The eminence of a true king

"You're not loyal enough."

Shino's words cut through the air like a cold blade. Her eyes locked onto Alexia's, unwavering.

"So that's what this is about..." Leon understood immediately, nodding with a serious look.

"What? Loyalty? You think I… would betray you? I swear I would never do that!"

Alexia frowned slightly. The accusation struck her deeply. How could someone as proud as her even consider betrayal?

But Shino simply shook her head, rejecting the princess's words firmly.

"Your oaths mean nothing, princess. If you joined Night Raid, you'd be the most likely to betray us."

(I'm really starting to get pissed off...) Alexia thought. "Sinon, I already told you I won't betray anyone!"

"Then answer me, Princess Alexia." Shino stared at her, serious. "If you had to choose between the Kingdom of Midgar and the Master… what would you choose?"

Alexia hesitated. "What kind of absurd question is that…?"

"And between your sister, Iris Midgar, and the Master?"

"I…"

"And if it were your own life… or the Master?"

Silence.

And within that silence was the answer. Alexia would choose her kingdom, her sister, and her own life. A natural decision. Who could blame her for that? No one would call it betrayal. It was simply… human.

But—

"That's the difference between you and us, Princess Alexia."

Shino's voice was calm, yet firm as steel.

"In Night Raid, any of us would choose the Master without hesitation."

To them, Leon was more than a master. He was nearly a god.

"You're too extreme… If there's such a thing as moderate loyalty, that's where I fit in."

"It's either absolute loyalty, or disloyalty. There is no middle ground." Shino concluded mercilessly. "You're not fit to be part of Night Raid."

Alexia was left speechless.

Only now did she understand the true nature of that organization. To them, Leon wasn't just a leader — he was living faith. An absolute symbol.

She, on the other hand, simply admired him. Maybe even loved him. But that… that wasn't enough.

"Of the two options the Master gave you, pick the second. The outside world is your place."

Shino declared.

"…I refuse!"

With clenched fists, Alexia answered with determination. It wasn't the stubbornness of a princess. It was something deeper. Her intuition — and it never failed her.

Her eyes turned to Leon.

Before him, her life had been a dull sequence of empty days. A meaningless cycle.

But after meeting him… something within her began to move. A new gear had turned.

She knew: this was the moment to change everything.

"I don't want that empty princess life anymore. I want to join Night Raid. This is the right choice." Her voice was firm.

"I… want to change my life!"

"Pap-pap-pap-pap!"

Applause echoed. Leon was smiling, his eyes sparkling like he'd found a rare gem.

"Excellent. I acknowledge your determination, Alexia Midgar. Welcome to Night Raid."

"Yay!"

"If it's the Master's will…" Shino sighed and lowered her head. She had already questioned once. She wouldn't dare do it again.

Leon was the will of Night Raid. Once a decision was made, there was no dispute.

But Leon leaned forward and gently touched Shino's head.

"But… Sinon is right. Your loyalty is the weakest."

He smiled.

"So, we'll set up a safeguard."

"What?! Wait, what do you—"

Before she could react, Leon gripped her face with a firm hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. His violet eyes were mesmerizing, like an abyss of mystical jewels. Alexia felt like her soul was being drawn in.

Suddenly, a red seal flashed in Leon's eye.

"I order that if you ever betray Night Raid, you'll forget me and the organization completely."

"Y-yes…? Huh? What did you just do?!"

Dazed, she scratched her head. Leon and Shino both let out a sigh of relief.

"Nothing much. Welcome to the team."

"…Okay."

She still didn't understand what had just happened, but something told her everything would be fine.

That's when Leon sighed.

"But now… I'm feeling a bit guilty."

"Huh?" Alexia tilted her head, confused.

She didn't yet know that Leon had plans… to take over her kingdom.

Even though she had become his subordinate, he wasn't planning to abandon that goal.

"Forget it. Let me apologize in advance, Alexia. I'll make it up to you somehow later."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"…Why do you look so excited?" Leon frowned.

Clearly, Alexia was thinking of other kinds of 'compensation'.

I just want to conquer your country. I'm not planning to do anything else to you.

"Ahem… And what exactly are you planning to do?"

"I can't say. It's better if you don't know."

"…Come back here!" Alexia huffed in frustration.

"So you really won't tell me?"

"Not negotiating. But I can promise: I won't harm your kingdom, your family, or cause any damage to your people."

"Even so… you still feel guilty?"

"Mm." Leon nodded. It was strange to feel guilt for someone who was now his ally. But even with a heart of steel, he was still human.

Alexia stared at him for a moment… and finally let out a sigh.

Then, she gave Leon a small kick in the leg.

"You don't want to tell me, and you won't stop either… Seriously…" She sighed.

"Fine. In that case, Leon, don't ever tell me. Hide it from me until the end of my life."

There was nothing she could do.

Alexia knew that.

Even if she didn't know what he was planning… if she found out, she might end up hating him. And she didn't want to hate Leon.

It was better to pretend she didn't know. Sometimes, running from the truth… is the only way to keep moving forward.

---

(End of Chapter)

I intend to return with the normal updates, guys, but don't be surprised if I end up not posting anything for a day, a lot is happening lately. Also, I've noticed that my immunity is low; I am getting sick very easily.

"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."