Reborn into Beast Tamer Clan with Monsters-Only Affinity
Chapter 137 - 136: The princess

Chapter 137: Chapter 136: The princess

Axelius glanced once more at the girl with the black silk mask standing behind the princess, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he thought to himself, "So her name is Sylfia?"

and then his attention was drawn back to Princess Tiana when she gently placed her teacup down and turned to him with soft gratitude in her voice, saying, "I want to thank you, Lord Axelius, for saving us that day in the forest... if it weren’t for you, we might have never escaped that place."

He looked at both of them now, his eyes moving from Sylfia’s calm gaze to Tiana’s gentle expression and with a slight nod he muttered, "Ah... so it was you two in that goblin nest."

His tone then changed as a small grin formed on his face, bold and without hesitation, as he leaned forward a little and said directly, "So, what about my reward?"

The air froze for a second—Princess Tiana blinked, surprised, her delicate brows lifting while Millie let out a quiet gasp behind Axelius, her hands wringing together nervously as she whispered, "Y-Young Master...!"

Millie’s eyes widened as if begging him to stop speaking that way, but Axelius didn’t even turn to look at her, still grinning lightly as he held Tiana’s gaze.

But instead of getting offended, the princess let out a soft laugh and brought her hand up again with her fan, lightly covering her lips as she chuckled, "You’re... quite direct."

With a signal of her hand, Sylfia stepped forward silently and placed a medium-sized chest on the table between them and without a word she opened it.

The rich golden glow of stacked coins inside shimmered like sunlight hitting still water—Axelius’s eyes sparkled at the sight.

"Now that’s a proper thank you," he said with a grin, waving one hand behind him without even looking.

Millie, still trembling slightly rushed forward in a hurry and carefully took the chest, her hands cautious as if holding something sacred and moved it toward the storage chest near the wall with a bit of struggle.

Axelius leaned back in his seat, satisfied, fingers laced behind his head now as he looked at the princess and added with a smirk, "I think we’ll get along just fine, Your Highness."

As Axelius leaned back more comfortably, enjoying the sight of the closed chest now resting in the corner, his gaze toward Princess Tiana, asking with curiosity in his voice, "Did the king know about it?"

Princess Tiana gently lifted her teacup again and took a graceful sip before answering softly, "I’m planning to tell him eventually, but with your current reputation, or rather, the lack of it... I don’t think they will believe me," she said, placing the cup back on its saucer with a quiet clink, "or worse, I might endanger you instead."

Axelius sat silently for a few seconds, his eyes falling to the floor ’It would be niceIf the royalty knew, maybe I’d get even more rewards... but then again, It’s not good if attention comes too early. My time will come when everything is ready.’

He lifted his eyes again, meeting hers with a slight grin, shrugging his shoulders like he didn’t mind either way and said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Then how about we keep this as our little secret?"

Princess Tiana’s lips curved into a small smile as she looked at him, a sparkle in her eyes like she was enjoying his boldness and she nodded slightly, "A little secret sounds fun."

Princess Tiana looked around once more, her gaze calm and gentle, before she said in a sincere voice, "Golds are never enough to show my gratitude for what you’ve done, Axelius... You saved my life and Sylfia’s too." She placed her gloved hand over her chest as she added with seriousness, "So if you ever need anything—help, support, or a favor... don’t hesitate to ask. No matter when."

Axelius looked at her for a moment, thinking carefully, "As of now, I don’t have anything in mind," he said with a soft shrug.

Tiana nodded in understanding as she stood up gracefully. "Then I shall wait until that day comes."

She gently brushed her dress, then added with a small smile, "I should go now. No one knows I’m outside the palace. If I stay longer, someone might notice."

Axelius also stood up and looked at her properly this time his eyes no longer lazy or uninterested but alert, calculating and respectful because in his mind he had already marked her as a useful tool for the future—someone with position, value, and connections. His tone shifted just slightly as he said, "Then allow me to walk you to the door, Your Highness."

Tiana laughed softly, hiding half her smile behind her small fan again. "Now that’s the right way to treat a lady," she said playfully, and as they walked toward the door, her eyes caught a glimpse of Axelius’s hand and paused mid-step.

She pointed delicately at the ring with faint blue markings wrapped around his finger and crystal in the middle. "That ring..." she said, "It’s quite unique. I’ve never seen a design like that... Where did you get it, if you don’t mind me asking?"

Axelius glanced at the ring on his hand and smiled a little, not answering directly as he simply said, "It’s old."

Tiana didn’t push for more and just chuckled. "Well, it suits you."

Then Sylfia, who had stayed quiet the entire time moved beside her princess again and the three walked toward the estate entrance, Millie following closely behind in silence as always.

As they walked through the estate’s grand hallway, they heard a laughter echoing loudly. Cyruz and his usual group of noble friends were coming in, all of them laughing at some joke, loud and carefree.

Tiana, sensing the sudden shift, gracefully raised her fan again to cover the lower half of her face as they crossed paths.

They paused when they noticed Axelius walking with two girls behind him. Cyruz squinted and a sly grin stretched across his face as he stepped forward, mockingly peeking over Axelius’s shoulder.

"Well, well," Cyruz said with a snide tone, "What’s this? The quiet one got himself a little girlfriend visiting? Is that why you’ve been hiding all day?"

He bumped his shoulder against Axelius then turned his attention fully to Tiana, who remained still her posture perfectly composed, the fan still shielding her smile.

Axelius didn’t flinch and simply muttered calmly, "If I were you, you don’t wanna do that."