Chapter 44: The Helpless Irene

“So, are you… okay now?” Althea got straight to the point, her hands fidgeting under the table—a telltale sign of her nervousness.
“I’m fine. Would’ve been better if you’d gone easier yesterday.” Tina’s tone was prickly, like a hedgehog ready to jab anyone who got close. To an outsider, she might’ve seemed the customer.

“What’ll it take for you to forgive me? I’ll do anything.”
“Really?” Tina’s voice rose, a sly glint in her eyes as she met Althea’s gaze.

“Yes, I swear on the name of Kellivir’s king. I won’t go back on my word.” Althea worried about outrageous demands but had to show sincerity to make amends.
“Alright then.”

At this point, Tina had planned to harshly reject Althea, letting her stew in regret for her recklessness.
But this was a rare chance to use Althea for her next goal, so teasing could wait. For now, she needed something useful—

“You’re a king, right? Your palace must be full of treasures. Can you grab a few high-magic ones for me?” Tina’s eyes sparkled—she desperately needed them.
Althea scratched her head awkwardly. “Actually, I don’t collect those. The palace might not have any.”

“What? Is that even a king? I thought I’d forgive you for a few gifts.” Tina feigned distress. “Guess I can’t let you off so easily.”
Panicked, Althea blurted, “Wait! There’s a way. The auction—it’ll have high-magic treasures. I’ll buy whatever you want!”

She’d had zero interest in the auction, even dreading it. But now, this dull event offered a chance at redemption.
“Oh? I’m just a lowly citizen. How can I attend a gathering of big shots?”

Tina raised a key issue: entry was exclusive to top nobles and kings. Even someone like Vanessa, a minor noble, would be turned away.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan.” Althea grabbed Tina’s hand, cheeks oddly flushed. “You can… be my dance partner. I’ll get you in. Then, after the auction, we dance at the ball, and we part ways.”

“Huh?” Tina’s mouth fell open, weighing the idea.
Wait, I’m supposed to take advantage of her, but she turned the tables?

So cunning—offering an apology but roping her in.
“How’s that?” Althea’s grip tightened, awaiting her answer.

“Ugh, fine. But it’s a temporary partnership. Don’t expect to pull anything excessive.”
“So, you forgive me?”

“We’ll see once I get what I want.” Tina’s reply was vague, noncommittal.
Truthfully, she didn’t hate Althea to the core. She knew half the reason for Althea’s obsession was her own doing.

The simulation was six years ago in reality, meaning Althea had searched for her for six years, avoiding other women entirely. Even brief encounters didn’t spark such reactions. Tina’s imprint on her was deep—merely a familiar vibe was enough to unravel her.

Tina wasn’t against romance. The Althea from the simulation had touched her. But this Althea was too hasty, too forceful, making her uneasy.
She’d considered giving in, as compensation for wasting six years of Althea’s youth. Yet Althea’s restraint at the last moment surprised her.

Of course, Tina wasn’t hoping for it. Being forced versus choosing freely were worlds apart—one painful, the other joyful. She’d pick the latter.
Wait… when did my mindset shift like this?

All this talk of doing it at the drop of a hat—she wasn’t that frivolous.
“Then it’s settled. Temporary partners until the trial period ends?” Althea hesitated, wanting to say more.

“I mean, if you think I’m alright, maybe we could extend this? We can take it slow. I won’t treat you like before. I’ll give you all the beauty of love, no holding back.”
“No way!”

Tina saw through her. Althea’s apologies were lip service—she just wanted to claim her.
Why fixate on her? Even in a new body, hiding far away, fate kept pulling them together, spotting her in a crowd.

You’re too devoted.
No matter how guilty Tina felt, she had to keep a line, or Althea would eventually drag her under.

She wasn’t falling into Althea’s sweet trap. “At most, I’ll learn some dance steps from you for the ball. That’s it—don’t get ideas.”
“Alright.” Althea’s head dipped, her words failing to sway Tina.

Fine. She’d use these few days of dance practice to max out Tina’s affection.
With enough persistence and passion, she was sure Tina would come around.

“…” Irene, overhearing, felt an itch atop her head.
She couldn’t outright tell Tina to refuse—everything sounded reasonable.

Tina needed treasures as compensation, which meant attending the ball, which meant learning elite dances.
For the first time, Irene felt utterly useless—

If only she could dance, Tina wouldn’t need to go to that scheming woman and risk being bullied.
But all she had was martial skill. Beyond fighting, she was helpless, watching Tina get whisked away.

The feeling was excruciating.
“I…” Irene tugged Tina’s arm, her hesitant look betraying her worries.

“Don’t worry. If you’re uneasy, come along. That’ll keep me safe.”
“Mm!” Irene nodded, satisfied.

“No objections, Your Majesty?”
“Ah—no, of course not.” Althea’s mind had already wandered.

This blonde loser keeps getting in my way!