Chapter 95: an Irresistible Offer

"I'm helping her quickly grow into a qualified queen!"

"Only through trials can one truly grow!"

Aph was shaken to her core. The words reverberated within her, leaving her utterly stunned.

Even though Shia was clearly manipulating her emotions, his words struck a chord deep in Aph's heart.

She thought of Violet's transformation.

If it had been the old Violet, she would have acted without hesitation, eliminating someone as disrespectful to the royal family as Shia.

But…

She recalled what Violet had said in the bath yesterday.

Though unspoken, Violet now understood the need for patience and restraint.

This change was something the old princess could never have embodied.

Aph, though merely a member of the royal guard, had been by Violet's side for years, witnessing her aunt's governance and gradually grasping certain truths.

Her world blurred as memories of the Silver Moon Queen's regal figure and wisdom surged forward.

Then, her vision slowly cleared.

Shia was sitting on the sofa, gazing at her with unguarded sincerity.

In that moment, her perception of him began to shift.

Whether his intentions were genuine or deceitful, whether he was bullying the princess or truly helping her, the changes in Violet were undeniable.

In Shia’s calm and confident gaze, Aph saw something that unsettled her—an undeniable spark of intrigue.

He smiled and extended his hand toward her.

"Interested in helping me train your princess into a true queen?"

Aph's eyes dropped to his outstretched hand, lingering there as uncertainty clouded her thoughts. The prospect of collaborating on his plan left her both intrigued and hesitant.

Shia’s voice continued, smooth and persuasive, like the enticing call of an angel.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I understand the Silver Moon Kingdom faces both internal and external threats."

"Watching your beloved princess worry over these crises, watching your cherished homeland near collapse—you want to do something, don’t you?"

"Don’t you wish to save your kingdom from ruin in your own way?"

Of course, she wanted to! How could she not?

Everything Violet was doing now was for the kingdom’s salvation.

Although Aph was proud of Violet’s efforts, seeing her struggle so much pained her deeply.

If Aph could help her in any way, she would eagerly seize the opportunity.

After all, the Silver Moon Kingdom was her homeland too—a place filled with her family and friends.

Even the lowliest maid in the palace harbored affection for this land.

She loved it deeply, with all her heart.

Even though the Silver Moon Kingdom was a small, fringe nation overshadowed by larger, more powerful ones, it was her home.

Aph's heartbeat quickened, thudding louder and heavier with every moment.

Her emotions surged uncontrollably.

Her body grew hot, a wave of heat rushing through her as she wrestled with her decision. She was on the verge of accepting his invitation.

Shia’s words were like a spell, drawing her in further.

Her fingers twitched slightly, almost reaching toward his hand.

Yes, she would help mold the princess into a queen. She would save her homeland in her own way.

Shia’s voice echoed in her ears, breaking down her final shred of resistance.

Aph’s rationality wavered as she seriously contemplated the feasibility of working with Shia.

After the initial rush of emotion, this line of reasoning allowed her to somewhat restrain herself.

Training the princess, ensuring her readiness for the throne—especially when progress was already evident—seemed wholly beneficial.

Moreover, even if she didn’t intervene, Shia would likely proceed with his so-called training plan for Violet.

If she wasn’t part of the process, who knew what over-the-top methods he might use?

But if she were involved, she could act as a monitor, ensuring things didn’t spiral out of control.

"Alright, I agree."

Aph placed her hand in Shia’s.

As their gazes locked, an unspoken bond formed between them, their clasped hands sealing an invisible contract.

Shia smiled and, with a firm tug, helped her to her feet.

With their partnership established, they sat together to discuss the details of the plan.

However, Aph still had conditions to lay out.

"Although we’re working together, I need to make two things clear."

"First, my involvement must remain hidden from the princess."

"Second, you are not to lay hands on the princess without reason."

The first condition was to avoid making Violet feel betrayed. While their ultimate goal was for her benefit, the process of hardening her through adversity would inevitably cause pain.

Aph didn’t want Violet to one day look at her with suspicion.

The second condition was even simpler: Aph’s agreement to collaborate was based on a desire to supervise Shia’s actions. While she supported training Violet, she wouldn’t allow Shia to cross any lines.

Shia agreed without hesitation.

"Understood."

Reassured by his response, Aph mentally reviewed their agreement and found no immediate issues. Her worries eased.

But then another thought occurred to her.

Training the princess, keeping her involvement secret, ensuring nothing excessive happened to Violet—it seemed Aph and Violet were the only ones benefiting.

What, then, was in it for Shia?

She asked, curious, "Since we’ve agreed to work together, what price do you expect me to pay?"

Shia froze.

A price?

Wasn’t he doing this to mess around and manipulate her in the first place?

Now that things had progressed this far, how could he dare ask for more?

"Nothing at all. I’m just helping out of goodwill."

Shia offered a flawless smile, though internally, he was mildly panicking.

He’d already gotten what he wanted; asking for more would be too much.

"This won’t do!" Aph countered firmly.

She was serious.

A fair contract required equal exchange.

She couldn’t allow Shia to suffer such a loss.

No deal came without cost, and a contract with no compensation often bore the heaviest price.

Having benefited from this arrangement, she felt compelled to pay something in return.

But what could she offer Shia?

Shia was bewildered.

"Really, I think things are fine as they are."

He had already justified his actions by convincing himself that Violet was also gaining something from his manipulations.

Demanding further benefits seemed unnecessary.

"No, that’s unacceptable!" Aph insisted, her tone unyielding.

"You can’t lose out on this!"

"Well, what do you have that I’d even want?" Shia replied, mostly out of exasperation.

His words prompted Aph to deeply consider what she possessed that might interest him.

Her devotion to the princess compelled her to take on this responsibility alone.

After a moment of contemplation, a realization struck her.

"I’ve got it!"

Shia blinked, completely lost. What did she think she had figured out?

Before he could clarify, Aph, radiant with determination, reached for the back of her waist.

In one fluid motion, the knightly woman’s armor fell away.