58 Mutual Trust

--- Alexia ---

I've never felt so at ease in my life.

There's always been a truckload of things to fret about; never had a moment where I could just soak in the peace.

This couch I'm sprawled on is far from the one I had in the Royal Palace, but somehow, it feels way better. I wonder if it's because he's in the same room, and I can just watch him as long as I want?

As I sank into the plush cushions, a rare sense of calm washed over me, soothing the knots of tension in my shoulders. My gaze drifted lazily around the room, savoring the quiet stillness that enveloped us. I found myself yearning for this moment to stretch on indefinitely.

If only that was possible...

---

It was just another ordinary day.

We were holed up in the mansion he snagged for his "research." I don't have all the details, but this so-called "research" of his seems to be moving at lightning speed. It's like he's not really discovering something new—it's more like he's putting together pieces of a puzzle.

And he never takes credit for whatever it is he's delving into.

So, out of pure curiosity, I asked...

"This?" He grinned, his eyes lighting up with a spark of excitement. "I stumbled upon this gem while watching an incredible person at work. The moment I recognized its potential as a formidable weapon, I knew I had to make it mine. So, I decided to snatch the idea for myself. If it helps me get stronger, I won't hesitate to step over others' efforts. Out of respect, though, I'll make it crystal clear I didn't come up with the idea."

Who's this incredible person he's talking about?

For a moment, I thought it might be a woman, but once he clarified it was a man, I eased up.

I had just one doubt.

As I watched him meticulously pore over his research notes, a fierce determination shone in his eyes. He didn't speak much about his goals, but the intensity with which he pursued his studies spoke volumes. It was as if he was driven by an inner fire, a relentless hunger for strength that burned brighter with each passing day.

I've noticed this trait of his early on, and it got me thinking.

He didn't seem the type who craved absolute strength just to lord over his territory, nor did he come off as some maniac obsessed with the sole purpose of getting stronger.

Then, what could it possibly be, that's driving you to work so hard?

All those questions bubbling up to understand you better—I couldn't bring myself to ask them. What if they end up pushing you away as a result?

'...He's probably wrapping up his research by now, huh?'

I decided to quit dwelling on it and shifted my gaze to the clock.

The best way to shake off those thoughts would be to spar with him.

With that in mind, I hauled myself off the couch.

Normally, he's always on high alert. He's so sharp that he could probably sense me coming from a mile away, even if I tried to sneak up on him.

But there are exceptions to this rule. Like when he's lost in thought or buried in work.

I'm grateful that even if he's not keen on letting anyone into his heart, he can at least let his guard down enough to get completely absorbed in something else when I'm around.

It's like there's this unspoken trust between us, something I can't quite put into words.

I've noticed in spots like the Academy, he never lets his guard down completely. It's like he's always on alert, as if someone or something could strike him when he least expects it.

Who'd have the guts to attack a Duke's son at the Royal Academy, anyway?

I thought about asking, but instead, I decided to just put my trust in him.

Just like he's put his trust in me...

Anyway. If the Academy truly demanded constant vigilance, then I'd better keep my guard up too.

But, there's more to it.

Lately, he picked up Equipment Enhancement Magic. I figured he'd use it to enhance his sword or something to get even stronger. Instead, he approaches me with this determined look on his face.

"Hey, Alexia. Hand over all your clothes."

...

I mean, sure, I appreciate him being protective, but when he pulls stunts like that, it sends my mind spiraling into a dangerous territory...

Those small gestures mean way more to me than any words we could ever exchange.

And you had the courage to tell me anyone would've been able to make me feel the same?

Idiot.

'...It seems both of us are not honest at all'

I couldn't help but smile at the notion, though I kept silent, eager to see what he was up to on that desk of his.

However, what unfolded before my eyes was enough to make me freeze in place...

---

After a while, he faced me, appearing prepared to speak. However, as soon as he noticed me standing still, he pieced things together. His gaze shifted to the rings in his hands, and I'm sure my face turned beet-red, triggering an unexpected wave of embarrassment.

"Wait. This isn't what it looks like... I was just experimenting with Equipment Enhancement Magic, pushing these rings to see how much enhancement they could take. And, you might think these are regular rings, but they're actually just silver-covered slime jelly as I found out that's the only material able to withstand..."

He launched into this lengthy explanation, but I couldn't quite keep up.

I mentally slapped myself to regain composure as I gazed at him with eager eyes.

"Just put it on me. Let everyone know whose man I belong to. I'll do the same for you, so that no other woman will even dare think about approaching you..."

My words hung in the air as our eyes locked for a few moments, and to my surprise, he agreed.

Heh, perfect.

But there was one thing I hadn't considered.

"As you command, my lady."

His lips curled into a 'sincere' smile, sending a shiver down my spine.

There's one reason why I can't quite get the upper hand with him.

When he decides to tease me, he flirts in such a straightforward way that even someone as bold as me can't help but blush.

"No, wait, I was just messing around-"

But before I could get the words out, he closed the gap between us, smoothly taking my hand in his palm. He executed a noble greeting, something you only do when you're in an official setting.

His fingertips brushed against mine, sliding the ring onto my finger with a smooth, graceful motion. My heart raced, and I struggled to form a coherent sentence, caught off guard by the unexpected tenderness in his actions.

"May I have the honor to court you, most beautiful flower of this Academy, Oh Princess Alexia Midgar...?"

...Even though my cheeks were burning with embarrassment, a laugh bubbled up from within me.

He used the exact same phrase some nobles used to try winning my favor, but contrary to their cringe and pathetic display, his tone was so full of fake emotions you could tell there was no way he would ever say such words if not to tease me.

"Alright, alright, you win. I get it; you can't keep your distance without worrying. I'll wear this ring and tell anyone who asks that it's a gift from my beloved. But..."

I grabbed the other ring from the desk, swiftly sliding it onto his ring finger, not giving him a chance to say another word.

"You know, courting me comes with a price."

I held his hands tight.

Even though they are just some safety measure, as my gaze lingered on them, a swell of unexpected emotion welled up within me.

The glint of silver blurred through tears that threatened to spill.

I wonder why am I feeling this way?

---

Author's Note: 

UNCHAINED_PREDATOR advised for me to delve into the characters' interactions a little more a few chapters ago(Thanks for sharing your opinion!).

Originally, I planned to write this chapter from Akira's perspective and skip this part, maybe making it into a special of sorts or an extra, but their request made me change my mind. 

In this manner, I believe you can understand Akira's personality a little more. 

Why is the System silent? Some of you have instead been suspecting the System has corrupted something around this Trial or made Alexia's feelings unnaturally expand, but I can tell you the System is not allowed to do such things. If it could, it wouldn't even need Trial Takers in the first place.

At most, it could have used someone like Luna Azentine, but do you really believe I'd repeat the same thing twice? I'd find it boring, I can't even imagine someone like a reader who is here to see some interesting fight or a good romance.

But this will be explained throughout the novel, so that's enough information about that.

In the comments, I posted a picture of the rings :)