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The Fire Festival raged on into the night, its competitions and revelry continuing in full force. The crowd in the arena remained lively, the atmosphere charged with excitement and ambition. Yet Alex, after finishing the wine in his glass, appeared disinterested or preoccupied. Rising from his seat, he quietly made his way toward a secluded corner of the rear hall, accompanied closely by Natasha and Baby-5, who was acting as his maid.
Stussy's sharp eyes caught the movement, and her expression flickered briefly with curiosity. She cast a glance at the other guests. Most were either engrossed in the ongoing competitions or seizing the opportunity to converse with the royal court and high-ranking officials, hoping to secure future benefits in the newly established kingdom.
Under normal circumstances, Stussy would have joined the latter group, scheming and negotiating for strategic advantages. But tonight, her priorities were different. She decided to excuse herself from the banquet. With a graceful smile and a few polite words, she left under the guidance of a maid.
Descending into the quieter lower levels of the palace, the noise of the festival above gradually faded. Stussy, her demeanor calm yet deliberate, turned to the maid beside her with the poised professionalism she was known for.
"There are some matters regarding future cooperation and the management of Pleasure District that I would like to discuss with the Shogun," she said smoothly, her voice tinged with polite urgency. "Could I trouble you, dear, to convey this to him?"
Her reference to Pleasure District was calculated. Stussy understood the mindset of Alex's loyal maids. They revered him, and anything involving significant decisions or future plans for the kingdom was bound to catch their attention.
As expected, the maid took her words seriously and conveyed her request to Alex without hesitation. Stussy, meanwhile, used the time to adjust her appearance in a nearby room, ensuring her attire and demeanor were flawless. When she stepped out, she was met by Lilith, the poised and authoritative Head Maid.
"Miss Stussy, Master Alex is already waiting in the room."
The phrasing caught Stussy's attention for a moment, but she brushed it aside with a smile. "Thank you, Miss Lilith. Please lead the way."
The exchange was polite, but Stussy knew how to play to her audience. Complimenting Lilith and engaging her in conversation about Alex's unique tastes and preferences, Stussy aimed to subtly increase her favorability with the Head Maid. What she didn't realize was that Alex had orchestrated this encounter with deliberate intent.
For Alex, Stussy represented more than just an influential figure. Her charm, intelligence, and strategic mind made her a valuable asset—a potential bridge between the Pleasure District and the Shadow Guard. And if she willingly stepped into his domain, all the better.
Inside the room, Natasha stood ready, the sole servant attending to Alex. He didn't have to wait long. When Lilith opened the door to announce her, Stussy entered with a radiant smile, her elegance and charm on full display.
"My Lord Alex," she said warmly, bowing slightly, "thank you for granting this humble girl the opportunity to meet you."
Her words, laced with respect and subtle allure, were designed to bridge the gap between her station and Alex's. By lowering her status in this way, she intended to stroke his ego while presenting herself as someone eager to serve and align her interests with his.
As Stussy approached, her attention was briefly drawn to a red-haired figure seated quietly at the table, head bowed and seemingly engrossed in their task.
Stussy's expression shifted for a moment, but she quickly composed herself, her face returning to its usual composed and confident demeanor. Whether she had noticed the red-haired figure or chose to ignore them, it no longer mattered.
She had made her decision to take on this task and would not allow any stray thoughts to disrupt her focus. Her determination was resolute—she would carry out her objective wholeheartedly.
Having heard whispers of Alex's indulgent lifestyle, Stussy found herself somewhat reassured by the rumors. If anything, the stories only made her feel more certain about her approach.
Alex, seated comfortably, reached over to pat Natasha's soft red hair. She responded with a knowing look, promptly standing and excusing herself from the room without hesitation. Stussy caught sight of Natasha leaving but merely nodded, choosing not to speak.
When Stussy turned back, Alex had already settled into the high seat. He gestured for her to sit at the guest chair to his left. Her steps were poised and graceful, her every movement exuding elegance. Gone was the earlier aura of vulnerability; in its place was a confident, mature allure that only heightened her presence.
As she approached, Stussy kept her focus on Alex. His overwhelming strength and status, terrifying to most, seemed to fade in her mind. What she saw before her was a man of power—majestic and undeniably handsome. For a fleeting moment, Stussy allowed herself to enjoy the thought, the idea of standing alongside someone of such caliber bringing a faint smile to her lips.
Still, such musings remained firmly in her mind. Outwardly, her expression was poised and professional as she took her seat, careful to remain deferential yet composed.
"Let's discuss about your proposed cooperation," Alex said, cutting straight to the point. His tone was calm, but his gaze carried an intensity that left no room for evasion.
For Stussy, whose excuse to meet Alex hinged on this very topic, it was an easy opening. With a practiced smile, she leaned slightly forward, her tone as smooth as silk.
"Master Alex," she began, "you've built a truly magnificent kingdom. The splendor I've seen these past days—the beauty of the lights illuminating the festival skies—fulfills every romantic fantasy a woman like me could dream of."
Her voice carried a note of admiration, carefully woven with sincerity, as she began to set the stage for her proposal.
"As I've observed, I've come to a conclusion," Stussy continued. "I wish to gradually transfer the core operations of Pleasure District to your kingdom. I also hope to earn your protection during this transition."
Pausing for effect, she added, "As compensation, I propose submitting all profits from Pleasure District's operations within the Sky Kingdom for the first two years, and 30% of the profits annually thereafter."
Her offer was carefully structured—presenting herself as eager to align with Alex while hinting at her willingness to make sacrifices. The suggestion of shifting Pleasure District's focus to Alex's domain was a veiled indication of her desire to embed herself within his kingdom, under his protection.
Of course, Stussy knew that Alex would likely reject such an offer outright. This was merely the opening move in a larger game—a negotiation in which she fully intended to use herself as her ultimate bargaining chip.
Predictably, Alex shook his head, his expression calm but firm. "While your offer is several times more generous than the usual arrangements, it still doesn't meet my expectations."
Unfazed, Stussy maintained her smile. "Then, may I ask what Master Alex has in mind?"
Alex leaned back slightly, his gaze turning sharp and calculating. "The Kingdom of the Sky is a treasure in itself, envied by many. Its value is immense, as are its temptations—for men and women alike. But to receive my protection, there's only one prerequisite."
He paused for emphasis, his lips curling into a faintly playful smirk. "To become one of my citizens. Can you do that?"
The words hung in the air, a deliberate challenge. For a brief moment, Stussy considered the implications, her mind racing to match his maneuver. This was the exact outcome she had anticipated, the one she had planned for.
Feigning deliberation, Stussy hesitated just enough to seem genuine. Then, with a graceful twist of her posture and a captivating smile, she leaned forward slightly and said, her voice low and enticing, "Instead of becoming a mere citizen, how about I offer you something far more personal? A wonderful night shared with you, Master Alex."