Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 165

Chapter 165: • A Rumble In The Cart

The evening air was cool, carrying the scent of old stone and the lingering incense of the Grand Cathedral.

Arkanos stepped out into the courtyard, his cloak billowing slightly behind him as he descended the marble steps. But his attention was elsewhere. Hovering beside him, bathed in a faint golden glow, was a translucent window filled with text.

〘 ⋄ Title Earned! ⋄ 〙

〘 King-Tier: Betrothed of the Holy Empress ⋄ 〙

〘 You are destined to wed Empress Isolde of the Holy Empire as well as carry the burden of its leadership. This title grants you divine recognition, political authority, and increased influence over the clergy. ⋄ 〙

〘 ⋄ Effect: Your words hold weight among the devout. Influence over religious factions +20%. ⋄ 〙

〘 ⋄ The goddess of Justice and Purity is proud of you. ⋄ 〙

Arkanos exhaled sharply, his smirk tinged with amusement.

‘The gods move quickly.’

The moment he had stepped into the Grand Cathedral, he knew this outcome was inevitable. The High Priestess had all but trembled in his presence.

‘And that expression she made, ah, it was priceless, it has been quite a long while since I looked forward to something this much.’

The towering spires of the holy structure cast long, dark shadows across the cobbled streets, illuminated only by the flickering glow of lanterns and the dying light of the sun sinking beneath the horizon.

Awaiting him at the base of the steps was a simple yet well-kept cart, its dark wooden frame reinforced with steel, the horses standing patiently under the watchful eye of their handler.

Seated inside, half-hidden beneath the evening’s dimming light, was Sephira, with a deviously enchanting expression on her face and a smirk that could tempt even the most devout priest into sin.

She sat with one leg crossed over the other, her hands resting delicately in her lap.

The soft glow of an enchanted lantern within the cart bathed her in warm hues, accentuating her porcelain skin.

She wore a deep emerald silk gown, its plunging neckline leaving little to the imagination. A single golden chain around her neck, the emerald pendant resting teasingly between the generous bust that she took no effort to conceal.

“I was beginning to wonder if the great Emperor had lost track of time,” she mused, her voice laced with quiet amusement.

“Did the priests attempt to chain you to the altar, or was it something else that kept you?” She narrowed her eyes, knowingly.

Arkanos smirked, stepping up to the cart but not entering just yet. Instead, he placed a hand on the edge, leaning slightly toward her.

“Let’s just say the night has been… eventful.”

Sephira’s gaze flickered downward, landing briefly on his hand before returning to his face.

“Oh? Should I be concerned?”

Arkanos chuckled.

“That depends. Are you the jealous type?”

She tilted her head slightly, regarding him as though she were evaluating the weight of his words. Then, with a soft laugh, she leaned forward just enough for her perfume—light and intoxicating—to reach him.

“I don’t get jealous, my love,” she whispered. “I get even. I am also not one who likes being overlooked,” she murmured, eyes glinting with amusement.

Then, tilting her head slightly, she added, “So tell me, how was she? The High Priestess, I mean. Was she nervous? Did she melt when you touched her?”

Arkanos chuckled, his gaze steady as he studied her expression. “I see words travel fast within the castle walls.”

Sephira gave a knowing smile, her fingers idly toying with the fabric of her gown. “One can’t stay within a place of power and not have ears in necessary places.”

Arkanos hummed in agreement. “You have a point.” He exhaled softly, his tone carrying amusement. “She was sweet, shy, flustered… The body of a woman, yet with a heart as pure as snow. Tempting, really. A pity, though—had it been anywhere but a place of worship, we might have exchanged far more than just words.”

Sephira’s lips curled into a teasing smirk. “Oh? Since when do priestesses indulge in such sinful relationships?”

Arkanos leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowed with mischief. “Apparently it’s the will of the heavens. The gods have their way of doing things. We mortals might never fully comprehend them.”

Sephira tapped a manicured finger against her lips, feigning deep thought. “So… is it your plan to marry her?”

Arkanos simply shrugged. “If it is their will, who am I to refuse?”

With that, he stepped into the cart, settling in beside her as the horses stirred slightly at the shift in weight.

Sephira let out a soft giggle, shifting closer as she rested an elbow on the armrest, her body angled toward him.

“And here I thought the man who charmed me all those years ago had gotten rusty.”

She traced a slow circle on his sleeve with a single finger.

“I see you still plan to seek out treasures while making me wait patiently in the castle.”

Arkanos raised a brow, his smirk deepening. “You, Sephira? Patient? Please—your name and that word wouldn’t be caught in the same sentence.”

She giggled, not even attempting to deny the accusation. “Fine, impatient,” she admitted, her fingers now trailing dangerously low on his chest.

“But can you blame me?” She licked her lips, her green eyes darkening.

“I’ve been so very lonely without you.”

Arkanos caught her wandering hand with ease, his grip firm yet playful.

“Then it’s a good thing I don’t intend to neglect my duties, isn’t it?” He said as he leaned in towards her, his breath brushing against her skin.

Sephira shivered slightly at his tone, her smirk faltering just enough to reveal a look of genuine anticipation. Then, she grinned, leaning in just enough for their lips to nearly touch.

“Careful, my Emperor, promises like that can be dangerous around me.”

Arkanos chuckled, his free hand brushing a lock of golden hair from her face before tucking it behind her ear. “Noted.”

Arkanos leaned in fully, capturing Sephira’s lips in a deep kiss. His hand slid up to her chin, tilting her face just enough to deepen it, while she curled her hands around his neck, pressing herself against him without hesitation.