Chapter 120: Chapter 120 : The awakening nectar

Alex spoke with a playfulness, as if he were asking for a can of cola.

“I want the Awakening Nectar.”

In an instant, Charlotte’s fingers clenched around the stem of the glass she was holding.

Her posture stiffened.

Her eyes widened, and a visible shiver ran through her as if electricity sparked across her skin. Her long, white hair practically stood up, reacting to the shock surging through her.

She nearly stood from her chair as she snapped, “How do you know about that?!”

Her tone was cold, baffled. Almost… frightened.

Alex didn’t even flinch. His voice was low and calm, bordering on disinterest.

“That’s not the point. Can you give it to me or not?”

Charlotte rubbed her temple with an exasperated groan, then leaned back, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Do you even realize what you’re asking?” she said, her voice sharper now, like she was trying to regain control of the spiraling conversation. “The Awakening Nectar… it’s a royal-class alchemical potion, reserved only for those of royal or sacred bloodlines. It’s not some energy drink you can gulp down on a whim.”

She stood up, her eyes now gleaming with severity.

“It’s used to awaken long-dormant bloodlines in the body. The kind passed down through ancient lineages, sleeping for generations until a catalyst revives them. That nectar is that catalyst.”

She paused, her voice lowering into a grave tone.

“But if you don’t have a bloodline, or if your body isn’t compatible with the power it unleashes…” Her eyes narrowed. “It will destroy you from the inside. Painfully. Violently. Some have lost their minds mid-awakening. Others… didn’t survive at all.”

Alex didn’t respond.

Charlotte’s voice dropped further. “I haven’t even used it yet. Not because I don’t want to—but because even with my lineage, the risk is that great. The pain… they say it feels like being reborn through fire.”

Then a sudden, horrifying realization dawned on her. Her pupils shrank.

She waved her hand, and a faint ripple of light expanded outward—an enchantment barrier to prevent their conversation from leaking.

“Do you possess a bloodline?!” she asked, almost shouting now.

Alex just smirked, lazy and unreadable.

“You don’t need to know that.”

Charlotte’s jaw clenched. “Well, I do! Because you’ll die without one!”

She glared at him, her voice now tinged with both concern and suspicion. “And according to everything I’ve gathered… you’re just a commoner. No family background. No noble crest. Nothing.”

Her eyes narrowed further. “So how could you possibly have a bloodline?”

Alex simply repeated, with the same cool tone as before, “Can you give it to me or not?”

Charlotte exhaled harshly. Then, with narrowed eyes, she leaned in, voice laced with venom and curiosity.

“Fine… Mr. Mysterious. But I have some conditions.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, a crooked grin forming. “Well, please do tell.”

“First,” she said sharply, “I want you to forgive me—and keep quiet. Don’t tell anyone about what I did.”

Alex tilted his head, amused.

“Second,” she continued, “I want your support in the race for the throne.”

Alex’s smile thinned.

“And third… I want your help to become the next Student Council President.”

He leaned back with a short laugh.

“You’re asking for a lot for a single vial of potion.”

A vein twitched near Charlotte’s temple.

“Do you even know the value of that potion?” she snapped. “It can’t even be measured in hundreds of millions of credits!”

Alex didn’t even blink. “Do you know the value of getting the throne of the Human Empire? That definitely can’t be measured in hundreds of millions.”

Charlotte opened her mouth to retort but stopped.

’Tch… he’s right about that, damn it.’

She sighed in irritation, then a new thought crossed her mind. Her eyes lit up with cunning.

“Okay, then. Do you remember the favor you owed me after the entrance exam?”

Alex chuckled softly. “Oh, I remember.”

Charlotte smirked triumphantly. “Well… I’m cashing it in now. So support me in the future.”

Alex burst into laughter, this time loud enough to make her scowl.

“Sorry,” he said, voice playful. “You already used that favor.”

Charlotte froze. “What? When did I use it?”

Alex’s expression darkened ever so slightly.

“You used it when you manipulated someone to bully me.”

The air around them grew colder. Charlotte’s lips parted slightly, her breath caught.

“Have you ever wondered why I never confronted you about it?” Alex continued, his tone casual yet sharp. “Or told our little group of friends what you did?”

He turned and looked her dead in the eyes.

“It wasn’t for lack of evidence. It was because of that favor.”

Charlotte swallowed hard, her pride cracking.

’This ruthless bastard… I thought he let it go because of our friendship. Maybe some hidden softness in him. But no—this manipulative, infuriating bastard…!’

“You’re thinking something rude, aren’t you?” Alex said, smirking.

Charlotte groaned, placing a hand to her forehead.

“Forget it,” she muttered. Then glanced back at him with narrowed eyes. “You scamming bastard… just tell me what else you want.”

