Chapter 4
Chapter 4: The Deal is Struck
“Hien, we have made a contract.”
Cynthia spoke, her voice calm and cold.
“Now, tell me, what do you want?”
Cynthia’s composure and directness weren’t born of kindness, but from her deep understanding of human nature.
She knew that complete intimidation would only breed rebellion, while fair and equal exchanges could maintain long-term stable relationships.
Of course, this “equality” was only superficial—the real initiative would always remain in her hands.
Hien lowered his head slightly, avoiding her gaze.
He understood clearly that since this was a contractual transaction, he had to state his demands.
Otherwise, Cynthia might suspect his motives weren’t pure.
“Lady Cynthia.”
Hien’s voice was somewhat low, but his tone was firm.
“I grew up in an orphanage run by the church—I’m an orphan. I have a sister named Lufia, she’s my only family. She… has a strange illness.”
Cynthia’s eyebrows lifted slightly, as if his answer had piqued her interest.
She didn’t interrupt him, only gestured with her eyes for him to continue.
Hien took a deep breath and continued.
“Lufia seems normal most of the time, but she has periodic episodes. When they occur, all the magic power in her body gets drained away as if something’s absorbing it, and then she falls unconscious. Recently, her episodes have been happening more frequently, and the periods of unconsciousness are getting longer. The orphanage has consulted many healers, but no one can diagnose what’s wrong with her.”
His voice carried a trace of barely concealed anxiety and pain.
Cynthia listened quietly, her gaze still calm as she crossed her arms, seemingly contemplating something.
“So.”
Hien looked up, his eyes carrying a hint of pleading.
“I hope you can help cure my sister. As long as she gets better, I’m willing to do anything for you.”
“I see.”
The corners of Cynthia’s mouth curved upward slightly, revealing a faint smile.
Her smile wasn’t warm—rather, it carried a calculating undertone.
“You love your sister very much, don’t you?”
She asked softly.
Hien nodded, not denying it.
“I can agree to that. I’ll have the family’s healers examine your sister, and I’ll make an exception to let her study at Messiah Magic Academy. She can receive treatment while attending school there—it’s the best arrangement for her.”
Cynthia walked up to Hien, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment.
Her tone sounded compassionate and generous, but Hien knew this was just another method Cynthia was using to control him.
This saint wanted to use Lufia to keep him in check, ensuring he could never escape her control.
“Thank you, Lady Cynthia.”
Hien bowed his head, his voice filled with gratitude, but a complex glint flashed through his eyes.
He understood Cynthia’s intentions better than anyone, but he had no choice.
For Lufia’s sake, he could only accept all of this.
“Then our deal is struck. You will serve me, obeying only my commands from now on, while I will ensure your sister receives the best treatment and education.”
Cynthia nodded with satisfaction, her gaze once again becoming cold and sharp, as if the earlier compassion had been merely a fleeting moment.
“I will serve you faithfully forever, Lady Cynthia.”
Hien knelt on one knee before Cynthia, looking up at her with determined eyes.
“Very good, Hien. Remember your promise.”
Cynthia looked down at Hien kneeling before her, the corners of her mouth curving into another faint smile, though her eyes held no warmth whatsoever.
“Now, let me test your loyalty.”
Her voice was low and carried a commanding tone.
“As you wish.”
Hien’s body stiffened slightly, but he didn’t resist, only answered respectfully.
“Take off your clothes.”
Cynthia’s gaze fell on him, her tone calm but brooking no argument.
She wanted to verify whether skin-to-skin contact without clothing barriers could also increase the efficiency of mental soothing.
Her previous embraces with Hien had always felt like there was some kind of boundary between them—now she wanted to try breaking through it.
“Yes.”
Hien’s ears reddened slightly, but he didn’t hesitate, quickly removing his shirt.
His build wasn’t imposing, but his muscle definition was clear, revealing a sense of restrained strength.
Cynthia’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
She hadn’t expected that the seemingly frail Hien would have such a solid physique.
“It seems your training hasn’t been neglected.”
Cynthia said softly, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.
Hien didn’t respond, only stood there silently, allowing her gaze to roam over him.
Cynthia extended her hand, her fingertip lightly touching his chest.
Her movement was gentle, as if testing something, before she pressed her palm flat against him.
Cynthia’s hand felt cool and soft. Hien’s body trembled slightly, but he didn’t pull away, only tensed his body and let her do as she pleased.
Cynthia closed her eyes, sensing the changes in her mental power as their skin made contact.
Indeed, without the barrier of clothing, the mental soothing effect was much more pronounced.
Her fingers slowly traced across Hien’s chest, her movements gentle yet carrying a hint of intimacy.
Hien’s breathing became rapid, but he still didn’t resist, only silently enduring it all.
Just then, someone suddenly knocked on the office door.
Cynthia’s movements halted, her brow furrowing slightly, clearly displeased at being interrupted.
“What is it?”
Her voice was cold and carried a trace of impatience.
“Lady Cynthia, the captain’s meeting is about to begin. Please come as soon as possible.”
A knight order member outside the door answered respectfully.
Cynthia’s frown deepened, but she quickly regained her composure.
“We’ll stop here for now. Stay here and wait obediently for me to return.”
She withdrew her hand and spoke to Hien.
“I understand.”
Hien nodded, quickly put on his clothes, and watched her leave.
After the office door closed, he let out a long breath of relief, his heart filled with complex emotions.
He knew he had stepped into a dangerous game, and Cynthia was the master of this game.
“What she wants isn’t just power, but the security of controlling everything.”
Hien murmured to himself.
Recalling Cynthia’s earlier actions, that almost domineering possessiveness and desire for control might be a manifestation of her deep insecurity.
She feared losing, feared being surpassed, which was why she was so desperate to control him—to control everything that could enhance her power.
He had to be careful dealing with this woman, because she was not only powerful but also unfathomable.
And he absolutely could not become a mere pawn on her chessboard.
He had to find his own way out, protecting his sister while also protecting himself from being completely controlled by Cynthia.
But facing this saint who held power and authority, how long could he hold out?