“Grh!”

I rolled on the massive bed as I felt how sore my body was. My head was fine despite the massive amounts of wine we drank together, something I probably thank my high Vitality and Mother Tree’s root for but other parts of my body were a different story.

“Still, worth it.”

I muttered to myself, rolling over on the massive bed. Not many could boast about what had transpired between us. Yet, despite the satisfaction, there was a small pang in my chest. She was gone by the time I woke up. I knew she had her duties as a ruler, but waking up to an empty bed left me feeling... slightly used like I was just another distraction in her world of endless responsibilities.

Then again, maybe she was like that for me too. A moment of respite in a world of struggle. I sighed. I should just learn to enjoy things as they are and not overthink stuff.

As I scolded myself the door opened and a familiar figure entered the room. The view of immaculate uniform and harsh look on her face sent shivers down my spine. I pulled sheets up to cover my naked body.

“Good morning, Champion.”

Several maids followed Mrs. Griselda, tidying the room as if I didn’t exist.

"Good morning, Mrs. Griselda," I mumbled, my voice still groggy. Her sharp, disapproving gaze lingered on me for a moment, making me feel like a delinquent schoolboy caught misbehaving.

"You should be up by now," she said in her usual cold tone. "Her Majesty me to allow you to rest but that doesn't mean your duties can be neglected."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

“Very well. If you guys allow me, I would like to dress up.”

She inspected me with her usual eyes and I felt like this was about to go in a way I wasn’t going to like.

“I have seen how you dress yourself. Girls, hold him.”

“Wait! Not again! Oi! Stop!”

I scrambled to sit up as the maids swarmed me with military precision, their hands working faster than I could react. Sheets were pulled from my grasp, and before I knew it, I was being lifted out of bed, half-naked, flailing in a futile attempt to escape.

…

I stared at the maids putting the food on my table with the grumpiest expression I could make. The high collar chafed against my neck as I turned my head around to look at Griselda.

“You know I have the capacity to fully resist being dressed up like a doll, right?”

Mrs. Griselda met my grumpy stare with her trademark icy indifference, arms crossed behind her as she oversaw the maids like a military commander inspecting her troops. Honestly, she felt like she had a military background.

“Capacity, perhaps. Discipline? Clearly lacking,” she replied curtly. Her sharp eyes scanned me from head to toe as if silently critiquing every aspect of my appearance. “You may possess strength, Champion, but your station requires more than mere brute force. Appearances must be maintained.”

I grumbled under my breath as I poked at the food they had laid out for me. It wasn’t that the clothes were uncomfortable—well, they were, but that wasn’t the point. It was the way they went about it like I was some royal puppet to be dolled up.

“I kind of expected you to chew the food for me too.”

I said as I picked up my fork. Gökbörü poked his head out of my shadow as he smelled food. Gökbörü’s nose twitched as he poked his head further out, his sharp eyes scanning the spread of food with clear interest. I could feel his hunger like a gnawing echo in my chest, and I felt like he was about to snatch my food in front of me.

Mrs. Griselda’s gaze narrowed even further if that was possible.

“Considering how much you complain like a baby, I might have to resort to that.”

She retorted back while calling one of the maids closer.

“Bring proper meat for Champion’s companion. High-tier monster meat. They should have it in cooler 3.”

The maids scurried about, and one of them nodded before disappearing to fetch Gökbörü’s meal. At least he was getting the royal treatment, even if I felt like a prisoner in my own skin at the moment.

Gökbörü looked up at me, his sharp blue eyes full of mischief as his tail wagged ever so slightly. I could almost hear his silent laughter in my head. He seemed all too pleased with the turn of events, knowing he’d be feasting on some high-tier monster meat soon.

“Thanks.”

I said. No matter how grumpy I was, I wasn’t ungrateful.

“No need to thank me, Champion. I was ordered to ensure both you and your companion are well taken care of," Mrs. Griselda responded her tone still as cold as ever. "Her Majesty values your strength and the bond you share with your mythical beast, so it is only fitting that you both are maintained in prime condition."

I gave her a sideways glance. How did she know that Gökbörü was a mythical beast?

“It is a very easy conclusion to come, Champion.”

She stated as if reading my mind.

“No mere beast can be called a companion by the Champion of Aliera, not to mention the mana and divine power he has. He is also too intelligent for a puppy.”

I shot a mocking smirk to Gökbörü.

“Well, he is not that smart.”

He let out an annoyed bark and I chuckled.

…

“Alright. What the hell do you have in store for me, Mrs. Griselda?”

I stretched happily since I now wore training clothes. They were much more comfortable than those stupid clothes. Plus, I didn’t even understand why I wore them. The only things I did with those on was eat breakfast and approve and disapprove some documents while I drank tea and digested what I ate.

“These are some of the candidates who showed the most promise. The only reason they are not counted as proper Amazon Warriors is they can’t use Roar of War Goddess.”

