Want to know Riku's heart?
It was like a heartfelt confession, as if Schwi had acknowledged that Riku was the only truly special person in the world.
Faced with Schwi's answer, Arthur's expression flickered with mild surprise before narrowing his eyes slightly.
I see. A machine without emotions…
"Ah, I failed. Well, there are always such cases… maybe because of a special encounter, past karma, or inner feelings… no, it should be some event that left an impression similar to obsession, making it refuse pursuits that are otherwise within reach. Can I understand it this way? In your opinion, the process of obtaining the 'heart' matters more than the 'heart' itself?" Arthur rubbed his head helplessly, sounding almost like he was complaining.
"The process… Schwi doesn't understand," came the quiet reply.
"It's okay, it's okay. Just pretend I never said anything," Arthur said calmly, as if brushing it off.
"What do you want to do?" Riku asked, watching him closely.
"It doesn't matter. The deal isn't finalized anyway," Arthur smiled.
In truth, after seeing Schwi—or rather, after rediscovering the capabilities of the Ex-Machinas—Arthur was profoundly impressed. Superb computing power, efficient execution, tireless work ethic, and a remarkable ability to learn and evolve.
Isn't this the most ideal and perfect employee?
What are 996 schedules or mental health problems compared to this?
If the Ex-Machinas could be brought under Britain's control, they would become an army of incredibly efficient 007-style tool-men, working overtime year-round.
Britain, in a stage of rapid development, needed such talent.
It was so ideal it almost felt like a dream.
However, for a race like the Ex-Machinas, which had almost no purpose, conventional recruitment methods were useless.
It seemed Arthur had no choice but to change strategies.
No, if the ultimate goal was to dominate the world, perhaps using Riku as a link could eventually subjugate the Ex-Machinas.
"Okay, Riku, we roughly understand what happened between you and Schwi. Now, let's discuss the main topic. As you can see, the elves have surrendered to me, and this one is their representative: Think Nilvalen." Arthur gestured toward Think.
But in the next second, Think's behavior made his eyebrows shoot up. He almost fired a light cannon in surprise.
At his feet, a certain lewd elf lay down, staring at Arthur with watery eyes full of desire… hunger, even.
The look was unmistakable.
No need to wait any longer. I don't care who's watching. Master, please do as you wish!
Doesn't this guy feel even a hint of shame?
Honestly, Think had never felt such embarrassment before. With her talent and status, her position among the elves had always been unshakable: the Princess of the Forest. Even after reaching the eighth level of sorcery and becoming a Flower Crown Lord, her authority was second only to the Forest God. Calling her a queen wasn't an exaggeration—it was literal.
Now, after accomplishing godslaying and achieving supreme power among the elves, Think could have been said to have never truly suffered any injustice—save for two minor defeats. Her life had been smooth, and she had always been proud and confident. To find herself now actively begging for mercy… it was unimaginable.
Yet, after a fierce battle with Merlin and Merry, she realized the stark truth: the battlefield she had shifted to, this newly joined 'conflict,' was hopelessly tragic.
If she remained reserved, she would never gain Arthur's favor. Even attempting to reach him would be nearly impossible.
So the Forest Princess, understanding that only by abandoning her dignity could she attract his attention, took the initiative to strike.
Don't say it—it's almost puppy-like… no, it's even humbler than a slave. The shame was overwhelming.
Even prepared as she was, she couldn't help but blush. Yet, alongside the unprecedented shame, Think's heart throbbed with indescribable, intoxicating excitement.
Those watching were stunned.
Being observed.
And the cold look in the master's eyes, as if he were staring at trash.
Awesome~!
In the next moment, as Think's expression turned from anticipation to excitement, Arthur's eyes twitched. Slowly, he raised his foot and—
"Go to hell, perverted elf!"
He stepped down hard.
"It hurts! Ah! Wait, my Lord… don't… it hurts, it hurts!"
The mixed screams of pain and pleasure echoed through the house for a long while, gradually subsiding.
In the end, everyone, including Arthur, stared in disbelief. Think clung to his calf, twisting her body, face flushed strangely.
Yet, the perverted elf was finally "satisfied."
"As you can see, I have subdued the perverted race," Arthur said, leaning forward with a disgusted expression and gradually increasing his strength.
Think, still holding onto his small back, cried, "Ah… I can't take it anymore! I really can't! Master, I'm swollen! It's really swollen!"
"...Yeah, I saw it. Sorry, I don't know why, but I can't help feeling a little sympathy for you," Riku said, glancing at Think regretfully before quickly looking away.
It was more than sympathy—it was pure horror.
How unfortunate to be caught by such a pervert.
"No need to apologize. I'm… a little used to it," Arthur said in a tone of tragic disgust. "Hey, pervert. I asked you about the cause of the war and how it will end. You know, right?"
If not, deal with it immediately.
The atmosphere at home was already strange. And if perversion became a factor… honestly, Arthur had never encountered anyone so perverted. If ranked by degree of disgust, Lucius would undoubtedly be first, thanks to his gender. Next would be Think. Even Merlin and Merry hadn't been treated this way.
Additionally, this question was critical.
After all, Think would not offer full loyalty simply by surrendering, and she would likely retaliate if given the chance.
Arthur had initially intended to gather information from Jibril, maintaining a mysterious and powerful impression of Think.
But with the policy shift toward the Ex-Machinas, he had to act quickly and question Think directly.
Plans cannot always keep pace with change.
-End Chapter-
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