As she heard Alex's words, Elaria paused, her gaze momentarily shifting toward the ground as her thoughts wandered.
'Maybe I should see this as an opportunity to solidify my claim to the throne even more... Those rusty elders won't be able to call me incompetent anymore if I succeed in this mission using this guy's strength.'
Alex narrowed his eyes, watching her carefully.
"You thought it was a good opportunity, right? To use me to solidify your claim to the throne?"
Elaria's breath hitched. She turned sharply toward him, eyes wide.
"How do you know that?"
Alex chuckled, folding his arms confidently.
"Oh, that's because I'm superior to you in everything—" he tilted his head mockingly "—and also because I know how not to let someone read my thoughts with a dumb expression and a third-rate villainous smirk."
Elaria's face turned beet red. She snapped, "Shut the hell up, you narcissistic bastard!"
Alex smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction.
