all secretly cult agents."

"Naturally."

The air in the dorm turned sharp—deadly.

Maybe some of them weren't cultists.

But Leon didn't care.

Collateral damage was acceptable.

"The combat force we've assembled in the capital now exceeds 300. More than enough to wipe them out—and crush all their bases at once."

Alpha's eyes lit up with resolve.

Not just common soldiers—the Seven Shadows had gathered.

Strong enough to take the capital themselves.

"Excellent. Leave no survivors."

Leon nodded.

He pulled the curtains open and stared out the window.

Darkness had fallen. The cold wind brushed his face. The bright moon was veiled behind clouds.

"The wind is strong, the sky is clear, and the night is murderous.

Tonight, I'll cleanse this city with the enemy's blood."

"As you wish, Midnight-sama."

Alpha looked at him with admiration burning in her eyes.

If he wanted something—she would make it happen.

Because she was the first one he chose.

The first woman in his life.

She is his sharpest and most loyal sword.

---

(End of Chapter)

I am officially back my friends 🤩🤩