57 Chapter 57

*BOOOOM* SURPRISE CHAPTER!😍😘🥰😍😘😍😘😍, enjoy my pookiessss

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[Third Person's PoV]

As Alexia and Iris emerged from the faculty room, Alexia felt a surge of nerves. 'I'm going to meet her today... okay, I'm going to meet his wife, the primary wife... I'm nervous just thinking about it. What if she hates me?'

Suddenly, Alexia smacked both of her cheeks in an attempt to calm her nerves. The sudden action startled Iris, catching her off guard.

'I can't let doubt cloud my thoughts. I'm a very likable person, and I'm sure she will love me. Getting her approval for me to date Cid should be easy... But if not, she won't keep me from Cid. One way or another, he's mine. He'll love me like I love him,' Alexia's thoughts darkened, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil as they clouded with a touch of madness.

"ALEXIA!" Iris shouted, shaking Alexia and bringing her back to the present.

"Huh?" Alexia responded, looking at Iris in confusion.

"What? Why are you shouting? I'm right here. There's no need to raise your voice," Alexia said, still looking at Iris in confusion.

"No need to raise my voice? I've been calling your name for a few seconds, but you didn't respond. Is everything alright?" Iris asked, her tone laced with concern as she looked at Alexia.

Alexia waved off Iris dismissively and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Sighhhhhhhh, you wouldn't understand. What I'm going through is matters of the heart, something you don't have experience in since you've been single your whole life.

I mean, you're around 20 years old and haven't even had a boyfriend. Unfortunately, there's just no way you could possibly help me with my problems."

Iris felt a pang of annoyance and insecurity when she heard Alexia's words. It wasn't her fault that boys seemed too intimidated by her strength to approach her for a relationship. The potential suitors lacked the strength she sought, which made entertaining the idea of dating them impossible. She had made a vow to only date someone who could defeat her in combat, a promise she was beginning to regret, having never experienced love before.

Crossing her arms beneath her ample chest, Iris adopted a condescending tone to hide her frustration at her own love life struggles. "Hmmp, I have no time or need for such futile pursuits. My sole devotion lies with the Kingdom and the sword. Why bother with something so worthless when I could be enhancing my strength?"

"Sigh, sister, this is precisely why I wouldn't even consider discussing my problems with you. And let me inform you, it's thanks to love that I've grown stronger and continue to do so. That 'worthless' thing you disregard is a significant motivator for me. Thanks to my love for Cid, I've pushed myself further in my training."

"Now, I just need to find a way for him to fall head over heels for me," Alexia stated resolutely. Inside, she schemed, 'If I can make him fall deeply in love with me, even if his wives don't approve, they'll have no choice but to tolerate me. That way, I'll still have a chance with Cid. Hehehehehehe, it's brilliant.'

"Cid Kagenou, huh?" Iris pondered while rubbing her chin in contemplation. 'Him dating Alexia for real and not just as a fake relationship... it just might work.

If they genuinely begin dating, he'd have no choice but to join the Crimson Knights. He wouldn't want to be away from his girlfriend, which would be Alexia. And since Alexia is now a part of the Crimson Knights, he would join without hesitation.

Once he's a member, Claire would follow suit. Killing two birds with one stone. I've heard he's quite powerful himself, having trained Alexia to the point where she could match Zenon in combat. He would undoubtedly make an excellent Knight. I just know it.'

Nodding to herself, Iris turned towards Alexia and affirmed, "I'll provide you with my full support in pursuing Cid, so make it happen, alright?"

Alexia looked at Iris, puzzled. "You seem to know more about him. You wouldn't readily agree to let me pursue someone unless you knew them," she remarked.

"You're correct. I do know who you're talking about. He's not bad looking either. I had a chance to talk to him a while back, though it didn't go as I'd hoped. Nevertheless, we have no issues with him or his family. Besides, I've heard he's strong, making him a great match for you," Iris affirmed, trying to sell her approval.

Normally, Iris wouldn't even consider manipulating Alexia in this manner. If Alexia wasn't interested in someone, Iris would do everything to prevent it. However, since it appeared that Alexia truly cared for him, Iris didn't mind if she gained something extra along the way.

