Alfred knelt before Li Chen, trembling. "L-Lord Personal Guard, I seem to have... have let something slip."
His forehead pressed against the icy floor, and cold sweat streamed down his face.
The Lord Personal Guard had clearly come on an incognito inspection, yet Alfred had made his presence known to everyone.
To his surprise, Li Chen merely chuckled and casually helped him up. "Why would I punish you?"
Alfred stood dumbstruck, unable to believe his ears.
Li Chen patted his shoulder, his tone astonishingly gentle. "You earned your merit fair and square, so naturally you should receive the rewards you deserve. Besides, it isn't as though we're doing anything that can't bear the light of day."
Hearing this, Alfred grew so excited that he tried to kneel again, but Li Chen stopped him.
"Go prepare a victory banquet. Remember to have plenty of good wine ready."
"Yes! Yes! I'll see to it immediately!"
Alfred scurried out eagerly, already scheming to bring out every last bottle of the century-old fine wine his father had treasured.
Didn't Father always say I was hopelessly lecherous, had no future, and couldn't compare to my brothers? Well, what about now?
It was my lust that led me to meet the Lord Personal Guard. The process might have been a little bizarre, but I've still managed to latch onto a powerful backer!
What do you call this? You can't snare a wolf without risking your wife!
Once Alfred left, only the two of them remained. Xuan Ji said worriedly, "Your Majesty, if our identities are exposed by doing this, it'll be difficult to explain."
Her concern was not unfounded. This was the Eternal Day Empire, where the Holy See's mighty experts gathered like clouds.
If they angered the Pope, things would not end so easily.
Li