It was already morning when Asher was about to end his study session with Rowena, where she would teach him about the matters of the kingdom. He had arrived here quite early so that he wouldn't be late to go to the Tower of Hell.
"That's it for today. I don't want you getting late," Rowena said as she wrapped up some of the documents, though her brows revealed a tinge of disappointment that she had to end it here for now.
She found it quite refreshing to have someone she could share the burdens of the kingdom. She thought she would have to take a lot of time to bring Asher up to speed.
But to her astonishment, he was a quick learner who had a natural talent for understanding the complexities of how the kingdom worked. It made her proud to see that he was able to grasp even the most intricate of matters and even come up with better solutions to small issues here and there.
She felt proud and was impressed by the way Asher was able to think on his feet, even when she purposefully presented him with a problem that seemed insurmountable to test him. It was rare to find someone with such a keen mind, and she felt that Asher may really be able to share the burden of her crown one day, just like he said he will.
She also liked how Asher wasn't afraid to question her decisions, which helped her refine her own thought processes. Most of the ministers and advisers she had would just parrot back whatever she said, even if she asked for their frank opinions. The only times they would say anything different was whenever things concerned them.
She once again realized why her father used to say, "Never forget, my daughter, advisers of the court are only as useful as their self-interest allows them to be."
"Sigh, tomorrow it is then," Asher said as if he felt it was a shame time was flowing so quickly and added as he gently held her hand, "How about we go for a walk this evening?"
Rowena's movements froze, but she didn't take away her hand as she asked, "A walk? What for?" She asked as if it was something foreign to her.
"Yeah. I want to spend some time alone with you, talking about anything, even stupid stuff, rather than just business. Or do you not want to?" He asked as he slightly leaned his head forward.
Rowena had experienced enough loss in her life that made her feel parts of her heart had died. But she felt interested in his suggestion since there was something about him that drew her in, something that made her feel alive in a way she had never left before.
Maybe it was because he was the only one who held her hand when she needed it the most, not afraid to share her burdens.
He was always in control, confident and saw through every decision he took, despite the odds.
It was a strange feeling, one she wasn't used to and yet to understand fully. The first kiss she shared with him earlier was still lingering in her mind ever since that moment. She wondered why he acted like it never happened when he came in this morning, but now hearing his suggestion, she felt a lightness in her chest.
She wanted to say yes, but then she remembered something and said with a heavy sigh, "I want to, but...every hour of the day, I am busy with something, one thing or the other. All of them are related to our kingdom, and I can't ignore them."
Asher's expression didn't change as he nodded, "I understand, and I am not asking you to neglect your duties. But as the queen of this kingdom, you are also duty-bound to look after yourself. You look so tired by not devoting time to yourself to relax. By overworking yourself, you will just tire your mind, which is probably preventing you from working efficiently. It's better for the kingdom if you take some time off for yourself from time to time. In the meantime, you can delegate the less important stuff to your ministers. Let them work their asses off once in a while. It's the least they should do."
Rowena blinked her eyes, hearing him being so blunt about those decorated seniors.
It was not that she didn't want to let her people do some of the work, but she didn't want to let down her father's spirit by being lax about the duties he entrusted her with. However, hearing Asher's words, she felt that he was right. Maybe a break was what she needed.
"I won't entertain any 'buts'. If you don't come with me for a walk, I will make a statue of you and take it for a walk with me in front of our castle," Asher said with a grin, though his eyes looked determined.
Rowena's cheeks had a pinkish hue as she pressed her fingers against his hand as a sign of protest, "You don't have to do all that...I will be there," She felt that he was the kind of person who would really do something embarrassing like that.
Asher smiled as he got up and raised her hand to kiss it, "Then I shall be waiting for my queen this evening. I will be off to the tower now. The necklace looks beautiful on you, by the way," Saying so, he gave a soft wink before walking away while Rowena stared at his back, her lips slowly curving into a faint smile while caressing the crimson necklace around her neck.
Asher and Merina were in a carriage heading for the Tower of Hell, with Ceti, as usual, sitting in front of the carriage, keeping a vigilant eye. But this time, she had a stoic companion named Eradicator who was sitting right beside her.
Ceti had mixed feelings about her, knowing how she was the protector of that pervert consort. Still, she had nothing personally against her.
But she was relieved more than before since she forcibly pushed Kookus into the carriage to keep an eye on things.
However, she had no idea Asher knocked him out the moment he was about to flash his flattery smile. Merina gasped at the sight, but she knew why he did it and only felt relieved if Kookus didn't know and just slept without knowing anything.
But she had no idea Asher only did it just to mess with Ceti.
Few minutes passed,
"Do you have any idea why noble couples decide on an auspicious date to sleep with each other for the first time? Do the Devils really care when we mate with each other?" Asher wanted to know if this was some kind of superstition or something.
Merina was massaging his legs with a blushed face as she answered him with a light smile, "There is a good reason for that, Master, and it isn't really because of the Devils. It is said that the mana in Zalthor has mood swings that affect each race and each bloodline in different ways. So the Sacred Union is based on a time at which the surrounding mana of a particular couple would be most favorable for them since it would increase the chances of producing a healthy and talented child. The mana is harsh in general, so nobles take extra precautions to make sure nothing goes wrong with the birth of their children."
"Hmm..." Asher knew Zalthor was the name of the planet or realm they were living in, as demons call it. He felt it kind of made sense, considering how demonic mana was corrosive in nature.
He had seen the map of Zalthor, and based on it, he felt that it was slightly bigger than Earth.
Merina gave a sweet smile and said, "But I am sure Master's union with the queen would go perfectly. Nothing can come in the way of that."
Asher subtly nodded with a brief smile and saw how they had already reached the tower, making him close the book he was reading.
The moment the carriage stopped, Merina got out first while Asher slapped Kookus awake, who got up with a jolt and mumbled with a shocked look, "Why did she slap me now? Eh...Boss?" Kookus had no idea how he even reached here without even remembering getting here.
"Get out unless you want me to throw you into the lava pit," Asher said as he gestured toward the door.
"No need for such favor, Boss!" Kookus said as he eagerly jumped out of the carriage.
Ceti pulled Kookus to the side immediately and asked, "Did anything happen while you were inside?"
Kookus scratched his head as he had a strange dream, this time where he heard a lot of moans and grunts in his dream world. But how could he possibly say that he didn't remember anything useful and risk getting his ear twisted by her?
He answered with a simple wide smile, "Nothing at all, sister. We reached before I could even blink my eyes."
Ceti squinted her eyes, but it seemed like he really had nothing to report. She could only let him off, though her expression became piqued upon seeing Asher smirking at her before looking away.
She clicked her tongue, unable to shake off the feeling that he did something but had no idea what.
She could only leave with a frustrated look while Asher smiled as he entered the tower, knowing that a certain mental woman must be very eager to see his face.
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