Hidden Motives

Prince Alvin's sudden appearance was undeniably hasty, even rude. However, the prestige of the Aldria Empire kept the Paddington people from voicing their complaints, even if they harbored them silently. King Korek was very concerned about Prince Alvin's true intentions for coming to Paddington. It was hard to believe that someone as carefree and lazy as Alvin had genuinely come to visit the academy out of admiration.

Despite his suspicions, Korek had to extend a warm welcome to Alvin. All the high-ranking nobles of the kingdom attended the royal banquet. At an opportune moment, the king subtly inquired about the arrival of the Aldrian delegation. Korek did not believe that the Emperor of Aldria would allow his third heir to wander around the continent unsupervised. Surely, the delegation would include someone appointed by the emperor to keep Prince Alvin in check. Korek would much rather deal with the delegation than face Prince Alvin himself, especially since the way Alvin looked at Queen Susan made Korek very uncomfortable!

Prince Alvin's insolence knew no bounds. After a dance with Queen Susan, he liked to linger near her, talking about Aldrian customs and amusing anecdotes. His gaze almost burned holes through her low-cut evening gown, his eyes fixated on her ample, fair bosom. Fortunately, he still retained some sense and refrained from any outrageous actions.

Feigning casualness, the king walked over with a wine glass, engaging Alvin in conversation, giving Queen Susan a chance to escape almost in a fluster. She swore she was on the verge of losing her temper. Never in her life had anyone dared to treat her so rudely. Claiming to feel unwell, she returned to the harem, tears of anger streaming down her face.

Celine was also invited to the banquet but only made a brief appearance in the hall before leaving, unnoticed by Prince Alvin. After putting little Princess Claire to sleep, she saw the queen enter with red eyes and quickly asked, "Sister Susan, what happened to you?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Perhaps I caught a draft," Susan forced a smile and deflected, "Celine, why didn't you stay at the ball?"

"I detest seeing such filthy scenes. Besides, that person is there. Why should I invite trouble upon myself?" Celine said with a look of disgust. Noble balls were always filled with a certain hypocrisy. Ladies dressed to the nines, seemingly modest. Noble gentlemen appeared refined and courteous. Yet in some dark garden corners, one could always hear lustful whispers. When those involved walked away, they might not even remember each other the next time they met. The so-called upper class was essentially a filthy, rotten cesspool. Compared to them, a virtuous woman like Celine was almost extinct.

Queen Susan fell silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. She was well aware of her husband's intentions. And for now, it might be the best choice, with only Celine having to make a sacrifice. Korek had hinted to the queen to persuade Celine. A moment of humiliation to satisfy Prince Alvin could prevent him from meddling in Paddington's internal affairs.

Just as Duke Lind always thought about reclaiming the throne, King Korek never let down his guard against his exiled brother. His worries were not unfounded. Through certain channels, he had received some disturbing news. His brother seemed to be doing well in the Aldria Empire, having made many influential connections. He had even publicly declared his legitimate claim to Paddington's throne, vowing to reclaim everything that belonged to him one day.

Although Korek was unaware that Duke Lind had already infiltrated Paddington's capital, he sensed danger from the subtle signs. He not only tightened the city's security but also secretly recalled the elite legion, which would arrive in the capital soon.

Korek did not hide any of this from Susan, putting her in an extremely difficult position. She did not want her sister to suffer humiliation but also could not bear to see her husband harmed.

"Celine... if... if Prince Alvin shows interest in you, it might be best not to refuse him outright. He's just visiting the magic academy. He might leave in a few days. During this time, could you just humor him a bit?" Queen Susan said with difficulty, her head lowered, almost afraid to look at Celine's face.

Celine was lost in thought, seemingly preoccupied with something else, her cheeks flushed. She did not think deeply about the queen's words and casually replied, "I can deal with him for a while..." Her mind was filled with the image of that guy. She felt that dealing with Prince Alvin wouldn't be too difficult.

At this moment, the king's personal servant, Urban, hurried in from the banquet hall, bowed, and said to the queen and Celine, "Your Majesty, Lady Celine! His Majesty requests your presence... Prince Alvin wishes to invite Lady Celine for a dance."

"Celine, you go. I'm feeling a bit dizzy and won't be going," Susan smiled at Celine.

Suspecting nothing, Celine prepared to handle the situation quickly and then leave, bid farewell to Queen Susan, and followed Urban to the banquet hall. The queen watched her sister's departing figure with guilt, not moving for a long time.

Although it was already midnight, the hall was still brightly lit, the banquet just reaching its climax. As the most distinguished guest, Prince Alvin was flattered by everyone, always surrounded by a group of women, his gaze almost predatory, unashamed of his intentions.

Prince Alvin didn't mind having some fun with these women, but he couldn't get the image of that stunning figure from the arena out of his mind. To be honest, Celine wasn't the most beautiful woman there, not even compared to several present. But Celine's elegant and refined aura was unmatched by any of them.

Alvin was bored with the women who threw themselves at him and craved a change. Although he desired Queen Susan, he knew that was impossible. So, he was determined to have Celine.

However, what happened next left him smiling on the surface but furious inside.

Lady Celine finally appeared, and after an introduction by the king, she did indeed dance with Prince Alvin. After the dance, Alvin gently held Celine's hand, hoping to chat and perhaps have more happen that night.

But Celine nonchalantly withdrew her hand, showing a very insincere smile, apologizing to Alvin, and then, ignoring King Korek's angry expression, left on her own.

King Korek finally saw the other side of Prince Alvin, the spoiled and arrogant behavior that he was known for.

"Hmph, King Korek, the women of Paddington certainly have unique styles... Have your nobles forgotten their manners? This is the first time a woman has treated me so rudely... Is this how Paddington welcomes guests? Hmph, if I'm not welcome, I can leave tomorrow, and my delegation need not come either," Prince Alvin said, his handsome face dark with anger.

This is just a womanizing fool! Korek concluded about Alvin. If he weren't the third prince of Aldria, Korek wouldn't even bother looking at him. But Alvin's status was undeniable, and even his mischief had to be dealt with cautiously. "Prince Alvin, I apologize. Celine may not be feeling well. You don't know, my little daughter just recovered from an illness, and Celine has been taking care of her day and night, surely exhausted. Once she recovers, she will definitely appreciate your kindness."

"Hmph, let's hope so!" Feeling his mood ruined, Alvin lost interest. In Aldria, favored by his mother, he had always been arrogant, barely acknowledging anyone, let alone the king of a small, remote country. With a dismissive wave, he turned back to a group of ladies, naturally wrapping his arm around a voluptuous beauty's waist, chatting with them. Unsurprisingly, a few of these women would likely end up in Alvin's bed tonight.

Korek's face turned ashen, the wine glass in his hand shattered without him noticing. As a king, he had never been so insulted. Although he didn't want to offend the Aldria Empire, it didn't mean he would tolerate such humiliation. Korek was never a petty person. He suddenly realized that forcing Celine to sacrifice herself to satisfy this playboy was really too much. His anger towards Celine gradually dissipated.

"Forget it. Such a frivolous prince, indulging in wine and women, can't be involved in any conspiracies. I overestimated him," Korek shook his head, deciding not to pressure Celine anymore.

What the king didn't know was that Marquis Delta had been watching his actions from afar. None of what had happened escaped his notice.

"Very well, King Korek, you've handed me an opportunity," Marquis Delta smiled, downed his wine, and left, having formulated a plan.

The shaman's spells were nearly miraculous, healing Barok's fractured shoulder overnight. Although his soul energy was almost completely drained, leaving him feeling weak, by the next morning, his arm, though still tender, could move freely.

The orcs saw this as a divine sign, believing the light of the natural spirits shone on Barok. Barok, knowing the truth, strictly forbade the tribesmen from spreading this. Humans believed that the orc shaman tradition was extinct. If they discovered Barok had inherited this sacred role, they might kill him even before the gladiatorial event.

He had to create a diversion. Barok used a sling to pretend his injury was still severe. With the tribesmen's help, he made a show of walking around the arena to signal his presence to the human guards. Then, back in his cell, he quickly slipped into the sewers under the cover of the tribesmen.

The king's order prohibited Barok from leaving the arena, but he had other ways. One section of the sewer had an exit in a secluded street. Barok emerged there, donned a cloak to conceal his face, and headed towards the academy. He was still intent on acquiring those shaman scrolls.