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I crossed my arms as I inspected the girls in front of me. The oldest seemed to be in her early 20ties while the youngest looked younger than the body I inhabited. They had differing expressions on their faces. Some looked at me with admiring gazes while others avoided eye contact.

“They were given the honor of sparring with you by the Queen herself. Obviously, they cannot match you. So you will be given restraints to limit your stats and the goal of them will not be to beat you. It will be to land you a clean hit. They will be awarded 50 gold for every hit they land.”

I saw their eyes lit up when the gold was mentioned. It wasn’t a small amount of money. Mrs. Griselda came closer, holding 4 bracelets. She handed them to me. They were heavier than they looked. While it didn’t bother me that much right now, sparring with them will make things harder.

(You are in a state of Suppression. All of your stats decrease by 20.)

(Your Mana Output decreases greatly.)

As soon as I put them on my wrists and ankles I felt something weighing me down.

Ow shit. This may prove more challenging than I thought.

…

“How did they do?” Mrs. Griselda asked, her tone slightly softer than usual.

“You were there,” I answered without raising my head about the documents I was reading.

“I am a mere maid, Champion. How can I know?”

I raised my eyebrows to her words as if saying bullshit.

“All four of them who managed to hit me were good. Though only the spear and short sword were taking the spar seriously while the other two just tried to touch me to get the money. The one with the glaive, does she have financial problems?”

She shook her head.

“No. All of them are sponsored, paid, and well-fed.”

“Very well. Tell her instructors to punish her. She was trying to get a hit regardless of how she got hit in return. It is not a mentality fit for a warrior.”

She nodded.

“The twin sword wielder was good too. If she had stronger core muscles or used lighter swords she could have gotten a hit. I have no comment for the others.”

Mrs. Griselda nodded approvingly as she noted down my feedback. Her cold demeanor didn't waver, but I could tell she valued my judgment.

“I will pass your recommendations to their instructors. The Queen will be pleased to know her future warriors are progressing,” she replied, her tone devoid of emotion.

I lifted my head when I heard a knock on my door.

“Champion. Blanche Silverfox is here.”

A maid informed me.

“Sent her in.”

The door opened, and in walked Blanche Silverfox, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto mine.

“Hello, Blanche. I am glad I was able to catch you before you returned to your home. Mrs. Griselda, could you make coffee for both of us?”

She looked hesitant for a second, not about doing what I asked but about leaving me alone. I gave her a reassuring smile.

“What is that you want from me, Poyraz?”

Blanche sat down and asked me as Mrs.Griselda left the room. I smiled even wider.

“Getting to it directly? I can respect that. I am sure you heard about my plans. I plan on conquering the War God’s Battle Area. I want to employ your services.”

Blanche arched an eyebrow, her sharp gaze never leaving mine. She looked intrigued but not entirely surprised.

“Employ my services, you say? What kind of services are we talking about?” She leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed but alert. At that time a maid entered the room, bringing coffee and snacks before leaving.

“You are a capable spellblade and I have experience working with you.”

I answered as I took a sip of my coffee.

Blanche picked up her coffee, her eyes still fixed on me, the silver strands of her hair catching the light. She took a deliberate sip before speaking, the steam swirling around her face.

“I’ve heard of your ambitions, Champion. Conquering the War God’s Battle Area isn’t something one does on a whim. It requires not only strength but strategy and the right allies. What exactly do you need from me?”

I set my cup down, leaning forward slightly.

“I have your secret and solution to the problem the Silverfox family is facing. So I have leverage on you.”

I inspected her expression. Blanche’s expression shifted subtly, her eyes narrowing slightly as she processed my words. She set her coffee cup down with a measured grace, her posture still relaxed but now tinged with a hint of tension.

“Is that so?” she said, her voice even but carrying an edge. “And what exactly do you propose?”

I leaned back in my chair, touching my fingers together.

“I will get something at there that will help me greatly against Demon King Moloch. It needs to be kept hidden as possible and with the leverage I have on you, I can make sure that I can get both your help and keep you silent.”

Blanche’s eyes flashed with a mixture of curiosity and guarded caution. She studied me for a moment, her silver hair catching the light as she pondered my offer. The silence stretched between us, filled only by the faint clink of porcelain cups.

“And what do I get in return? I hope the Champion of Aliera doesn’t plan on blackmailing me into working for him?”

Instead of answering with words, I opened my hand and borrowed Ice Wolf’s Breath. Ice crystals formed around me as the temperature dropped drastically.

“I am the answer to your problem. Unlike your family, I can control the power of the Wolf King without any problems. My blood is the solution.”

I lied. It was Gökbörü’s but I wasn’t going to risk him like that.

I watched as the gears in Blanche’s head spun. She was probably connecting the events that happened in Wolf King’s Tomb. Blanche studied me for a moment, her gaze intense and thoughtful.

“And what assurances do I have that you’ll hold up your end of the bargain? Words alone won’t be enough for me to risk my family’s future on or enter one of the most dangerous dungeons.”

I smiled.

“Let’s sign a Geass then. Mrs. Griselda, would you be so kind to call Archmage Aurora?”