"Don't get too happy," First Consort Jace sneered, "What you're experiencing today may become your tomorrow."
Lance casually looked at him, a faint smile playing on his lips as he whispered, "I thought you, First Consort, understood this truth already. After all, I've walked in your shoes."
Whether it was First Consort or not, those who once held the upper hand often found their roles reversed.
"Furthermore," Lance added, returning to a composed tone, "The First Consort shouldn't utter such words in front of me, it's inappropriate. I shall take my leave."
Lance truly did not believe that King Alexander had left and was not nearby listening again.
With a casual nod, Lance stroll towards his Castle, a sly smile gracing his lips.
["There's a certain satisfaction, especially when it involves bringing someone else down."]
007 was uncertain, so it consulted its database and confirmed that the term 'villain's role' can be used here.
It couldn't help but comment, ["Have you ever thought what you are doing should be done by someone in a 'villain's role'?]
["From First Consort Jace's perspective, doesn't it imply that a villain has succeeded?"] Lance's eyes were clear, devoid of emotional fluctuations.
["But King Alexander's ruthlessness has exceeded my expectations."]
["Is he not quite affectionate, he did punish First Consort for you?"] 007 wondered. How many King's would love its peculiar Host!
["When in love, they'll praise endlessly, overlooking right from wrong. However, if they fall for another, past affection fades, he treats First Consort Jace just as indifferently as others before."] Lance commented.
Lance advised, ["007, when searching for a partner, one should avoid such individuals."]
007 responded with a cheeky tone, ["Thank you for your concern...I'm not searching for a lover."]
Lance smiled and didn't pursue the topic further. He suspected that 007 wasn't artificial intelligence but a unique form of intelligent life.
This suspicion was further validated when 007 did not deny having the option to date.
Unaware that he was being subtly manipulated by his host, 007 switched on its monitoring to monitor King Alexander.
-----
The Royal study table was covered with maps marked with red ink circles. King Alexander gazed at the paper covered in messages from the border, tapping his right hand on the table.
The once-fast working King had dwindled to just finishing a few thin pages over time.
Butler Cheron entered, holding another stack of papers and whispered, "Your Majesty."
Butler Cheron placed the papers on the desk. He spoke cautiously, "Your Majesty, it's late, and reading in the dim winter light isn't good for your health."
King Alexander withdrew his hand, allowing Butler Cheron to tidy up the items on the table.
He spoke, his voice a little tired, "Let's visit Consort Lancelot."
—--
A young newly hired butler, Kyen hurried in and announced, "My Lord, the King is coming towards our castle!"
"It appears I won't be able to sleep early tonight," Lance sighed, glancing at Alfredo.
Alfredo quickly helped him with his hair and whispered, "I heard that the King lost his temper this afternoon and scolded the First Consort. My Lord, please be cautious not to provoke the King today."
The King's anger was seldom, but what if his Lord suffered the King's anger because of someone else.
Lance adjusted his collar and smiled. "I'm aware," he assured.
Then, he inquired within his mind, ["From the tips you gave me, can you see King Alexander's affection towards others?"]
007 responded promptly, ["Yes, King Alexander's favorability towards First Consort Jace should be below 40%. If the host seizes the opportunity, you can certainly raise his favorability to 100%!]
["Excellent,"] Lance replied.
Alfredo observed the slight smile on Lance's lips but hesitated to comment on it.
However, King Alexander had already entered the room.
Although King Alexander wore a stern expression, his eyes softened the moment they landed on Lance.
He approached, dispelling the need for formalities, and spoke warmly, "No need to come out to greet me in the future. It's cold outside, you mustn't catch a cold."
Lance returned the smile, appreciating the concern.
King Alexander's ability to switch from a stern ruler to an adoring suitor was remarkable, particularly in this era.
The one who flattered you could also be the ultimate authority, feeding one's vanity to the fullest.
After all, wasn't the last person he flattered First Consort Jace?
"Is the King in a foul mood, I apologise for the matter caused in the afternoon..I..I did not want to cause any harm to First Consort.."
Although Lance's tone bore a hint of nobility, a subtle tension lurked beneath his furrowed brows.
King Alexander paused briefly before replying calmly, "It does not matter."
Lance chose not to press further, steering the conversation towards lighter topics within the Castle.
However, he noticed King Alexander's discomfort. Although he didn't want to pry, he felt that asking showed his concern.
Therefore, he broke the casual chatter, "Why don't you share with me what's troubling you?"
Lance's smile was tender, radiating trust and reliance. This complete trust and dedication melted King Alexander's heart.
His beloved always stood by him, quietly supportive. Despite his calm exterior, Lancelot's eyes never left him.
He affectionately ran his fingers through Lance's hair. In the dim light, the white lobes of his ears flushed pink, enhancing his delicate charm.
This was the realisation that he belonged to King Alexander, his beloved. Such awareness sent warmth coursing through him, nearly igniting a passionate spark under the lamplight.
[King Alexander's favorability is +5%, and his current favorability is 95%. ]
The person before him, with blushing ears, it was the perfect moment for something to happen.
["007, this man is giving me creepy vibes even though his favorability increased."] Lance said to 007 while smiling at King Alexander.
["Host, I think he wants to do the dirty with you."]
---------
Author's Corner:
It's a celebration! Another cherished little reader, the Pen Master himself, Kyen_Syr, has graced Sidekick's Mask with the gift of ice-cola! Welcome aboard as our newbie little butler in this chapter!
P.S. Remember, all Gifters and Golden Ticketers shall receive a little cute role in Sidekick's Mask! (: