For a moment, Alex's expression cracked and his breathing hastened. Beads of sweat formed over his head. Taking up a moment, he scanned the entire area around him. Seeing no one, he finally heaved in relief.
Alex then stared straight into Nux's eyes and muttered"Sorry, I have to refuse."
Nux's brows creased hearing the reply.
"Is there a particular reason for that? I know you must be weary of a Demoness who is suddenly barging into Kinley. You must think I have bad intentions but I swear I don't have any. I can take a mana oath and even bind by the Goddess Seal."Nux paused for a moment to observe Alex's expression.
Seeing no change in those gazes, she spoke further"You didn't need to accept me as a concubine. You can even make me a maid or lock me in one of those palaces or I can stay away from you if this disgusts you so much. I just want proof of marriage."
"Forgive me, I can't."
"Why?"Nux's voice became louder and she became flustered.
"Is it because I am too ugly in your eyes or do you think of me as bitch or a whore who goes around seducing men? I swear on my honour that I have never been close to any man."
Feeling things going out of track, Alex intervened quickly before things messed up.
"I didn't mean that. You are beautiful. Very beautiful. You are a woman suitable for becoming the Empress. I admire you greatly. In fact, it would be a blessing for me to be your husband, however, I can't because I have a promise to keep."
"A promise?"Nux asked, startled by his words.
"Yeah, a promise."
"I promise myself that I will love my five wives with all my heart and there will be no more. Personally, I don't like the idea of multiple partners that much but before I am aware of the surrounding, I have already tied the knot with them. They have sacrificed so much for me and even when the world hated me for being an idiot, they loved and cared for me genuinely so as their husband it's proper for me to keep my promise. If I didn't come across them, I would have accepted to walk with you but I can't in this life."
"I...I see."Nux spoke with a helpless expression. She thought that she could make the other side agree to her proposal but it seems she was just being delusional.
"But why are you going to such lengths for demons? Don't you hate the continent and your family?"Alex asked.
"I hate them, that's why I want to change them. The demon still lives in a primitive society, unlike other species. If we can integrate ourselves into the world, I am sure the Demons would let go of their bias and can also form a relationship with others. The first step is difficult but once we have taken the first step, the path ahead would ease a lot."
Alex leaned on his chair and fell into deep thought.
A smile appeared on his face.
"Demon Empress, though I didn't marry you. I will support you and help you to carve the road ahead. Though you still have to compensate me."
If others heard Alex now, they would have screamed. As expected of the bandit King for not leaving the compensation.
"I will help you open a trade and commerce centre. Build schools and other organisations. I will lend you civil personnel to help you create a political body and ruling structure. Before migrating into the world you need to solve the internal crisis. Trade and commerce will help you form a steady food chain. You can use the monster parts and fur to craft things for exchange. What The Demon society lacks is a properly functioning body and administration. I will help you with that.''
Alex and Nux discussed a few more things.
Nux eyes shone brightly hearing Alex's words and she felt enlightenment. She knew the Demon Continent lacked severely in terms of others. Her ancestor focuses only on expanding the military without replenishing the resources due to which the society came to a standstill.
Nux stood up before her seat and bent her head giving Alex a gentle bow.
Alex smiled seeing her etiquette. For a tough and proud woman like her, bowing their head isn't easy but once they accept the fact, they do everything they can to repay the grace.
"The Demons would always remember your Kindness and grace for helping us in the time of need."
"It's okay. Just don't forget the compensation fee after you all became rich."Alex chuckled.
Nux's lips twitched, but she just shook her head with a smile.
"We will not."
......
The military reforms were carried out in full swing. Leaving a minimum at the borders to fend off the dangers and protect the people at the border.
It wasn't just Kinley, every other Empire in the world started to follow Kinley's steps. Curfew was placed everywhere and every city was instantly on alert.
Mercenary bodies refuted and struggled to get out of armies' reach. Large-scale protests to preserve the rights of their independent organization broke out. Before the situation became worse, Alex took the lead and talked with them.
After knowing the full-scale scenarios naturally they weren't brain-dead to the point that they would neglect the mass danger ahead so all of them agreed.
However, there were still some annoying bunch that still didn't believe in these things and ran away.
Bandits, thieves and thugs suddenly found themselves trapped. With heavy restrictions and the army going after they made their life hell.
Their comfortable days of living come to an end. Still, they didn't want to give in and decided to rebel.
The wind of rebellion started to blow out and a joint organization that was displeased with the current scenario formed.
A few days after, Alex got the letter of undercurrent in Clex, The City Crime.
Reading the letter, Alex just smiled gently.
"I can finally have some fun."