Alex grinned. “Now we’re talking.”

He leaned in slightly, voice low and deliberate.

“The same deal I made with Lorenzo. Every noble faction supporting you—no matter how small—I want all of them to make Klassen Forgeworks their primary weapon supplier.”

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t immediately say no. She leaned back, thinking it over.

’Considering the quality of the weapon I’ve seen so far… and the speed at which they’re gonna grow after Lorenzo’s father’s support… it’s not a bad deal.’

Finally, she exhaled.

“…It will be done.”

Alex smirked, his tone casual but firm. “You’ll also grant me three favors. Whenever I need them.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, folding her arms.

“You’re asking for too much.”

He leaned forward slightly, his voice laced with amusement. “Is it really? You’re asking to become the Student Council President, fully aware that when Alicia’s term ends, your brother is the most likely candidate for the role.”

Charlotte clenched her jaw. She hated being reminded of that. “Tch… fine. Accepted. I’ll grant you three favors. Happy?”

Alex grinned. “That’s the princess I know—always calculating.”

Then, without missing a beat, he pulled out another mana contract and slid it across the table towards her.

Charlotte’s eyes widened. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Alex just winked.

Charlotte stared at him, utterly annoyed. ’Just how far ahead has this bastard predicted?’ she thought. ’He already prepared a mana contract for this exact situation… was this all part of his plan from the start?’

Sighing, she picked up the contract and carefully read through the terms.

It was fair. Too fair. Which only made her more suspicious. After a long pause, she finally signed it.

The contract dissolved into shimmering particles, splitting and absorbing into both of them.

’Hmph. It’s not a bad deal, really,’ Charlotte mused. ’If I can’t get the Apex title, at the very least, becoming Student Council President would be just as influential—maybe more so.’

Her gaze rose to meet Alex’s. Her mesmerizing violet eyes locked with his calm, bluish ones.

“Just who the hell are you?” she asked, voice serious now.

She leaned closer, her tone lowering.

“You knew about the Awakening Nectar… something not even the major noble houses are aware of.

Your strength is unnatural. And—” her eyes narrowed slightly “—how the hell did you convince two of the most powerful and striking beauties to come to the ball with you?”

At that, Alex burst into laughter.

“Believe it or not… they were the ones doing the convincing,” he said between chuckles.

“You could even say they were ready to strike me down if I refused.”

Charlotte’s eye twitched. “You’re kidding, right?”

Alex smirked. “Believe it or not, it’s the truth.”

He tilted his head in their direction. “Ask them yourself, if you’re that curious.”

Charlotte glanced toward the table. Alicia and Evelyn were deep in conversation with Maria, looking calm and graceful.

Suddenly, Alicia looked up and locked eyes with Charlotte, her smile sweet—but there was an edge to it.

A chill ran down Charlotte’s spine.

“I think,” Alicia said aloud, her voice carrying just enough to reach Charlotte, “we should always believe our friends. So I believe you too.”

Alex chuckled. “Well, if you say so, Princess.”

With a flick of her fingers, Charlotte dispelled the barrier surrounding them. The shimmering veil of magic collapsed with a soft shimmer.

But before Alex could stand, Charlotte spoke again—her voice serious.

“Do you know anything about the prophecy?” she asked. “The one that says a disaster will come from the royal family?”

Alex paused mid-motion, then leaned back slowly, pretending to be lost in thought.

Charlotte’s heartbeat quickened. ’No way. Does he really… know something about that damned prophecy?’

After a moment, Alex finally spoke, smirking. “How would I know anything about secret royal stuff? That’s your forte, not mine.”

’Of course I know,’ he thought, his expression unreadable. ’After all… you’re the disaster.’

A vein twitched on Charlotte’s forehead. Without warning, she smacked Alex on the head.

“OW—! What was that for?!” Alex rubbed the growing bump.

“You’re being shady again,” she muttered.

Alex chuckled through the pain. “No need to get violent about it, Princess.”

Charlotte looked at him for a moment longer, her thoughts conflicted. ’Why do I get the feeling he knows something but just isn’t telling me?’

Alex broke the tension. “So, when do I get the potion?”

“It’ll take a day or two,” Charlotte replied. “I have to inform my father first.”

Alex nodded. “Alright. I’ll wait.”

Before they could continue, a voice cut through the background hum of the ballroom.

“Are you two done with your little secret meeting?”

They both turned.

Alicia von Crestvale stood a few steps away, radiant as ever. Her arrival drew the eyes of nearby cadets, many of whom were visibly gawking. But Alicia paid them no mind.

She placed a hand on her hip, eyes fixed on Alex. “Come with me to the dance floor.”

———

A/N:

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