"I knew things would go out of hand, but this… This far outside of my expectations." Astaria commented as she blocked Allura's sword which was about to behead Ricardus. Ricardus, who finally came out of his reverie opened his eyes, and seeing Astaria standing right in front of him, his eyes widened in fright. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶 "Lady Astaria! Please! I do not wish to die! I was wrong, I was wrong! I realized my mistake! Please let me live!" He kneeled and rubbed his nose on the floor. That was just how scared he was. Seeing death right in front of him, he couldn't care less right now. "Ricardus, you are still in the presence of your subjects, What kind of unsightly behavior is that?" Astaria questioned with a disgusted look on her face. Hearing her answer, Ricardus frowned in confusion. He raised his head and once he looked around, he noticed others looking at him with surprised looks on their faces. And Raguel… one of the main characters of the scene that had just played out… He was nowhere to be seen. "W-What just happened? Where is Raguel?" Ricardus questioned with a confused look on his face. "Huh? Raguel?" Astaria frowned. Then, with a cold look on her face, she questioned, "What does that boy have to do with it?" "H-H-He was right here… He had become a King Stage Cultivator and wanted to take my throne away from me… He and Allura had planned everything for a long while now, they are trying to take me down using you. Lady Astaria, I deeply regret my past actions, please give me one last chan-" "Ricardus. What in the hell are you talking about? Have you lost your mind? Raguel is still a Grand Master Stage Cultivator, how could he possibly be a King Stage Cultivator?" "He is actuall-" "Ricardus, that is enough. Go back to your room. If I ever see this unsightly behavior again, I will make you regret it." Ricardus, however, was still confused and looked around with a wary look on his face. Seeing this, Astaria glanced at the 6 King Stage Cultivators Ricardus had called, Keeve nodded, understanding what Astaria wanted, he and Reeve stepped forward and carried Ricardus back into his room. The crowd that had gathered around still seemed confused. They couldn't believe how the King, who was acting all high and mighty, talking about how he was the King of this Kingdom and controlled everyone's lives, to suddenly kneeling on the ground in front of Allura, with a pale face within just a few seconds. Just what happened? Why did the King act that way? Was Lady Allura behind it? But what could she possibly do in just 2 seconds? They all were there as well, Lady Allura didn't even move from her place. Then… what happened to the King? Was he just acting strong and seeing that Lady Allura didn't fall for it, he begged for mercy? Was the King really that weak? Or is… Lady Allura just that strong? "What are you gathering here for? Go tend to your things." While everyone in the crowd was coming up with their own theories in their mind, Astaria ordered. "And I do not need to mention it, do I? The moment this incident is leaked, all of you will be beheaded." "O-Our mouths are sealed." A servant, who knew about Astaria, replied. "Leave." Astaria ordered and everyone walked away, leaving only Allura, Nux, and Astaria standing in the hall. Astaria glanced at Nux, wanting him to leave as well, Nux however, didn't move. Astaria narrowed her eyes, "Did I not make myself clear?" She questioned. "I need to stay with Lady Allura," Nux replied. "I need to talk to her alone, leave," Astaria ordered. "She needs to rest right now, You can talk to her later." Nux didn't back down. "Are you… ordering me?" Astaria tilted her head. This was the first time a mortal dared to stand up in front of her. And to think it was someone as frail looking as this boy… "Lady Allura needs to rest, I request for Lady Astaria's understanding," Nux bowed his head. Astaria raised her eyebrow in confusion. She glanced at Allura and noticed that even she seemed quite surprised, however, in the end, Allura nodded at her. Astaria understood what she wanted so she decided to leave. Now, the only ones left were Nux and Allura. Allura wanted to initiate the conversation, taking the flow just like before, however, "Lady Allura, please follow me, I will take you to your room." "Oh? What are you going to do to me in my room?" Allura questioned with a playful smile on her face. "Nothing. As I said, you need rest. I saw your body trembling, I don't know what is wrong with you, however, I do know that you need rest, I will call for the doctor later, so let us leave." "Are you ordering me now?" "I am not, But I would still appreciate it if you listen to me, Lady Allura." Nux looked into Allura's eyes and replied. Seeing that expression on his face, Allura couldn't resist. This was her Nux… This man had this strange charm to him… there is no way Allura could resist him. "Alright, I will follow you." Allura gave in. Nux smiled. Allura closed her eyes, expecting a pat on her head. However, this Nux was not the Nux she knew. He was still a virgin and had zero experience with women. Unlike Allura, he doesn't know the future. Nux just turned around and started walking. Although it was disappointing, Allura just sighed and followed him. "Please lay on the bed, Lady Allura." Nux spoke. Allura did as he told and lied down. Nux smiled and just as he was about to leave, Allura questioned, "It seems there is something in your mind. What is it?" "…" Nux glanced at Allura and then, "We will talk later, Lady Allura. You should res-" "I know my body better than anyone else, Nux. Just speak your mind, What are you thinking about?" Nux looked into Allura's eyes and seeing the determined look on her face, he decided to give in. "King Ricardus… What did you do to him…?" Nux questioned. "What did I do?" "I am not a fool, Lady Allura. I saw your eyes momentarily turning purple, it was only after that the King started acting strangely. Whatever happened to him, I am sure you were the one behind it." "Nux…" Suddenly, Allura called out. She then looked into Nux's eyes and with a strange expression on her face, she questioned, "Do you… Fear me?"