Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

[Name: Alex]

[Age: 17]

[Str: 51] (Avg: 30)

[Spd: 72] (Avg: 30)

[Int: 81] (Avg: 25)

[Skill: Storage, Sword Arts, Rapid Regeneration, Heightened comprehensibility]

[Soul Energy: 3482]

[Upper limit: 500]

[Lower limit: 25]

…..

It's strange. Even though he used so many Sword Arts and the battle against the Vampire wasn't an official duel, his Soul Energy was like a thousand points more than what last he checked.

It was strange and goes against the law of Grimoire. Naturally, there could be nothing that could affect the Akashic Records then it must be Alex's curse that affected his Soul Energy.

'Not only did I draw strength from the curse, but my SE also elevated. Hmm…' It could be a blessing in disguise if only Alex could retain his sanity when using that power-up.

Although he didn't hurt anyone this time, other than the one who deserved to get hurt, Alex was still bothered about his transformation.

He was in a dream-like state, where he couldn't command his own body and was letting everything happen based on his instincts. The reason why he couldn't use any Sword Arts while being in his cursed state was because he never gained control over himself during that time.

"Is everything alright?" Alex was startled to hear Celestria's voice from behind.

He turned around and asked, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with the others?"

It has been three days since that incident and today, there was a celebration being held in the royal palace.

Alex was wearing the suit that Celestria bought for him and was having trouble fixing the cravat around his collar.

Celestria was dazed for a moment as she looked at her beloved.

The blue and white suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist in a way that made him look both regal and striking. His usual messy hair was slicked back neatly and tied into a short ponytail that added a touch of sophistication to his rough charm.

The tailored, ankle-length trousers hugged him just right, giving him an air of confidence and maturity that was impossible to ignore. Celestria's gaze lingered longer than she intended, her heart racing as heat crept up her neck.

Right now, he was the embodiment of allure, effortlessly captivating. Celestria found herself biting her lip, unable to pull her eyes away from the sight of him.

Alex raised his brows, "I know I look hot, but as a Princess, you need to restrain your wild side, Your Highness."

Celestria inched closer to him as she said, "Inside a closed room, no noble status works when the person is with the one they love."

Alex turned to look at her before encircling his hand around her waist and pulling the girl closer, "This is the second time you are trying to seduce me. You know, at this age, the line of resistance remains the thinnest, right?"

The way she looked at him, the way she bit her lips and her whole presence oozed with sensuality. And Alex wasn't a saint to ignore the charm of a young woman.

Celestria looked up at him, her eyes speaking more than her lips, as she stated, "I told you before, there is no point in resisting your urges if the other person is ready to give you their all."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Alex growled, his hand gripping her waist even more firmly, making Celestria moan softly.

Her soft and thin waist made her look fragile, giving him the sensation that she might break any moment.

Looking at her flushed cheeks and moist eyes, he asked, "You really test my tolerance, eh."

Celestria didn't reply and just stared at him with her lips slightly parted.

Alex was dazed looking at her. A spark within him has ignited because of her. And right now all he could look at was those red lips of hers.

It didn't help that Celestria closed her eyes and allowed him to do whatever he wanted with her.

Without much going through his mind, Alex lowered his face and planted his lips on hers. The kiss was not intense; he was just pressing his lips against hers, yet it felt quite intimate, sending a jolt down her spine as Celestria shut her eyes completely and surrendered herself in his embrace.

Alex was not satisfied so he just parted his lips and sucked on her supple ones.

The taste of her sweet lips in his grasp made Alex feel a sudden rush of heat traveling down. He held her shoulder and leaned slightly towards her.

Celestria clung to him since she felt her legs turning noodles under his restless assault, making her breathless.

She had never felt something so exciting and heart racing like this before.

Alex continued to kiss her until she grabbed his shoulder a little strongly, making him realize that he might have been too fierce.

"Haah…" As he parted his lips from hers, Celestria panted as she held him for support. Her face was flushed red as she took some time to stabilize her breathing.

Alex just hugged her lithe form and allowed her to calm down before he asked, "Was that okay?"

"Hmm?" She hummed in questioning.

"For me to kiss you…even though I have not reciprocated your feelings?"

Celestria remained silent for a moment, before she answered him, "My body and soul belongs to you…even if you don't reciprocate my feelings…I won't mind if you just use me for your desires."

Separating from him a little, she looked him in the eye, before stating, "Until you can allow me to stay by your side, I don't mind being used."

Alex could tell that…she was serious. And he didn't know how to react to that.

What did he did to make her so obsessed with him? He didn't know. However, there was something he was certain of,

"Give yourself more respect, Cela. You are not a thing to be used, so don't ever say that again."

Celestria shyly lowered her head and nodded, "...okay."

…

Not so long after Alex walked into the grand hall where the celebration was being held.

The ruler of Whiteden had departed the same day after he was insulted by two teenage guys. But Adolf didn't know about it, so he and others thought that the Emperor was shaken up, so he wanted to return home.

'Damn…this place is so extravagant…'

Laughter and music filled the air as a string quartet played lively tunes from the corner. Guests in elegant gowns and tailored suits mingled, their voices blending into a hum of excitement.

Servants weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of sparkling wine and silver platters. Long tables lined the room, covered with lavish feasts—roasted meats, fresh fruits, and delicately arranged pastries.

Alex looked around and found Edric and Amanda talking to people he didn't know. Most probably someone from the noble house trying to gain a connection with Edric. But seeing how Amanda was holding his hand, it was highly unlikely that any other woman would have a chance.

His eyes then went towards the royal family, and instantly, his eyes were met with Celestria, who was also giving him shy glances.

Stay connected through empire

'Look at her…being all shy.' Who could think that the same girl tried seducing a few minutes ago?

He took a glass of fruit juice from the nearest table and stood in a corner to look at the others.

He found Sarah surrounded by people to the point where he could barely see her. Near her was that annoying Priest, as well as some other people from the church.

'She is damn popular….' Alex heaved a sigh; in the past life, he seldom had time to see her, since he remained moving around the world regularly.

And in this life, it was her surrounded by people and barely having the time to look at him.

But well, until the Celestial Decree descends, this would continue. After that, the world would be focused on choosing their champions and the Saintess would have much more time to be with him.

"Bored?" He heard a familiar voice from his left and without turning toward her, he said,

"Kinda. What about you?"

Valerie heaved a sigh, "Father is busy with the security inspection. Mum is sick, so she couldn't come, and my siblings are already too busy in their respective jobs to come here."

Alex raised his brows, "Then why are you here? You could have left, you know."

Valerie nodded, "Yeah, I know. But mum said to not leave Father alone for the time being."

Alex could sense the deep emotion she hid expertly behind her indifferent facade.

Although he has never felt what familial affection seemed like, he could tell that the connection between Valerie and Aborne was quite strong. And seeing her father in that state would have been quite disheartening.

Heaving a sigh, Alex told her, "You know what could be the best way to cheer up your father?"

Valerie instantly turned her head in his direction, listening to him intently.

Alex turned his eyes toward the girl before, with a smile; he added, "Replace him."

Valerie was bewildered, but Alex didn't stay there to explain things to her.

If she could discern what he meant and focus her steps in that direction, then who knows, humanity might get another pillar of defense really soon.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.