Acknowledging Iris's explanation with a nod, although curious about what occurred between Cid and Iris, Alexia realized she had no time. She had an important task to accomplish.

"Alright then, I'll head off first. I have something to do and someone to meet. See you later," Alexia said to Iris.

Iris bid her farewell with a nod, and Alexia departed from the school premises, venturing into the capital.

Her mission was specific – Alexia scoured the city, searching for a herbalist shop. Despite her initial difficulty, locals readily provided directions when asked.

Upon reaching the shop, she paused to take a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves. Memories of Cid's discussions about the person she was meeting flooded her thoughts.

...

-Flashback-

Cid leaned against the rooftop wall, facing Alexia standing before him.

"So, when and where am I meeting your wives, or the 'main wife,' if I'm only meeting one?" Alexia inquired, her anxiety evident.

Cid sighed, unable to believe he was willingly participating in this conversation. He had already discussed it with his wives, and they decided to send Alpha, considering her the most suitable to represent them. However, there was no official hierarchy among his wives; they all held equal importance to him.

"Firstly, let me make something clear. There's no concept of a 'main wife,' 'second wife,' or any of that. I dislike it. I love all of them equally. Are there moments when I feel closer to one? Yes, but that's natural. Anyone claiming otherwise is lying. You'll be meeting someone they've chosen to represent and express their thoughts. They hold great respect for this one. She goes by the name of Kalandra, you'll be meeting her at her own herb shop called 'Umbral Herb Emporium'. And if I did have a 'main wife,' she'd likely fit that role... but no pressure," Cid explained.

Cid thought to himself, 'I'm saying the last part to subtly put some pressure on her for dragging me into this. She's fortunate she's likable.'

Alexia nodded attentively, feeling a bit anxious when Cid mentioned 'No pressure though.'

-Flashback End-

...

Summoning her courage, Alexia pushed the door open and stepped into the shop. The interior was exquisitely adorned with flowers strategically placed to enhance the shop's aesthetic.

Standing before her was the most captivating elven woman she had ever laid eyes upon. The woman's hair gleamed in a radiant gold hue, cascading down her back. Her bright blue eyes held an enchanting allure capable of mesmerizing anyone who dared to meet her gaze. With a dainty nose and soft, full red lips, her welcoming aura was palpable.

Despite wearing an apron behind the counter, her beauty remained undiminished.

(Picture)

At that moment, Alexia found herself questioning her own beauty, feeling far from matching the woman's exquisite appearance before her.

When the woman addressed her as Alexia, she nodded in acknowledgment and gestured for Alexia to follow. Though still slightly stunned, Alexia trailed behind her through a curtain that divided the front and back areas of the shop.

Upon entering the back area, Alexia was greeted by a spotlessly clean, shiny wooden floor. Before stepping onto it, Kalandra instructed, "Take off your shoes and put on these sandals," offering her a pair of classic sandals.

Kalandra retrieved a tea set and gestured for Alexia to sit on one of the cushions placed in front of the table at the center of the room.

Following Kalandra's instructions, Alexia sat down and watched in astonishment as Kalandra conducted an intricate tea preparation ritual, admiring her beauty and grace during each deliberate action.

After finishing the ritual, Kalandra offered Alexia a cup of tea, which Alexia eagerly sipped, her eyes widening in surprise. "This... this is absolutely delicious," she exclaimed.

Kalandra smiled in response. "Why, thank you."

Wanting to steer the conversation to the purpose of her visit, Alexia shook her head, looking at Kalandra with a serious expression as she placed the cup back on the table.

"I want to be very direct with you," Alexia began, "as I believe beating around the bush wouldn't do justice to my intentions. I'm in love with Cid. I want to acquaint myself with you and his other wives to create a favorable impression and gain your approval for dating him and being with him."

Kalandra let out a smile that shined like a hundred suns, as she said. "Since we're being honest and upfront, let me be forthright as well... We all hate you and wish you dead."

Alexia's expression froze in shock, managing only a faint "Huh?"

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A/N: for those of you still confused Kalandra is Alpha's alias that she's using like how Beta uses Natsume... someone in my discord server gave it to me, (you know who you are pookie 😘)

And I thought it was lovely so I'm using... anyways hoped you enjoy 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