The Incubus System Chapter 1004. A Special Contract

The Incubus System Chapter 1004. A Special Contract

“I’m well aware of that, Your Majesty,” I replied, meeting her gaze without flinching. “I know exactly who I’m dealing with, and I know the risks I’m taking by asking for this. But that doesn’t change my stance. Power, true power, is about more than just the ability to kill or command. It’s about what you can build, what you can achieve with the right alliances.”

Zalira seemed to consider this for a long moment, her eyes still locked onto mine, weighing the risks and rewards of what I was proposing. Then, slowly, she loosened her tail, her grip easing but not entirely disappearing. It was a subtle gesture, but one that indicated she was willing to entertain my proposal, at least for now.

"You’re either very brave or very foolish, Mr. Lucio," she said, her tone softer but still carrying that edge of steel. "Few would dare to speak to me as you have. But perhaps that’s exactly what I need—someone who isn’t afraid to challenge me, someone who isn’t just another sycophant seeking to curry favor."

I inclined my head slightly in acknowledgment. "I believe in our combined efforts, Your Majesty. And I believe that we can accomplish far more than either of us could alone. But that requires mutual respect and trust. It requires a partnership of equals,” I negotiated. I had to say this was the first time I spoke like a real mature businessman. I even couldn’t believe that I could speak like this. ‘I should get an A+ in my business communication subject next semester,’ I thought to myself. I was literally negotiating with a queen right now! What was crazier than this?

Zalira leaned back, her tail finally releasing me entirely, allowing me to breathe more freely. She regarded me with a mixture of intrigue and caution, her eyes still sharp, but there was a new element in her gaze—a flicker of respect, perhaps, or at least acknowledgment of my resolve.

"And what guarantees do I have," she began, her voice measured and cool, "that this partnership you propose will truly serve my interests? That you won’t use this so-called equality to further your own agenda at my expense?"

It was a fair question, and one I had anticipated. Zalira was not someone who would enter into any arrangement lightly, especially one that involved sharing power. She was a queen, accustomed to having control, and the idea of relinquishing even a part of that control was something she would approach with extreme caution.

“I understand your concern, Your Majesty,” I said, keeping my tone calm and deliberate. “And I wouldn’t expect you to take my word alone as assurance. To ensure that our partnership is mutually beneficial and secure, I propose that we settle it with a special contract,” I offered the real deal.

Zalira’s eyes narrowed as she studied me, suspicion evident in her gaze. “What do you mean by a special contract?” she asked, her voice edged with caution. It was clear she was wary of my intentions, unsure of what I was offering.

I gave her a small, knowing smile. “You mentioned earlier that you want me because you see me as the sword’s guardian, correct? And by that, I assume you want to do with me what you normally do with Elros. But I want something deeper, something more personal. You know what I mean.”

Zalira’s expression didn’t change, but I could see the subtle tension in her posture, the way her eyes flickered as she processed my words. She had, after all, hinted at sharing me with Mia and had made no secret of her desire to bind me to her service. But there was something more intimate in the way she had approached me.

“And what exactly are you implying, Mr. Lucio?” Zalira asked, her voice cool but with an unmistakable undercurrent of curiosity. Her gaze was sharp, assessing, as if she was trying to anticipate my next move.

“What do you mean? You want the position of my king consort?” she assumed, her tone neutral, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—uncertainty, perhaps, or the weight of what that position would mean. The Serpent Kingdom hadn’t taken a king consort in years, and Zalira herself had shown no interest in appointing one, not even Elros, who had proven his loyalty time and time again.

I shook my head slowly, maintaining my calm demeanor. “No, Your Majesty. I’m not interested in that or any other official position. I’m not a greedy person. You’ll notice I never mentioned a price for the sword or demanded anything from you, didn’t I?”

Zalira’s eyes narrowed slightly as she considered my words. “Yes,” she replied, her voice thoughtful. “That’s why I assumed you were waiting to offer a high price. Something you believe would be worth my attention.”

Her assumption wasn’t entirely wrong. I was indeed seeking something valuable, something that would be a high price for a queen to pay. But it wasn’t material wealth or a title. What I wanted was something far more valuable—her loyalty, her trust, a bond that would place us on equal footing. But I knew I couldn’t express it that plainly, not yet.

“High or not, it depends on what you value,” I stated evenly, my tone measured. “What I seek is not something that can be easily quantified or bought. It’s something that goes beyond mere transactions.”

Zalira’s gaze remained fixed on me, her expression unreadable. “Then what exactly do you want, Mr. Lucio?” she asked, her voice edged with curiosity, but also caution. “If not power, position, or wealth, then what is it that you desire from me?”

I leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between us, though careful to maintain a respectful posture. Zalira’s eyes were locked onto mine, curiosity and caution swirling in their depths. I could tell she was trying to read me, to understand what I truly wanted, but I knew I had to be clear, decisive.

“What I want,” I began, my voice low but steady, “is you.”