Ascension Of The Villain

"Haha, I am just kidding," Althea chuckled, a rosy hue coloring her cheeks. She cringed internally, embarrassed that such a silly question had escaped her lips, even as a joke. "I would never make you choose between Vyan and me."

That was like asking someone to choose between their family and their lover—two bonds equally vital, yet incomparable. It's like being the star player in two different sports, each excelling in its own arena.

Clyde exhaled dramatically, as if he had been holding his breath for ages. "Thank the stars for that! For the sake of my sanity, let's just hope you two are always on the same side."

With a playful grin, Althea gave a mock salute. "We will do our humble best, Archmage Magnus," she declared with over-the-top seriousness.

Clyde burst into a laugh. "Stop picking up my habits and being so cute; you are making it hard for me to think straight."

"Well, that sounds like a you problem," she shot back, her tone teasing. "Because, as far as I remember, I already gave you full permission to do whatever you want with me. So, really, what's stopping you—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Clyde tipped her chin up with a gentle touch, capturing her lips in a kiss that made her toes curl. The world seemed to blur for a moment, leaving her dazed when he finally pulled back. His smile was that special kind of crooked, the one he saved just for her.

"You are right," he said, his grin growing wider. "There is nothing holding me back. And honestly, it feels like a privilege I am still getting used to," he chuckled softly, eyes twinkling. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I am not insecure or anything like that. It's just… I am so happy to be with you that I…" He sighed contentedly.

"I feel like I am not doing enough to make you feel the same way."

Her eyes softened at his confession. "What makes you think that I don't feel the same way?" She squeezed his arm, leaning closer to him. "Do you know that I have never looked forward to mornings this eagerly like I have been doing these days? Only because merely being by your side makes me so unbelievably happy."

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Clyde's heart melted. "Gosh, what did I just tell you? Stop being so cute."

She laughed in response. "Come on, let's focus on finding something to eat now. We don't have much time."

As they continued walking, the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and sweet pastries filled the air, drawing them toward the bustling line of food stalls.

"So, what do we feel like today? Sweet or savory?" Clyde chirped.

Althea tilted her head, considering the options. "Hmm, I am thinking of something sweet. How about those honey-glazed rolls?" she suggested, pointing to a stall with a colorful display of baked goods.

"Excellent choice," Clyde nodded, already making a beeline for the stall. "Two honey-glazed rolls, please!" he called out to the vendor with his usual enthusiasm.

As they waited, Althea glanced around at the bustling square filled with people starting their day. "It's nice to get out and about like this," she mused. "Thanks for always coming to see me."

"See? You need me more than you think," Clyde teased, handing her one of the rolls. "I am the reason you have any fun at all. Of course, I am not saying that getting buried under paperwork isn't any fun, but eh, you know what I mean."

She took a bite of the warm, sticky pastry. "Oh, paperworks are not fun," she grumbled. "Like at all."

They walked on, nibbling at their breakfast, when Clyde suddenly turned more serious. "Speaking of paperworks... I have been thinking, I need to find my successor."

Althea blinked, surprised. "Successor? I thought you weren't the heir to your father."

"Oh, not that," he waved his hand in dismissal, laughing lightly. "I meant, my successor as the Grand Duke's perfect aide," he let out, his voice exaggerated like an overzealous narrator for a theater play.

"Your post?" She was confused. "Why the rush, though? None of us are proposing to each other any time soon, and Vyan isn't exactly booting you out of your job."

Clyde dramatically placed a hand over his heart, feigning a look of grave importance. "Oh, but Althea, you underestimate the monumental task it is to train someone to be Vyan's aide. It's not just a job—it's a battle of wits, a test of endurance. It's a daily dance on the edge of sanity!"

"Daily dance on the edge of sanity?" Althea giggled. "Isn't it just because you worry too much?"

"Exactly! The new aide also has to be overly concerned about his fragile health!" Clyde exclaimed, his eyes wide with emphasis. "He or she needs to be someone who has enough experience because, let's be frank, Vyan grew up in a mouse house. Plus, he is only twenty-one—so inexperienced and surprisingly naive. And he has been a part of the noble society for, what, a few months?

Not to mention, all his stupid secrets and all the dangers that come his way!"

"So, what you are saying is you need to find someone who is basically a miracle worker?" Althea asked skeptically.

"Precisely! Someone with the patience of a saint, the experience of a general, the strength of a warrior, and the intelligence of a scholar." Clyde rattled off, waving his half-eaten roll like a conductor's baton. "And if they are a ray of sunshine, that's a bonus, because Vyan can get a little gloomy at times."

Althea smiled, amused by his dramatics. "It's a little hard to imagine that you are all of those things."

"Obviously. I may act like this, but Your Imperial Highness, I am extremely qualified," Clyde declared, puffing out his chest like a peacock. "Overqualified, some might say."

"Oh, I am well aware," Althea replied, rolling her eyes. "Speaking of your never-ending qualifications, does Vyan even know you are out here scouting for a new aide with such sky-touching skills?"

"Absolutely not," Clyde answered seriously. "The poor boy is too busy navigating his family reunion. I can't bear to add to his misery. He adores me, you see. This news would shatter his delicate soul."

"Hmm, somehow, I really doubt that," Althea muttered under her breath, biting back a grin.

"Did you say something?" Clyde asked, his face a picture of mock innocence.

"Nope, nothing. Just wishing you the best of luck with your little aide hunt," she replied, barely containing a laugh.

"Thank you. I will need it. It's like looking for a diamond in a dung heap." Clyde sighed dramatically, slumping like a wilting flower. "I will never find someone as spectacular as me."

———

"I found him!"

Raith groaned, blinking blearily as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, only to see Clyde grinning like a madman on the other side of the metal bars. "Lord Magnus?" he croaked.

Clyde's smile widened to an almost unnatural degree, his head tilting to the side like a curious puppy. "Well, hello there, Sir Raith! Would you be interested in a job transfer?"

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