The Aelius Kingdom was divided into eight provinces. Each of them, with the exception of Lucetta, was ruled by a Duke chosen by the King, and they would answer directly to him. Because even the smallest of regions required more attention than a single person could provide, officials were designated to support the overseers. Their job was to provide any help necessary to rule over the region. They were also a spokesperson for the Duke and they would mediate with people or the King in the name of the noble, if necessary.

One of those officials was Archon Pamphilos, who was serving Duke Tacitus from the Lacus Province. Dubbed “Indulgent Father” by the locals, he was known for his commitment to his work and being there for people in need. His devotion to serving his superior wasn’t any lesser, which gained him a lot of favor from the Duke and elevated him above other officials.

Archon was the highest rank among dignitaries, placing them higher than commoners and lower than nobles on the social ladder. Pamphilos was different, however. Thanks to the prestige he gained working for the Duke, he was able to marry his children into houses of the lesser nobility or high ranking commoners and raise his status even higher. It wasn’t a small feat either, considering that the Archon was blessed by Goddess Vitia with seven daughters. The six older sisters were already married.

The only one who still didn’t fly the nest was his youngest daughter Theophilia, who had reached adulthood fairly recently. As a result, the father was eagerly looking for a good marriage partner for her. Fortunately for her, there was someone he had in mind for a while…

— Commander, it’s been a while!

The moment Oriana and Valeria entered the King’s office, Archon Pamphilos jumped from his chair and quickly ran to greet them. He gave a courteous bow to the Princess, and, sparing no time, started showering her in tawdry compliments. Once he was done with his flattery quota, the official’s eyes immediately shifted towards Valeria standing beside her mistress.

— I was hoping to see you today, Commander. Such a nice coincidence that we meet here. — Pamphilos turned around and gestured for his daughter sitting on a sofa to come over - This is my youngest, Theophilia, she really wanted to meet you.

The Archon’s daughter approached Valeria and curtsied with a flirtatious smile.

— I’ve been your fan for a long time, Commander. Ever since I saw you in the Tournament, I wanted to meet you and personally congratulate you your second place. Though for me, Commander, you most certainly deserve a first place. — Saying this, Theophilia flapped her wing-like eyelashes covered in a thick amount of make-up in an attempt at a flirtatious gesture.

Valeria politely greeted the woman, while preparing herself for where the conversation was going.

— Theophilia has turned twenty last year. She is very skilled in sewing and painting. She can sing, and play violin, and she can even cook. We have been looking for a suitable partner for her for a while now, but she declined everyone! — The Archon’s face made the “can-you-believe-this” expression — Me and my wife are not that young anymore. We are worried that once we’re gone, there will be no one to look after our precious Theophilia. I know that we can’t force anything on her, but it’s so important to have a family!

Pamphilos looked at his daughter and gave her a sign with his eyes. Theophilia nodded, fixed her viscously red tulle dress sticking tightly to her Rubenesque body, and started the show right away.

— Oh, Commander! Ever since I laid my eyes on you, I knew you are the only one for me! — Theophilia jumped on Valeria and pressed her scandalously revealing cleavage against her - I shan’t have anyone but you!

Seeing the Commander’s face painted with a mixture of shock, confusion and a slight amount of terror, Oriana nearly burst out laughing. Valeria’s reaction so amusing to her, that she couldn’t help but tease her a bit.

— Yes, Commander. Family life is incredibly important. You’re what? Twenty-five? Twenty-six? I’d say it’s about time to settle somewhere nice. Especially with such a talented and devoted young lady. Don’t be heartless.

The Princess’ words were like a bucket of a cold water for Valeria. She quickly regained her composure and prepared for some payback.

If this is how you want to play…

— Truth be told, sir, my presence here today is not accidental. — Valeria carefully moved Theophilia away from herself — I have recently agreed to become Princess Oriana’s personal guard, so I will be accompanying her during her meetings and beyond. With that, I am afraid there’s not much time left for building a family.

Valeria made a pause and stole a glance at the Princess, who was watching her with a puzzled expression.

— If I am to be completely honest — she continued — I have decided to pledge my heart to my duty and… to my Princess. — Having said this, Valeria bowed deeply with great respect.

Her words were simple and her explanation brief, but it was enough to get the message across.

The Commander had feelings for the Princess, and it's mutual!

Or rather this is what she wanted them to believe.

In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for the royalty to have a covert relationship, even when they were already spoken for. Every relationship of this nature was kept in utmost secrecy, which - naturally - meant that everyone knew about it. Since no one wanted to fall into disfavor with the heads of the nation and potentially lose their life, it became an unspoken rule to never interfere with or publicly mention such relationship.

Valeria openly pledging her devotion to the Princess, was essentially a warning - she was already taken by the Princess. More importantly, the public nature of such a declaration meant that it was well known in the Palace, and even by the King. Any attempt at meddling would certainly be severely punished.

This show wasn’t only to mess with the Princess. When Valeria realized that she was the next target for Archon Pamphilos, she knew that she was going to need to make herself as unappealing as possible.

What wasn’t widely known, was that out of all six people to marry one of his daughters, only four are still alive and none were left unharmed. Weird accidents, rare sicknesses, and sudden decline in mental health seemed to find their way into the lives of those who married one of the Archon’s daughters.

Using his influence and connections, Pamphilos was making sure that no one caught wind of the tragic faith of his sons and daughters in law. He didn’t shy from using nefarious means to rope someone into marriage either.

The last thing that the Commander needed was for someone to dig into her past.

That’s why Oriana’s attempt at having a laugh at her expense gave her an idea about how to save herself from a premature death to a poisoned soup.

— I.. I see… — The Archon’s eyes were jumping between the Princess and the Commander in shock — Well, it’s truly commendable to be so devoted to your duty. Who am I to stand in a way of such a… calling. Wait for me in the carriage, Theophilia. I still have business with the King to take care of.

The woman who, just moments ago, was declaring her undying love to the Commander, dropped the act and with a bored expression, dragged herself out of the King’s office.

Meanwhile, the Princess was standing in the same spot with a blank expression on her face. Her mind was occupied with nothing but one thought.

Wait. What? This Bastard has feeling for me?!